‘London's oldest chophouse’ to relaunch as Cloth Cornhill restaurant in 2026

The historic Simpson’s Tavern in the City of London is set to relaunch as restaurant Cloth Cornhill next year, four years after its sudden closure.

Wine importers Joe Haynes and Ben Butterworth and chef Tom Hurst, the team behind Farringdon restaurant Cloth, are taking over the Grade II-listed site, which has stood empty since 2022 following a rent dispute.

Simpson’s Tavern in Ball Court dates back to 1757 and claims to be London’s oldest chop-house, having attracted famous guests including William Thackeray and Charles Dickens over the years.

The pub and dining room was granted asset of community value status by the City of London Corporation amid a dispute with its landlord in 2022, which led to its indefinite closure.

The Cloth team are in the process of restoring the building’s wood-panelled walls, bow windows and historic booths as they prepare to relaunch the site as Cloth Cornhill in mid-2026.

The modern British restaurant will be produce-led and serve some dishes that pay homage to the Simpson’s tradition.

It will also offer a generous wine list featuring bottles from Haynes and Butterworth’s own portfolio.

The Cloth team said: “We’re very excited to be taking on the stewardship of this beloved institution. The City has long missed the hubbub of Ball Court and we feel extremely privileged to bring it back to life.”

The trio launched Cloth in Farringdon in March last year within a Grade II-listed building beneath the former home of poet John Betjeman.