When a beloved pub closes to get a facelift, there’s a worry it’s about to lose its charm to the typical gastropub interiors gloss.
That has not been the case with the Hope & Anchor, one of the capital’s most popular pubs, which has returned with a new lease of life that puts it into a league of London superpubs.
The Brixton pub has been drawing in punters from far and wide since 1935, and is best known for its tardis-like garden that’s among the biggest in London.
It reopened its doors on November 7 after undergoing a two-month makeover, so I popped in to see the changes for myself.
Having lived in the area for years and enjoyed nights out at Hope & Anchor in the past, I was initially convinced I had somehow stepped into the wrong pub.
The interior has gone from tatty to tasteful in one enormous leap.
Gone are the neon signs, pink wallpaper and disco balls that gave the pub a 24/7 nightclub feel — instead, punters will find themselves surrounded by dark wood panelling and leather Chesterfield sofas.
If the aim of the redesign was to bring back the concept of the Great British pub, it’s achieved that beyond the mere decor, too.
In its new incarnation the Hope & Anchor feels like a cosy community pub; one that’s lunch-friendly, kid-friendly and dog-friendly (you can even grab some treats for your pooch at the bar).
Along with a greater range of locally-brewed beers, Sunday roasts are on offer here for the first time, but this is just one of the major overhauls to its food offering.
The menu now prides itself on pub classics with a Brixton twist.
I went for the electric brisket croquettes (a nod to the famous Electric Avenue just around the corner) and the tater tots and ale poutine, both tasty starters that came in generous portions.
That was only after much deliberating between other standouts: crispy haddock tacos, shepherd’s pie with clotted cream mash or, for the veggies among us, fennel flatbread with crushed squash and smoked chilli (to name but a few).
Heading out into the garden, the 13 private Wendy-house-like huts that line the outdoor space have also been refurbished, turning them into wintry cabins for small groups.
Each one comes with its own TV and heater, so friends can still watch sports outside in the colder months.
An awning covers the whole garden, to keep pub-goers and its larger TV screens dry if the heavens open during the footy — plans are even in place to replace this with a retractable roof in the new year.
And the garden isn’t the only hidden gem in this establishment.
If you follow the understated sign pointing you towards ‘The Rebel Rooms’, you’ll end up in the pub’s upstairs cocktail bar; a semi-secret spot with a slight speakeasy vibe and a dancefloor.
The Hope & Anchor’s quiz night on Wednesdays costs £2 per person, while comedy improv events in held in The Rebel Rooms are totally free.
If you’re more artistically inclined, they’ve got you covered with life drawing, Christmas wreath making, watercolour and sculpting workshops.
So yes, the Hope & Anchor has had a dramatic revamp. Yes, it serves up food fancier than burgers and wings. And yes, a classy bar has replaced the sticky old upstairs dancefloor.
But despite its suave new look, the pub is still slightly eccentric — and a great place for fun-lovers who don’t want to break the bank.
Travel writer and Londoner Ryan Gray reveals his favourite pubs to visit in the capital…
The Southampton Arms
The best pub in London in my opinion is the Southampton Arms in Kentish town.
The pub serves loads of different locally sourced beers, as well as amazing pub snacks, like homemade scotch eggs and pies, while a joint of roast pork sits on the bar for anyone who wants a sandwich.
Their cheese and chutney rolls are their best offering in my opinion, however, along with their amazing selection of drinks.
On a winter’s day, with the fire roaring, it’s the perfect place to warm up with a few drinks.
The Angel
The Angel in Rotherhithe is a Samuel Smith’s pub that overlooks the Thames from the south.
Its massive beer garden is the perfect place to gaze out over the sights of London while enjoying an affordable Alpine Lager or one of the other delicious beers from the Sam Smith’s range.
The Queen’s Head
A surprisingly affordable place to go for a drink near King’s Cross is the Queen’s Head.
The small traditional pub offers a regularly changing beer menu, British food and live entertainment.
It was opened following a crowdfunding campaign and proudly displays a sign declaring it to be “the best pub in London” which could well be true.
The Coach and Horses
This Soho boozer is where I take visitors from overseas when they want a “proper” British pub experience.
It’s right at the heart of London, but is so much better than most of the chain pubs and overpriced boozers in the city centre.
On certain nights, pianists will sit at the small upright piano propped against the wall and lead punters in singalongs, providing a very unique experience.
