The Quality Chop House
Food & Drink
Coordinates
51.5247767° N, -0.1100386° W
Address
88-94 Farringdon Road
London
EC1R 3EA
Website
www.thequalitychophouse.com
Email
info@thequalitychophouse.com
Telephone
+44 (0) 207 278 1452
Social Media
Twitter
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Occupying a spot on Clerkenwell’s Farringdon Road since the 1870s, The Quality Chop House was originally built as an eatery for the working man. Designed by Victorian architect Rowland Plumbe, an Englishman most celebrated for his work on residential housing schemes such as Queen’s Park, The Quality Chop House was the only restaurant design Plumbe completed. The continued existence of The Quality Chop House is down to owners Will Lander (son of son of wine connoisseur, Jancis Robinson and food writer, Nicholas Lander) and Josie Stead, who completed stints at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Sketch.
Both the exterior and interior of the Grade-II listed building that houses The Quality Chop House has remained untouched since its original design in 1869. Outside, the legendary ‘progressive working class caterer’ wooden sign remains unscathed while inside the narrow, high-ceilinged space has kept to its original configuration of solid oak benches, balusters and tables, while a separate room next door accommodates individual tables of two. Lander and Stead have made a conscious effort to keep the restaurant’s original design whilst adding small touches such as upholstery to the previously less than relaxing booths. The striking branding of The Quality Chop House was created by London-based graphic designer Wolfram Wiedner, who also designed the restaurant’s website.
Seasonal and locally-sourced produce makes up the three daily menus and each is created depending on what fresh produce is delivered that morning. Head chef Shaun Searley, previous of East London’s Bistroteque, is at the helm of the kitchen and crafts the hearty British menu. The Quality Chop House’s impressive and award-winning wine list is composed of 130 wines selected to represent the world’s most interesting wine regions and styles from both international and local wine makers.
Make sure you pop next door and visit The Quality Chop House’s Butcher and Food Shop, opened in December 2013 and designed by Fraher Architects. The impressive interior features a downstairs classroom where different classes, such as butchery by head butcher Oliver Seabright, take place.
A modern classic, you can read more about The Quality Chop House and browse their daily food and wine menus on their website.
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Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday
12:00noon – 3:00pm | 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Sunday
12:00noon – 4:00pm
Nearest Train Station
Farringdon Station (Underground)
Nearest Bus Station
Clerkenwell Road
Words by Lee Fleming
Photography by Patricia Niven
