Anchor & Hope
A pub with a frequently changing Modern British menu, vibrant art, and a lively atmosphere. Known for creative dishes and attentive service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoids crowds, good for theatre
Anchor & Hope
Best Time
Avoids crowds, good for theatre
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pub with a frequently changing Modern British menu, vibrant art, and a lively atmosphere. Known for creative dishes and attentive service.
"The food was super sad. Could cry. The potatoes were mad, not cooked long enough and 2 small potatoes cut in halves for over £6."
🎯 Book Ahead for Dinner
Reservations are often needed, especially for evening meals. :ticket:
💰 Be Prepared for Prices
Dishes can be small and pricey; consider sides to fill up. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Modern British Cuisine
Experience a frequently changing menu with creative dishes, often featuring Italian and French influences.
Vibrant Pub Atmosphere
Enjoy a lively ambiance with exposed timber and colourful art, perfect for pre-theatre dining or a casual evening.
Attentive Table Service
Friendly and helpful staff ensure a memorable dining experience, with a good wine selection to complement your meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations Recommended
Portion Sizes & Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Dinner
Reservations are often needed, especially for evening meals. :ticket:
💰 Be Prepared for Prices
Dishes can be small and pricey; consider sides to fill up. :moneybag:
🎶 Check for Live Music
Some locations host live DJs and pre-party events. :musical_note:
🍸 Great for Cocktails
A good spot for drinks, with unique shot options. :cocktail:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Dinner
Reservations are often needed, especially for evening meals. :ticket:
💰 Be Prepared for Prices
Dishes can be small and pricey; consider sides to fill up. :moneybag:
🎶 Check for Live Music
Some locations host live DJs and pre-party events. :musical_note:
🍸 Great for Cocktails
A good spot for drinks, with unique shot options. :cocktail:
🚶♀️ Consider Table Service
Friendly service, but bills can take time. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Anchor & Hope is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, colourful art, and attentive service, offering a unique Modern British dining experience. While some find the food portions small and prices high, the quality and creative dishes are generally appreciated. It's a popular spot for pre-theatre meals and lively evenings.
"Service was great and the atmosphere was pretty cute. But the food... Omg. We are out eating all the time in London but have never had food like this before. Check the photos. We paid OVER £15 for a third of a sourdough slice so hard I hurt my gums trying to chew it and the crab meat on top had gone in a blender with something else that tasted like nothing. So tiny it was laughable. It was like a rich puree, not my taste. And it wasn't fine dining so not sure why the price was so high. The potatoes were mad, not cooked long enough and 2 small potatoes cut in halves for over £6. Could cry. The cauliflower (about a fifth of one cauliflower head) was cold and we asked about it. The waitress (lovely woman) said it was supposed to be served at an ambient temperature and that customers usually loved it. Us foodies, who also enjoy fine dining and not just big portions mind you, were very sad after this visit. They took off the cauliflower from the receipt in the end which was a lovely gesture and again, the service was lovely. For a cocktail this would be a good spot. But the food was super sad."
Charlie
"It seems that reservations are required at this place; however, we were able to get a table in less than 20 minutes after the manager invited us to have a drink at the bar while we waited.
The beef and duck were very well cooked, each with a delicious flavour that made us want more. We accompanied them with a type of cauliflower, poached and perhaps with a little butter, which was very good. For dessert, we opted for a cheesecake with a delicious souce.
It was a pleasant surprise. It is a very good place, authentic, visited mostly by locals who like to eat well."
roselie lopez
"This place is very convenient for pre theatre eats which is just what we were looking for.
It may seem like a pub from the outside but inside it's more like a restaurant that couldn't be bothered to change it's 'traditional' interior. Think, lots of of exposed timber and a heavy floor to ceiling curtain acting as a room divider which meant the acoustics led to a fairly lively atmosphere.
On entering, you need to wait to be seated and it's table service, which was very friendly and attentive. They asked if we were going to the theatre which always puts me at ease and assures me, everything will be ready and come out in time. However It did take a while for the bill to come and for them to return with the card machine which did not ease the aforementioned anxiety.
The menu looked great and between us we had the souffle and the sizzling cumin lamb. Due to the differences in prices we guessed that the lamb might be small, even though it wasn't clear if it was a starter, a main or tapas style.
Just in case we decided to order a couple of sides and clarified when they came to take our order that the £15 lamb was indeed a starter.
