The Cadogan Arms returns to its former glory

8th July 2009, 10:57am

Brothers Tom and Ed Martin have expanded their London gastropub empire even further, with the opening of the Cadogan Arms on King's Road. Tom gives Eat Out a sneaky preview of what was involved when designing their latest venture.

Background Design:
 
We did not use a designer/architect for this project. Special features include the original Victorian tiling, huge open fireplace, original oak floors and panelling, Victorian taxidermy and collection of antlers and other hunting trophies.

What was your aim when designing this venture?

To create a smart but relaxed drinking and dining space with many interesting features; reviving the old traditional aspects of the Victorian pub. The design is special as it is uncomplicated and traditional in many ways without being to intrusive or over the top.

How did you achieve this?

We've been working in the pub business for nearly 10 years now so we are well schooled in the best way to approach the design of our buildings and we have also developed our own style to return venues to their former glory.

Along with experience you need to have someone with a real eye for design and both my brother and I collect interesting pieces of furniture from antique stores and places that we come across around the UK. We're always on the look out for the next great pub that needs our attention.

What would you describe as the key and unique features?

The rediscovered original Victorian wall panelling, Victorian taxidermy, original oak floors and panelling, huge open fireplace, three brand new superb American '8 ball' pool tables upstairs in the beautifully restored old 'Billiards Room'.

Does your team have a particular style?

In all of our venues we try to offer something more than your average pub. This includes not only creating a welcoming and inviting space through the interior design, but also making sure the food and drinks offering is top notch. We also have a great team of dedicated staff that have really helped make our family of pubs the renowned group it is today.

Stage by stage, how did you approach this project?

Strip out, restoration, research, buying from select antique dealers and markets, build and decoration, launch party!

Final comment on the venue

A beautifully restored pub on London's famous King's Road, returned to its former glory with love, care and passion!

What is the size of the venue?

2,000 sq foot on ground.  1,000 sq foot in the 'Billiards Room'.

How long did the project take, from start to finish?

Six weeks.

Fit out cost?

£150,000.

What are your recent projects?

The Botanist on Sloane Square www.thebotanistonsloanesquare.com  and The Hat & Tun (Hatton Garden www.thehatandtun.com.

Other ventures belonging to the brothers include The Gun, Docklands, London, The Well, Clerkenwell, London, The Empress of India, Victoria Park, London, and The Prince Arthur, London Fields, London.

The establishment is spread across two floors. Head chef Darius Endriukaitis, formerly of Guy Ritchie's The Punch Bowl in Mayfair, has created a menu with fresh seasonal ingredients using some of the UK's finest suppliers. 

Dishes to start include pan-fried mackerel fillet with pickled beetroot, red chard and horseradish dressing; ham hock and foie gras terrine with fig and apple chutney; as well as roast pancetta and garden pea soup.

For main courses diners can tuck into braised beef cheek with creamy mashed potatoes, carrots and sautéed girolles; pan fried sea bream, with steamed anya potatoes, sun-blushed cherry tomatoes and lemon dressing; or pub classics, an 8oz Aberdeen Angus beef burger with Applewood smoked cheddar.

Meanwhile desserts include chocolate bread and butter pudding complete with organic clotted cream; rich rum and raisin sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream as well as decadent chocolate and pistachio nut brownie with white chocolate strawberries.

Related Articles:

• 10 Dec 2010 - Tom and Ed Martin's golden ticket prizes
• 21 Jul 2010 - Restaurateurs Tom and Ed Martin launch wine academy
• 31 Jan 2008 - Martin Bothers to launch Sloane restaurant
• 19 Nov 2007 - Martin brothers expand gastropub empire