The basement, which is the Jam & Rye bar, was closed under different ownership until Stonegate took the opportunity to add it to the footprint of the pub; an investment that has created 13 new jobs as well as a "niche-themed bar of jazz" and refined spirits in one of London’s "trendiest, most eclectic neighbourhoods", Stonegate said.
Along with its community status, the Famous Cock, at the core of the venue is still sport and craft beer, said the pubco.
Seven high-tech screens, a range of craft and cask beer, and a sophisticated pub menu with sourdough pizzas and tapas is on offer while designers have preserved the building's traditional features.
Exciting venture
Jam & Rye, open from 5pm and all day Sunday, has a "posh-meets-creative vibe", said Stonegate, with local jazz musicians and table-served cocktails.
“It’s an exciting venture that’s big enough to have created 13 new jobs,” said manager Carl Hufton.
“The previously closed underground bar of years ago has come into our fold only this year and while we’ve protected its music legacy, it’s a contemporary bar that meets the needs of a vibrant Islington.
“That’s only half of the story though. Islington is socially alive all times of the day and we’ve invested as much in an upbeat Famous Cock, alive with neons, industrialised finishes, extended love of sport, craft beers, gin botanicals and, of course, urban-style food.”
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