Once they were served, in all honesty, both dishes were similar in size - petite. Thank goodness we did order the sides otherwise we would have left feeling extremely hungry as opposed to peckish. On a taste level the food was good but nothing outstanding. It was good quality but overall just average and overpriced."
Review Lad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Anchor & Hope has multiple locations. For the Hackney location, it's accessible via public transport with nearby bus routes. For Bristol, it's a popular pub in the city.
Always check specific location details for the best route.
Parking availability varies by location. Street parking might be limited in urban areas like Hackney or Bristol. +1 It's often best to use public transport or ride-sharing services.
The Anchor and Hope on the River Lea canal offers scenic waterside views. This location provides a unique setting for a meal or drinks.
Yes, there are several establishments named Anchor & Hope or The Hope and Anchor across the UK, including in Bristol and potentially other university towns like Liverpool (LJMU).
For events like the OTH Festival pre-party in Salisbury, arriving early via public transport or ride-sharing is recommended due to potential crowds and competition for parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required for entry to The Anchor & Hope pubs. However, for special events like pre-parties, there might be free entry with a competition for festival tickets.
Opening hours vary by location and day. Some locations are open late for live music and events. It's best to check the specific hours for the branch you plan to visit.
While reservations are recommended, some locations may accommodate walk-ins, especially if you're willing to wait at the bar.
As a pub and restaurant, standard age restrictions for licensed premises apply. Some events might have specific age guidelines.
Many Anchor & Hope locations offer online booking or reservation systems through their websites or third-party platforms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Anchor & Hope serves a frequently changing Modern British menu with Italian and French influences. Expect creative dishes that are often described as delicious.
Reviews suggest that some dishes, particularly starters, can be petite. It's advisable to order sides to ensure you leave satisfied.
The food at The Anchor & Hope is generally considered to be on the pricier side, especially given the portion sizes of some items.
Popular dishes mentioned include beef and duck, cuttlefish starters, chicken pie, and Porcetta with chickpeas. +1 Mussels and sand soles are also noted.
The menu changes frequently, but vegetarian and vegan options are usually available. It's best to check the current menu or inquire with the staff.
🎫 🥂 Drinks & Cocktails
Yes, The Anchor & Hope is known for its wonderful wine menu, complementing its dining experience. Specific wine keywords like 'anchor hope wine' are also searched. [^SEO]
They offer a variety of drinks, including unique and delicious shots. It's a good spot for enjoying cocktails.
Absolutely. Many locations offer a relaxed pub atmosphere perfect for casual drinks, especially with beer gardens available.
As a British pub, it's likely they offer a selection of local and craft beers, though this can vary by location.
Yes, you can typically visit The Anchor & Hope for drinks without ordering a full meal, especially in the bar area.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colourful art adorning the walls, the charming pub interiors, and scenic canal views if you're at the River Lea location.
The garden parties also offer great visual moments.
Yes, the unique decor, food presentation, and lively atmosphere make it an Instagrammable spot. +1
Food photography is generally welcomed, especially if you're sharing your dining experience.
Look for the art installations, the exposed timber beams, and any outdoor seating areas like beer gardens. +1
Daytime visits can offer good natural light, especially in beer gardens. Evening visits can capture a cozy, atmospheric vibe with art lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed experience, look for locations with outdoor seating or beer gardens,
💰 Budget Travelers
Keep an eye out for special events with free entry, as these can be a great way to experience the venue without a significant cost, perhaps just for drinks.
couples
Consider booking a table in advance for a prime spot, perhaps near a window or in a quieter section if available.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Anchor & Hope Experience: Beyond the Plate
Many visitors highlight the attentive and friendly service, noting that staff go out of their way to make the experience memorable.
Some locations, like the one on the River Lea canal, offer scenic waterside views, adding another dimension to the dining experience.
Navigating the Menu: Portions, Prices, and Palates
To ensure a satisfying meal, many patrons recommend ordering additional sides to complement your main dishes.
The menu is known for its frequent changes, reflecting a commitment to seasonal ingredients and culinary innovation.
Beyond the Main Dining Room: Events and Special Occasions
Some locations also boast beer gardens and outdoor spaces, perfect for enjoying a drink or a meal in warmer weather.
For those looking for a specific experience, like a canal-side meal, the Anchor and Hope on the River Lea canal provides a picturesque setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit