Hippo Inns to launch The Islington Townhouse in London

Set over three floors, the site will have 42 covers in the upstairs dining room, plus a large bar area, and further space for 26 covers in a private hire dining room.

The menu will be from head of food Zoe Reed and head chef Stan Perry, with dishes such as a twice-baked Gruyère soufflé; octopus carpaccio; monkfish kebab; 35-day aged steak tartare; and burnt sugarplums with marshmallow crumble.

General manager will be Gavin O’Brien.

Alongside a wide range of IPAs and other craft beers, there will also be a wine list created by Hippo Inn’s master of wine, John Clevely, plus new cocktails such as The Pirate (Sailor Jerry rum, almond syrup, chocolate bitters and fresh mint); The Shoreditch Blonde, (Beefeater gin, Aperol, mango juice, lemon juice and beer); and Irish Martini (coffee, coffee-infused vodka, and Guinness syrup).

As well as the main ground floor bar space, guests will be able to choose from the downstairs bar, the ‘secret snug’ area, the mezzanine floor, or the dining room itself.   

Décor-wise, the space has been designed with the aim of combining contemporary and classic influences, including modern light fittings and artwork – with ornamental birdcages and gold metallic globe lights ‒ juxtaposed with traditional British pub features such as wooden beer pumps, wingback chairs and original building features.

Hippo Inns – which has six locations including the Islington opening ‒ was founded by Rupert Clevely and his interior designer wife Jo, who also founded Geronimo Inns before selling the group to Young’s Inns in 2010.