Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has opened an intimate new venue – The Jamaica Clubhouse – beneath one of the City of London’s most historic pubs, The Jamaica Wine House.
The Grade II listed pub – known affectionately as ‘The Jampot’ and recognised as the birthplace of London’s coffee house scene – now has a distinctive destination beneath it, combining classic Victorian features with rich red décor and velvet seating.
The Jamaica Clubhouse opened to customers following a six-week project to reimagine the space on Tuesday, September 22.
Tucked away in St Michael’s Alley, near Monument, The Jamaica Clubhouse has been created within the pub’s existing basement bar, transforming it into a destination in its own right while retaining the character and heritage of the historic building.
Its large bar has been reconfigured to provide more space for closely arranged tables and new velvet seating, while original tiling uncovered during the project, thought to date from the construction of the Victorian building in 1869, has been brought back to life. The original structure was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666.
The space’s rich red décor is complemented by a separate lit entrance and a secluded seating booth complete with its own disco ball, adding a playful touch to the characterful surroundings.
A new cocktail menu has been created specially for The Jamaica Clubhouse, complementing Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers and lagers, wines and spirits. The venue will also host a programme of Cellar Sessions, including live music, wine tastings, quizzes and cocktail-making workshops.
The Jamaica Wine House has also launched a new partnership with British burger restaurant Honest Burgers, giving customers the chance to enjoy its freshly made burgers in the Clubhouse.
Known for its commitment to quality, provenance and British sourcing, Honest Burgers makes its beef burgers from scratch in its own butchery using beef from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, while its famous rosemary salted chips are made from fresh potatoes supplied by Sussex farmers.
The partnership reflects a shared focus on great British produce, independent heritage brands and delivering exceptional quality in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Guests can enjoy Honest Burgers’ award-winning food alongside Shepherd Neame’s range of beers, lagers, wines and spirits within the unique surroundings of The Jamaica Clubhouse.
Customers can order directly from their table via a QR code, with their food delivered to them from Honest Burger’s Bank restaurant which is just a few minutes’ walk from the pub.
General Manager, Steve Berry, who has run the pub for six years, said: “I have always been incredibly proud of the pub and the atmosphere we have created here, and we saw a fantastic opportunity to build on that with the space downstairs.
“We’ve re-energised the area and created somewhere that feels distinctive and special in its own right, while reflecting the character and heritage of the Jamaica Wine House. It feels like a natural evolution of the pub and its place within the ever-changing City. I think it looks amazing, and I’m really excited for our customers to experience it.”
The Jamaica Wine House can be found in St Michael’s Alley, Cornhill, London EC3V 9DS. It is now also open on Saturdays from 11am to 9pm. Find out more at www.jamaicawinehouse.co.uk.
