Support the renovation of The Waterman's Arms
London, England, United Kingdom
Aim
We are reviving an historic Grade 2 listed pub to create a welcoming neighbourhood pub with a standout food offering.
The Pubs History
The Waterman’s Arms previously known as The Newcastle arms and most recently known as The Great Eastern has had a vibrant history. Built by William Cubit it opened in 1853 as The Newcastle Arms, a grand pub for the area generally more frequented by dockers rather than the affluent middle class it was aimed at. The pub ran into hard times and by around 1960 it was often referred to as ‘the pub with no beer’ due to the landlord having insufficient funds to place a beer order!
The 1960’s was a different story for The Waterman’s Arms. Broadcaster Dan Farson became the licensee in 1962 and renamed the pub The Waterman’s Arms. After a major revamp, including the creation of a plushly-decorated stage with a painted backdrop showing the Royal Naval College in Greenwich, it started as a great success. Well known performers often were on stage at The Waterman’s Arms. The Kinks, Shirley Bassey and many others were known to have performed there as well as the likes of Clint Eastwood, Francis Bacon & Judy Garland being patrons to the pub. Although Farson did not have the pub for long he certainly put The Waterman’s Arms on the map!
Unfortunately, that was the heyday of The Waterman’s Arms and although it continued with a steady business the pub never managed to regain its iconic status. In 2011 the pub was renamed The Great Eastern and ran as a bar and backpackers hostel. Although a small pick up in business was found through the hostel, the pub soon again fell into disrepair and lost its atmosphere.
The Waterman’s Arms PII
Heineken and Star Pubs & Bars could see the potential of this grade 2 listed site and put it on the market as an investment lease. We at Dark Horse Pubs leapt at the chance when we heard it was available to lease, as it has so much character and history and we believe it could be a real asset to the area and community!
The Bar
We will have a fantastic range of draught beers including craft beers such as Beavertown & Brixton Reliance alongside a rotating cask beer offer. Heinekens ‘Smart Dispense’ system has revolutionised the maintenance of beer quality and will bring the perfect pint back to The Waterman’s Arms. For our wines we have worked alongside Ellis wines to create an exceptional list with a wide range and a focus on organic, bio-dynamic and natural wines. Our cocktail offering will be simple, seasonal and changing in order to appeal to all. The spirit range at The Waterman’s arms will be extensive with a particular focus on our whiskey range.
Not forgetting our fantastic coffee offering! We will be using local roasters Ozone coffee roasters in order to ensure we are serving the best coffee on the Isle of Dogs.
The Kitchen
The Waterman’s Arms will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through to Saturday and will serve a cracking Sunday Roast. The menu will be constantly rolling working with the seasons. We plan to be an option wether you are looking for a couple of small plates and snacks to a full three course meal. We have worked hard to select the best suppliers available in order to ensure we are using fantastic produce from ethical sources. Check out some links to our suppliers below.
The Rooms
With seven luxury en-suite rooms we are looking to provide a comfortable stay whether it be for a business trip due to our close proximity to Canary Wharf or a longer sightseeing stay. With luxury linens and toiletries available. A continental breakfast will be available to all guests and a hot breakfast from 10am.
Our Vision
We want The Waterman’s Arms to be the neighbourhood bar with a stand out food offering that we feel the area is calling out for. The investment into The Waterman’s Arms has been huge: The interior is being opened up to provide seating for 70 and the bar extended through the pub’s two main rooms, with a raised snug created at the back of the pub. There will be table service with customers able to eat or drink anywhere in the pub. The outside areas are being converted with brand new seating and terracing to create an airy bistro feel. With a great management team in place with over 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry we are looking forward to creating a unique experience for all guests. From Whiskey masterclasses to weekly pub quiz nights we will have regular events throughout the year.
So why do we need extra funding now?
The entire team is financially and emotionally invested into the rejuvenation of The Waterman’s Arms, but there are just a couple of last finishing touches listed below that we are hoping to raise some money towards by offering some great rewards for you all ahead of our opening in April!
- Fine cutlery and glassware.
- A rational oven which will elevate our ability to execute fantastic dishes from the kitchen.
ALL REWARDS WILL HAVE THEIR DATE EXTENDED DUE TO POSTPONEMENT OF OPENING.
This project successfully funded on 7th April 2020