The Hero of Maida was a classic on the London pub scene, having been built in 1878 and undergoing a few name changes in that time. The pub as we know it closed earlier this year but the good news is that it's soon coming back with a new name – The Hero. If you're a fan of tasty pub grub then this is a new opening you'll want to know about.
Set to reopen sometime in the spring, the pub has been taken over by Phil Winser and James Gummer, the duo behind renowned Notting Hill gastropub The Pelican. The pair also run another sought-after gastropub, The Bull in Oxfordshire.
At present the pub is being renovated, with the final design aiming to showcase its original features as well as incorporate modern elements. The goal is for features like the lights and staircases to narrate the story of the pub, and the team are working with decorative artist Allegra Fitzherbert and furniture restorer Mark Groethe on bringing the venue back to life.
Set over four floors, the newest incarnation of The Hero will encompass a number of different spaces including the ground floor bar, a grill room, a library, and a space for private events. Of course, you'll be welcome to pop in for a drink but the plans for the food are exciting too. The ground floor bar will focus on serving nostalgic pub classics like cheese and onion pie and mackerel pâté. At the same time, the grill room will concentrate on meat and fish cooked over an open fire, with dishes like lamb chops with mint and peas and cod with brown butter set to be on the menu. If all that means you're already eagerly anticipating the opening of The Hero, sign up to the pub's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the latest developments, including the announcement of the opening date.
