Renaissance Pubs has opened its first new site in three years with the refurbishment of a landmark venue in south London.
The company, which operates six premium pubs around south London, has expanded its estate with the acquisition of The Latchmere in Battersea. It will be officially launched at the start of June.
With space for 94 covers inside and 87 outside, the 4,100 sq ft site, which dates back to 1860, has been restored and revived. However, it continues to be home to leading fringe theatre, Theatre503, on the first floor.
Renaissance Pubs is led by Tom Peake, Mark Reynolds and Nick Fox who set the company up in 2003 when they launched The Abbeville in Clapham, London.
Tom has worked with artist and designer Adam Ellis and interiors expert Hannah Lindsay on the redevelopment of The Latchmere, creating a new look that “pays homage to the building’s heritage while instilling a sense of energy and showmanship”.
It features original anaglypta on the ceiling, robust oak panelling and huge horseshoe bar as well as eccentricities such as a 1930s tattoo poster, prints depicting vintage Formula 1 racing and botanical etchings by explorers.
Outside there are four separate areas, an all-weather garden with overhead and under-seat heating, an alfresco snug, a sun terrace and a children’s play area.
Drinks are handcrafted and local wherever possible. Battersea brewer Sambrooks and Chiswick distillery Sipsmith top the bill, with a 25-litre gin balloon and a Wandle beer tap on the bar. The wine list includes Henners Brut sparkling wine from East Sussex.
At the heart of the food menu is meat. Much of the pork and chicken is hand-reared at Renaissance Pubs’ Locks Drove Farm in Hampshire. Steaks are aged in-house and, for the first time, executive chef Massimo Tebaldi has created his own uniquely flavoured British charcuterie.
Renaissance Pubs continues to work with Theatre503, the Olivier Award-winning theatre that has been at the site for 32 years, previously known as The Latchmere Theatre.
Renaissance Pubs is also launching its first-ever hotel rooms at The Tommyfield in Kennington Cross this month.
It also operates The Avalon in Balham, The Stonhouse in Clapham, The Rosendale in West Dulwich and The Bolingbroke in Battersea.
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