The Pig & Butcher

We managed to squeeze in here on a busy Friday night and the food was as good, if not better, than it was when it first opened. The dining room was packed and therefore quite loud, so it's best to book ahead and go earlier in the week if you want a quieter evening.

The venison Scotch egg from the bar snacks board was excellent and we loved the salt cod croquettes with their feisty aioli and a nicely dressed salad garnish. My partner's main course of venison was beautifully cooked, though a little rare for his taste. My wild bream with leeks, ham and perfect potato fondants was delicious, full of strong flavours and a generous portion. We couldn't find room for dessert.

We were in and out within 60 minutes which seemed a little brisk but there are plenty of places nearby for a post-dinner drink. It's not cheap - these are most definitely restaurant prices - but for the quality of cooking, it's worth it. It was lovely to see the head chef at the pass checking every dish that went out, even though it was incredibly busy.
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-K- - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Pub service - restaurant prices. Couldn't complain about the standard of the food or the food prices, however a couple of major gripes...

1 - while the servers were friendly they were really inattentive and we spent a lot of the time trying to flag someone down to order coffees, pay the bill, etc.

2 - £5.50 for a pint of standard cider... well over a £1 more expensive than similar local competition. Quite insulting and enough reason not to return as I think this clearly deliberate pricing policy shows a lack of respect to their customers.
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Tim John
7 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Friday, February 08, 2013

It's an awesome place, the food is divine, the beers are lovely.

The owner Jack does a top job when catering for small parties.

It's a must visit when in that part of London.
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TheKiwiSausage
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, November 22, 2012

Top notch establishment, the staff are attentive and the food is supreme.
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TheKiwiSausage
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, August 27, 2012

We visited this handsome new gastropub during their soft opening and had an excellent meal. The place looks great - light and airy with a buzzing bar area and a semi-separate dining area with a window into the kitchen. The menu is meaty - think rabbit, rillettes, venison etc - and our steak was top quality and beautifully cooked with a great char. The huge chips were more like wedges or roast potatoes but tasty nonetheless and we liked the colourful roasted tomatoes and bold sauces. Our monkfish 'scampi' with a punchy aioli were equally delicious.

There are some very good wines available by the carafe and plenty to keep beer drinkers happy in the bar. Our only criticism was that our treacle tart could have been a little sweeter. The pastry was perfect but the filling was a little breadcrumb heavy. Our waitress was sweet and knowledgeable, though easily distracted - the kitchen team had to call her and the others several times to pick up orders.

Looking forward to going back. It's a great addition to Islington and nicely tucked away from busy Upper Street. Recommended.
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-K- - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Great new addition to the neighborhood and ranks in my view as best gastropub in Islington. The menu is original, changing and quality of food is excellent. Friendly and accomodating staff and a nice setting makes the Pig & Butcher a great place to hang out for a fun evening or an afternoon sampling their special beers.
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9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, August 15, 2012