Iconic 18th-century London pub set to reopen after years of closure

A historic LondonA pub that dates back to the 18th century is being revived after years of closure.

After six years of being closed and a £1.8 million renovation, the Grade II listed structure is set to open again on Wednesday.

The establishment known as The Hoop and Grapes, located on Farringdon Road, shut down in 2019 as part of the nearby area's renovation.

The bar was previously saved from being torn down in the 1990s and will soon open again with the management of family brewer Shepherd Neame.

The pub chain based in Kent has fully renovated the five-storey structure, updating it to contemporary standards while thoughtfully maintaining its historical appearance.

Dating from 1720, the structure was initially the residence of a wine seller before it was transformed into a tavern in 1832.

The bar previously had a permit that enabled it to stay open from 2am to 5am, catering to night shift employees from the newspaper offices on Fleet Street and Smithfield Market.

Its basement, dating back to the 1700s, was constructed on land that previously belonged to the burial ground of St Bride’s Church.

During the restoration work in the 1990s, remains of burials from St Bride’s Church were discovered, with numerous bodies later moved to the British Museum.

As an inn, it became known as a spot for unofficial Fleet Weddings.

Throughout the years, it has operated under various names, such as Samuel’s Bar & Restaurant and the Mash Tun.

The bar suffered damage throughout the Blitz and almost faced destruction in 1991, but English Heritage intervened by designating its historic interior as a listed site.

The first level will function as a classic London tavern, including an authentic long bar and windows that stretch from floor to ceiling, leading out to a garden area.

In other areas, the renovation will involve moving the kitchen to the second floor, where chefs will prepare a fresh menu featuring locally grown, seasonal ingredients with a focus on dishes designed for sharing.

Extra seating is available on the upper floors, featuring a sheltered, warmed terrace, while the third level contains a cozy piano room ideal for private dining and unique events.

The renovation will relocate the kitchen to the upper level and present a fresh menu emphasizing locally grown, seasonal ingredients and dishes meant for sharing.

Key features are freshly shucked and grilled oysters, small dishes such as miso-glazed eggplant, burrata, and lamb kebabs, along with main courses that include fish and chips, tandoori chicken skewers, and grilled sirloin.

The beverage selection will include cocktails, Shepherd Neame ales and lagers, and British wines.

There is another Hoop & Grapes located on Aldgate High Street.

It is the oldest licensed establishment in the city, constructed in 1593 and initially known as The Castle, followed by the Angel & Crown, then Christopher Hills, and ultimately renaming to the Hoop & Grapes in the 1920s.

The name Hoop & Grapes indicated that you were able to purchase both beer and wine.

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