Folly in the City

Drake & Morgan has announced plans to open a fourth London site in October. The Folly will open its doors at 41 Gracechurch St, offering an all-day dining and drinks destination for City workers.

With 500 covers, the venue includes a large bar, kitchen with chef’s table, deli and flower shop, as well as a private dining room and library. Below ground lies a second bar alongside further private dining facilities, a regularly evolving pop-up shop and private vaults.

The group’s owners have worked closely with Fusion Design & Architecture to create an urban garden feel to the interior.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow in plenty of natural light, while guests enter through a garden lounge decorated with hanging chairs and trees. The basement bar is connected to the ground floor by an eight metre vertical tree trunk, while long timber benches run along the main bar.

The Folly’s food offer will have a seasonal feel using local suppliers, serving breakfast through to brunch, light lunches, sharing platters, gourmet sandwiches and burgers.

The drinks list will feature a selection of premium spirits, beers and cocktails, promising an “eclectic” wine list, with many options available by the glass or to take home.

Jillian MacLean, managing director of Drake & Morgan explained: “Since the successful launch of The Refinery at Bankside, The Parlour at Canary Wharf and The Anthologist on Gresham Street, we are thrilled to be opening a further site in the City.

"Having visited the East and West Coasts of America for inspiration we aim to provide the City with a refreshingly independent bar that has a number of pleasantly surprising additions for our customers”.

Drake & Morgan plans to open a further six venues over the next few years.

Gabriel Savage, 20.07.2010