The man behind Islington’s Drapers Arms has taken on one of Gordon Ramsay’s failed pubs with plans to re-open it in the first week of July, writes Lesley Foottit.
Nick Gibson has bought the Enterprise Inns lease of the Devonshire in Chiswick, Greater London, which Gordon Ramsay Holdings closed a year ago after losing money.
Renamed the Devonshire Arms, it will be similar to the Drapers Arms with the same style of food and prices. Starters will be priced from £6 to £7 and mains from £12.
“We won’t necessarily be doing burgers and chips and fish and chips,” said Gibson. “It will be honest, seasonal, enjoyable, British food that the chefs like themselves.”
David Philpot, who was formerly senior chef at leading London restaurants Le Caprice and the Ivy and at New York’s Soho House, will be head chef at the Devonshire Arms and Ryan Hayward, formerly of Sophie’s Steakhouse, will run the front of house operation.
“I don’t know why Gordon Ramsay failed — it is a good site,” said Gibson. “I’ll be paying 100% attention.”
As at the Drapers Arms, the kitchen will close between lunch and evening services, but bar snacks will be available all day. These include haggis and pork sausage rolls; and courgette and parmesan fritters.
?Six red and six white wines will be on offer by the glass and carafe with a total list of 60 including sparkling and sweet varieties. One ale will be on all the time with two rotating guest ales.
?Up to 90 covers can be accommodated inside with an extra 45 outside. Around £200,000 has been spent on the pub to cover the minimal refurbishment work and hiring.
?“It will have a slightly different look and will be very informal,“ explained Gibson. “It will feel like a pub so people will feel comfortable when they walk in and grab a table or sit at the bar.”
