Gastropub Anchor & Hope on the Cut by Waterloo station continues to win accolades for its British food in a very British setting and it served up a killer pie on my first visit to its legendary premises. Disappointed to see that the pigs head for two had sold out… we ordered a steak pie for two (£29) amongst other orders with a lovely Beaujolais. A thick pastry top hid a huge portion of brilliant beef and an incredibly tasty gravy.

With a no bookings policy we had to wait for our seat but the bar was warm and atmospheric (and gave us the chance to see the last 15 minutes of the Six Nation finale down the road) and served an excellent range of beers including Bombardier.

The pub, a Charles Wells tenancy, opened in August 2003. The same team opened the Great Queen Street brasserie opposite Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden. The menu at the Anchor & Hope changes twice daily with the seasons and we really enjoyed the passion the staff brought to the menu along with a lengthy list of specials.

Ambience 9/10

Value 6/10

Pie 9/10

Ale 9/10