Remarkable Pubs has opened “the European” in Leyton, London, as a deliberate contrast to the Brexit sentiment. Chairman of Remarkable Pubs, Robert Thomas launched the bar after a £350,000 refurbishment of the former JD Wetherspoon pub, the Drum.
The pub’s design is pro European, featuring the EU’s circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background on its hanging sign.
The European theme extends to the menu, which features French dishes like cassoulet, coq-au-vin pie and steak frites, alongside continental wines, lager and spirits.
Inside, the walls are decorated with European-themed pictures, including works by Monet and Matisse. The snug also includes a portrait of Lorenzo de’Medici, a figure from the Italian Renaissance.
Remarkable Pubs chairman Robert Thomas said: “Our policy has been to acquire sites in improving London neighbourhoods where the opportunity to improve and add value successfully is considered likely.
“We opened ‘the Leyton Engineer’ in the old Leyton Town Hall last September and ‘the European’ at the Bakers Arms E10 last week - both sites are successful and exceeding target.”
Grimsby’s Empire pub unveils £240,000 transformation
The Empire pub in Grimsby has reopened following a £240,000 makeover.
The Runswick Road site is part of the Proper Pubs division of Admiral Taverns, celebrating its reopening on Thursday 27 February.
The investment has resulted in a completely refurbished bar area and function room, along with new furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings.
The pub features two new dart boards, a pool table and flat-screen televisions offering Sky and TNT Sports. Outside new lighting and signage have been installed, with a large beer garden.
Wooden benches, hanging baskets and a heated undercover area is also showcased. To mark the occasion, a complimentary prosecco reception was held, followed by a performance from local singer, Harvey Marc.
Operator of the site, Leighton Power is committed to making the Empire a community hub. He plans to fundraise for a life-saving defibrillator for the site and collect food for the local foodbank. Power intends to support various charities, including cancer based charities and both women and children’s initiatives.
The pub will maintain a busy schedule of entertainment, including weekly quizzes, bingo, live music, karaoke, darts, pool and games nights, as well as the return of ‘Sunday Fundays’. Drinks promotions include Wine Wednesday and Fizz Friday.
Leighton Power said: “The Empire has been transformed and it looks absolutely incredible!”.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Proper Pubs for helping to bring my vision for the pub to life and for all their support throughout this journey.
“The Empire is very special to me and I look forward to continuing to create a community hub that everyone can be proud of!.
Proper Pubs operations director Matthew Gurney said: “It’s fantastic to have Leighton on board at the Empire! He has already brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the pub and I’m confident that this incredible transformation will give him all the tools he needs to cement the Empire at the heart of Grimsby for many years to come”.
Proper Pubs supports its communities through events and fundraising, and has been recognised for its defibrillator installation campaign, which has already saved 11 lives.
The Kerfield Arms: Camberwell welcomes new pub from the Baring Team
The team behind the Baring, is set to launch the Kerfield Arms in Camberwell this April. The new venture will occupy the space formerly known as the Crooked Well, reviving the pub’s historic name, which dates back to 1863.
Chef Jay Styler, previously at the Baring, will lead the Kerfield as head chef and partner under the guidance of Rob Tecwyn. The Kerfield Arms is set to continue the team’s ethos of “simple yet considered cooking, promoting humble ingredients and seasonal produce”.
The opening menu features a range of new dishes, including starters such as Cuttlefish & lardo shish and Fried pig’s head. Main courses include Yorkshire hogget, Grilled monkfish and Ricotta & nettle dumplings.
For dessert, Gariguette strawberry & chamomile custard doughnut is on offer with 70% Cru Virunga chocolate & olive oil mousse. Favourites from The Baring, such as the mid-week lunch deal, will also be available. The Sunday Roast menu will include options such as the Ibérico pork belly, Grilled Longhorn rump and Charcoal-grilled Vendée chicken.
The bar will also offer eight keg beers from small independent breweries, including Lost & Grounded, who are brewing the Kerfield’s house lager.
There will be two cask offerings, including Five Points XPA. The wine list will focus on small producers working naturally, with a selection from France, Italy and England, plus a cellar list for rare bottles.
The cocktail list will feature classics and modern takes on favourites. Located on Grove Lane, The Kerfield Arms features a large bar area, a dining room and private dining room for up to 25 guests. The interiors will mirror The Baring, with “stripped back and elegant yet warm and inviting” decor.
Greenwich’s Gipsy Moth pub undergoes refurbishment
The Gipsy Moth, a landmark pub in Greenwich, has officially reopened its doors in February after undergoing an extensive four week refurbishment. The refurbishment aims to provide a fresh and inviting space, while preserving it’s traditional character.
The transformation includes the removal of the front pillars of the site to create a more open and airy space, along with the introduction of new furniture throughout the pub. The Gipsy Moth is known for its large and inviting beer garden. The side garden offers views over the famous Cutty Sark. The outside space has also had heaters and umbrellas installed.
