Great British Pubs… The Montagu Pyke (London)

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen
Photos courtesy of J.D. Wetherspoon

The Montagu Pyke opened as Pyke’s Cambridge Circus Cinematograph Theatre, the 16th and final cinema built by cinema pioneer Montagu Pyke. Before it became a Wetherspoon pub in 1996, the building used to be the famous Marquee Club where music legends like The Who, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, The Clash and the Sex Pistols performed. A favorite drink is one of Wetherspoon’s real ales, especially guest ales that change regularly. The Traditional British Breakfast is one of the pub’s most popular dishes, loved by tourists, theatregoers and visitors exploring the heart of the West End.

A true pub favorite is the Freshly Battered Fish & Chips, served with crispy chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. This timeless British classic is a must-try for guests wanting to experience a traditional taste of Britain in a historic London pub. As you walk through the entrance on Charing Cross Road, you’re greeted by a huge open-plan space with impressive high ceilings that immediately hint at the building’s former life as a cinema. Look around and you’ll spot historic displays, vintage photographs and information boards telling the story of Montagu Pyke, the cinema, Soho and the legendary Marquee Club. The Montagu Pyke is much more than just a pub — it is a place where London’s history, entertainment and hospitality come together. Located in the heart of the West End, just moments from theatres, Soho and Leicester Square, it is the perfect stop for locals, tourists and theatregoers looking for great food, drinks and a memorable atmosphere. At The Montagu Pyke, you’re not just having a drink — you’re soaking up the vibes of a venue that once echoed with the energy, creativity and attitude of legendary music moments.

KB: Since when does the pub building exist and when did it become a Wetherspoon pub?

The building dates back to 1911, when it opened as Pyke’s Cambridge Circus Cinematograph Theatre, the 16th and final cinema built by cinema pioneer Montagu Pyke. After a major fire in 1915, it reopened as the Super Cinema before later becoming the Tatler, Film Centre, Cannon Cinema and finally, the famous Marquee Club. Wetherspoon transformed the building into The Montagu Pyke in December 1996, preserving many features that celebrate its unique history.

KB: What is a fun fact about the pub not many people know?

One of the coolest hidden facts is that the building was the last home of the legendary Marquee Club, one of the world’s most famous live music venues. Inside the pub you’ll find displays, photographs and memorabilia celebrating the cinema, the Marquee Club and the many legendary artists who performed there, including The Who, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, The Clash and the Sex Pistols. Even the large projector on display and the impressive high ceiling are nods to the building’s cinema past.

KB: What drink is a favorite and people must try?

A customer’s favorite is one of Wetherspoon’s real ales, especially guest ales that change regularly. If you’re looking for something refreshing, Sharp’s Doom Bar is a popular choice, while BrewDog Punk IPA is a favorite for craft beer lovers. If beer isn’t your thing, the pub’s Spritz cocktails are also very popular during the summer. We are also proud to serve our cocktail pitchers, the perfect choice for sharing with friends—or for treating yourself to a little indulgence.

KB: What dish on the menu is a favorite and people must try?

The Traditional British Breakfast is one of the pub’s most popular dishes, loved by tourists, theatregoers and visitors exploring the heart of the West End. It is the perfect way to begin the day, offering a classic British breakfast experience that is hearty, satisfying and great value. A true pub favorite is the Freshly Battered Fish & Chips, served with crispy chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. This timeless British classic is a must-try for guests wanting to experience a traditional taste of Britain in a historic London pub. For those who enjoy something with a little more flavor, the Chicken Tikka Masala is another popular choice. Rich, comforting and full of flavor, it has become a favorite among many of our regular customers. Our gourmet burgers are also among the pub’s best-selling dishes and are highly recommended. Perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or paired with a refreshing drink, they offer a generous and satisfying dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

KB: Which famous people have visited the pub over the years?

While it has been a Wetherspoon since 1996, the building’s biggest claim to fame comes from its years as the Marquee Club. Legendary artists including David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Clash and Sex Pistols all performed there when it was one of London’s most iconic music venues. We’re sure plenty of rock stars have visited over the years, although they seem to have mastered the art of going undercover. Our staff did spot members of Kasabian enjoying the pub, giving them a well-deserved mention. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Justin Timberlake, who visited years ago as part of his tequila promotion in The Montagu Pyke.

KB: I step inside your pub. What do I see? Walk me through it.

As you walk through the entrance on Charing Cross Road, you’re greeted by a huge open-plan space with impressive high ceilings that immediately hint at the building’s former life as a cinema. The bar stretches along one side of the room, while seating fills the vast floor with a mix of booths, tables and chairs suitable for everything from breakfast meetings to large groups. Look around and you’ll spot historic displays, vintage photographs and information boards telling the story of Montagu Pyke, the cinema, Soho and the legendary Marquee Club. Towards the back you’ll even find an original-style cinema projector, helping visitors imagine what the building looked like a century ago. The atmosphere is lively throughout the day, with theatregoers, tourists, office workers and London locals all mixing together.

KB: Why should people visit your pub?

The Montagu Pyke is much more than just a pub — it is a place where London’s history, entertainment and hospitality come together. Located in the heart of the West End, just moments from theatres, Soho and Leicester Square, it is the perfect stop for locals, tourists and theatregoers looking for great food, drinks and a memorable atmosphere. It was also the home of the legendary Marquee Club from 1988 to 1996 — a venue that played an important role in London’s music history. While today’s music keeps evolving and is tempting, there is something undeniably cool about stepping into a place where rock history was being made. At The Montagu Pyke, you’re not just having a drink — you’re soaking up the vibes of a venue that once echoed with the energy, creativity and attitude of legendary music moments.

For more information, check out The Montagu Pyke’s website: HERE

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