JOE ALLEN MOVES - Paul Roberts 🌹
It was with sadness and a deep, deep sense of nostalgia that we walked past the now boarded up premises of Joe Allen.
For more than twenty years it had been at the centre of our universe, my wife working there and me propping up the end of the bar, drinking cocktails and chatting to staff and customers alike. I run my hand down the locked grate and whisper 'Good night Jimmy'.
For more than twenty years it had been at the centre of our universe, my wife working there and me propping up the end of the bar, drinking cocktails and chatting to staff and customers alike. I run my hand down the locked grate and whisper 'Good night Jimmy'.
We walk round the corner towards the new premises, fearful of what awaited us and full of hope that somehow the owners had managed to recreate our beloved Joe's and that its soul had not been lost forever.
It had been such an iconic restaurant, full of history and celebration; so may stories it could tell of happiness, sadness and everything in between.
So in we walk and are greeted by our great friends Francesco and Stewart.
It had been such an iconic restaurant, full of history and celebration; so may stories it could tell of happiness, sadness and everything in between.
So in we walk and are greeted by our great friends Francesco and Stewart.
Paul Roberts - Poem x
As we make our way down the small flight of stairs toward the bar, amid hugs and kisses and warm handshakes, I glance around and to my joy and amazement realise that all our fears were unfounded. It feels like Joe's and looks like it too.
Brick walls and framed show posters and the lovely sound of a piano being played in the corner. The soul of Joe Allen is here and alive. We take a seat at the bar and order a cocktail and Eggs Benedict.
As some old friends leave, more arrive; ex-staff and regular customers. There is a nice vibe, a reunion of friends and family.
Joe Allen opens for full service tonight, on the Friday 1st September 2017, the new location is on Burleigh Street, in the Strand Palace Hotel building.
It's a good day, a date to be remembered. 🌹
Brick walls and framed show posters and the lovely sound of a piano being played in the corner. The soul of Joe Allen is here and alive. We take a seat at the bar and order a cocktail and Eggs Benedict.
As some old friends leave, more arrive; ex-staff and regular customers. There is a nice vibe, a reunion of friends and family.
Joe Allen opens for full service tonight, on the Friday 1st September 2017, the new location is on Burleigh Street, in the Strand Palace Hotel building.
It's a good day, a date to be remembered. 🌹
Paul Roberts
0207 836 0651
