The pair confirmed they signed papers yesterday (13 November) to become the new custodians of the historic restaurant site, which will re-open as Noble Rot Soho in spring 2020.
“At Noble Rot, we love the beautiful early 18th Century building that houses our original bar and restaurant in Lambs Conduit St,” says Keeling and Andrew.
“With the arrival in spring 2020 of Noble Rot Soho, we couldn't be more excited that we’ll be able to show the same love to one of London's most famous restaurants and meeting places.”
Hungarian restaurant The Gay Hussar was originally opened by Victor Sassie in 1953.
It was known for being a restaurant of choice predominately for the political left, with Labour MPs Michael Foot, Ian Mikardo, Barbara Castle and Roy Hattersley all becoming regulars along with columnists from Fleet Street.
The restaurant, which closed its doors in June last year, is also rumoured to be where the Tory ‘wets’ fruitlessly plotted the overthrow of Margaret Thatcher in the early 1980s.
As at the original Noble Rot, the menu will be overseen by head chef Paul Weaver and consultant chef Stephen Harris of The Sportsman fame. Keeling and Andrew say Noble Rot Soho and ‘will include subtle references to The Gay Hussar's glory days’.
“We’ll be creating a buzzing and atmospheric new restaurant that's at the forefront of London's culinary scene without losing sight of its rackety and sometimes scandalous past,” they add.
“And the wine list will be the stuff of dreams…”
Born from the respected wine magazine of the same name, Noble Rot is a regular on Restaurant magazine’s National Restaurant Awards top 100 list and has picked up the Wine List of the Year award no less than three times.
