A historic London pub which is almost 300-years-old is coming back to life after being closed for years.
The Hoop and Grapes in Farringdon Road was closed back in 2019 during the redevelopment of the surrounding area, sparking fears it would never open again.
But, the Grade II listed building will finally reopen on Wednesday – marking a rare win for the hospitatlity sector, which has been thrown into turmoil after Rachel Reeves ramped up national insurance for employers in her Autumn budget.
Pubs are also facing massive increases in business rates this April as pandemic relief measures are set to end, a new revaluation of properties is projected to put up rateable values and there are new changes to how business rates are calculated.
The Hoop and Grapes will now reopen under the ownership of family brewer Shepherd Neame, which has completely refurbished the building, bringing it up to modern standards while carefully preserving its historic character.
Dating all the way back to 1720, the building was originally the home of a wine merchant before being converted into a public house in 1832. which had already been rescued from demolition back in the 1990s
The pub, which had already been rescued from demolition back in the 1990s, once held a licence allowing it to open between 2am and 5am to serve night workers from Fleet Street’s newspaper offices and Smithfield Market.
Meanwhile, it’s cellar, which goes back to the 1700s, was built on land that once formed part of St Bride’s Church burial ground.
Having been closed for six years, following a £1.8 million refurbishment, the Grade II listed building will reopen on Wednesday
Over the years, it has traded under several names, including Samuel’s Bar & Restaurant and the Mash Tun
Dating back to 1720, the building was originally the home of a wine merchant before being converted into a public house in 1832
During the renovation in the 1990s, burial remains from St Bride’s Church were uncovered, and many of the bodies were subsequently relocated to the British Museum.
As an inn, it gained notoriety as a location for illegitimate Fleet Weddings.
Over the years, it has traded under several names, including Samuel’s Bar & Restaurant and the Mash Tun.
Highlights include freshly shucked and grilled oysters, small plates like miso-glazed aubergine, burrata and lamb koftas, plus mains ranging from fish and chips to tandoori chicken skewers and grilled sirloin.
The ground floor will operate as a traditional London pub, featuring an original long bar and floor-to-ceiling doors that open onto a courtyard garden.
Elsewhere, the revamp will see the kitchen relocated to the second floor where chefs will cook up a new menu including locally sourced, seasonal produce with an emphasis on shareable dishes.
Additional seating can be found on the upper levels, including a covered, heated terrace, while the third floor houses an intimate piano room designed for private dining and special occasions.
The revamp will move the kitchen to the second floor and introduce a new menu focused on locally sourced, seasonal produce and shareable dishes.
It once held a licence allowing it to open between 2am and 5am to serve night workers from Fleet Street’s newspaper offices and Smithfield Market
Its cellar, which dates back to the 1700s, was built on land that once formed part of St Bride’s Church burial ground
The drinks menu will feature cocktails, Shepherd Neame ales and lagers, and English wines. There is another Hoop & Grapes on Aldgate High Street.
It is the oldest licensed house in the City, built in 1593 and originally called The Castle, then the Angel & Crown, then Christopher Hills, finally becoming the Hoop & Grapes in the 1920s.
The name Hoop & Grapes advertised the fact that you could buy both beer and wine.