The inspiration behind The Long Lane

What inspired the team to open The Long Lane?

We had wanted to open a bar before the pandemic on the back of the success and three and a half years trading of our first bar, The Racketeer, in King’s Cross. At times, we were turning away larger bookings and felt a new site relatively close by would help us fulfil our customer’s needs.

The main inspiration was the challenge and excitement of opening a new site and going through the same emotions we did when opening The Racketeer. After five years of operation, we wanted and needed a new experience to see if we could replicate the success we obtained at The Racketeer.

Did the team feel they wanted to operate the new bar differently?

Yes and no, in regard to the operation. Obviously we are in a different location with different clientele, so we have to adapt to this, even with the food offering coming into place which will add more complexity to the operation of the business and will require a different approach and provide different expectations. 

But I think with all three owners constantly on the floor and the strong team we have around us, which is the same set up as The Racketeer – these are the fundamentals on how we will be running The Long Lane.

Does the team have a theme for each site?

The Racketeer was a down at heel local boozer in need of a spruce up. It looks and feels like a pub but has a cocktail bar ethos behind it in terms of attention to detail. 

The Long Lane is a beautifully designed art deco space with a lively open plan kitchen, so food plays a larger role here. But again, we’re looking at a classic cocktail bar with twists on the classics. We will be holding spirit masterclasses much like the Racketeer.

Why did you pick this particular location? 

Smithfield is historically a design conscious area with some amazing hospitality businesses already established. We have always thought it needed a classic little cocktail bar to add to the fabric of the area. 

Our established destination cocktail bar The Racketeer is a mere 10-minute ride away from this current location of Smithfield, there are three owners who live in different locations, so it’s relatively central for all of us. We all work on the floor and as front of house and the ease of the location and commute is important for the team. 

Did they see a gap in the market at Smithfield?

There is definitely a gap in the market in the Smithfield area for a cocktail bar like ours. From the field work we have done around Smithfield, we found either very average, tourist oriented, or commercial bar offerings to high-end basement cocktail bars to late night, loud music party boozers. 

I think of The Long Lane as more of a 360 operation, where we offer different, quality drinks, and food along with a beautiful, detailed in design, and cosy venue with a great atmosphere. All without being too pretentious.

Is there a strong local community?

Yes! World renowned businesses St. John Restaurant, Italian restaurants Brutto and Luca, and popular nightclub Fabric are firm favourites of the owners. The area has the Museum of London, the Barbican and Smithfield market which are hugely important parts of the community. 

This part of London is steeped in history, William Hogarth, English painter and printmaker was born in a building behind the bar on Cloth Fair. Smithfield Market has served the local community and businesses of London for centuries.

What are the future goals for The Long Lane?

We’d like to mirror The Racketeer in terms of its impressive reviews and repeat customers. Another bar built from warmth and hospitality is at its core. Simple things done well that appeal to everyone. If we can build a steady base of loyal customers that keep coming back, then we will have achieved our main goal.