Balloons on the pub roof and, right, general manager Phil McAree

MORE than 1,000 balloons floated above Clerkenwell to mark the reopening of a pub that dates back to 1721.

Opening for the first time since 2019, the Hoop and Grapes in Farringdon Street was briefly transformed into the house from Disney’s Up last week in celebration of its new chapter.

Pub company Shepherd Neame invested £1.8million to restore the Grade II-listed landmark, which was once famous for hosting “Fleet marriages” – clandestine weddings that took place outside the church’s jurisdiction in the 18th century, in the areas around Fleet Prison, located near today’s Farringdon Street.

The spruced-up pub includes a self-playing piano and menu of small plates.

General manager Phil McAree said the balloon stunt was a “truly magical moment – a joyful way to mark the return of a pub with such a remarkable history”.