
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Pig and Butcher is a neighbourhood pub with serious culinary chops, housed in a handsome mid-1800s building that used to rest livestock before Smithfield Market. You'll find a buzzing atmosphere on Sundays when families and friends pack in for one of London's best roasts, but the real magic happens year-round with their daily-changing menu featuring house-butchered meats and seasonal produce from New Spitalfields. Skip the tourist traps and come for the beef tartare with silky egg yolk, the crispy porchetta, or their perfectly executed Negroni that sets the tone for a proper British pub dinner.
Islington's Sunday Roast King
The Pig and Butcher has earned its reputation as one of Islington's most reliable spots for a proper British meal. The atmosphere is exactly what you want from a neighbourhood pub: warm, buzzy, and filled with the kind of chatter that makes you feel like you're part of the community. The real star here is the food, particularly on Sundays when the roast is nothing short of exceptional. The beef is tender and juicy, the Yorkshire pudding is perfectly crisp, and the sides are generous without being overwhelming.
Their a la carte menu is equally impressive, with the beef tartare standing out as a must-order starter. It's rich, beautifully seasoned, and served with crisp breads that make each bite satisfying. The Negroni is also worth mentioning—it's bold and perfectly balanced, setting the tone for a great evening. While it can get quite crowded on weekends (especially Sundays), that's a testament to the quality. Just be prepared to wait for a table if you're not booking ahead.