Menu items include pub classics such as fish and chips, burgers and sharing platters. A range of Sunday roasts will also be available. The drinks menu has been expanded to include a selection of craft beers, ciders and cocktails.
Gipsy Moth general manager Ruth Grant expressed her enthusiasm about the reopening. She said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to reopen our doors and welcome everyone back after the refurbishment”.
Following the refurbishment and significant investment, the Gipsy Moth has created three new jobs for the local area.
Grant added: “The team has worked incredibly hard to create a space that feels fresh and inviting while staying true to the character our customers love”. The Gipsy Moth team is now ready to serve pints and food to guests.
JD Wetherspoon to open two new sites: Walham Green and the Sun Wharf
JD Wetherspoon is set to expand its London presence with the opening of two new pubs, each located near major railway stations.
Walham Green, situated on Fulham Road near Fulham Broadway underground station, is scheduled to open in June, while The Sun Wharf, located in Tooley Street, London Bridge, near London Bridge railway station, is set to open in August. These new openings follow the launch of The Captain Flinders near Euston station and The Lion & The Unicorn at Waterloo station.
Walham Green, developed in the Grade II-listed former entrance building of Fulham Broadway underground station, will offer 4,700sq ft of customer focused area across its ground and first floors, including a 600 square foot roof terrace. The Edwardian style entrance, was designed by Harry W Ford and dates back to 1910. The entrance stands on the site of the original station entrance from 1880.
The Sun Wharf, located on the site of the former London Dungeon tourist attraction, will provide 4,200 square feet of customer areas on one level and feature distinctive brick arches next to the London Bridge railway station.
The street was historically occupied by importers and ‘provision agents’ in the early 20th century, with The Sun Wharf name paying homage to a business that lasted until the mid-1980s.
JD Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “We are looking forward to opening two new pubs in London. We are confident that they will prove popular with a wide range of customers, including those using the busy train station located close to each of them”.
Henley’s culinary scene welcomes the Three Tuns
The Three Tuns, a new culinary collaboration between Truffle Hunting and Gabriel Machin, is set to open in Henley in May 2025.
This venture brings together founder of Truffle Hunting, Nigel Sutcliff and Gabriel Machin butcher, Barry. Both fulfilling their long held ambition to create a welcoming space for local community members.
The pub, which dates back to the 13th century and accommodates 34 covers, is undergoing a refurbishment by Alfred House Interior Designers. The Three Tuns aims to offer warm hospitality, high quality meat offerings and premium quality ale.
The menu will feature starters such as Gabriel Machin oak smoked salmon with celeriac remoulade, ham hock terrine with piccalilli, and fennel & nduja Cambridge sausages.
Mains will be selected from Barry’s butcher counter and cooked on a robata grill. Additionally, there will be a Burger Shed serving burgers for eat-in or takeaway, complemented by a courtyard also available for guests.
The venue will be managed by the team from the Oarsman, with executive chef Scott Smith heading the kitchen and general manager Patrycja Gadja overseeing front of house.
Sutcliffe, who has previously been in roles at The Fat Duck and The Crazy Bear Group, has been a customer of Gabriel Machin for many years.
He said: “Gabriel Machin is such an institution in Henley - and rightly so - selling the highest quality cuts of meat, and fish and Barry is such a well-loved and well-respected figure in the community.
“I’ve always loved the idea of buying the pub next door, using Barry’s incredible produce combined with Scott’s talents in the kitchen to create something special.
Our aim is for The Three Tuns to be a beloved space for the local community to enjoy great food, wine and ales in a warm and welcoming environment’.
The Falcon Pub reopens following refurbishment
The Falcon, an historic pub in Clapham, has reopened after undergoing an extensive four week refurbishment. The facelift aims to maintain the pub’s traditional charm while introducing modern enhancements.
The reopening marks a significant investment in the local area, creating three new jobs.
The refurbishment also includes new seating, upgraded umbrellas with heaters in the front and rear gardens and a new private area available for hire by local businesses.
These changes aim to create an inviting space for customers year round. In addition, the Falcon has also updated its entertainment offerings with a new bar area and additional TVs showcasing sports. The pub is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring a Monday night quiz, live music on Thursdays and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
Guests can also enjoy a variety of classic pub meals, such as beef and ale pies, fish and chips and prime steak burgers.
The Falcon offers pizzas made from hand stretched dough, cooked in a pizza oven and a range of Sunday roasts. The drinks menu has been edited to include a wide selection of craft beers, ciders and cocktails.
General manager Matthew Janzen expressed his enthusiasm about the reopening
He said: “Myself and the Falcon team are so excited to host you in our new improved Falcon pub.
“Don’t worry we will still have all the things you previously loved on your visits with us. It was just time we preened our feathers and plumage and made our famous pub even better”.
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