The Hat and Feathers rides again
Do my eyes deceive me? Getting the bus home last night, I happened to look up at the old Hat and Feathers at the junction of Old Street, Goswell Road and Clerkenwell Road. The Hat and Feathers has been derelict for as long as I've lived in London, and apparently for a good long while before that as well. I remember walking past it during my City University days and thinking what a great local it would make, if only someone would take the risk. See the above link for a pic of what it's looked like for years.
Well, imagine my surprise last night when I glanced up from my copy of London Lite (the less said on that, the better) to find that the Hat and Feathers appears to be back in business! The boarding has been removed from the windows, the interior's been given a lick of paint and new lights (and a bloody good clean, I would hope, given the building's former use as a squat), and there is a trio of tables - with parasols, ugh - outside.
A quick Google search seems to suggest that it's been relaunched as a fancy restaurant, which is a shame, as that building was made to be a boozer. But still, the fact that such a beautiful EC1 landmark is now open to the public at all can only be good news.
posted by Lady M @ 3:31 pm
8 comments
8 Comments:
At least its not been converted into "trendy" apartments....
Regards Paul x (from www.derelictlondon.com)
Yes, I quite agree - that sort of thing happens way too often. Thanks for the comment, and my apologies for not giving your site a proper plug when linking to your Hat and Feathers pic. :)
Well spottef but one bit of nit-picking from me...
"a bloody good clean, I would hope, given the building's former use as a squat"
Not all squats are dirtholes. Some squatters are more conscientious than others. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Agnes_Place
derelictlondon.com - excellent site
I was interested in your comments regarding the Hat and Feathers. You are absolutely right The Hat and Feathers is back in business!
It has not just been "given a lick of paint", I am proud to report that the building has been lovingly restored with minute attention to detail, such as real gas lighting, acid etched glass, and gold leaf cornicing.
The restaurant is serving an exciting menu of modern European cusine including starters such as, 'smoked haddock risotto with saffron and chives' and main courses such as, 'fillet of beef, onion puree, anchovy crumb and horseradish' and 'Venision, celeriac, chocolate and caramel'. The combinations really work and coupled with the recommended wines make an explosion of tastiness on your tongue!
As well as the restaurant, we have a fabulous bar on the groud floor - serving wines, Champagnes, spirits and, yes, a good pint.
I think that the Hat and Feathers restaurant and bar has retained the charm of the theatrical Victorian Pub from 1860, and at the same time, has become contemporary in style.
We are also encouraging new contemporary artists to exhibit their work in the bar and restaurant. The exhibitions will change every month - so there will always be something new to see and enjoy at the Hat and Feathers.
Lady M - please do come in - ask for me and I will be really happy to show you around and enjoy a drink with you - and thank you so much for your interest.
Kind regards,
Heather Davies
PS: There will never be parasols outside!
Thanks Heather, I may just take you up on your offer!
I have noted elsewhere references to the Hat & Feathers' chef, Adam Culverwell, who according to one review in December, 'was formerly head chef at Le Meridien Waldorf and Pacific Oriental and has just spent a year traveling around the world.'
Another reviewer wrote around the same time: 'London-born Culverwell's mother is Italian, and he spent some of the year in Piacenza, in northern Italy.'
What puzzles me is that Mr Culverwell was reported on a BBC website to have been jailed for three years in May on drugs offences.
So where is he now? Can someone elucidate?
I thought I'd give this place a try, largely because I thought the outside area with parasols looked attractive.
I thought it had been nicely refurbished and the outside bar unfortunately, I think, without draught beers, is a nice touch.
I have no idea where Mr Culverwell is!
What lets this place down is the service, which was truly awful. Slow, inefficient bar staff who pay scant attention to who's been waiting the longest. Matters weren't helped by the fact that several beers kept on going off. After a 20 minute wait at a cramped bar, I left disappointed and thirsty.
Where is Adam Culverwell? This is a question I was asked last week whilst visiting a fellow chef's restaurant. I had no idea, so I decided to Google, & here I am (after a few decidedly 'interesting results')
The Adam Culverwell in question is the same one who was convicted of 'drugs charges' along with his 'Italian uncle'. I always remember him spending half of his day in the toilets instead of in the kitchen (apparently 'being sick, due to the fact that he has only HALF A STOMACH)!!! This was a daily occurance and all junior chefs were quite miffed & ultimately disappointed in his erratic behaviour during these times. It is sad to see that his life has taken such a bad turn, but in all honesty, he never was a great chef. He was, however, a master at taking glory. (see The Caterer & Hotelkeeper 18-24 november 1999, the only real input into this from Mr Culverwell was to flirt outragously with Amanda Afiya, the journalist writing the piece on Pacific Oriental -'East meets Best'/'Orient Expression'). Also, take a close look at the cover photograph of AC with Chef Darren Wightman...
Post a Comment
<< Home