London pub and dining group, Urban Pubs & Bars, has unveiled the opening of The Wren Tavern, paying homage to Sir Christopher Wren. Located on Watling Street, this classic London pub also boasts a dedicated whiskey lounge and a speakeasy-style cocktail bar named 5cc in its basement.
The Wren Tavern is now open from Monday to Saturday, serving food and drinks from 11am to midnight, with extended hours until 1am on Thursdays and Fridays.
A spokesperson for Urban Pubs & Bars said: “When Sir Christopher Wren designed St Paul’s Cathedral his plans were made on Watling Street, his workers lived, ate and spent their time on this street too. In a tribute to the man himself The Wren Tavern brings the best of traditions to a city pub environment.”
Urban Pubs & Bars' opening of The Wren Tavern on Watling Street pays tribute to Sir Christopher Wren and highlights a key area of London where much of his remarkable work was accomplished.
Indeed, when Sir Christopher Wren passed away on February 25, 1723, he was laid to rest in St Paul's Cathedral. His gravestone bears the Latin inscription 'Si monumentum requiris, circumspice,' which translates to: 'If you seek his monument, look around you.'
The chefs have crafted a menu featuring classic dishes, rich in flavor, and made with the finest British ingredients.
During the day, you can enjoy fresh sandwiches that change daily and a bar snacks menu featuring fresh oysters with lemon, ideal for after-work drinks. In the evenings, the menu is elevated with steaks, offered at butcher’s block prices and displayed on chalkboards.
This year, Urban Pubs & Bars has already launched several new venues, including The Gun in Spitalfields and The Red Setter in the Northcote Road area, which connects Battersea and Clapham. They have also recently announced the acquisition of 11 locations from the former Antic Pub Company.
Urban Pubs & Bars, established in 2014 by Nick Pring and Malc Heap, has expanded to include a diverse collection of pubs, bars, and restaurants across London. Their portfolio features notable establishments such as Nest in Bishopsgate, The Wheatsheaf in Tooting, The Gatehouse in Highgate, and the restaurants of the Salt Yard Group.
