On September 1st Joe Allen, the historic theatreland restaurant at the heart of Covent Garden, re-opened the doors to its new home at 2 Burleigh Street after moving 25 metres down the road from Exeter Street. Retaining the heart and soul of the much-loved West End canteen, Joe’s have taken everything with them, from the wood paneling to the classic theatre posters, the iconic bar and, of course, the piano. Continuing to serve the great and the good of stage and screen, their New York brasserie dishes will remain a constant, with firm favorites presiding on the menu, from the Calves liver to the Ceaser salad, and the all important not-so-secret off menu burger.
Celebrating its 40th Birthday this year, Joe Allen has enjoyed a loyal following of thespians, famous faces and theatregoers alike, with restaurant critic Jay Rayner stating in 2013: “This restaurant has a special place in my congested heart. Joe Allen opened in January 1977 and I first came, aged 10, a few months later. It was one of the places where I learned to eat”. Joe’s has also played an early role in the careers of much-loved figures from London’s restaurant scene including renowned chef Rowley Leigh and restaurateurs Russell Norman and Jeremy King. 40 years on the Joe Allen story, having stood the test of time, opens its doors for another chapter under Co-Owners Tim Healy and Lawrence Hartley and the Joe Allen team, many of whom have been working at the restaurant for over 20 years.