Although Hoxton West may not be as well-known as its acclaimed neighbours of Shoreditch and Angel, the ward offers a feast of options. Here’s our pick of the best places to suit all budgets.
“Food, glorious food” with a Dickens twist: The Eagle
The Eagle Pub (££)
Address: 2 Shepherdess Walk, N1 7LB.
Website: https://www.theeaglehoxton.co.uk/ – /
Booking advised
Just off City Road near Old Street, The Eagle pub has stood for more than 200 years. It is everything a traditional East End boozer should be – atmospheric and cosy, with a tale or two to tell about its past.
Charles Dickens even dedicated a newspaper sketch story to the pub: ‘Miss Evans and The Eagle’. A tad different to your modern-day experience of The Eagle, a visit in the 19th century would have entailed a Rotunda for concerts, an aviary and ornamental gardens. The pub is also said to have inspired the Victorian nursery rhyme, ‘Pop! Goes the weasel’.
But today, instead of military bands and circus acts, The Eagle provides a great place to enjoy delicious pub favourites, including steak and ale pie and sausages and mash. On Sundays, try a roast with all the trimmings. And if you fancy a stroll after your meal, Dickens’ literary legacy is evident throughout this area. In nearby Windsor Terrace, Dickens created the home of the Micawbers, where David Copperfield took lodgings.
All aboard the bistro on a barge: Caravel
Caravel (£££)
Address: 172 Shepherdess Walk, N1 7JL
Website: https://www.caravelrestaurant.com/
Booking essential
Caravel is a restaurant floating on a poppy-red, old grain barge, moored on the south side of the Regent’s canal by Packington Bridge (about 10 minutes’ walk from Angel or Old Street). It is run by brothers Lorcan and Fin Spiteri, who have both brought a wealth of experience to Caravel. The restaurant serves an impressive selection of modern European dishes. Two rows of tables are laid with white tablecloths, flowers and soft lighting, giving it the vibe of an intimate, classic restaurant.
The food won’t disappoint either. The menu adheres to the seasons with imaginative dishes that cater for all, including white crab gnocchi or violet artichoke, goat’s curd and picada. Cocktails are also part of the experience, which you can enjoy before or after dinner at Bruno’s, an adjoining barge. If you’d rather stay on dry land, head to Caravel’s sister restaurant on the pontoon, Studio Kitchen, which serves breakfast, snacks and lighter meals.
Enjoy a night at the round table for a culinary masterclass: Counter 71
Counter 71 (££££)
Address: 71 Nile Street, N1 7RD
Website: https://www.counter71.co.uk/
Booking essential
With its sweeping marble counter, the Chef’s Table at Counter 71 gives 16 diners a front-row seat to a unique gastronomic experience. Head chef, Joe Laker, expertly prepares and serves up an exquisite ten-course tasting menu – offering you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the theatre of a professional kitchen. Laker, who honed his skills at Pollen Street Social, champions British growers and producers, even sourcing exotic ingredients such as wasabi from a grower in Hampshire. This is fine dining at its best; fun to watch and to eat.
A meal here may be a special occasion treat, but from April 5 the restaurant is serving a six-course menu priced at £70 per person on the Saturday lunch services. Entering the basement will take you to Lowcountry, Counter 71’s cocktail and whisky bar, which highlights bourbons and ryes of the American South.
Where pizza perfection is no tall order: George & Vulture
George & Vulture pub (£)
Address: 63 Pitfield Street N1 6BU
Website: https://georgeandvulture.com/
Booking advised
If you want to elevate both the surroundings and the quality of your margherita, head to the George & Vulture. Their award-winning Sodo sourdough pizzas are handmade using locally-sourced, organic ingredients where possible. The charcuterie is cured in Cobble Lane, Islington, while their Italian soft cheese comes from from La Latteria in Acton.
The venue holds the title of being the tallest pub in London since 1870. It stays true to its heritage with a good selection of well-kept beers, whilst also being a great place to catch-up with friends; this Saturday, women’s Six Nations rugby will be screened live. On Sundays, there is often live music, plus special offers on pizzas. Enjoy two pizzas and two Bloody Mary cocktails for £30.
