Notting Hills Pelican Sold
March 13, 2014
The Pelican in Notting Hill is now under new ownership after DCL – the leisure specialists – sold the remainder of a 20 year free of tie lease from April 2012 to private operator Alli Kyle for an undisclosed sum. The vendor – Gareth Lloyd-Jones – is the former CEO of Gourmet Holdings and former owner of dining pub group Bel & The Dragon. He continues to operate two neighbourhood dining pubs in Central London – The Canonbury and The Hansom Cab as well as The Spencer, The Althorp and The Bridge House in South West London.
Ms Kyle is looking to reposition the pub to attract a younger, edgier audience, rebranding the venue The Red Lemon and carrying out extensive redecoration to give the space a light and open feel. The furniture will be replaced with Chesterfield sofas and paintings by local artist Joseph Hartley – all of which are for sale – will adorn the walls.
The focus will be very much on creating a traditional pub atmosphere with a range of ales from the Portobello Brewery on offer along with guest ales, ciders and a select wine list. The kitchen will be headed up by Dave Green – former Head Chef at the Dean Street Townhouse – and will serve modern British pub food, using the highest quality ingredients and all prepared on site.
The first floor will boast a private function room which will specialise in private dinners for up to 30 people, with set price menus tailored for guests individual requirements. These are served as sharing platters with dishes such as Chateaubriand steak. It can also accommodate up to 40 people for drinks parties.
Chris Bickle, Associate Director at Davis Coffer Lyons said: This is one of Londons most sought after and diverse suburbs, and the pub is just a short distance from the famous Portobello Road; nearby operators include hot-spot Rum Kitchen. Free of tie leases like these continue to attract interest being a rarity of sorts in the capital.
