Julie's to reopen following four year closure

The relaunch has been timed to coincide with the restaurant’s 50th anniversary and will see former Goring hotel executive chef Shay Cooper take over the kitchen as chef patron.

It was closed in early 2015 for a renovation that has apparently taken over four years to complete.

Julie’s was first opened by interior designer Julie Hodgess back in November 1969, and gradually built a reputation for being celeb hangout with Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Moss and Diana, Princess of Wales counted among its regulars.

In 1972, Hodgess sold the restaurant to Tim and Cathy Herring, who continue to oversee the restaurant.

Hodgess, however, has returned to oversee the restaurant’s interior design with key characteristics – including stained-glass windows, Gothic wood carvings, and ‘a honeycomb of small eating areas and alcoves’ – retained.

Cooper’s menu will focus on modern British cuisine, with dishes including glazed ox cheek and aged sirloin of beef.

“I am excited to contribute to preserving and building upon the legacy of the restaurant, which cares about its neighbourhood,” says Cooper.

“Julie’s has always had a loyal following for its ambience and atmosphere, and it is my ambition for the restaurant to gain a reputation for great food.”