Visit the Famed Gastropubs of London
Looking for a pub that serves delicious and appealing restaurant styled food? If you are, there is no place like London. Amidst an array of fine dining restaurants, London is exceptionally famed for the abundance of its gastropubs. The number is only increasing and why not? Who does not like the combination of a hearty meal accompanied by the feel and ambience of a lovely pub that offers traditional British cask ales to wash down these filling yet elegant meals?
No more of those dull white tablecloths, but quality food with a delightful pub-style décor and atmosphere. And all of that at the value-for-money price range. The masterminds behind the concept of gastropubs in London were Mike Belben and David Eyre when they transformed Eagle in Clerkenwell into one in 1991. Since then, these pub-style restaurants are on par with some of the Greater London restaurants. History holds witness that these English pubs offered sustenance to most travellers.
The Anchor & Hope in London. (Photo: The Anchor & Hope)
Here are a few famous names of gastropubs in London to enjoy comfort food:
Anchor and Hope
The South Bank food scene is quite renowned, but Anchor and Hope is one of the most quintessential gastropubs in the area and is most definitely the stalwart. The interior décor is not over the top formal. but is no less than elegant. They offer a fresh new menu ensemble each day of the week, but some of the regulars include wild rabbit with anchovies, salt marsh seven-hour cooked lamb shoulder, pannacotta with a rhubarb compote and almond and rocket.
The Gun
This one is the most sought-after gastropub in the Dockland and Wharf, area which is like a 250-year-old public house. The rear terrace of The Gun looks across the River Thames to the view of the Millennium Dome on the other side. This quaint gastropub is situated in the midst the isolation of Coldharbour, Isle of Dogs which is almost a 15 minute walk down Canary Wharf, but that has never stopped food fanatics from taking this journey of pilgrimage to The Gun.
Eagle
Eagle is that gastropub that is the first of its kind and is one of the best places in London to drink a pint and grab a bite during quiet lunchtimes. It offers a lively ambience which is accompanied with brilliant food with a fusion touch of both Mediterranean and British elements. They have a live counter behind the bar for visitors to watch the culinary magicians work their way out to keep you salivating. Right above that, you have the menu chalked out.
Wells Tavern
Speaking of full roast with proper trimmings, mash and onion gravy or even Cumberland sausages, there cannot be an alternative to Wells Tavern, located in North London. If you are looking for a quiet place to contemplate something, their outdoor tables are a bullseye. Do not go by the traditional exterior of the eatery as the interior with its chic modernity is sure to startle you. However, make sure you book well in advance for your weekend visits or it might be a huge struggle to get a table.
Article by Simone Cliff, a London suburban and an award-winning author. She mainly writes on food and is both a full-time blogger for her blog and a freelancer. She has also written for Gourmetguide.co.uk. Her freelance food articles have been published in publications like The Washington Post and Lucky Peach.
