Stonegate pub company has given Islington’s vibrant upper street a £600,000 boost this week refurbishing the Famous Cock Tavern, and adding a 1920’s themed Jam & Rye bar.
The basement Jam & Rye was previously closed under different ownership, until Stonegate took the opportunity to add it to the footprint of the popular contemporary city pub; an investment that has created thirteen new jobs as well as a niche themed bar of jazz and refined spirits in one of London’s trendiest, most eclectic neighbourhoods.
Re-affirming that the Famous Cock Tavern, along with its community status, sport and craft beer, is still at the core of the venue, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour helped to launch the VIP opening as his old team played Ostersund in the Europa League knock-out tie.
Seven high-tech screens, a range of craft and cask beer, and a sophisticated pub menu with sourdough pizzas and tapas is at the core of the offer whilst designers have shrewdly preserved traditional features.
An opulent Jam & Rye, open from 5pm and all day Sunday, has a posh-meets-creative vibe, with local jazz musicians and exclusive table-served exquisite cocktails making it a likely destination for the area’s celebs.
“It’s an exciting venture that’s big enough to have created thirteen new jobs,” said manager Carl Hufton. “The previously closed underground bar of years ago has come into our fold only this year and whilst we’ve protected its music legacy, it’s a contemporary bar that meets the needs of a vibrant Islington.
“That’s only half of the story though. Islington is socially alive all times of the day and we’ve invested as much in an upbeat Famous Cock, alive with neons, industrialised finishes, extended love of sport, craft beers, gin botanicals and of course urban style food.”