JDW to open £2.9m venue at The O2

The group has spent £2.9m on the development of the site, which will create 85 jobs, in Greenwich.

The new site, which will be called the Stargazer, is located within The O2’s Entertainment District, adjacent to Mamma Mia! The Party.

It will be managed by the former pub manager at the Great Harry in Woolwich, south London, Arber Hasani.

Featuring a 3,800sq ft beer garden, the Stargazer offers views across the Thames and Canary Wharf.

It will be open from 10am until 12.15am Monday to Sunday with food being served throughout the day, from opening until 11pm daily.

Design inspiration

The Stargazer name, alongside the design, drew inspiration from its location and the important role Greenwich plays in the history of astronomy and navigation.

Astronomer Sir Edmund Halley appointed Astronomer Royal at Greenwich Observatory, established his reputation studying stars.

Published in 1678, his star catalogue was the world’s first and determined hundreds of southern stars’ locations.

Its décor will feature stars reflected in the signage and there are references throughout the interior on sculptures and lighting with the use of copper material representing the rays from the solar system.

Behind the bar, sculptures and artwork will be displayed, symbolising astronomy instruments, views and stargazers alongside the Stargazer’s other meanings – a lily and venomous fish.

Its carpet throughout the site will also draw inspiration from orbiting stars and planets and the equipment used by astrologers and astronomers.

Great addition

Artwork and images of local scenes and characters of the area as well as historical photos and details of local history will also be on display.

Furthermore, its drinks offer will include specialising in real ales and traditional ciders as well as craft and world beers, serving a range of different draught ales alongside bottled beers, including those from local and regional brewers.

The pub will be wheelchair accessible and have a specially adapted toilet for guests with disabilities.

Manager Arber Hasani said: “Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into the Stargazer and we are confident the pub will be a great addition to The O2 Entertainment District.”

The O2 spans more than 800,000sq ft and has been visited by over 100m people since opening in 2007, playing host to in excess of 300 events a year.

Managing director at The Entertainment District and Icon Outlet at The O2 Janine Constantin-Russell said: “Like the O2, JDW is a household name and we are absolutely thrilled it is joining our diverse line-up of bars and restaurants.”