Anchor & Hope

It's reputation precedes it. And more than a decade on since its blazed the trail for the gastraopub craze, it's a pity that it's gone to its head and its waiting staff believe they can live on reputation alone. If waiting staff are right, an establishment can get a way with a lot. I would forgive a restaurant for multiple mistakes and mishaps if it's served with a smile and a genuine apology. Unfortunately, at the A&H, the waiting staff seem to have the attitude that we should be honoured to have a seat at their table. This detracts from the obviously tenderly cooked food (i'm told the meat is fantastic), the few vegetable dishes are delicious enough, but like the rest of london, an after-thought. Unfortunately the waiting staff in front let down the skills of those that are handling the food behind. ANd this has now been the experience in the restaurant on multiple occasions. The kitchen runs out of dishes frequently, presumably to keep stocks low and food fresh - no problem with that at all .But a t a recent visit, we were only told of that they'd run out once the rest of the group had been brought their food. So one of the party re-ordered, while we sat there with our dishes....ten minutes later, we'r e told they've run out of that dish too. The guest was offered an alternative that wasn't on the menu, and she accepted that. Another ten minutes , and someone returned to say it was going to take a while longer to cook. A medium-rare steak. 30 minutes later, our dishes were wiped clean and removed and hers still hadn't arrived. Aparently it tasted good when it did arrive, but we were all a little sour about it. Not an apology or a smile in sight. None of us were going for pudding but we were offered a dessert 'on the house' to compensate for the wait (still with a very sour-faced waitress). We appreciated that, and quickly gobbled down the shot-glass of chocolate pudding between us. And then came the bill - we sent back immediately assuming they'd just made a mistake. We'd not only been charged for the main dish, that was not only the guest's third choice, but arrived after everyone else's plates had been cleared, but the replacement dish happened to be £7 more expensive than the dish originally ordered, more expensive than any of the dishes on the menu, and she had not even been told it's price when she was 'offered' it. No they could not remove the dish from the bill, nor would they reduce the price down to her original choice - company policy and the duty manager said the same, so we were told. They offered us (a previously unwanted) dessert as compensation. No smile, no apology. By that point, our only way of protest was not to pay the service charge/tip. So sadly, experiencing the relaxed setting, the decent food, pales into insignificance due to appallingly rude staff. That was the worst of three unfavourable experiences. One doesn't need to be made to feel like a third class citizen while out dining. A bit of decent staff training might rectify the snooty, unpleasant staff and make the A&H somewhere one wants to visit again.

Up and down this road so many times and yet I was only introduced to this place by a friend just last week.... shame on me! All very good. I chose the calf's heart, bearnaise sauce, chups (my sic) and some curly kale on the side, followed by 1 scoop of Seville orange icecream and a shot of espresso. All in all, a jolly good feed before heading off to see 'Kiss me Kate'. My only negative would be the nasty waft escaping from the lavvies..... perhaps it depends on which way the wind is blowing, or the tide, but it is nothing an industrial strength extractor fan wouldn't fix. Still, I will definitely be heading back.

I'm so bored of reading unnecessary detail about some idiots grievance with a restaurant. My rule is if CAPITALS and !!! are used, the person writing it is probably a moron. Meaty, hearty, seasonal grub in a pub atmosphere. Always have interesting cuts and offal, if you're not familiar with something the helpful staff will go through it with you. Pies are unbelievable. London highlight.

Walked into the pub after the theatre for a glass of wine at 10.45. Told that the bar was shut. Shame. It seems that it has the same problem as the eagle, great food, great wine, rude management. Pity.

This is one of the Restaurant that epitomizes London. Honest, well-prepared, seasonal food. No pretense, honest floor staff. Excellent Bar tenders. Ate here recently and picked through the awesome menu. Wine is served in tumblers and they have an excellent choice by the glass. No reservations policy, so arrive early or just wait in the bart with drinks. Worth the wait. To be honest, Im quite surprised they have some negative comments, maybe some people don't get the concept. Long Live The Anchor & Hope, one of my Favourites!

This has to be my favourite pub in London. Great food, great vibe, great service, great wine... need I go on. I enjoy the no booking policy - means an impromptu meal out isn't a bother, just sit with a glass of wine and a few olives until a table becomes available. I've had a few great dates here, the communal tables and business of the restaurant takes away any stress of early date tension. I've never had a bad meal nor bad glass of wine. I only wish it were my local!

I can only echo the negative comments below and be somewhat suspicious of the very few scripted positives. This establishment has ideas above its station, which is a shame, as the food isn't bad, just overpriced and let down by rude, snooty serving staff.

I like a laid back vibe and yet amongst it, here at the Anchor & Hope, were signs of absolute focus and real passion. The service was informal yet flawless and the food delivered in nine out of ten dishes. I didn't mind waiting for a table (around 40 minutes enjoying two great pints of Youngs), it was worth it. And I don't often say that. If you don't want to wait, book a different restaurant. Simples.

The food here is just delicious, and sometimes quite unusual. Lunchtime razor clams with soda bread to soak up the juice is the best, followed closely by black ink squid risotto.

I'm honestly stunned by some of the poor reviews on here, and feel sorry for those who have had sub-standard service or food, something I haven't experienced in three years' of almost weekly lunchtime (and occasional evening) visits. The food is invariably excellent, the service prompt and friendly, and the setting, although sometimes a little rowdy, is comfortable and buzzing. Must have been over 100 times, and in that time had only one meal where, although still good, the food wasn't up to expectations. Reliably excellent, in my experience.