THE SUMMER’S TOP GASTROPUBS
THE ALBION, ISLINGTON
10 THORNHILL ROAD, N1 1HW. TEL: 020 7607 7450
Arguably the best Sunday lunch spot in north London’s trendier parts, this recently relaunched pub is a bastion of the Best of British gastro-glory tradition. Aside from blinding roasts, everything from the bar-snacks (enormous, fresh-made pork scratchings and bone marrow) to the meaty mains and the excellent wines and beers make this a good choice – and there’s a lovely garden too.
THE WELLS, HAMPSTEAD
30 WELL WALK, NW3 1BX. TEL: 020 7794 3785
Thanks to the proximity of the Heath and the countryside feel of the village itself, Hampstead has summer written all over it. The Wells is a popular jewel of a place, nestled near the Heath’s edge, serving grown-up food with a quirky twist, and particularly strong burgers. Cocktails are also a bonus – there’s a small terrace which is the ideal place to sniff fresh air while watching walkers amble to and from the Heath.
THE COACH AND HORSES, CLERKENWELL
26-28 RAY ST, EC1R 3DJ. TEL: 020 7278 8990
The courtyard of this friendly local is a small but perfectly-formed affair with awnings, comfortable furniture and fairy lights – very inviting. As is the food, which includes dishes such as salt hake croquettes with sauce vierge and British lop loin with snails, turnips, carrots and wild garlic – or on the bar menu, comforting sausage and mash, ploughmans and herring roes on toast.
THE AVALON, BALHAM
16 BALHAM HILL, SW12 9EB. TEL: 020 8675 8613
A welcome recent addition to the South London drinking/dining scene, with a big glossy beer garden and other “terraces” to boot. Food is good too – there’s a rotisserie and a grill with changing offerings, from mergueuz hot dog to whole seabass with lime salad. An ideal spot in which to catch a tan, eat good food and – of course – be merry.
THE THOMAS CUBITT, BELGRAVIA
44 ELIZABETH ST, SW1W 9PA. TEL: 020 7730 6060
A very jolly place to take in the summer vibe of an evening in this oasis of buzz in staid Belgravia. A table outside sets you bang in the middle of a seen-and-be-seen situation. Steer clear of the exorbitant dining room menu – the bar menu has plenty of well-executed, affordable gastro fare.