Restaurants

The Gun takes its name from the cannon fired to celebrate the opening of West India Dock in 1802. The whole building is riddled with history, right down to the toilets, which are labelled Nelson and Emma in memory of Lady Hamilton and her lover, who it is claimed used to rendezvous here. A print by marine painter WL Wyllie towers over the small dining area, which is smartly furnished with dark wood furniture. In addition, there are two bars, two snugs, a private function room and a waterside terrace with a view of the O2 dome. There are separate menus for the pub and dining room – both quintessentially British and steadfastly seasonal. From the latter we had beef wellington and a chicken dish with black pudding and rösti. The pastry of the wellington was disappointingly soggy, lacking in crust, but the chicken was exceptional, a delicate cream sauce fusing together the spring-like flavours. We rounded off with a nicely balanced selection of French and English cheeses served with fruity quince jelly. Vigorous construction work around Docklands can make the Gun tricky to reach, but we reckon it’s definitely worth the detour.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009