Simpson’s in the Strand

Not every new restaurant opening comes with nearly 200 years of history, a Michelin star, a chess legacy, and a quote from P.G. Wodehouse — but then again, Simpson’s in the Strand is not every restaurant. First opened in 1828 as the Grand Cigar Divan, a coffee-and-chess room on the Strand, it became the home of British dining when caterer John Simpson introduced hearty roasts and the now-iconic silver carving trolleys — originally, the story goes, so as not to disturb the chess players. After closing its doors in 2020, this grande dame of English hospitality has been brought back to life by Jeremy King, the restaurateur behind Arlington and The Park, and widely regarded as one of the finest operators in the country. The revived Simpson’s unites the traditional Grand Divan, the more theatrical Romano’s, Simpson’s Bar, the late-night Nellie’s Tavern, and a private ballroom under one roof.