The Gable and The Last Bar in the City, and Bar Soho on Old Compton Street all re-opened last Friday (8 Feb) featuring new designs, updated menus and ‘more competitive’ prices. Meanwhile the group’s flagship venue, Jewel Piccadilly bar and cocktail institution, will re-launch on Glasshouse Street on 1 March.
The Gable
The Gable and its subterranean bar The Cellar in Moorgate has been redesigned in a ‘best of British’ theme with tea plates adorning the walls ornate furniture set within the main bar; while the downstairs cellar features red telephone boxes with under-arch booths adorned with decals of London Underground trains and war-time Blitz posters.
“It’s such a favourite with locals already so bringing them a new look and menu has been very exciting,” said The Gable’s general manager James Murphy. “The chefs in our kitchen have put together a classy bistro-style menu, whilst the bar is second-to-none.
“With our purse-friendly prices, we’re looking after our customers wallets as well. It’s the little touches that have really gone a long way in making The Gable quirky and different.”
The Last Bar
Also in the City, The Last Bar on Shoe Street has also seen a complete revamp. The décor now features floor-to-ceiling windows, Chesterfield sofas and ornate mirrors; while an open kitchen and chalkboard menu gives the venue a bistro feel, serving ‘classics’ such as fish pie and slow-roasted pork belly.
The Last’s general manager Jo Hazlewood said: “Nothing’s been overlooked at The Last. And with our eye on the economy, all prices are set with our customers in mind. It’s the little touches that have really gone a long way in making The Last quirky and different.”
Bar Soho
In London’s West End, Bar Soho also re-opened last Friday having undergone what Late Night London refers to as a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ transformation.
The venue’s downstairs are features a fairground with a carosel, and TV sets lining the walls. Platters of food are available from lunch to late, and the new drinks menu includes the Pornstar Martini sharer, served in a giant glass with a red light.
Das Philiotis, Bar Soho’s general manager, said: “Everything’s about quality, so although we’ve kept a broad mix of food and cocktails, we put a lot of effort into sourcing the best for our customer.
“The venue isn’t a typical bar - the whole place been designed to give a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’re championing Soho for its diversity here, and we’re asking everyone to join in the celebration.”
Jewel Piccadilly
Meanwhile, Jewel Piccadilly is currently undergoing a renovation project of its own and will re-open next month.
The two main areas - Bar Blanca and the Ruby Room – have been completely redesigned, as have the two private rooms, The Boutique and The Parlour, which are available for corporate hire.
With twelve mojitos featuring on Jewel Piccadilly’s menu, the bar’s mixologist Jack Williams says all bartenders are well-trained to ensure each cocktail is of the highest quality. “When you think about bartending back in the day, it was an art, a learned skill,” he said. “We don’t want just anyone pulling a pint or muddling a mojito. Everyone behind the bar at Jewel knows how each drink is made, and why it’s made that way. This means every drink that goes out is premium quality every time.”
Jewel Piccadilly’s manager Rory Spicer added: “Everything’s about quality, about heritage. From our food to our drinks, even to the furnishing, no expense has been spared in giving our customer a first-class experience with us. We want them to remember their night at Jewel for years to come.”