[By John Webb.] I had
heard that Simpson's-in-the-Strand, the iconic wood-panelled London eatery with
its stunning ceiling is closing. But
only for complete refurbishment. No one could say what will be done
design wise but that it will be very different. A challenge for we Urban
Sketchers who like to record reality which includes change. Simpson's
kindly let me in towards the end of the luncheon sitting.
Started
in 1828 simply as a smoking room, it became in the 1850s a restaurant then also
the most important place in Britain for chess. P. G. Woodhouse called it ‘a restful temple of food’ and being able to
sit in a corner for two hours and observe lingering diners – some who came for a
look and chat – confirmed that.
