19/10/22 - updated with the opening date
One reason to go underground this year is the news that the vaults of London’s historical Royal Exchange will be transformed into The Libertine, a drinking and dining destination that has been in the planning since pre-pandemic.
You may have enjoyed a bit of luxurious shopping and dining in The Royal Exchange, without giving much thought to what lies below this architectural landmark. Originally opened in 1566 as London’s first purpose-built trading centre, the exchange's vaults were previously used for storing the highly sought-after pepper from the East India Company, a business that recently opened a store again in the Royal Exchange itself. And now, thanks to significant investment, the vaults in the current exchange are transforming into a 7,000-square-foot bar and restaurant.
Paying homage to the building’s history as the first venue to serve alcohol in London with a Royal Licence, The Libertine will feature a large bar, more casual drinking and dining spaces, as well as two private dining rooms and a restaurant too. On that menu is:
- Porcini mushroom arancini, truffle, basil pesto, plant grana padano
- Cavern Welsh rarebit, poached Burford egg, herb salad, honey mustard vinaigrette
- Lobster gratin - gratinated native lobster, gruyere mornay, herb crumb, triple-cooked chips, lemon
- Braised shank of Welsh lamb, Devon mash, lamb fat gravy, mint, pea & burnt leek salad
It’s all brought to you by Incipio, the group behind Pergola, The Prince, and Lost in Brixton, who intend to bring to life the histories and stories of the Square Mile in this historic space.
More about The Libertine
Where is it? Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR
When does it open? 20 October 2022
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @libertine.london.
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