The Jam Tree W14
Tuesday June 15, 2010
A funky new spin on the modern gastropub is taking root in a quiet corner of West Kensington, and locals are already warming to its quirky touches, mouth-watering menu and Sunday roasts to die for.
The Jam Tree opened in Milson Road on May 19 on the site of the former Priory tapas bar, and new owners Sam O'Riordan, Yann Roberts and Ashley Letchford have brought their own style and wealth of expertise to the vast three-storey pub.
Sam, 42, who has worked at the Ritz and Savoy hotels, has a background in music promotion and is brother and manager of DJ Judge Jules, said the trio had been faced with a mere four weeks to transform the dingy restaurant into fresh new drinking spot.
"We wanted a pub with good food that offered something more than just that standard modern look," he said. "We wanted to do something a bit different and funky, a bit fun and niche."
The result is an instantly likeable cocktail of old and new, mixing modern wallpaper and the latest styles of lighting with vintage furniture, a gleaming copper bar top and antique coach lamps. Yann, 37, who lives in Clapham, said:
"Sam and I did the design ourselves. All the furniture was bought at auction except for the tables which are science block tables - you can still see the holes in them for the gas taps."
But the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the vast, Andy Warhol-inspired tiled artwork behind the main bar, created especially for the new venue by Clapham artist Valentina Gomez.
Sam added: "We've incorporated some bespoke art and signature pieces because we wanted to put our own stamp on the place. It was very much an organic process."
In addition to Sam's music and hospitality credentials, Yann brings 20 years' experience of working in esteemed London clubs like The Cross, Pacha and The White House, while Ashley, 29, has set up successful venues including Gigalum, Inigo, the refurbished Clapham Grand and currently runs Aquum bar.
The three owners are joined by award-winning head chef James Browne, who has previously attracted accolades as head chef of The Settle Inn, The Well, Alchemy Restaurant and Bah Humbug.
The talented chef has created an opening menu that combines British classics with 'colonial favourites' from Malaysia, South Africa and India. Ashley said: "Our Sunday roasts are also excellent and James won an Evening Standard Pub of the Year award in 2003 on the back of his Sunday roasts."
In addition to the vibrant ground-floor pub, the managing trio have also opened a basement room for private hire, offering cosy booth seating, a private bar, 50-inch plasma screen and a sound system with iPod link-up.
"We can cater for parties of up 60 people and we'll also be showing World Cup games down there," Sam said. The owners are also planning live music, jam sessions, comedy and poker nights in the downstairs room.
An upstairs private hire area, perfect for meetings and dinners, is also due to open soon, and both areas are available without any hire fee or minimum spend on drinks or food.
