Simpson’s Tavern: Campaign to save historic restaurant, which once fed Dickens

FANS of a good business lunch are up in arms after Simpson’s Tavern, where Charles Dickens is said to have been a patron, has closed its doors. The venue, which opened in 1757 and calls itself the oldest chophouse in London, shut last month and may not reopen.

“We are heartbroken,” manager Benjamin Duggan tells us. “We have survived fires, world wars, an industrial revolution, a plague and a mini-Budget”. Today, Duggan launches “Save Our Simpson’s”, a campaign to save it with help from regular City diners. Nigel Farage is known to be a fan.

The restaurant got into rent arrears during the pandemic and the landlord is now demanding back payment. There is also talk of selling the freehold.

“We’ve served everyone,” says Duggan, “from royalty to the guy who sweeps the street outside. I fear, without support, there is no road back. The venue and stories soaked into its walls will be lost.”

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