The Marquess Tavern on Islington’s Canonbury Street has officially reopened having undergone a complete renovation.
Back in September, the popular London Borough pub, located just a short walk from Highbury and Islington tube, Essex Road mainline and Canonbury overground stations, closed temporarily to make way for a complete refresh that was provided by leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
Fast forward to October (17th), and the pub has officially reopened with a bang welcoming guests of the Islington community and beyond with a live jazz band, complimentary food and drink tasters.
The investment, which totalled £200k has transformed this iconic building and has received rave reviews from Management Partner, Shaun Pyper-Hobson who is thrilled with the outcome.
He said: “After many months of meetings and mood boards, we couldn’t wait for the restoration of the Marquess Tavern to begin. After four long weeks, I am proud to say that we have finally been able to give this grand old lady the TLC she deserves. We are immensely pleased to showcase our fantastic pub and delighted to hear such positive feedback from guests old and new.”
The pub’s transformation has not diminished its distinctive neo-classical style and character, nor disturbed the charm of the Marquess’ double-height ceilings and rustic feel.
The new aesthetic offers Victorian elegance with floral wallpapers, a combination of dark oak furniture against bold, bright colours and soft furnishings including plants, books and decorative cushions. Other new features include new lighting and fixtures as well as gallery walls with vintage-style photo frames and quirky wall art. The two existing real fires also Mardani to elevate the cosy feel.
Having been covered up with scaffolding for four weeks, the outside of the pub was gloriously unveiled with clean white columns and all-new, hand-painted signage. It has been completely transformed with new lighting to accentuate its grand build, the brickwork has been restored and new signage has been erected.
The Marquess’ courtyard areas to the front and back of the pub have also had a mini-makeover, including new and up-cycled furniture, lighting and paintwork.
Moving back indoors, guests will stumble upon the new-look bar area which has been stripped back to its original wooden grain, restored and brought back to life whilst offering a range of new draught products including Amstel, Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti Sale De Mare, Camden Stout and London Pride.
Aside from being renowned for its generous drink offerings, the Marquess is also known for its ‘authentic pub food, done well’.
From sumptuous suppers to long lunches, their eclectic menu sees quintessential British classics rub shoulders with modern bistro dishes and decadent small plates of pork belly bites, tempura vegetables and arancini. Guests will also be delighted at the return of the Marquess’ hearty Sunday lunches, boasting roast rump of British beef, roast chicken, belly pork or butternut squash wellington served alongside classic sides of Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese and sea salt and rosemary roast potatoes.
The reopening of the Marquess also sees the return of the pub’s notorious entertainment schedule kicking off this week with Jazz Sundays, live performances from 4 pm and Tuesday quiz nights where all proceeds go to the winning team’s bar tab.
Shaun added: “Our relaunch evening was a resounding success, drawing a big crowd of regulars and new customers alike. Feedback was excellent and we are already looking forward to a very busy festive season, with bookings coming in thick and fast for November and December.”
More information about the pub’s festive and New Year events can be found on their website or social media pages.
