Harden's survey result
Summary
“The daddy of gastropub experiences, amazingly still firing on all cylinders” – this famous and “fabulous” pub near to Waterloo Station and the Old Vic (“so perfect for a pre-theatre supper”) is “still as good as it gets after so many years”, according to its large army of fans. “It’s hard to choose from the varied and ever-changing” Med-meets-modern British menu which “continues to come up trumps and still pulls something new out of the bag”; and “the knowledgeable front of house help you make an informed decision from a selection full of delights”. “It’s kinda noisy, but it’s a pub… what do you expect?”
Summary
“Deserving its many plaudits” – this “model gastropub” near the Old Vic remains one of London’s most popular food pubs and still “delivers on all fronts”. “Service is engaging and lively” and provides “expert cuisine” that mixes Mediterranean dishes with those of more traditional British inspiration, alongside “very drinkable” wine. The interior is “noisy and busy but that’s part of the buzzy ambience” and while “it’s a biggish room, it’s still best to book”.
Summary
“Still fantastic after all these years” – this celebrated foodie favourite near the Old Vic returned to being London’s No.1 gastropub this year, in a dead heat with Fulham’s Harwood Arms. “It’s a bit insulting to call it bar/pub food as it’s a level up from that” – “very strong, British traditional fare is made with added flair and style” from a “daily changing menu with lots of options” (“the shared roast and other meat dishes are quite unique and the eclectic wine list a joy”). And “nowadays they serve a well-priced lunch as well as its always-magnificent evening menu”.
Summary
“Still serving hearty gastropub food in a chilled-out way” – this “long-time favourite” near the Old Vic remains one of London’s top foodie boozers thanks to its “ever-changing menu” of “innovative dishes with a nod to nose-to-tail dining”. Its performance has been less consistent in recent years, though (“some options matched the reputation for robust, powerful flavours, but others in my party reported basic errors that we wouldn’t expect at these prices”).
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 Anchor & Hope?
36 The Cut, London, SE1 8LP
Restaurant details
The Anchor & Hope Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Solid all round bar the noise. The front room is so crowded now, it is just too loud pre theatre."
"Nice casual option, staff very alert to timing for local theatres (Old Vic,.Young Vic, South Bank). VG herrings, smoked salmon, taramasalata. Unexpectedly interesting wine list (ask for the full list if you're into wine). "
"Always busy meaning the rooms are too noisy for a serious conversation. Felt like it is not on top form food-wise (wet souffle, uninspiring choices). Wine waiter had good knowledge but the wine choices were heavily 'natural' and ropey, or not great for proper wine. Overall from one of my long-term favourites this was the most disappointing time I have been."
"The best gastro pub....still!"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £4.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
36 The Cut, London, SE1 8LP
Opening hours
| Monday | 4 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 11 am‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Bankside
British, Modern restaurant in Southwark
British, Modern restaurant in Southwark
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Pan-Asian restaurant in Waterloo
South American restaurant in Southwark
British, Modern restaurant in London
