Joe Allen, the historic theatreland restaurant in the heart of London’s West End is to move to a new home this Summer, 25 metres down the road on Burleigh Street.
Retaining the heart and soul of the much-loved West End canteen, Joe’s will be taking everything with them, from the recognizable wood paneling to the classic theatre posters and the iconic bar.
The restaurant’s current site on Exeter Street has been acquired by the actor Robert De Niro who will open a boutique hotel in its place.
Celebrating its 40th Birthday this year, Joe Allen has enjoyed a loyal following of thespians, famous faces and theatregoers alike, with restaurant critic Jay Rayner stating in 2013, ''This restaurant has a special place in my congested heart. Joe Allen opened in January 1977 and I first came, aged 10, a few months later. It was one of the places where I learned to eat.'
Joe’s has also played an early role in the careers of much-loved figures from London’s restaurant scene including renowned chef Rowley Leigh and restaurateurs Russell Norman and Jeremy King. Forty years on and the Joe Allen story, having stood the test of time, will move onto another chapter under the steer of custodians Tim Healy and Lawrence Hartley and the Joe Allen team, many of whom have been working at the restaurant for over 20 years.
Hartley said, “Although we’re moving, we’re keeping everything the same - our new home on Burleigh Street will be a reincarnation of the Joe Allen we all know and love, with a couple of new additions.'
Healy added, “Joe’s is lucky to have such a loyal and supportive community so we’re going to preserve everything our customers love about the place; from the team to the posters on the wall, the bar, the classics on the menu - even the walls and the floor are coming with us.'
Joe Allen’s new place will open in August 2017 on Burleigh Street.