The latest Estrella Damm Top50 Gastropubs list was announced on Monday (January 27) and places The Red Lion & Sun in North Road in sixth spot, while The Bull & Last in Highgate Road, Dartmouth Park came in ninth.
The awards are handed out by the hospitality industry to recognise the “best in the business”, with a voting academy made up of 350 gastropub operators, food writers, catering managers, chefs, pub guide editors, and food operators from across the country.
The list’s entry for the independently-owned The Red Lion and Sun with its two beer gardens and “New England boathouse feel” says it’s worth a visit for its “outstanding food”.
It praises owner Heath Ball, who “has become something of a legend in the pub trade”, and the daily changing menu of “rustic, modern British pub food,” alongside “one of London’s best wine lists curated by its wine-fanatic owner”.
This week the menu features the likes of Dorset crab Basque-style and braised beef cheek and bone marrow pie.
“The pub earns a roaring trade from both regular locals and guests looking to indulge in oysters and wine from the site’s extensive list,” says the awards website.
“On a Sunday, you’d be forgiven for thinking the whole of north London descends on the pub. Offering four types of roast dinner, spare tables at the Red Lion and Sun on its busiest day of the week are an endangered species.”
Meanwhile The Bull & Last is praised for its “stunning dishes and genuine local pub vibe”.
According to lore, the pub’s name comes from a charismatic coachman, who – in the 19th Century – used to shout “the bull!”, and then belted out ‘last!’, as it was the last stop on the road for passengers heading north out of London.
The entry for the pub mentions the gastropub’s own cookbook, featuring 70 recipes alongside a history of loyal customers and four legged friends from Hampstead Heath and the surrounding area.
“Its menu offers twists on pub classics, British cuisine with a continental twist and comfort food like its buttermilk chicken sandwich and its legendary Scotch eggs,” it enthuses.
Also on the list, The Baring in Islington came in at 17, The Clarence Tavern in Stoke Newington was 25, The Drapers Arms in Islington was 40, and The Tamil Prince 45, while the OG gastropub The Eagle in Farringdon was awarded the 43rd spot.
