The Anchor & Hope, Borough

The Anchor & Hope gastropub is located just a hop from Southwark Underground station in a prime corner position on The Cut – perfect for a bite to eat before catching the latest stage show at The Old Vic.

The venue retains all the home comforts of the Great British pub and features original artwork that is available to buy, however the food far exceeds the average grub. The reliable and thoughtful seasonal menu may feature rabbit with mustard sauce and excellent chips, or steamed Scottish cod fillet and spinach. The Sunday lunch menu includes sharing plates such as a suckling pig leg for four, plus the dessert list caters to all types of sweet-toothed diners: from tarte tatin for two to baked poppyseed cheesecake.

Tables in The Anchor & Hope's cosy, wood-panelled dining room can only be booked in advance when prospective diners are already ensconced in the equally inviting bar, so it is worth arriving early to snare a reservation. You can put your name down at the bar from 5.15pm.