Square Mile set for flurry of new pubs as City footfall continues to rise
The City of London will welcome several new and restored pubs into operation, over the next few years, as the Corporation continues work to entice workers and visitors back into the Square Mile.
Re-imagining existing pubs within development schemes is a key part of this initiative, in particular, by negotiating with developers to provide new pubs in more prominent locations, with more trading floorspace, external areas, improved accessibility and striking architectural statements to catch the eye.
Recent Transport for London (TfL) data was welcomed by the City, the latest figures show the Tube reached 4 million journeys in a single day, with overall journey figures nearing return to pre-pandemic levels. It means more City workers, residents and visitors will be able to look forward to a range of new establishments, such as:
· The Still and Star, Aldgate: A real asset of Community value, but currently concealed in an unattractive setting. It will be moved to a new, prominent location near the former Aldgate City gate, with the new design carefully taking into account the historical connections characterised by the approaches, courts and alley to the City’s gates and bridges. The new pub will feature an extensive external terrace area, partly covered to provide shade and shelter, in a reimagined Harrow Alley.
· Salisbury Arms, Salisbury Square: The developers are re-purposing the listed building on site as a new triple aspect and multi storey pub, in a prominent location on the corner of a re-imagined Salisbury Square. It will feature an external, south facing terrace, opening out on to Salisbury Square. The scheme continues the historic connection between the nearby courts of law and the pubs which clustered around them.
· St Brides Tavern, Blackfriars: The pub will be strikingly designed and feature a prominent, multi aspect longer frontage, with expansive trading floors and a new public route.
· The White Swan, Fetter Lane: The pub will be re-located on a prominent double aspect corner location and designed in a bold blue faience.
· The King’s Arms, 55 Old Broad Street / London Wall: Currently visually anonymous in a 1960’s unattractive office block, it will be re-imagined as a prominent new focal point, featuring a larger external terrace. It will be designed in a striking and bold red faience to attract the eye along London Wall.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee, Shravan Joshi, said:
“The pub has always been a vital asset in the City and it continues to play an important role in making the Square Mile an attractive place to work, develop and invest. Protection of existing pubs, particularly those which are assets of community value and those of heritage and historic significance, is a key priority.
“The City Corporation’s planning team is focussing on creating an environment where pubs can flourish. Through planning policy and approving developments which provide that much needed cultural and visitor infrastructure, we will make the Square Mile a 7-day-a-week visitor destination, for everyone.”