The Imperial Arms pub in Fulham
The Imperial Arms pub in Fulham has reopened to continue its long history as a community pub in the borough.
The new owners have given the eye-catching Victorian building in New Kings Road, which has been a social meeting place in H&F for almost 150 years, an extensive makeover. And even the ‘Arms’ have been reinstated to the pub name which opened on 19 February.
“We wanted to bring a pub back to the Fulham end of the Kings Road and re-establish The Imperial Arms at the heart of the local community,” said Imperial Arms general manager Ryan Harris.
“We have created a place where people can eat, drink, work or play together. We hope locals will welcome the pub back with open arms and we can’t wait for them to experience The Imperial Arms’ great new look and food and drink for themselves.”
From York to New York
Imperial Arms head chef James Barlow was born in York but grew up in the south of France, close to Toulouse.
He then moved to New York where he worked in the Meatpacking District of the Big Apple and had the pleasure of cooking for the music legend Lionel Richie before returning to the UK three years ago.
James now lives in Parsons Green and has put together a menu which reflects his globetrotting years while celebrating the very best of British seasonal produce.
Some of the standout dishes on the menu include slow cooked pork belly, fondant potatoes, Romanesco broccoli and sweet and sour jus. But if fish is more your thing, there is a stone bass supreme and salad of heritage beetroot to please your palate as well as the usual pub classics and a delicious brunch menu at weekends.
“There is a great village feel in Fulham,” said James. “I love this part of London and I’m really enjoying the chance to work in the area.
“I’ve added the gherkin polenta fries to the menu, which is a popular choice in New York, that I picked up in my time there, and some Mediterranean influences which are dotted all over the new menu.”
Long history
The Imperial Arms is one of the only remaining pubs on that stretch of New Kings Road after the Morrison closed in 2011 and the Hand & Flower poured its last pint in 2013.
By sending us a comment, you are agreeing to our publishing policy.
