The Pig and Butcher
What: The Pig and Butcher is an unassuming gem tucked away from Islington’s Upper street. From the owners of The Smokehouse and The Princess in Shoreditch, The Pig and Butcher has a laid back vibe with honest food. Chef Sean Garrett, was previously at London’s only Michelin-starred pub, The Harwood Arms.
Where: Islington - 80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD
When: Opened 2012
Signature/standout dishes: The menu changes daily however, on our visit we really enjoyed the schnitzel for 2. The scotch egg is always a standout, along with their Sunday roasts.
Price: ££ - With the starting price of a bottle of wine at £25, there’s something for everyone here. The price per person for a snack, main, sharing side and a couple of glasses of wine was £52 plus tip.
What the critics say: The antithesis of pub grub; extraordinarily accomplished. A riff on different cuts of lamb is also impressive. Such attention to perfection incurs long waits which is not what a meal in a pub suggests. But however long you have to wait for ginger Jamaica cake, whisky toffee sauce, orange and clotted cream ice cream, just be patient. It and you are worth it - Fay Maschler.
What Frankie Bagel says: I am always immediately pleased when a place has a very relaxed atmosphere. I am so disinterested in being fawned over. ‘Give me a plate of delicious food and leave me alone’ would be my ideal scenario, and The Pig and Butcher gives you just that. The food is fresh, unbelievably tasty and hits well above your average gastropub, which is no surprise with its chef’s lofty background. The staff are very knowledgeable both about the cuts of meat (they have a butcher on site) and the wine, which was all a delight. There’s also a lovely country kitchen-style private room upstairs. I loved this place so much that I went back again for more the following week. It’s already full every Sunday for a month, so for God’s sake don’t tell anyone else about it. Let’s keep this place for ourselves.
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