There is no certainty as to how the name Hoop & Grapes came into use. One possibility is that it came from the pub being used as a venue for unlicensed ‘Fleet Marriages’. However, I favour the suggestion that Hoop is a corruption of the word hops and therefore the name simply refers to the availability of both beers and wines within. I have only found one other pub in the UK with this name and it is in nearby Aldgate High Street.
The pub in Farringdon Street was saved from demolition in 1991 after being granted a Grade II listing. It now sits as a building of historic significance very much in contrast to the surrounding modern developments, many of which are offices. Shepherd Neame spent the grand sum of £1.7 million over five years to refurbish the pub and it reopened in February 2026. The investment shows and the pub has a lighter feel than previously, although there are some historic remnants such as the fireplaces. It now extends over several floors, including a cosy games room on the top floor that has a dartboard, in addition to board games. On my visit there were four cask beers on sale in the main bar, all of course from Sheps, and two in the upstairs bar. The use of outside space has been very positive and you will find a comfortable garden at the rear and a small first floor terrace.
A formal reopening took place led by chief executive, Jonathan Neame, who holds the title of High Sheriff of Kent. He introduced the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, the Dean of nearby St Paul’s Cathedral who, in his speech, told us of the association between pubs, the community and the church. The Hoop itself was built on a graveyard belonging to the nearby St Bride’s Church. He was very grateful to receive a donation of £1,000 from Sheps for the Glasshouse charity.
Once again Sheps are to be congratulated for the time and money that they have put into redeveloping this pub without it losing its appeal from the distant past. Mr Neame described it as a classic London pub and it will prove to be the place to go for workers in the nearby offices and visitors to the new London Museum when it opens. The museum will be taking over buildings in the nearby old Smithfield Market.
The food offering looks strong as well. I had the fortune to have some fresh oysters. There is a full range from small plates to mains.
So, there you have it. Four excellent cask beers; if hungry, plenty of eats on the menu and the pleasure of sitting in a lovely, carefully refurbished pub. The full address is 80 Farringdon Street, EC4A 4BL and full details can be found at https://www.hoopandgrapes.co.uk/.
The pub is our cover picture for this edition. Our thanks to Sheps for both photographs.
John Cryne