A Victorian pub destroyed in World War II will be given a new lease of life this week when it re-opens as a pub diner.
Empire Tavern is set to open on 20 March on Mare Street, as part of the Hackney Empire.
The venue is on the site of The Britannia, a former Victorian-era establishment that was destroyed by bombs during World War II. It was then rebuilt as The Samuel Pepys, before being redeveloped again in the early noughties as The Marie Lloyd Bar.
“THE VENUE BLENDS PUB WARMTH WITH DESTINATION DINING”
Now, the site’s latest incarnation is a joint venture between Taverns East Pub Group, an independent hospitality company founded by Ronnie Finch and Jamie Tack, and East London Brewing Co.
In a statement, the founders said: “Empire Tavern will sit at the heart of Hackney’s social and cultural scene, as part of the Hackney Empire and opposite Hackney Town Hall.
“The venue blends pub warmth with destination dining, craft drinks and a carefully curated programme of music and events.”
To cater to late-night post-theatre crowds, on Friday and Saturdays the venue will be transformed as part of a concept called Empire Tavern Lates. These nights will include curated music, local DJs and “dancing into the early hours”.
The inspiration for the venue’s redesign came from New York diners: dark wood booths, classic red leather seating and warm Seventies vintage lighting.
There will also be a high-quality audio booth, in a nod to Hackney’s very own vibrant music scene.
