Iconic Simpsons In The Strand Relaunches March 9th
Simpsons In The Strand, a celebrated Edwardian chess club-turned-restaurant and an iconic London landmark, is set to reopen its doors in March after a five-year hiatus. Known for its distinctive chessboard frontage and opulent wood-panelled interiors, the venue previously hosted a distinguished clientele including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Winston Churchill, and Audrey Hepburn. The revival is spearheaded by acclaimed restaurateur Jeremy King, renowned for establishments like The Ivy and The Wolseley, promising a return to its former glory.
The Grand Divan, where chess masters once competed, will begin serving lunch and dinner from March 9th as part of a soft launch, with breakfast following mid-March. Bookings are now being accepted for March 30th onwards. Though much of the original interior was auctioned in 2023, the restaurant has been meticulously refitted in a classic Edwardian style with dark leather banquettes, maintaining its historic charm. The a la carte menu largely retains its focus on beloved British classics such as chilled Scottish langoustines, rabbit & tarragon terrine, and boiled ham with parsley sauce. Crucially, the signature hot trolleys, offering roast rib of beef carved tableside with all the trimmings for £39.50 per person, are making a highly anticipated comeback.
Beyond the Grand Divan, the Grade II Listed building at 100 Strand will soon unveil additional spaces. Simpson’s Bar, an art deco cocktail lounge, and Nellie’s Tavern, a theatrical lounge bar, are slated to open shortly after the main restaurant. Romano’s, a more relaxed Grand Café, will complete the complex later in March. This comprehensive reopening marks a significant moment for London’s dining scene, bringing back a cherished institution with its traditional offerings and expanding its appeal with new, diverse settings, ensuring its place as a vibrant destination once more.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/food-and-drink/simpsons-in-the-strand-reopening-march)
