This old building in Pimlico, constructed in 1852, was the work of London’s master builder Thomas Cubitt who revolutionised his industry in the 19th Century. All these years later there is still a good measure of the original pub character left, although its new owners have lightened things up a good deal with their renovation, that now includes a sparkly new eatery.
Cambridge Street is the street level public space for the Artists Residence boutique hotel upstairs, and greets customers with a trio of cheery candy stripe awnings. There are more stripes inside too — horizontal rows of salvaged boards form a surround to the bar counter, and there are more in the vintage mangle cloth that’s been used to cover the newly-installed banquettes.
The tables and chairs also proudly show their age; the latter are reclaimed school seats dating from around the same time as the painted tin cans which hold the cutlery. Modern elements come in the form of a tarnished copper light installation and an eye-catching neon sign above the bar. The beaming yellow tubes promise that “This is where the magic happens”, and the wizards behind the scenes include Max Curzon-Price (cocktail list), Radek Nitowski (head chef, formerly of Dean Street Townhouse), and Millers Bakery (pastries).
Co-owner Charlie Newey has selected artwork from her personal collection for the café walls, with pieces by Miles Aldridge, Tommy Clarke and Harland Miller on display.
