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From the masterminds behind North West drinking institution The Shop, restaurateur Zac Lichman and actor Lucien Laviscount, The Wealthy Beggar in Kensal Rise is now open. With a creative cocktail menu, seasonally changing food offering and standout event programming, The Wealthy Beggar is North West London’s new go-to ‘five star’ dive bar.

Zac Lichman, Lucien Laviscount (Emily in Paris) and Head Chef Gareth Drew have reunited on The Wealthy Beggar, having originally worked together on The Shop, a much-loved bar which also served as a shop front for talent to showcase their wares and for people to purchase. Following the success of what became a North West London institution, the team of three have come together once again to create the Wealthy Beggar. Joining them on the team will be acclaimed British film director and musician Don Letts, who is overseeing the programming and bar manager Jack Owen.

The Wealthy Beggar is open all day, Tuesday through Saturday, serving carefully considered bar bites alongside excellent cocktails. The space seamlessly transitions from day to night with the help of live music, DJs and entertainment.

The accomplished cocktail menu has been created by the talented Jack Owen who has worked in bars from London to New York.  Together, the team have ensured that all cocktails represent the ethos of the brand with The Lucky Penny and Winning Horse just two examples of this. Highlights from the cocktail list include the Loaded Dice with watermelon, banana, coconut, pineapple and a blend of three types of rum, the Flat Cap with aged rye whisky, fresh almond, citrus and a combination of herbs and the refreshingly sweet Velvet Hand made with fresh pomegranate cordial, sparkling wine and apple infused brandy.

The ever-evolving menu has been created by Head Chef Gareth Drew previously of Nobu London and Buddha Bar and will be an eclectic mix of flavourful pan asian dishes including Wagyu tartare with truffle miso, whipped foie gras, yuzu and caviar and Kombu Jimmy spiced lamb, umeboshi, honey & ponzu as well as a Cheeseburger dumpling with kimchi ketchup and the Langoustine tartare with Parmesan hijiki tuile and sake bisque foam. With something for everyone, the menu is made up of bar bites designed for sharing and perfectly complementing the cocktail offering. The menu will change seasonally and puts a focus on using local produce and ingredients to create high quality dishes.

The space, split between two floors, comprises a statement bar as well as intimate booths and crystal pendant lights. Downstairs serves as an event space with an array of antique furniture, art and an eclectic mix of trinkets as well as a DJ booth for late nights and events.

In addition to a recording studio, there is exciting event programming curated by Don Letts, British film director, DJ and musician, including live music performances every Wednesday, regular quiz nights and weekend parties with a variety of entertainment and bottle service. There is a philanthropic element to the brand, with a focus on giving back to the community through various charitable partnerships, with more details to be announced throughout December.

109 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London

@wealthybeggar.london