The story of how Simpsons Tavern became Cloth Cornhill

In a remarkable transformation, the historic Simpsons Tavern has been reborn as the new Cloth Cornhill. Founding partners Ben Butterworth, Joe Haynes, and Tom Hurst breathed new life into the venue, which was previously known for its chophouse and served the city's elite since the 1750s. The original recipe for their signature sausage, discovered in a 1940s cookbook, has been refined through nine iterations, resulting in a dish that is still peppered with flavor but with a more refined texture.

Cloth Cornhill's ambiance is a testament to the team's dedication to preserving its historical roots. The restaurant, tucked away in a narrow alleyway, boasts a sophisticated wooden seating area lit by candlelight. The iconic mahogany benches, crafted with Brazilian mahogany dating back a thousand years, have been meticulously restored, with their dark brown varnish cleaned and given a beeswax finish to enhance their appearance.

However, not everything from the old tavern could be preserved. Charcoal beams in the roof were removed, as they were deemed not relevant to the new vision of a contemporary chophouse. Despite this, the founders remain proud of their efforts, stating, "We've gone very counterculture." The menu features large portions of traditional British beef, bucking the trend towards lighter, healthier options.

The restaurant's management insists their strongest competition is not other local restaurants, but rather the Sainsbury's meal deal. To maintain a sense of familiarity, they have even decided to serve rarebit, albeit with a modern twist.

The process of restoring Cloth Cornhill was not without its challenges. The team had to clear out decades worth of accumulated items, including old staff clothes, Christmas decorations, and even rotting food. However, in doing so, they also discovered historical items that helped them appreciate the significant role the venue had played in the Square Mile.

The founders admit they were surprised by how crucial the old tavern was to the local community, and feel fortunate to be its custodians. Through their efforts, Cloth Cornhill now stands as a modern interpretation of a traditional British chophouse, offering a taste of the past while embracing the future.