CityPubs

Shepherd Neame is converting the basement of the Jamaica Wine House (St Michael's Alley, near Monument) — previously Todd's Wine Bar — into "The Jamaica Clubhouse": dark red décor, velvet seating, a disco-ball booth, cocktail menu, and live-music "Cellar Sessions". Work started 14 August; opening set for 22 September. The pub upstairs is not changing.

The team behind Farringdon's Cloth (Joe Haynes, Ben Butterworth, Tom Hurst) has announced it will open on the historic Ball Court/Simpson's Tavern site on 1 October 2026 — nearly three years after Simpson's abrupt 2022 closure. They can't use the "Simpson's" name for legal reasons, so it's "Cloth Cornhill": produce-led modern British cooking, chops and steaks, a ground-floor pub (Amy's Bar) plus grill room, two upstairs dining rooms, and new private dining. The original wood panelling, bow windows, period tiles, fireplaces and high-backed booths are being retained, and a 1940s Simpson's sausage recipe found during renovation is being revived.

The Wild Swan, at 99 Fetter Lane, stands with quiet confidence on the site of the former White Swan, proving that in the City of London, even tradition enjoys a well-timed reinvention. The arrival of a new pub here feels less like an opening and more like a revival. Brought to life through a collaboration between Fletcher Priest Architects and Thornbridge & Co, the result is a distinctly modern public house that manages to nod to its past while pouring something altogether fresher. On a personal note, I'm excited with the prospect of trying my first pint from the Thornbridge Brewery.

The Hoop & Grapes, 80 Farringdon Street, has been re-opened after Shepherd Neame spent £1.7 million over five years refurbishing the pub and it reopened in February 2026. The Farringdon project "Stonecutter Court" used the Hoop & Grapes as the office and construction space, which goes some way in explaining the 5 year closed period. The cost of Stonecutter Court has not officially been revealed but to give you the feel for the sums involved, the original asset was acquired by Ivanhoé Cambridge for £112 million in 2014 and subcontractor for joinery was awarded an £8 million contract for the work. Once again, the Hoop & Grapes stands proud at the southern end of the Stonecutter Court development, with doors open and beer in the pumps. I'm looking forward to my first visit this summer.