Call to 'arms' as Victorian pub reopens

One of the last remaining original Victorian pub buildings in London has reopened as a community pub and events space.

The Imperial Arms, built in 1870 in the style of a grand villa, has been a social meeting place on the King’s Road, Chelsea, for almost 150 years.

Located at the heart of Chelsea’s design quarter, the west London site has been given an extensive makeover combining the building’s historic features with modern British design.

Craig Delamare, who has more than 15 years’ experience managing London restaurants and pubs, will be the Imperial Arms’ new general manager.

Speaking about the pub’s reopening, Delamare said: “We wanted to bring a pub back to the Fulham end of the King’s Road and re-establish the Imperial Arms at the heart of the local community. We have created a place where people can eat, drink, work or play together.”

“The pub will offer a real home-from-home environment where people can meet up to enjoy a drink, a quick bite to eat or a fantastic three-course meal, celebrate a special occasion or take part in our weekly pub quiz.”

The pub features an upstairs party and meeting room including its own private bar, as well as a courtyard ‘secret garden’ drinking area.

The Imperial Arms’ team of chefs will be led by James Barlow, who has previously worked at London’s Soho House and New York’s Fig & Olive restaurant.

Delamare added: “We hope locals will welcome the pub back with open arms and we can’t wait for them to experience the Imperial Arms' great new look, and food and drink for themselves.”

The Imperial Arms is part of Epic Pubs, a company operated by Unique Hospitality management.

The company operates nine other pubs, including the Golden Ball, Maidenhead, Berkshire; 185 Watling Street, Towcester, Northamptonshire; the Anchor at Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire; and the Wheatsheaf Pub & Kitchen, at Bow Brickhill, near Milton Keynes.

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