Turmoil for Fulham Broadway's Busiest Bars

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Shock closure of Elk Bar and makeover and relaunch of Broadway Bar and Grill

Two of Fulham Broadway's most popular bars have run into trouble this summer.

The long established Elk Bar, at 587 Fulham Road has suddenly shut its doors and the Broadway Bar and Grill, at 474 - 476 Fulham Road has also closed for a major makeover before being reopened by a new management team.

The change of hands comes after the venue, formerly The Kings Head was awarded a shock Food Hygiene rating of 1 out of 5 - meaning major improvement necessary - by H&F Council inspectors who visited in June.

This week the new managers have been recruiting a completely new team to run, the pub and say they have gutted both the kitchen and the toilets in preparation for a relaunch.

The Broadway Bar and Grill was opened six years ago by entrepreneur Brenhan Magee, with the historic building offering a pub on the ground floor with a restaurant called Brasa and a private members' club called Broadway House on the floors above.

Broadway House was describes as "a members‘ only club in the heart of Fulham Broadway spread over three floors, which offers 5,000 square feet of luxury with open-plan spaces and stunning views. The club was designed by Magee and Design Corporation architects, who restored the prepossessing townhouse to its original glory, blending the sophisticated with the contemporary to create an ineffably elegant space. As such, it boasts an enviable collection of contemporary art from visionaries such as Julian Opie, Gary Hume, George Condo, Fiona Rae and Sir Anthony Hodgkins.

"Amongst the many amenities that it offers, guests will be able to enjoy a secret roof garden, a cigar terrace, a champagne bar, a cocktail bar, private meeting rooms, an exclusive members‘ lounge with its own outside terrace, an outdoor cinema and Brasa - an eighty cover restaurant with private dining facilities that can accommodate up to 25 people."

The new management team say the upper floors will remain closed for the time being as they too are refurbished.

The nearby Elk Bar, which called itself Fulham's Funkiest Bar, is owned by the Mint Group, whose portfolio also includes KOKO in Camden Town and Infernos in Clapham High Street.

It said of Elk Bar: "As one of the only bars in Fulham with a garden, Elk commands exceptional loyalty from the Fulham and Chelsea crowd, who rub shoulders with travellers and tourists. The smoke pit barbeque, serving home-cooked gourmet BBQ food, is reason enough for people to flock from miles around.

"It’s a home from home for those who’ve crossed the globe, and a neighbourhood hangout for party-loving locals. The upbeat energy and friendly atmosphere bring together a truly eclectic mix of revellers."

Now though, the bar has a simple message on its website, saying: "After 15 amazing years, Elk Bar is now closed.

"We would like to thank all our customers for the loyalty they have shown us over the years, we've love every moment of serving you."

July 27, 2018

 

July 27, 2018