Iconic London Wetherspoons that shut down despite being the best rated re-opens with new name and ma

Publish date: 2024-06-08

The top-rated JD Wetherspoons pub formerly known as The Knights Templar has been given a new lease of life and completely revamped under new management. The Chancery Lane venue closed its doors back in March this year amid nationwide plans to close a number of the budget boozer chain’s franchises, but reopened today (Monday, May 15) with a brand new identity.

Berkeley Inns took over the pub not long after it shut to the public, choosing to continue the historic building, which was once home to a former Union Bar, as a watering hole rather than a café or offices. The boozer has been renamed The Last Judgement, and according to their website “promises to take the traditional London pub experience to new heights”.

What was once home to Spoons’ endless food and drink menus, will now focus on “creating special social experiences” with casual fine dining, live music and even DJs at the weekend. Their bar menu includes dishes such as Slow cooked beef brisket and gruyere spring rolls, Zucchini fries, and a whole Baked Tunworth Camembert for £19.

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Dishes on their main dinner menu feature Miso and honey glazed swordfish with chargrilled asparagus, cucumber and daikon kimchi, and miso carrot purée; Roasted Blakenhall Park Farm chicken breast with pancetta and caramelised shallot stuffing, French peas, and lemon and thyme Parmentier potatoes; and a 450g Chateaubriand steak for £79.

One feature of the old Knights Templar was their ability to provide an affordable venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions, and was the only branch able to do so. A spokesperson for Wetherspoons told the Evening Standard the venue was popular with couples and was often booked up at weekends, but nevertheless would shut.

Their most affordable package, including a three-course meal or buffet for 100 guests, three bottles of house wine per table, a wedding planner, flowers, table decorations, and a live DJ, cost just £5,000.

The Knights Templar was also the top rated Wetherspoons pub in Zone 1, based on their Google Review rating. MyLondon recorded their definitive ranking, where the pub had an average rating of 4.3 stars out of five.

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How to get there

Address: 95 Chancery Lane, WC2A 1DT

The closest station to the pub is Chancery Lane, but can also be accessed by Farringdon and Temple. See more accommodation options on Booking.com . You can book UK and European trains - including cheap Eurostar tickets - on Trainline.

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