Historic City Pub To Reopen Following £1.8M Transformation

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is to reopen landmark Farringdon pub The Hoop and Grapes in February following a £1.8m transformation.

The historic Grade II-listed site, a few minutes’ walk from Fleet Street, has been closed since 2019 during redevelopment of the surrounding area. Shepherd Neame began a comprehensive restoration in October, carefully designed to enhance the pub’s appeal while celebrating its rich heritage.

Housed within a five-storey building, the renewed Hoop and Grapes will offer three distinct experiences. The ground floor will retain the atmosphere of a classic London pub, centred around its original long bar, with bi-fold doors opening on to a charming courtyard garden. The first floor will provide relaxed seating leading to a fully covered, heated terrace, designed to be enjoyed all year round. On the third floor, an intimate piano room will offer a private and elegant retreat, perfect for dining or special gatherings.

Built in 1721 on land that once formed part of St Bride’s Church burial ground, the Hoop and Grapes gained notoriety as a venue for illicit ‘Fleet Marriages’—clandestine ceremonies associated with nearby Fleet Prison in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This colourful history is celebrated with a bespoke swing sign depicting a wedding scene from the period. Traditional hand-painted external signwriting will further enhance the building’s restored façade.

The refurbishment includes relocating the kitchen from the cellar to the second floor, allowing for the creation of new customer facilities below. In line with Shepherd Neame’s commitment to sustainability, the project incorporates energy-efficient fridges, smart cellar technology and LED lighting throughout.

A refined new menu will showcase locally sourced, seasonal produce with an emphasis on relaxed, shareable dishes. Oysters will be a speciality, served freshly shucked with garnish or grilled in the pub’s take on Oysters Rockefeller, featuring bacon, spinach, shallots, Ricard, Tabasco, cream and Parmesan. Small plates will include miso-glazed aubergine with sweet tahini yoghurt, creamy burrata, and grilled lamb koftas with smoky baba ganoush. Larger dishes will range from Whitstable Bay beer-battered haddock and chips to tandoori chicken skewers with warm quinoa salad, alongside a 5oz grilled sirloin finished with Parmesan and garlic butter.

The drinks offering has been completely reimagined, with a strong focus on quality and provenance. Guests will be able to enjoy an extensive range of Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Kentish ales and lagers, alongside premium English wines, including from Champagne Taittinger’s Domaine Evremond vineyard in Chilham, close to the historic Faversham Brewery. A curated cocktail list will complete the experience.

It is part of the Kent-based brewer’s ongoing investment in its premium London pubs, following recent major refurbishments at the Tom Cribb, Westminster Arms and White Horse and Bower, as well as the freehold acquisition of the Bishops Finger in Smithfield.

Operations Manager Ryan Torrie said:

“We are really looking forward to welcoming customers back to the Hoop and Grapes after more than four years. As Farringdon continues its evolution, we have taken care to ensure our transformation celebrates the pub’s unique heritage while offering a refined, contemporary experience.”