Review: The Imperial Arms reopens with chic decor and new menu

‘I think we’re going to be coming here a lot!’

That was the conclusion after we went to review The Imperial Arms the other week. The New King’s Road pub reopened after half-term following a change in ownership and refurbishment.

The cool pub has gone from rustic to chic, and is now boasting a sleek white mosaic-tiled bar area by the entrance and a similar style bar upstairs in the light and airy private dining room.

Upon arrival, we escaped into the brasserie-style dining room, and found a cozy booth table –ideal for a dinner date.

The staff was attentive and welcoming, and Nick and his colleagues made us feel like The Imperial Arms is somewhere locals will quickly be recognised and feel at home.

We were presented with the restaurant’s new vegan menu in addition to the main menu–both celebrating the best of British seasonal produce. I started with a tasty salmon bruschetta, and could probably have stopped there because it was a filling dish, but the stone bass with purple potatoes came recommend and didn’t disappoint.

I also had a taste of the gherkin polenta fries with chipotle mayo – a unique starter that works well for sharing. The menu also features a mix of pub classics, like burger, steak and fish and chips, and there really seemed to be something for everyone on chef James Barlow’s menu.

Barlow, who is heading up the kitchen at The Imperial Arms, has experience from London’s Soho House and New York’s Fig & Olive, and the new menu and food we tasted had us excited. We could definitely see ourselves returning to The Imperial Arms for anything from a family brunch to dinner with friends, or perhaps a coffee and a laptop if the upstairs room ends up being available for people who work from home.

In fact, we ended up going back the day after too – that time for drinks in the bar area with a bigger group.

It turned out to be worth braving the cold snowy weather twice the other week for fun nights out at The Imperial Arms.

Tags: Brasserie, Fulham, London, New King's Road, Parsons Green, Review, The Imperial Arms