We hinted in our 2025 preview feature that former Midland Grand and Allegra chef Patrick Powell had some interesting projects on the horizon for this year. Now we're in a position to be able to tell you more. Turns out he's teamed up with a group of hugely talented hospitality folk to work on the revival of a new Shoreditch pub.
Once you know who's involved with The Knave of Clubs, which is about a minute's walk from Shoreditch station, you'll know how exciting a prospect this is. The owners are James Dye - who runs The Camberwell Arms, Franks, and Bambi, and Benjy Leibowitz who was at JKS and The NoMad in NYC. They've brought in Patrick as Culinary Director and he in turn has drafted in Atilla Gellen, who he worked with at Allegra, as Head Chef.
As with most London pubs, the food offering here will be a story of two halves. Downstairs they're at pains to point out that it'll remain "a proper pub". So you can pop in for a pint or enjoy something from the pub kitchen where the focus is going to be on their rotisserie grill. Chicken from that grill will be the main dish, served with chicken fat potatoes cooked in the bottom of the grill.
If you're just coming in for a drink and a snack you can choose from updated takes on classics like venison sausage rolls, prawn scotch eggs with chilli jam and a Knave grilled cheese sandwich. Of course, there will be Sunday roasts with all the trimmings too.
Having partnered with Allsopp’s Brewery for this (Allsopp's used to own the pub back in the 1930s) the brewery is relaunching the Double Diamond brand and The Knave will be the first pub in east London to serve the beer on tap. There will be Guinness too along with a list of classic cocktails, pre-batched negronis, and a short wine list.
Upstairs is where it starts to get even more interesting. They're planning a proper restaurant up there called One Club Row. Keep your eyes peeled for more details on that soon.
As you know we're always keen to see London pubs being revived and this one, complete with gorgeous Victorian decoration inside, sounds like being a belter.
More about The Knave of Clubs
Where is it? 25 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6JX
When does it open? 22 February 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @theknaveofclubspub
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