London pub and dining group Urban Pubs & Bars has announced the opening of The Wren Tavern in tribute to Sir Christopher Wren. Located on Watling Street, this classic London pub also has its own whiskey lounge and 5cc cocktail bar in its basement.
The Wren Tavern is now open Monday to Saturday serving food and drink from 11am to midnight, with extended hours until 1am on Thursdays and Fridays.
A spokesperson for Urban Pubs & Bars said: “When Sir Christopher Wren designed St Paul’s Cathedral, his plans were drawn up in Watling Street, his employees lived, ate and hung out on this street too. As a tribute to the man himself, Wren Tavern brings the best of tradition to an urban pub environment.”
Urban Pubs & Bars opens The Wren Tavern on Watling Street, paying tribute to Sir Christopher Wren and highlighting the central London area where much of his remarkable work was carried out.
Indeed, when Sir Christopher Wren died on February 25, 1723, he was buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral. His tombstone bears the Latin inscription “Si monumentum requiris, circumspice,” which means, “If you seek his monument, look round.”
The chefs have created a menu of classic, richly flavored dishes made with the finest British ingredients.
During the day, enjoy fresh sandwiches that change daily and a bar snack menu that includes fresh oysters and lemon, ideal with after-work drinks. In the evenings, the menu is highlighted by steaks, which are offered at butcher block prices and displayed on blackboards.
Urban Pubs & Bars has already opened several new venues this year, including The Gun in Spitalfields and The Red Setter on Northcote Road, which links Battersea and Clapham. They have also recently announced the purchase of 11 premises from the former Antic Pub Company.
Founded in 2014 by Nick Pring and Malc Heap, Urban Pubs & Bars has expanded to include a diverse collection of pubs, bars and restaurants across London. Their portfolio includes notable businesses such as Nest in Bishopsgate, The Wheatsheaf in Tooting, The Gatehouse in Highgate and Salt Yard Group restaurants.