Group which runs The Hound in Chiswick to open new pub in Soho

The Magpie pub in Soho; image Ardent Pub Group

New pub to open early next year the fourth in the Ardent Pub Group’s portfolio

The Ardent Pub Group, which runs The Hound in Chiswick, has signed a deal to open a new pub in Soho.

This will be the fourth pub run by the group, which took over the premises which had previously been The Crown in Chiswick High Road in July 2024. Established only five years ago, they also operate The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea and The George in Fitzrovia.

The Hound is a member of The Chiswick Calendar’s Club Card scheme, offering Club Card holders 10% off food and drink, all day, Monday – Saturday.

Its new sister pub at Cambridge Circus on the border of Soho and Covent Garden, The Magpie, is due to open in early 2027.

It used to be called BrewDog Seven Dials, and before that The Ape and Bird.

Founder and managing director Dominic Jacobs told The Mornng Advertiser they were making a multi million pound investment to bring The Magpie back to its former glory:

“I’ve had a connection to this pub for a long time. It was my grandfather’s go-to pub for 30 years, and he held his retirement party there”.

The Hound in Chiswick High Road

According to the hospitality trade press the new site forms part of a growth programme for Ardent Pub Group following Dominic Jacobs’ full buyout of the group in December last year and the securing of new US-based investment.

Ardent Pub Group has recorded sales growth of more than 25% year-on-year and has its sights on further openings in London and elsewhere over the next three to five years.

Their success has been recognised in other ways as well.

Their ‘upmarket boozer’ The George in Fitzrovia won the title of Best Pub in London in the National Pub and Bar awards in June. Ardent Pub Group has also been singled out as one of the best places to work in hospitality by both CODE and The Sunday Times.