Restaurant group Cloth is set to reopen the former Simpson’s Tavern premises in Ball Court, London in 2026 following restoration works.
The site, home to Simpson’s Tavern since 1757 and distinct from Simpson’s in the Strand, has been closed since 2022 despite public campaigns and crowdfunding, after a dispute over pandemic-era rent arrears.
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The venue, now to be named Cloth Cornhill, will occupy the Grade II listed building.
Cloth spokesperson stated: “We are set to open a new restaurant in 2026 after becoming the new custodians of one of the City’s most iconic institutions, Simpson’s Tavern, which has stood on Ball Court off Cornhill since 1757.”
Cloth will revive it as a chophouse, although menu details have not been announced.
The original Simpson’s Tavern name will not be used due to legal issues.
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By GlobalDataThe team behind Cloth comprises Joe Haynes, Ben Butterworth and Tom Hurst. They plan to honour the building’s features and “debaucherous wine-fuelled lunches and dinners”.
Historic features of the building include wood-panelled walls, bow windows, brass rails, fireplaces and high-backed booths.
“We’re very excited to be taking on the stewardship of this beloved institution. The City has long missed the hubbub of Ball Court and we feel extremely privileged to bring it back to life,” the Cloth team told The Times.
Cloth currently operates in Farringdon in the City of London, trading from Monday to Friday, 12pm to 10pm.
