Abbeville Road’s Brooke to close as operators refocus on pub-led expansion

New direction: Brooke Clapham to close as operators shift to pub model
New direction: Brooke Clapham to close as operators shift to pub model (Brooke)

Abbeville Road restaurant Brooke is set to close after nearly three years of trading, as its operators shift focus towards a more pub-led model across the group.

The Clapham site will serve its final customers this weekend on Sunday, with a new operator taking over the site the following week.

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Operators said the decision reflects a wider strategic repositioning of the business following the opening of their third site, Brook & Badger in Fulham, and a renewed focus on neighbourhood pubs.

‘Sad goodbye’

Kyle Turner and managing director Eamonn Manson told The Morning Advertiser (The MA): “It is sad to say goodbye and close a chapter.

“After nearly three great years, and with the opening of our third site in Fulham, we have had to look at where we are taking the business in a strategic sense. Our focus is moving towards neighbourhood pubs, building a family of sites around the legacy and integrity of Brook House.”

They said Brooke’s format did not align with that direction.

“The building and the site do not allow for that pub feel, which is why we have made the decision to close,” they added.

The move also comes amid changing market dynamics, with the group highlighting softer demand for restaurant-led concepts and stronger performance from more wet-led pub formats.

“The reality is that the market for restaurant-only has dropped slightly. The success we are seeing at Brook House and Brook & Badger has reinforced our direction,” they said.

The operators confirmed the site has attracted strong interest, with a deal already agreed for a new concept to take over the space.

“We received a very strong offer from an exciting incoming operator. It was too good to turn down. It felt like the right time, particularly as we were already looking to move in a different direction.”

Expansion plans

Looking ahead, the group said expansion plans will centre on pub sites with a strong food offer, targeting affluent areas of south west London.

“We are going more wet-led but still with great food. That model is working very well for us,” they said.

“We are focused on growing in areas such as Putney, Chelsea and Notting Hill, building on what we have already established rather than moving further afield.”

Brook House was a runner-up in this year’s Top 50 Gastropubs One to Watch category, while Brook & Badger is currently performing strongly, with the group set to prioritise its development over the coming year.

Despite the closure, the operators stressed the move is a positive step for the business.

“It is all very positive. We are focusing on what is working and where we see the most opportunity,” they said.