Hippo Inns opens 13th pub in London

The Builders Arms, has been acquired by its original owner Rupert Clevely of Hippo Inns, with the Chelsea pub on Britten Street having undergone a “substantial refurbishment”.

The deal takes the operators portfolio to 13 pubs across the capital.

The 86-cover pub, designed by Jo and India Clevely’s new design company Studio InJo, features “quirky décor” including gold pineapple wall lights and a zesty orange patterned wallpaper along with the striking artwork by award-winning artist Paul Karslake. In addition to the main bar, there’s a 30-cover snug and an outdoor terrace.

British food is at the heart of pub with an all-day menu, featuring classic pub food and more inventive dishes, from head chef Tom McVey. Signature plates include crispy pig’s head with piccalilli; south coast chilli crab linguine; and Hereford onglet steak with girolles.

In addition to the main menu, the pub serves an elevated Saturday brunch with dishes such as crumpets with crab butter, spinach and poached eggs and Sunday roasts.

The drinks menu includes cask ales and rotating craft beers, spirit mixers and house cocktails as well as an extensive wine list created by Hippo’s in-house master of wine, John Clevely.

Clevely said: “It is great to have the Builders Arms back, it’s a pub close to my heart from my previous life. Hippo Inns is a group of community pubs with quality food and drink at its heart and the Builders Arms fits perfectly within our portfolio.”