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Ardent Pubs takes the old Ape & Bird site off Cambridge Circus for The Magpie
The group behind The George and The Hound is taking over a former BrewDog where its founder's grandfather once drank. It plans to open in early 2027.
Key facts
- The Magpie is opening at 142 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8HJ, just off Cambridge Circus
- The opening is planned for early 2027
- The site was a BrewDog most recently and earlier Russell Norman's Ape & Bird
- It comes from Ardent Pubs, the group behind The George and The Hound
Ardent Pubs, the group that runs The Cadogan Arms, The George and The Hound, is opening a new pub called The Magpie at 142 Shaftesbury Avenue, just off Cambridge Circus. The opening is planned for early 2027.
The group has split from JKS. The Magpie will be its most central pub so far.
A long-running pub site on Shaftesbury Avenue
The building has been a pub for many years. It was a BrewDog most recently, and before that it was Russell Norman’s Ape & Bird.
Dominic Jacobs, who founded the group, has a family link to the address. It was the local of his grandfather, who worked at the Soho Fire Station.
What to expect on the menu at The Magpie
The Magpie has not published its menu yet. The group’s other pubs serve classic pub food alongside steaks and chops, plus dishes such as Iberico pork ribs and osso bucco Milanese. More details about the food are due nearer to the opening.
The group shares updates on Instagram at @ardentpubgroup. The pub’s address is 142 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8HJ.
Key questions
Where is The Magpie pub?
It is at 142 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8HJ, just off Cambridge Circus.
When does The Magpie open?
The opening is planned for early 2027.
What was there before?
The site was a BrewDog most recently. Before that it was Russell Norman's Ape & Bird.
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