The Black Duke Opens at Brunswick House
Brunswick House, the acclaimed restaurant, bar and events space from Jackson Boxer, has announced the opening of The Black Duke, a dramatic new reimagining of its former Cellar Bar. Located beneath the antique-laden Georgian mansion in Vauxhall, The Black Duke will open to the public on Thursday 9th October, unveiling an entirely renewed drinking destination with a fresh cocktail programme, updated wine list and an elevated snack menu.
Set within the building’s historic 18th-century foundations, the launch marks the completion of an extensive restoration project that has brought the original 1758 cellar back to life. The space was built for the Duke of Brunswick—known historically as The Black Duke—and retains many of its extraordinary period features. Over recent months, Brunswick House has rebuilt the almost 300-year-old fireplaces and chimneys, returning them to working condition. LASSCO, long associated with the building’s antique character, has sourced vintage leather seating and classic tables to complement the revived Georgian architecture and lend the bar an atmospheric, old-world charm that stands in striking contrast to the fast-developing Vauxhall streets above.
Alongside the architectural restoration, the space has been fitted with a state-of-the-art cocktail bar and an enhanced wine cellar. The result is a moody, characterful drinking den that pays homage both to the building’s past and to the convivial spirit its namesake Duke might have relished.
The Black Duke launches with a new cocktail menu arranged into four sections—Fizzy, Still, Shaken and Non-Alcoholic—each showcasing creative interpretations of classics. Highlights include a Champagne Cocktail made with Pol Roger Brut Reserve, Brown Butter Armagnac and Kokuto sugar; a Brunswick Martini built from No.3 London Gin, Vermouth, Génépi and Hay; and an El Presidente combining rum, vermouth, persimmon and pastis. The Bergamot Margarita introduces a citrus-bright twist on the much-loved staple, while the Botivo Daisy provides a fully non-alcoholic option using 0% Botivo mixed with figs and citrus.
In a notable addition to the bar’s offering, The Black Duke has announced Pol Roger as its new house Champagne. To celebrate the launch, guests will be able to enjoy glasses of Pol Roger Brut NV for £5 between 6pm and 8pm. A substantial wine list will feature both bottles and by-the-glass selections, including a weekly-changing roster of the team’s current favourites. These will range from classic, traditionalist wines to low-intervention, natural styles, allowing guests to explore an evolving list curated with enthusiasm and expertise. Beer, cider and an extensive selection of spirits round out the drinks offering.
Food will play a central role in the bar’s new identity. The updated snack menu has been created to pair effortlessly with the drinks list, offering indulgent small plates and refined bar snacks. Options include a Brunswick Bikini toastie layered with Wiltshire ham, Keen’s Cheddar and Boudin Noir; Salami with Gorgonzola and Pickles; and returning Brunswick House signatures such as the Devilled Egg topped with trout roe and the much-loved Grilled Potato Bread with green garlic butter.
The Black Duke will operate Tuesday to Friday, 6pm to 11pm, inviting guests to descend into its atmospheric cellars for intimate drinks, pre-dinner cocktails or relaxed late-evening gatherings. Entry is via the main Brunswick House reception, with a staircase leading guests down past the bar into the newly restored space.
The opening marks a significant new chapter for Brunswick House, further cementing its reputation as one of London’s most distinctive dining and drinking destinations.
