London-based operator Three Cheers Pub Company will reopen the Bedford, its ninth site and second opening for Six Cheers – its managed investment partnership with Ei Group.
The Balham-based venue is known as a champion of new comedy and music and will reopen on Thursday 29 November 2018.
Star approval
It has given momentum to the careers of stars including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Eddie Izzard, Michael McIntyre and Frank Skinner.
Musician Ed Sheeran spoke warmly of the pub and said he hoped to make a return to the venue in the future.
He said: “I loved playing the Bedford in Balham – it was such an important venue on the circuit and always had great acts playing every night.
“It holds fond memories for me and I look forward to coming back one day."
Grassroots glory
Tom Peake, co-founder of Three Cheers Pub Co, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to restore the Bedford to its former glory.
“With its rich grassroots music history, as well as its renowned reputation in the comedy world, it’s great to be giving the venue a new lease of life.”
The relaunch of the pub will be a landmark for Ei Managed Investments as its largest ever site, Nathan Wall, operations director said.
He added: “The team has done a wonderful job transforming this iconic site into a pub that meets all the demands of the modern-day consumer and we’re happy to welcome this unique venture to our Ei Managed Investments portfolio.”
Husband and wife team – Aaron Cakebread and Jessi Bohart – will manage the pub as head chef and front of house respectively.
The Bedford received Grade II-listed status in 2015 for its neo-Georgian architectural features, characteristic of the interwar ‘improved’ pub, and boasts London's longest running comedy club.
The renovations include a new £80,000 sound system, a 250-capacity live music club, and 15 individually designed bedrooms.
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