Simpson’s in the Strand’s symbolic carving trolleys to be auctioned as restaurant ‘enters new chapter’

The two-day auction, to be held on 2 and 3 August, will also feature items including furniture and lighting from Simpson’s restaurants and bars, as well as a vast collection of Wedgewood crockery.

All items have been carefully selected by experts at Pro Auction, which will be overseeing the sale.

Part of the Savoy Buildings, Simpson’s in the Strand is one of the London’s oldest landmark restaurants, having first opened as a chess club and coffee house back in 1828.

Specialising in classic British cuisine, the restaurant once played host to the likes of prime ministers Winston Churchill, Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone, and was also a favourite of author Charles Dickens.

It has been run by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, which also owns The Savoy hotel, since 2005, and underwent a significant restoration in 2017. 

Simpson’s was forced to close in March 2020 owing to Covid lockdown restrictions and is yet to reopen, although it is understood there are plans to relaunch the restaurant at some point in 2024.

Commenting on the sale, auction director at Pro Auction Simon Rose said “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for buyers to get their hands on some truly unique pieces that were once part of one of London’s most iconic establishments.”

“We are expecting strong interest in these beautiful items which have been carefully chosen for their design excellence as well as their historical significance.”

Buyers can take advantage of pre-sale viewing days where they can inspect each item prior to bidding.

The Simpson’s in the Strand Auction will be live and webcast online from 10.30am over the two days.

To view the sale catalogue, register to bid online and further details visit: www.simpsons-auction.com​​