Harden's says
Opening in early December 2024 in a revamped Essex Road, Islington boozer, this ‘bistro pub’ from chef James Cochran (ex-12:51 in Upper Street) promises exciting and interesting dishes ranging from jerk-spiced chicken Scotch egg with Scotch bonnet jam to Aynhoe venison with neep and tattie hash browns. UPDATE MARCH 2025: Chef James Cochran has confirmed he will part ways with the team at The Brave, at the end of this month, saying" it's been a ride, but it's time for me to move on to other projects I have in the pipeline. More from me soon". Michael Butt, overseeing The Brave relaunch thanked James "for his contribution to the pub relaunch project, and wish[ed] him well in his future endeavours."
Harden's survey result
Summary
Despite some “really stunning” reports in our annual diners’ poll, we have held off on rating this new Islington ‘bistro pub’ (open in early December 2024, before which it was called the Englefield) due to changes in the kitchen. Launch chef James Cochran (ex-12:51 in Upper Street) moved on as our poll was in progress and a new chef – Stephen Bunch – arrived in April 2025. James is well-known in N1 (and beyond), so his fan club will be disappointed. Stephen was ex-head chef at London Shell Company (a seafood specialist) but also aims to highlight meat on the menu: new dishes include a ‘made to share’ 1 kg côte de boeuf steak, alongside a market whole fish of the day. In summer there’s a 50+ cover outside terrace to the rear of the pub, for weekend BBQ.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Brave?
340-342 Essex Road, London, N1 3PB
The Brave Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Brilliant new addition to Islington. Gastro pub serving Scottish/carribean fusion "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £4.50 |
| Service | 12.50% |
340-342 Essex Road, London, N1 3PB
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
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