Gastropub trend continues in London

New Cadogan Arms the latest offering in food-focused pub

Aug 5, 2009 Dena Braun

During the past decade, the traditional London pub is seeing competition from gastropubs that blend great drinks and socialization with gourmet food.

There is perhaps no place on earth that is more synonymous with pubs than London. Every traveler imagines putting back a pint or two of Young’s ale and a ploughman’s lunch ensconced in a place like the Olde Cock Tavern or the Horse and Groom. And while these historic pubs are still firmly entrenched in London’s culture, a new breed of pub, the gastropub, has gained a foothold in the social and dining scene.

The Cadogan Arms Brings the Gastropub to Chelsea

Gastropubs blend the atmosphere and tradition of historic pubs with a focus on food that isn’t found in a traditional pub. This new breed of watering hole can be found all over London, but one of the newest on the scene is the Cadogan Arms on Kings Road near toney Sloane Square. Open for just three months, the gastropub is the latest offering from the ETM Group, which started the Gastropub trend in 2000 and offers seven others scattered throughout London.

“People’s tastes are changing and they want more from their pub,” said Tim Hommewood, the assistant general manager at the Cadogan Arms. “Britain is getting more middle class and they expect more from the places they go. They don’t want one-dimensional evenings, they want good food and good drinks.”

The Cadogan Arms looks like a traditional pub, with its dark wood bar, tables and chairs, but the difference is obvious with a quick glance at the menu. Start dinner off with the Atlantic cod and salmon fishcakes with a minted pea puree and chervil and then try the chargrilled tuna steak with slow roasted vine cherry tomatoes, rocket and smoked aubergine puree. This clearly isn’t Grandpa’s pub!

And then there are the libations. Of course the pub offers a wide selection of beers, but it also features a house wine crafted by the Cadogan Arms owners, brothers Tom and Ed Martin.

A mark of a great pub is the camaraderie it affords its patrons and the Cadogan Arms keeps up this tradition by offering a Monday evening quiz nights where teams compete against each other to win a 100 pound food and beverage credit. The upstairs level of the pub features three American eight ball tables that can be rented by the hour.

The ETM group recently won a prestigious British hotelier award (CATEY) naming it the best pub and restaurant operator in the country.

Cadogan Arms, 298 King’s Rd, 020 7352 6500

Other Gastropubs To Try in London

The Gun . 27 Coldharbour Rd. 020 7515 5222.

This ETM pub is located in the renovated Docklands area overlooking the Thames. Housed in a building frequented by Lord Nelson and features mid-priced upscale offerings like Welsh lamb cutlets or Foie gras poached in red wine.

The Anchor and Hope, 6 The Cut, 020 7928 9898.

The concierge at the five-star One Aldwych steers guests to this local favorite. Expect a wait, but the consistently good British food (yes, it exists) is worth it. The menu changes regularly, but always features seasonal, well-sourced ingredients. Groups will like to share the popular slow-casseroles designed for multiple diners.

The Narrow, 44 Narrow St., 020 7592 7950.

It’s not Hell’s Kitchen at this Gordon Ramsey gastropub situated along the Thames. The Narrow features classic British dishes like bangers with whole grain mustard mash and a wide selection of British beers, ales and ciders.

The Prince Arthur, 95 Forest Road, 020 7249 9996

This traditional neighborhood watering hole is a classic Victorian pub dating back to 1861 and was carefully renovated retaining all its original features. The menu focuses on locally sourced seafood and meats.

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The Bar at the Cadogan Arms