The Story of Julie’s

OUR STORY

2019 marked 50 years since Julie’s first opened its doors in Holland Park. It became a favourite of the neighbourhood and international set alike. This remarkable achievement has a family story behind it.

In 1967 current owners Tim and Cathy Herring purchased Numbers 135 and 137 Portland Road. Julie Hodgess, a Royal College of Art Graduate and successful interior designer whose decor had helped to make the famous Biba boutiques so well loved, expressed an interest in opening a restaurant with her husband David Green. Julie’s Restaurant opened its doors in November 1969. Neighbours and friends, the great and the good, soon flocked to Julie’s door and the legendary establishment was born. In 1971 Julie’s Wine Bar was created alongside the restaurant.

Tim and Cathy took over the operation in 1972, just after opening their inventive Portobello Hotel. They promised to nurture the spirit of Julie’s on the condition that Julie herself would continue as their permanent consultant. She became a firm family friend and indeed when Tim and Cathy opened The Ark Restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island, for the 1983 America’s Cup Challenge, Julie inspired the decor.

Fifty years later Julie’s reopened after a comprehensive refurbishment and reorganisation, incorporating a state-of-the-art kitchen whilst recreating the iconic Julie’s furnishing, decorative features and objets d’art.

Julies have produced a menu of modern British dishes and continuing the family involvement into the next generation with their grandson Ralph Herring taking on the role as General manager.

CHRISTMAS CARD GALLERY

TESTIMONIALS

I just wanted to say thank you for such a lovely meal on Saturday night for my friend’s hen party. Everyone said what amazing food we had and how friendly and welcoming the staff were.

I would finally like to thank absolutely all of the staff at Julie’s for such a wonderful evening on Saturday 25th November. Norman was thrilled with the high level of organisation.

Just to say thank you for a wonderful evening. We really thought the location and garden room was fab and had a really enjoyable evening.

Sign up to our newsletter

To join our mailing list to receive news and offers, please complete your details below.