Introducing the Jamaica Clubhouse

Introducing the Jamaica Clubhouse: a new experience beneath a City icon

Work has begun to create a stylish new venue beneath one of the City of London’s most historic pubs, the Jamaica Wine House.

The project by independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame will see the existing basement Todd’s Wine Bar reimagined as an intimate new space, The Jamaica Clubhouse.

Work began on Friday (August 14), with the new venue set to open on Tuesday, September 22. 

Known affectionately as ‘The Jampot’, the Jamaica Wine House is tucked away in St Michael’s Alley, near Monument. The site is recognised as the birthplace of London’s coffee house scene, with the first coffee house established there in 1652 and Samuel Pepys among its early patrons. It became the Jamaica Coffee House in the late 17th century before evolving into a tavern and, in 1869, becoming the Jamaica Wine House. The current building dates from the Victorian era and retains many of its original features.

The basement bar has long offered a more intimate alternative to the bustling pub above, and the new Jamaica Clubhouse will build on that role, creating a distinctive destination in its own right while remaining connected to the character and history of the pub above.

Its design has been carefully considered to retain the bar’s classic Victorian features while introducing dark, rich red décor, velvet seating and closely arranged tables to create an intimate atmosphere. Quirky touches will include a small booth in the vestibule area complete with its own disco ball.

A new cocktail menu has been created specifically for the Clubhouse, providing a more premium drinks experience alongside Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers and lagers, wines and spirits.

The new space will also have a strong focus on events and experiences, with a programme of new Cellar Sessions to be introduced. These will include live acoustic music, beer and wine tasting sessions and cocktail-making workshops, offering customers new ways to discover and enjoy the space.

The Jamaica Clubhouse will be available to hire as a private venue, with seating for up to 40 people or standing room for up to 80.

Shane Godwin, Director of Retail Operations at Shepherd Neame, said: “The Jamaica Wine House is a classic City pub with a unique character and history.

“This project is about enhancing the site rather than changing what people love about it. The pub upstairs will retain its much-loved character, while the new Jamaica Clubhouse will give customers another way to enjoy this iconic location.”

The Jamaica Wine House is located in St Michael’s Alley, Cornhill, London EC3V 9DS. It is currently open from 11am to 10pm on Monday, and 11am to 11pm from Tuesday to Friday. From September 26, it will also open on Saturday from 11am to 9pm.

Find out more at www.jamaicawinehouse.co.uk