One of London’s most storied dining rooms is preparing for a long-awaited return, bringing heritage, theatre, and classic hospitality back to the Strand.
Under the direction of respected restaurateur Jeremy King, the revived venue blends restored Edwardian grandeur with modern menus, elegant bars, and spaces designed for everything from leisurely breakfasts to late-night cocktails.
For diners who love tradition with a fresh polish, this reopening marks a meaningful moment in the capital’s restaurant scene.
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What's Changing Inside The Restored Grand Divan And Dining Rooms
At the heart of the reopening is the Grand Divan dining room, which Jeremy King is restoring to its original Edwardian grandeur.
Expect chandeliers, rich timber panelling, red velvet seating, and leather upholstery that bring back the drama and elegance that made Simpson’s famous for generations.
One of the most anticipated returns is the iconic silver carving trolleys, once pushed through the room to serve freshly carved meats tableside.
The menu will lean into modern British classics, including roasts, grills, pies, and a revived breakfast service.
Long-time fans will also recognise the return of the much-loved Ten Deadly Sins breakfast, which features everything from Cumberland sausage and scrambled eggs to bubble-and-squeak and baked beans.
Upstairs, Romano’s offers a slightly more relaxed but still lavish setting, with faux marble columns, green leather seating, and a chequerboard floor referencing the building’s chess-playing past.
How Two Bars, A Ballroom, And Late-Night Spaces Will Shape The New Experience
Beyond the main dining rooms, the venue is expanding into a multi-space destination designed for different moods and moments of the day.
On the first floor, Simpson’s Bar will operate as a classic cocktail lounge with an art deco-inspired look, ideal for pre-dinner drinks or relaxed evenings.
For late-night visitors, Nellie’s will sit underground with its own entrance and operate until around 3am, serving cocktails and snacks in a bold interior filled with animal-print velvets and deep ox-blood panelling.
Named after opera star Nellie Melba, the space adds a playful edge to the historic building.
A private ballroom will replace the former Ladies’ Dining Room, creating a dedicated venue for events and celebrations.
Together, the two restaurants, two bars, and ballroom allow Simpson’s to function as more than a single dining room, offering flexibility for casual visits, formal occasions, and late-night socialising.
Why This Revival Marks A Major Moment In London's Classic Dining Scene
Simpson’s reopening represents a significant milestone in London hospitality, especially for lovers of heritage dining.
The restaurant, which dates back over two centuries, is one of the last remaining grand dining rooms that still retains its original architectural character.
Jeremy King has described the restoration as a personal career highlight, reflecting decades of admiration for the venue.
His return to the industry following the Corbin & King era has already included successful openings such as Arlington and The Park, making Simpson’s the most ambitious chapter of his comeback.
Several trusted team members from his previous restaurants are also joining the launch, reinforcing continuity and experience.
By blending historical preservation with modern hospitality expectations, the reopening aims to reconnect Londoners with a piece of the city’s dining identity while introducing a new generation to a landmark that once defined formal British restaurant culture.
