Argyll Gastropub taps into vacant Plush space next door

Lori Midson

Argyll Gastropub, the subterranean grub-and-ale house at 2700 East Third Avenue, is about to get bigger -- much bigger. That's because Argyll owner Robert Thompson just snatched up the Plush space directly next door, which closed following New Year's Eve. Thompson's first priority is to expand the patio before St. Patrick's Day, an endeavor that will make that basement party parcel the largest lingering pad in Cherry Creek. "We definitely want to get the patio piece in by St. Patrick's Day -- that's significant," says Thompson.

The second half of the expansion, hopes Thompson, will be completed by mid-April. "The new space will be the hardcore drinking side with parlor games, darts and our drunk buddies, while the original part of Argyll will continue to remain food-driven," explains Thompson. "The other side will be a little grittier and the menu will be more approachable, more pub-like." To that end, executive chef Sergio Romero plans to create a board with fish and chips, build-your-own lamb, beef, salmon or pork belly sliders, and chicken wings -- but not just any chicken wings. "Our version of chicken wings will be a little different," promises Thompson. "We'll do wings with an apple gastrique and maybe a little chile."

What could conceivably be the best part of the enlargement, however, is the presence of four bars, one of which will be on the patio. "Think about it: You can fall in any direction and hit one of the bars," jokes Thompson.

Start practicing now, kids.