The highly anticipated reopening of Simpson’s-in-the-Strand under Jeremy King begins to take shape next week with the soft launch of its signature restaurant, the Grand Divan – famous for roast beef carved tableside from silver trolleys.
Founded in 1828, Simpson’s became famous as the most quintessentially English of the capital’s grand dining establishments, but its closure in 2020 after a long decline appeared to be permanent when its fixtures and fittings were auctioned off.
The Grand Divan’s Edwardian interior has been restored in style, while its ‘bill of fare’ remains “English to the core”, with the roast rib of Devonshire beef carved from the trolley complemented by oysters and Scottish langoustines, bubble and squeak, and a daily savoury pudding or pie. House hock, chablis, red Burgundy and claret are offered by the carafe alongside a traditional wine list. Lunch and dinner will be served from next Tuesday, 3 March, with breakfast following later in the month and bookings taken from 30 March.
Three other spaces in the Grade II listed building next to the Savoy hotel will open progressively through March: the art deco Simpson’s Bar; a theatrical lounge bar called Nellie’s Tavern; and Romano’s, which is pitched as a grand café-style ‘artistic salon’, hung with portraits of 20th-century playwrights.
Often considered the doyen of London restaurateurs, Jeremy was half of Corbin & King, the partnership who founded The Wolseley, The Delaunay and Brasserie Zédel before losing a battle for their ownership in 2022. He bounced back a year later with the launch of Arlington and The Park, with the Simpson’s-in-the-Strand revival primed to be his crowning achievement.
