Incipio CEO Ed Devenport outside the Royal Exchange
(Picture: Handout)The City’s growing reputation as a gastronomic destination is set to be given another boost by the launch of a huge new dining complex in the basement vaults of the Royal Exchange in the heart of the Square Mile.
The 450-seat Libertine will open in October after a £2 million refit under the historic landmark that has been empty for around five years.
The 7000 sq ft venue will have a main restaurant, a large bar, smaller drinking and dining spaces and two private dining rooms in a space previously occupied by the Imperial City Asian Chinese restaurant. It is just yards from The Ned, the private members club, restaurant and bars venue opened by Soho House founder Nick Jones in the former Midland Bank HQ in 2017.
The Libertine is the latest venture from hospitality group Incipio which also runs the Pergola on the Wharf in Canary wharf, Pergola Paddington and lost in Brixton.
It is in Incipio’s first foray into the City.
The Grade I-listed Royal Exchange, opened by Queen Elizabeth I in 1571, was the first place in London to be granted a royal licence to sell alcohol.
Incipio CEO Ed Devenport said Libertine would specialise in the “classic and well loved dishes” that go down well in The City centred on red meat and sea food.
The Libertine is described as “a place of celebration and generous hospitality, paying homage to its rich, fruitful history. With free spirited hedonism at its centre, the space will be a destination for parties, drinking and dining alike, from morning through to late night.”
