When Gareth Cooper and Alex Payne took over Queen’s Park pub The Salusbury this summer, they were committed to retaining its status as a local institution. The original Salusbury opened in a former hardware store back in the ’80s, according to Payne. “We’ve often wondered if these walls could talk, would we want to know what they have to say,” he tells Broadsheet. “Maybe ignorance is bliss – this was pre-’90s London.”
The pub has been a cornerstone of the community since then, a reputation carried on by Rob Claassen and Nick Marsh, who ran it from 1999. Now, Cooper and Payne – locals and Salusbury regulars themselves – have infused the venue with a new approach to food, music and design that reflects their backgrounds. Cooper founded creative company Broadwick Live, which owns Printworks, while Payne is a former music exec and current owner of boutique hotel The Rectory and the Michelin-recognised Potting Shed, both in the Cotswolds.
The pub retains its two-part format, with a public bar on one side and, on the other, a restaurant led by chef Tarryn Bingle, who worked with Payne at The Rectory and also has The Pem and Michelin-starred La Trompette on her CV. Expect gastropub fare like ricotta agnolotti with seasonal veg (currently purple artichoke hearts and datterini tomatoes); cured sea bream with elderflower and fennel; and a côte de boeuf with triple-cooked chips. Puddings include doughnuts with peaches and a wobbling custard tart. In the pub space, a blackboard menu changes daily; it might include bar snacks like Scotch eggs, pickled sardines with cod’s roe, and Welsh rarebit.
Payne says the pub’s approach to food is “perfectly reflected in our parmesan churros – they’re a demonstration of Tarryn’s skill and experience, and her understanding of pub culture and what pairs with beer”. There’s also a Dorset crab cacio e pepe that’s “drawing rave reviews”.
Natasha Hidvégi Design is behind the refreshed space, which mixes neutral tones with mahogany-clad walls and rich burgundy hues. Lighting is by local designer Matilda Goad, and bespoke leatherwork keeps to the traditional pub feel.
“We’re not here to take ourselves too seriously,” says Payne. “We just want to give Queen’s Park a brilliant place to meet friends, share great food, and have a laugh.”
The Salusbury
50–52 Salusbury Road, NW6 6NN
Hours:
Mon & Tue midday–11pm (drinks only)
Wed to Sat midday–2.30pm, 6pm–9.30pm
Sun midday–5pm
