From the masterminds behind North West drinking institution The Shop, restaurateur Zac Lichman and actor Lucien Laviscount, The Wealthy Beggar will open in Kensal Rise on Thursday 1 December.
With a creative cocktail menu, seasonally changing food offering and standout event programming, The Wealthy Beggar will be North West London’s new go-to ‘five star’ dive bar.
Zac, Lucien and Head Chef Gareth Drew will reunite on The Wealthy Beggar, having originally worked together on The Shop, a much-loved bar which also served as a shop front for talent to showcase their wares and for people to purchase.
Following the success of what became a North West London institution, the team of three have come together once again to create the Wealthy Beggar. Joining them on the team will be acclaimed British film director and musician Don Letts, who is overseeing the programming, and bar manager Jack Owen.
The Wealthy Beggar will be open all day, Tuesday through Saturday, serving carefully considered bar bites alongside excellent cocktails. The space will seamlessly transition from day to night with the help of live music, DJs and entertainment.
The accomplished cocktail menu has been created by the talented Jack Owen, who has worked in bars from London to New York. Together, the team have ensured that all cocktails represent the ethos of the brand with The Lucky Penny and Winning Horse just two examples of this.
Highlights from the cocktail list include the Loaded Dice with watermelon, banana, coconut, pineapple and a blend of three types of rum, the Flat Cap with aged rye whisky, fresh almond, citrus and a combination of herbs and the refreshingly sweet Velvet Hand made with fresh pomegranate cordial, sparkling wine and apple infused brandy.
The ever-evolving menu has been created by Gareth, previously of Nobu London and Buddha Bar, and will be an eclectic mix of flavourful pan asian dishes including: Wagyu tartare with truffle miso, whipped foie gras, yuzu & caviar, and Kombu Jimmy spiced lamb, umeboshi, honey & ponzu, as well as a Cheeseburger dumpling with kimchi ketchup, and the Langoustine tartare with Parmesan hijiki tuile& sake bisque foam.
The menu will change seasonally and puts a focus on using local produce and ingredients to create high quality dishes.
The space, split between two floors, comprises a statement bar as well as intimate booths and crystal pendant lights. Downstairs will be an event space with an array of antique furniture, art and an eclectic mix of trinkets as well as a DJ booth for late nights and events.
In addition to a recording studio, there will be exciting event programming curated by Don, including live music performances every Wednesday, regular quiz nights and weekend parties with a variety of entertainment and bottle service.
There is a philanthropic element to the brand, with a focus on giving back to the community through various charitable partnerships, with more details to be announced following the opening.
The Wealthy Beggar will host a soft launch with 50% off the food bill from tomorrow, Friday 25 November - Wednesday 30 November ahead of the official launch on 1 December.
