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London food writer and critic Sejal Sukhadwala writes for Time Out and national titles including The Guardian, The Times and the BBC food website. No one knows the London food scene better. For foodies in a hurry, these are her top spots Click to view Top 5 London Food Destinations.
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Best Traditional Pub Meal (The Gun) |
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 There are hundreds of pubs in London serving traditional meals, so why should you visit The Gun in Docklands?
Because it’s a legendary venue steeped in history, with stunning views and a real buzz factor. Oh, and the food ain’t bad either. |
Hangover Busting |
Overseen by chef Grant Murray, the monthly-changing menu showcases Modern British food – classic dishes updated with contemporary touches. For weekend brunch and lunch, kick off with a hangover-busting Bloody Mary, accompanied by a bacon sandwich or eggs done every which way.
Starters may include pint o’ prawns, oxtail and beetroot broth, or braised pigs’ cheeks with salsa verde and duck-fat toasts. For mains, there’s a choice of seasonal fish (bought daily from Billingsgate Market), Aberdeen Angus rib-eye or roast sirloin of beef, and roast pork belly – all served with traditional trimmings and tempting side dishes, such as pickled red cabbage, and rosemary and honey parsnips. This is very much an omnivores’ paradise, so vegetarians are normally limited to a seasonal risotto.
The evening menu is somewhat more elaborate, and includes the likes of hay-cooked shoulder of mutton with fennel crisps, celeriac puree and anchovy jus. Puddings encompass classics like apple and plum crumble, and rice pudding with Seville orange marmalade. The beautifully presented dishes are notable for their strong flavours and distinctive textures; and the much-loved, substantial fat chips are a must-try.
The drinks list has a wide selection of bottled beers, spirits, wines, Champagnes, and a few cocktails. There’s a good range of beers, including Youngs Ordinary, Adnams Broadside, Breakspear Honeycomb, as well as occasional guest beers. Draught lagers include Lowenbrau, San Miguel, Becks Vier, Guinness, Hoegaarden, and Addlestones.
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| Nelson's Local |
 The Gun is located on the north bank of the Thames, opposite the Millennium Dome, near Canary Wharf. A public house has existed on the site since the early 18th century. Iron foundries, which made guns for the Royal Navy, were once located in the area, and the venue takes its name from the cannon that was fired to celebrate the opening of the West India Import Docks in 1802.
In the late 18th century, Lord Nelson, who owned a property nearby (Nelson’s House) would visit the docks to inspect the guns, and meet Lady Emma Hamilton in the pub’s upstairs room. The Gun was also frequented by smugglers, who used to distribute their wares through a secret tunnel; and a hidden staircase with a spy hole exists to this day. These days, the clientele include locals and people working in the area.
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| Restoration |
After a major fire destroyed the building, The Gun was restored with input from English Heritage, and re-opened in 2004. It’s now a spacious Grade II listed building, with several cosy bars and rooms. The cream coloured frontage is handsome, with wrought iron gates, stairs and lanterns.
The dining room has old reclaimed oak floors, cream walls with elegant traditional artwork, and tables laid with crisp white napery. It also has a robust black bar counter surrounded by red leather-topped stools, and there’s striking wording behind the counter that lists the drinks.
There’s also a bar at the back with two booths, small cocktail bar, comfy armchairs, and a large fireplace; and a spacious terrace outside is decked out with wooden furniture, parasols, and heaters. Owners Tom and Ed Martin also own the White Swan in Fetter Lane, The Well in Clerkenwell, and the newly opened Empress of India in Hackney.
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| TV and Literary Fame |
 The Gun has featured in the TV series The Professionals, and in the writings of Iain Sinclair. It has won a Time Out ‘best gastropub’ award, a Harden’s Remy Martin award, and has been a finalist in Carlton Restaurant Awards, which are judged by leading restaurant critics.
One of the biggest draws is that the venue actually feels like a pub, rather than just another smart-arse gastropub.
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| The Gun, 27 Coldharbour, Docklands, E14 9NS. Tel: 020 7515 5222. www.thegundocklands.com. Canary Wharf tube or South Quay/ Blackwall DLR. Pub open Mon-Fri 11am-12 midnight; Sat 10.30am-12 midnight; Sun 10.30am-11pm. Food served Mon-Fri 12 noon-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm; Sat 10.30am-4pm, 6pm-10.30pm; Sun 10.30am-4pm, 6pm-9.30pm. Average cost of 3-course meal with drinks: around £40 to £50 per person. |
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