Being born and raised in Paris, if there is one thing that remained somewhat remote to me so far in London, it was the pub culture. Perhaps this is because I prefer the more French choice of wine or champagne to the traditionally British beer mugs. But in the interesting case of
Geronimo Inns, we are speaking of a highly talented ex
Veuve Clicquot executive launching a refined pub group with an ethos ranging from its truly refined food menus, a unique warmth and service and a strong sense of community to the highest standards of quality in every detail of their 27 venues.
I had the pleasure of discovering it all for myself through a delicious dinner at the group's new "Geronimo-revamped" pub which just popped up down the stairs from our office:
The Elgin in Notting Hill.
An addition to the large palette of offerings in the always buzzing Notting Hill, The Elgin comprises a high ceiling bar area with huge windows from where to see the world, the 'Gin Palace', a smaller bar hidden behind timber and glass screens and a 70 cover dining room towards the back of the building, with a menu worthy of the best names in the busy area, including one of the most authentic cheesecakes in town.
The place, worthy of its location in Notting Hill's vibrant creative scene, is Geronimo Inns' first location to feature live music regularly, has a "mix and match" decor typical of the group's lounge style environments, and features striking art, currently by London artist
Paul Karslake.
In the same tradition, the also newly launched
Prince Albert in Battersea pays homage to its chic South London surroundings and traditional country house architecture.
Already recognised in its industry, the 27-refined-pub large group (and
growing) is a winner of various awards and has been named the Pub Company of the Year at the 2009 Publican Award.
Some said needing of a revival, the British pub culture, proud of its old and well preserved historic heritage, probably just found what it needed in the ethos of a group like Geronimo Inns. This is a long, rich and genuinely British history that we can still trace today from the beginning of England's oldest pub, the 900 year old
Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem.
Being born and raised in Paris, if there is one thing that remained somewhat remote to me so far in London, it was the pub culture. Perhaps this is because I prefer the more French choice of wine or champagne to the traditionally British beer mugs. But in the interesting case of Geronimo Inns, we are speaking of a highly talented ex Veuve Clicquot executive launching a refined pub group with an ethos ranging from its truly refined food menus, a unique warmth and service and a strong sense of community to the highest standards of quality in every detail of their 27 venues.
I had the pleasure of discovering it all for myself through a delicious dinner at the group's new "Geronimo-revamped" pub which just popped up down the stairs from our office: The Elgin in Notting Hill.
An addition to the large palette of offerings in the always buzzing Notting Hill, The Elgin comprises a high ceiling bar area with huge windows from where to see the world, the 'Gin Palace', a smaller bar hidden behind timber and glass screens and a 70 cover dining room towards the back of the building, with a menu worthy of the best names in the busy area, including one of the most authentic cheesecakes in town.