Nineties-inspired American ‘college culture' bar to open in Covent Garden
An American "college culture"-themed restaurant serving craft beer and pizza by the slice is set to open in London's Covent Garden this October.
The idea of long-term friends Jez Hall, founder of London cocktail bar Lucky Pig, and Tim Entwistle and James Hoole, creators of custom-made pizza chain Go Food, Chuck's Clubhouse will take inspiration from the "cocky but cool" 90s atmosphere of American university "fraternity" clubs.
Reminiscent of close-knit university societies in the UK, they are often houses on campus made up of rooms and bars in which students live and socialise according to similarities in background or interests.
Located in a basement designed to look like a fraternity clubhouse, the new 160-capacity venue will include décor using sporting memorabilia and college ties, along with a vintage TV playing famous college sporting events.
Music will be straight from the 90s, although a more modern smartphone app will allow guests to select songs. Staff will wear "preppy" uniforms, and seating will be made up of traditional American booths, bumper cars and vintage barber chairs. Each table will have a telephone installed allowing cross-table "flirting and gossip".
The food and drink offer also fits neatly with the theme, including New York thin-crust pizza by the slice, and American craft beer in "trophy" glasses, plus a wide selection of cocktails served in Viking American football helmets for sharing. Cocktails will also be served in the "Tunnel of Love" bar area below, while a street-level hatch will also sell pizza to take away.
In line with the laid-back university feel, the venue will open from 4pm during the week and stay open all day until 1am at the weekends.
