The team behind Julie's in Holland Park are taking over The Prince Edward, the historic pub on Prince's Square in Notting Hill, and giving it a full restoration. The Victorian building is due to be reworked as an all-day pub under the direction of Julie's owner Tara MacBain, chef Owen Kenworthy and general manager Rupert Walsh.

The Prince Edward has operated as a neighbourhood watering hole since the 19 century and is beloved by the locals for its Victorian frontage and traditional interior features. MacBain, Kenworthy and Walsh aim to restore rather than substantially alter the space, with original architectural details retained as part of the revamp. MacBain said, "The Prince Edward already has history, character and a loyal local following. Our role is not to reinvent it beyond recognition, but to restore its heart". Its interiors will be designed by Rosanna Bossom, who also worked on Julie's. She plans to use timber, heritage colour palettes and other materials intended to reflect the building's age and character.

Prince Edward

For food, the focus will be on British fare made with seasonal produce. The proposed menu includes bar snacks, pies, fish and chips, rotisserie and grilled dishes, and a Sunday roast. The drinks offer is expected to include draught beer with options from independent and established breweries, classic cocktails and a short wine list with a European focus.

The team explain the venue will serve different functions throughout the day, saying, "We want this to be a pub people use constantly - for morning coffee, midweek suppers, Sunday lunch or a spontaneous glass of wine. Julie's has always been about warmth, personality and a sense of belonging. With The Prince Edward, we are bringing that same spirit to a true neighbourhood pub".

What you need to know

The Prince Edward project comes as Julie's prepares to launch another venue, Little Julie's (a café and wine bar in Holland Park) in late spring. Together, the new outposts suggest a broader effort to build on the brand in west London. Though there is no definite opening date yet, The Prince Edward will operate from noon to midnight, seven days a week.

Food Desk

The Prince Edward already has history, character and a loyal local following. Our role is not to reinvent it beyond recognition, but to restore its heart

Putting it in context

Location, rent and staffing shape restaurant stories long before the food does, and the operators who last are the ones who plan around all three.

Key takeaways

  • The team behind Julie's in Holland Park are taking over The Prince Edward, the historic pub on Prince's Square in Notting Hill
  • The Prince Edward has operated as a neighbourhood watering hole since the 19 century and is beloved by the locals for its Victorian frontage and traditional interior features
  • For food, the focus will be on British fare made with seasonal produce
  • The team explain the venue will serve different functions throughout the day, saying, "We want this to be a pub people use constantly - for morning coffee, midweek suppers, Sunday lunch or a spontaneous glass of wine

The questions it raises

What should you know about Prince Edward?

The team behind Julie's in Holland Park are taking over The Prince Edward, the historic pub on Prince's Square in Notting Hill, and giving it a full restoration.

What happens next?

The Victorian building is due to be reworked as an all-day pub under the direction of Julie's owner Tara MacBain, chef Owen Kenworthy and general manager Rupert Walsh.

All told

Every change in the dining room eventually reaches the same test, which is whether people keep choosing it once the novelty has worn off.