London's new chef-led gastro pubs
There's a bevy of new pubs offering food a cut above the often underwhelming gastro-style menus. At these public houses, the ingredients are the finest and most seasonal on offer, and the chefs are mighty impressive. And, they still serve a pint and a decent Sunday lunch.
Here are five of the best recent openings.
Former St John chefs Jon Rotheram and Tom Harris are joint patrons/chefs at this endearingly old-fashioned yet Michelin-starred, wood-panelled public house in Hackney.
Even the bread is many loaves above what most restaurants would serve and comes with superlative butter. A house favourite is the curry bap, which will also form the mainstay of the menu at their new opening as part of Victoria's Market Hall in November.
Expect seasonally correct dishes simply yet meticulously cooked with no unnecessary flourishes. Be sure to order the potatoes. Desserts are superlative, especially the custard tart.
The succinct wine list is good and very fairly priced.
Dinner for two: £80 including drinks