Will Simpson’s in the Strand ever be back on the menu?

MYSTERY surrounds the future of one of Britain’s most historic restaurants, with Simpson’s in the Strand yet to reopen post-pandemic and showing no signs that it will do so any time soon.

Established in 1828, the iconic venue has played host to the likes of prime ministers Winston Churchill, Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone and was also a favourite of author Charles Dickens.

Its carvers were known for slicing meat at the table so as not to disturb customers playing chess — a tradition maintained up until the present day.

The Grade II- listed building, which previously claimed to serve ‘the best Sunday roast in London’, underwent an extensive renovation as recently as 2017.

Like all food and drink establishments, the venue near Covent Garden was forced to close in March 2020 owing to Covid restrictions. However, no longer affected by the curbs, other eateries have long since reopened for business. But there is no indication that Simpson’s will be following suit.

‘I’m really worried that they won’t open up again at all. It’s been twoand-a-half years now and nothing seems to be happening,’ says one regular customer. ‘I keep walking past hoping to see some sign of life at the venue.

‘But the longer it remains shut, the more worried I get that it won’t ever open up again. And, even if it does, how many of the old staff will still be there?’

A Simpson’s in the Strand spokesperson sought to reassure me that the venue hasn’t closed for good but was unable to provide any further detail about a reopening date. They said: ‘At the moment, the reopening date and staffing of Simpson’s is still to be confirmed.’

When I pressed them further, they assured me that it would be reopening at some point, saying: ‘We are planning a reopening, have no fear.’

The restaurant’s website suggests that customers are still able to book tables.

But, when you try to reserve one, a message reads: ‘The restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.’