Harden's survey result
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”).
Summary
“The ultimate gastropub” – this Southwark “pioneer of quality pub dining” missed out this year, by the narrowest whisker, on re-taking the crown as being London’s No.1 favourite hostelry in our annual diner survey. The gutsy, honest food is “top-notch every time” and – even though no longer viewed as achingly cutting edge – comes “at sensible prices, and with good beer and wine to go with it”. Service is “super-nice”, and all-in-all it’s just “a great, laid-back place to relax”. Best of all for some folks, they “now accept reservations!”
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
"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!"
"Good value and good atmosphere. Real beer."
"Just a light early evening meal, good food with interesting choices, very pleasant outdoor seating."
"A perennial favourite which continues to deliver. Asparagus with Parmesan emulsion, fried plaice fillets and 7 hour lamb were all delicious "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £0.00 | £0.00 |  |
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| Lunch | £4.00 | £60.00 | |
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| Dinner | £4.00 | £72.00 | |
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| SundayLunch | £4.00 | £72.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £38.00 | £7.00 | £0.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| 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 |
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