Jamie Allsopp, the seven times great grandson of Samuel Allsopp, opened The Blue Stoops in London’s Kensington on 9 October.
Named after the original Blue Stoops Inn Brewery in Burton, which started brewing Allsopp’s beer in the 18th Century, the pub on Kensington Church Street will be the first to open in 80 years under the Allsopp’s name.
Really proud
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do all my life and now it’s manifested itself, I’m really proud of it,” said Allsopp. “Calling it the Blue Stoops is sort of an historical bridge back to our first ever pub in 1730.”
As well as paying homage to the family history through its name and décor, The Blue Stoops also serves three cask ales – Double Diamond Pale Ale, Bitter and IPA. The beers, served from bespoke ‘beer engines’ are based on old Allsopp’s recipes and brewed by Kirkstall Brewery in Leeds.
Allsopp said: “The recipes were lost, but Steve (Holt, the founder of Kirkstall Brewery) called me and said we’ve found a book with them in, do you want them?’ so we translated the recipes to the modern day.
“Cask ale is a product that we should preserve and I’m proud to have it front and centre of the Blue Stoops. I’ve designed my dream cellar so it is immaculate and keeps it in perfect condition.”
Pub classics
For the pub’s menu, Allsopp has consulted with Lorcan Spiteri, founder of Caravel who has created ‘simple seasonal English food’. Dishes include chicken, baby leek and black trompette pie and cod, pepperonata, chickpeas and aioli, with the dessert menu featuring pub classics including steamed plum pudding with cream.
“As with any good pub, food is an integral part of the experience, and we are so thrilled to be working with Lorcan on the menu, he is rooted in British food, and is bringing a selection of true pub classics to our dining room,” said Allsopp.
Allsopp said he would consider adding more London pubs to his estate and returning the name to Burton once The Blue Stoops is established. He would also like to see Allsopp’s beer stocked elsewhere.
He said: “We’ve got a great story to tell. We were a large part of British brewing history and I'd like to try and sort of reinforce that and bring it back.”
