Daniel Craig Takes Over Historic Clerkenwell Pub The Horseshoe
Star Power Hits Historic Clerkenwell Close
James Bond is swapping espionage for pull-taps on Clerkenwell Close. Actor Daniel Craig has officially joined London’s growing list of celebrity publicans, taking over the helm at the historic pub, The Horseshoe, located at 24 Clerkenwell Close in EC1. For long-time area residents and commuters traveling in from outer London boroughs like Hounslow or Richmond, this cherished neighbourhood institution is about to undergo a star-studded transformation. Craig isn’t tackling this hospitality venture alone; he is joining forces with Soho House visionary Nick Jones and Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll, who will oversee the culinary menu. Plans call for a traditional pub environment downstairs focused on casual bar snacks, paired with an elevated restaurant service upstairs. Craig’s passion for pub culture runs deep, with his family historically running establishments in Cheshire and Chester. However, the venue comes with legendary local folklore: outgoing landlady Pauline Tucker warns that Gilbert, a famous local hangman turned resident cellar ghost, still haunts the premises. The arrival of such high-profile custodians places The Horseshoe squarely in the spotlight of EC1’s rapidly evolving food and drink scene.
Hospitality Heavyweights and Local Business Impacts
The takeover represents a major shift for the immediate community and surrounding independent traders. With Charlie Carroll bringing culinary expertise from Flat Iron and The Devonshire, alongside Nick Jones riding high off recent launches like St. Clement, the venue promises a refined blend of quality dining and casual local warmth. Yet, operating a heritage pub in London’s competitive climate demands meticulous operational and commercial management. From balancing ingredient supply chains to managing complex payroll and accounting—a challenge every independent venue faces whether relying on local Hounslow bookkeeping services or central London financial teams—maintaining profitability while preserving authentic pub culture requires precise execution. Outgoing landlady Pauline Tucker leaves behind a deeply rooted community venue, and local regulars are keen to see how the new team honours its legacy. Surrounding businesses on Clerkenwell Close, along with incoming culinary arrivals like The Horses, The Poet, and B.Penhale, stand to benefit from increased footfall as the area cements its reputation as a food destination. For local staff and hospitality workers, the project brings fresh employment opportunities to EC1.
Community Outlook and What Residents Should Watch Next
As refurbishment plans progress at 24 Clerkenwell Close, local residents and pub enthusiasts should keep an eye out for official opening announcements and planning updates. While an exact launch date is yet to be confirmed, anticipation is already building across London’s dining community. For neighbourhood locals who have frequented The Horseshoe for years, the main priority will be ensuring the spot remains an accessible, welcoming local for a casual drink amidst its high-profile redesign. Community members are encouraged to follow local updates and social channels to catch soft-launch announcements and early booking opportunities. The broader takeaway for Londoners—from EC1 neighbours to weekend visitors travelling in from West London—is that historic community pubs can adapt to modern tastes without shedding their unique character. Whether Gilbert the cellar ghost approves of the new upstairs dining room remains to be seen, but Clerkenwell Close is undeniably embarking on an exciting new chapter. Residents should watch for upcoming licensing notices and menu previews in the months ahead as final opening preparations take shape.
Source: Daniel Craig Is Taking Over A Clerkenwell Pub With Nick Jones & Charlie Carroll
