Simpson’s within the Strand is about to reopen subsequent month after it was pressured to shut throughout Covid: High hopes for return of iconic 1828 venue
One of London‘s most historic dining spots is set to reopen next month after it was forced to close its doors in the early days of Covid.
Established in 1828, the iconic venue has played host to the likes of prime ministers Winston Churchill, Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone and was also a favourite of author Charles Dickens.
The Grade II-listed building, which previously claimed to serve ‘the best Sunday roast in London’, underwent an extensive renovation as recently as 2017.
Like several food and drink establishments, the venue near Covent Garden was forced to close in March 2020 owing to Covid restrictions.
But the iconic restaurant is now making a comeback under restaurateur Jeremy King.
King will be making the most of the building’s multiple rooms.
The main dining room, called The Grand Divan, is one of the four spaces in the Grad II Listed building at 100 Strand and will open on March 3.
The eatery will be fitted with dark leather banquettes and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One of London’s most historic dining spots is set to reopen next month after it was forced to close its doors in the early days of Covid. Stock image: Entrance to Simpson’s in the Strand
Jeremy King is behind some of London’s most iconic dining rooms
Simpson’s Bar, an art deco-style space, and Nellie’s Tavern – a theatrical lounge bar – will open soon after, while Romano’s will arrive later on in March.
King is behind some of London’s most iconic dining rooms – including The Ivy and Le Caprice.
He recently joked that his new glamorous Notting Hill restaurant has become overrun by influencers flanked by camera crews and makeup artists.
King released a newsletter earlier this month apologising to customers who have been disturbed by TikTokers.
Half-joking, King claimed that he may be left with no choice but to ban influencers from the plush eatery if he sees ‘another young lady show up with a vanity mirror’.
The statement began: ‘In recent weeks, The Park has been subject to unexpected visits by camera-wielding influencers.
‘This has taken us completely by surprise, probably because we do not spend a lick [sic.] of time on TikTok. But some of our digitally-oriented team members have shared that The Park and its restrooms are trending.
‘We take this very seriously, and have already addressed the matter of our over-flattering lighting and stylish interior design with the appropriate parties.
Interior of the Victorian-era ‘Simpsons in the Strand’ restaurant in London, 2003
‘In the meantime. We have implemented protocols to minimise any potential disruption of your meal, and can assure you that you will not end up in the background of anyone’s Reel.
‘We are not quite ready to declare The Park a mobile-free zone, but if another young lady shows up with a three-person camera crew, makeup artist and vanity mirror, we’ll have no choice but to reconsider our position.
‘We hope we won’t be trending for much longer, and thank you for understanding.’
King, 71, who stands at 6ft 5in and is known as the ‘gentleman giant’ of London’s fine-dining scene, has always maintained that ‘generosity is central to hospitality’.
His restaurants have long been magnets for celebrity clientele. His original Le Caprice famously took off after model Marie Helvin hosted Mick and Bianca Jagger, Bryan Ferry and Jerry Hall at the venue. Princess Diana was also a devoted patron.
Ahead of its grand opening, Simpson’s in the Strand made headlines last week as the venue hosted the British Vogue & GQ Party.
Celebrating fashion and film after the BAFTAs the stars flocked to the historic establishment.
Ex-prime minister David Cameron also paid Simpson’s in the Strand a visit in 2017 alongside his mother, where she won the Mother Knows Best award.
