Cloth Cornhill review: A London icon returns – and it’s fabulous
Standing in the teeny tiny, Netflix-Christmas-film-coded courtyard outside Cloth Cornhill, I feel sad. This opening drills the final nail in the coffin of the former Simpsons Tavern, the capital’s oldest chophouse, which was on this site since 1757. Everyone’s got a story about whose fault it is that that chophouse closed. Rumours range from the [...]
In the courtyard outside Cloth Cornhill, a London landmark returns with a flourish. The old Simpsons Tavern, which stood since 1757, has been replaced with a new pub that pays homage to its past while embracing modern elements. Founders Ben Butterworth, Joe Haynes, and Tom Hurst have meticulously recreated the chophouse, paying attention to every detail from the mahogany high-backed benches to the vintage brass lamps.
The pub's interior has been reorganized for a better flow of customers and improved acoustics, making it easier to converse with fellow patrons. Despite the nostalgia for the old Simpsons Tavern, the new Cloth Cornhill has already attracted a crowd on its opening day. The food menu showcases a range of traditional British dishes with a twist, including delectable options like devils on horseback and a pie course featuring a unique venison, bacon, and prune filling.
The sommelier offers a selection of Southern Rhone wines, complementing the hearty fare. While some may see the pub as a pastiche, it remains a testament to the creativity and passion of its founders. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Simpsons Tavern or a newcomer to Cloth Cornhill, one thing is certain: this London icon has returned with a bang, and it's fabulous.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
