Best Gastropub
Winner
The Gun
Perched on the southeast corner of Canary Wharf, with spectacular Thames views, this place is full of nooks and crannies, yet features a stunning terrace with its own bar and barbecue. The pub ( there is a separate dining room with a more formal menu) offers wonderful takes on British classics, as well as touches of French bistro cuisine.
The Gun, 27 Coldharbour, E14 9NS (020 7515 5222 / www.thegundocklands.com) Canary Wharf tube/DLR. Bar open Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10.30pm. Lunch served Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm, Sat, Sun 12noon-4.30pm. Dinner served Mon-Sat 6-10.30pm, Sun 6-9.30pm.
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Runners-up
The Bull
More gastro than pub, The Bull nevertheless offers good cask beers including Timothy Taylor, in addition to an interestingly themed wine list. Dinners are pricey but there’s a weekly changing set lunch menu at £14.95 featuring dishes like white bean and chorizo soup, and crayfish and chicken pie. Service is friendly, if muddled.
The Bull, 13 North Hill, N6 4AB (0845 4565033/www.inthebull.biz) Highgate tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10.30pm. Lunch served Tue-Fri 12noon-2.30pm; Sat-Sun 12noon-3.30pm. Dinner served Mon-Sat 6-10.30pm, Sun 6.30-9.30pm.
The Greyhound
The tastefully renovated Greyhound is owned by Australian-born sommelier Mark van der Goot, so its wine list is splendid. Chef Tom Martinovic proffers dishes such as Herdwick mutton with houmous, baby aubergine and broccoli.
The Greyhound, 136 Battersea High St, SW11 3JR (020 7978 7021/ www.thegreyhoundatbattersea.co.uk) Clapham Junction rail or 49, 319, 344, 345 bus. Open Tue-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-5pm. Lunch served Tue-Sat 12noon-3pm, Sun 12noon-3pm. Dinner served Tue-Sat 7-9.30pm.
The Pig’s Ear
A homely, low-key corner boozer where locals still enjoy a pint or two, despite the chic modern menu featuring bone marrow, chorizo and pak choi. The home-made walnut bread is almost worth the trip alone and the staff are friendly and fun.
The Pig’s Ear, 35 Old Church St, SW3 5BS (020 7352 2908/ www.thepigsear.co.uk) Sloane Square tube. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10.30pm. Lunch served Mon-Fri 12.30-3pm, Sat-Sun 12.30-4pm. Dinner served Mon-Sat 7-10pm.
The Princess
The former Princess Royal has been given a makeover by Aussie expats Zim Sutton and Andrew Veevers. They’ve created a two-tiered venue offering fabulous food and a solid drinks selection. Beer-battered cod and chips with basil mayo is welcome among the mainly Mediterranean menu. The Princess, 76 Paul St, EC2A 4NE (020 7729 9270) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Fri 12noon-11.30pm, Sat 5.30-11pm, Sun 12noon-5.30pm. Lunch served Mon-Fri 12.30-3pm, Sun 1-4pm. Dinner served Mon-Sat 6.30-10.30pm.
Best Burger
Winner
Haché
Competition in the upmarket burger sector is hotter than two all-beef patties searing on a griddle, but it is le burger Franglais which has proved this year’s holy cow. Based on the French steak haché, these burgers feature high-quality chopped Aberdeen Angus in a generous ciabatta with simple salad. Tuna and chicken are good alternatives for those avoiding red meat, but you won’t want to say no to the side orders of chunky chips (or frites) and juicy deep-fried onion rings. Note the cosy cabin-style surroundings and friendly service and you’ll see why we’re lovin’ it.
Haché, 24 Inverness St, NW1 7HJ (020 7485 9100/www.hacheburgers.com) Camden Town tube. Open Mon-Thur 12noon-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm.
Runners-up
Fine Burger Company
Great milkshakes, hand-cut chips, springy salad with croûtons, and a decent selection of burgers including beef, chicken, lamb and veggie make the child-friendly Fine Burger Kitchen a fine choice indeed.
Fine Burger Company, 330 Upper St, N1 2XQ (020 7359 3026/ www.fineburger.co.uk) Angel tube. Open Mon-Thur 12noon-11pm; Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight; Sun 12noon-10.30pm.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
Now with eight London branches, this deservedly popular chain offers an imaginative range of blimp-sized burgers. Adventurous eaters need never tire of the extensive menu, which includes Aberdeen Angus, four types of chicken burger, chorizo, venison, and veggie options. Gourmet Burger Kitchen, 44 Northcote Rd, SW11 1NZ (020 7228 3309/ www.gbkinfo.co.uk) Clapham Junction rail or 49, 77, 219, 345 bus. Open Mon-Fri 12noon-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm.
Hamburger Union
At £3.95, a Union Burger costs barely a pound more than the superchain equivalent but tastes far, far better; no wonder this new company already has two thriving central London branches. The robust buns hold juicy meat patties well-padded with salad and relish. Shame the staff don’t ask how you want your burger cooked.
Hamburger Union, 4-6 Garrick St, WC2E 9BH (020 7379 0412/www.hamburgerunion.com) Covent Garden tube. Open Mon 11.30am-9.30pm, Tue-Sat 11.30am-10.30pm, Sun 11.30am-9.30pm.
Ultimate Burger
No, it’s not the ultimate, but this is a likeable burger joint, with keen, smiley staff. Although it’s more expensive than its rivals, the menu includes specialities such as surf and turf, with spicy battered prawns and cheese. The American-style chilli fries are the best of the side dishes. Ultimate Burger, 334 New Oxford St, WC1A 1AP (020 7436 6641/ www.ultimateburger.co.uk) Holborn tube. Open Mon-Fri 10am-11.30pm, Sat 12noon-11.30pm, Sun 12noon-11pm.
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