They may have split from JKS, but Ardent Pubs (behind The Cadogan Ams, The George and The Hound) are getting ready to open their latest pub. This one is a lot more central than the rest, opening just off Cambridge Circus (i.e. where the Harry Potter play is).
The new pub is called The Magpie and it's opening in a space that's been a pub for ages, most recently as a BrewDog, but many with longer memories will remember it as the site of Russell Norman's Ape & Bird (here's our very old-school Test Drive of it from back in 2013). The founder of the pub group, Dominic Jacobs, also has some connection to the site, as it was his grandfather's local when he worked at the Soho Fire Station.
Their other openings have always been very good pubs, so this should hopefully bring a bit of life back into the place. We don't know anything about the menu yet, but the other openings have mixed pub classics with steaks, chops and dishes like Iberico pork ribs or osso bucco Milanese. We'll get more on the menu closer to the opening.
More about The Magpie
Where is it? 142 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8HJ
When does it open? Early 2027
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @ardentpubgroup
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