The Baring

There is nothing that I like quite as much on a Sunday as a good pub lunch. Oftentimes I'm not as much in charge of the 'goodness' as I'd like, but that is why we do our due diligence and do a bit of research. So it is that I came to walk along the canal in Islington (an area that I am quickly becoming very fond of, thanks to the quality of their eateries) to visit The Baring, one of the London gastropubs that has once again found its place on the 50 Best Gastropubs list for 2024.

Inside, The Baring is a small pub with only around 30 covers, with all the food cooked a la minute. I had booked under the assumption that I would be seated at the bar, but to my surprise I was offered a table - a nice result for solo diners when that happens! 

To whet the whistle, I went for a Pul Biber Bloody Mary, those chili flakes hitting the back of my throat immediately.

As it was a Sunday, I had the choice between bavette steak, celeriac, and venison for my roast, and so I opted for the venison. This was served with creamed cavolo nero, grilled hispi cabbage, and roast potatoes.

My one note would be that the venison was not overly warm when it was brought from the kitchen, but other than that the meal was spotless - the venison was well cooked, the hispi cabbage quite simply fell apart under my knife, and the roast potatoes were possibly the best I've had in London.

On the basis of this meal, I would happily recommend The Baring for a genteel lunch. A gastropub with very well prepared food, where one can quite easily idle away a Sunday afternoon. Lovely stuff.

Value for money? £45 for a cocktail, still water, and Sunday lunch. A touch expensive for the usual pub affair, but it is good for that price.

Would I return? Yes. Not quite as itching to go back as I am to The Bull and Last, but I was very happy with my visit.