Historic Pub opens in Fitzrovia with English Sparkling Wine Bar
Following the reopening of historic Fitzrovia pub The George on Great Portland Street, JKS Restaurants and publican Dominic Jacobs are gearing up to unveil ‘Upstairs at The George’ with a dining experience led by James Knappett, of two Michelin-star restaurant Kitchen Table which also features an English Sparkling Wine Bar.
The new concept opened on Wednesday March 2nd, Upstairs at The George will offer pub classics with a focus on seasonal and responsibly sourced produce. The new space will comprise three rooms; a Dining Room, Private Dining Room and English Sparkling Wine Bar.
Closed for over five years, the ground floor at The George re-opened in November 2021. The intensive renovation pays homage to its history as a hub for the political, cultural and social movements of the late 18th century, a home to writers and poets in the 20th century and, in recent years, a hideaway for local creatives. The ground floor offers a classic British pub experience with eleven cask beers and craft ales, all made in the UK, served alongside seasonal cocktails and British pub food including a black pudding Scotch egg, classic Ploughman’s, and The George Burger & Chips.
Next to the dining room sits the English Sparkling Wine Bar – a small, elegant space where guests can enjoy a carefully curated mix of English sparkling wines and cocktails. An original Victorian fireplace has been modified to include an ice well, which is stocked with English sparkling wines.
Head of Wine for JKS Restaurants, Seamus Sharkey, has conducted tours with The George team, of over twenty wineries over the past three months, from Essex to West Sussex, visiting producers to hand-pick the finest selection of wines for the opening. The English wine offering will champion more than eighty references from around the country including unique wines from certain estates not available anywhere else in the UK.
Running alongside the English wine list, will be a comprehensive selection of wines from around the world. The George will offer an extensive list of 300 wines, with best representations of regions and varietals available at every price point.
Cocktails are aperitif and digestif style, with a focus on British spirits and seasonal ingredients, such as the Smoked Cherry Kir Royale with applewood smoked amarena cherry and Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs; and a Gimlet with London dry gin, sheep’s sorrel and Granny Smith apple.
The Private Dining Room is also opened, seating up to 20 guests, is an intimate space with two existing elegant Victorian fireplaces.
The George, 55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
Opening Hours:
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Saturday: Lunch 12pm – 3pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm