City institution Simpson’s Tavern reborn as British restaurant

The City of London institution, Simpson’s Tavern, once a historic chophouse and pub, is set to reopen later this year as a contemporary British restaurant called Cloth Cornhill. The tavern, established in 1757 and a favorite spot of Charles Dickens and William Thackeray, closed in 2022 due to rent arrears after the pandemic. Public donations raised £100,000, but the venue required £350,000 for its revival.

Now owned by Joe Haynes, Ben Butterworth, and Tom Hurst, the historic Grade II listed building underwent a thorough restoration, preserving much of its original detailing such as wood panelled walls, bow windows, tiling, fireplaces, and even high-backed wooden seating booths complete with brass rails for top hats and overcoats. The new Cloth Cornhill will open on October 1st, offering lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday.

The main restaurant will be on the first floor, while the traditional pub space remains on the ground floor. The menu will feature traditional British dishes like chops, steaks, day boat fish, and specialty dishes like the Cornhill sausage with beer mustard. The cocktail list will include a regularly changing vintage cocktail, starting with a negroni created from a 1970s recipe.

The City of London recognized Simpson’s Tavern as an Asset of Community Value in December 2022, ensuring its preservation and preventing commercial sale without offering the community a chance to buy it first. With this revival, the City has long missed the lively energy of Ball Court, and the owners express their privilege in bringing this piece of history back to life with their signature modern service, seasonal produce, and a standout wine list.