Patty & Bun founder to relaunch London pub the Watermans Arms

The founder of burger chain Patty & Bun is to oversee the opening of a pub in London’s Barnes in September.

Joe Grossmann, who launched the restaurant group in 2012, is leading the reopening of the Watermans Arms overlooking the river Thames.

The 1850s-era pub will undergo a refurbishment that will highlight its original features, including the double-height ceilings, windows that wrap around the space and oak balcony doors that open onto a 14-cover outside dining space.

Simon Walsh, formerly of the Angelsea Arms in Hammersmith, is to oversee the front of house team as general manager, while the kitchen will be led by Sam Andrews, who previously headed up the stoves at Soho’s Ducksoup and the Camberwell Arms.

The restaurant’s simple menu will include bar snacks such as lamb rib, yogurt and honey; and sourdough toast with rouille and mussels.

A full à la carte menu will feature seasonal dishes such as cannelloni, pumpkin and radicchio; spit-roast chicken with chicken fat polenta; and a rotating specials board featuring whole market fish cooked over coals, and sharing chops and steaks from the in-house butchery.

The Watermans Arms will also offer a special Sunday menu focused on sharing as well as a set lunch menu on Fridays with two courses at £21 or three courses for £26.

Grossmann said: “The Watermans Arms has been a long-time dream of mine and, as soon as there was the opportunity to take the space and prospect of building something truly special within an area I grew up in, there was no looking back.

“The bones of the place are incredible with high ceilings, beautiful original windows and doors along with a balcony overlooking the water. There are not many locations like it in London, it’s completely unique and iconic.

“It's in fantastic hands with Sam and Simon spearheading the project – two absolute legends who I’ve known for a while and always greatly admired. We want to build a place that people cherish and come back to again and again.”

The Watermans Arms will open for reservations in September 2023 and for bookings from 28 September onwards.

Shelley Sandzer acted on behalf of the landlord for the deal.