Guy Ritchie to Bring His Signature Style to Historic Chelsea Pub
The late 8th Earl Cadogan was famously a man of strong opinions, never afraid to voice his thoughts regardless of what others might think. This was memorably demonstrated when he decided not to renew the lease of the Oriel brasserie on his Chelsea estate after declaring he disliked both the food and the prices during a lunch visit. Now, more than two years after Charles Cadogan's death at 86, his legacy continues to shape the prestigious Cadogan Estate, with a significant change announced at another of its establishments.
A New Chapter for The Gloucester
I can reveal that high-octane film director Guy Ritchie is taking over The Gloucester, a pub established in 1835 on Sloane Street. Ritchie will assume control lock, stock and barrel in May when the current lease held by Greene King expires. Greene King, which describes itself as 'the country's leading pub retailer and brewer' with 2,700 pubs, restaurants and hotels, will be departing the premises.
The Cadogan Estate has confirmed that the expiry of Greene King's lease presented 'an opportunity to ensure that the only pub in Sloane Street was a great local, run by an exciting independent operator'. They emphasised their desire to find someone who would 'bring real character' to both the pub and the entire street.
Ritchie's Pub Portfolio Expands
Guy Ritchie, 57, has established a new company called 187 Sloane Street Ltd specifically to run The Gloucester. While he declines to comment on the new venture, Ritchie brings considerable experience in the hospitality sector. He previously owned The Punchbowl in Mayfair and the Walmer Castle in Notting Hill, and currently owns The Lore Of The Land in Fitzrovia – a venue that has unfortunately suffered two fires.
Conflagration is nothing new for Ritchie, who is about to begin filming his latest gangster movie, Viva La Madness, featuring his regular collaborators Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones. His move into The Gloucester represents a significant addition to his portfolio of London establishments.
Changing of the Guard at Cadogan
Interestingly, this change comes under the stewardship of William, the 9th Earl Cadogan, who presents a different character to his more acerbic father. Described as less confrontational and more modestly built than his predecessor, the current earl appears to be continuing the family tradition of carefully curating their Chelsea estate while putting his own stamp on proceedings.
The Cadogan Estate's decision to replace a major chain with an independent operator reflects a growing trend in London's premium property sector, where landlords increasingly seek distinctive, characterful tenants that enhance the unique atmosphere of their locations rather than standard chain offerings.
