There are so many restaurants in London that, even if you tried hard and ate out for every single meal for the rest of your life, you wouldn’t manage to taste it all. (Fact, we did the maths!)

I for sure never will at least. For one, I certainly don’t have the endurance to eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day. And then, repeat visits are killing the game.

And the fact is, there are places I love and simply can’t keep out of. Top of my list is The Pig & Butcher.

Located at the heart of buzzy Islington, with a homely, farm-meets-flee-market atmosphere, good food and good people, The Pig & Butcher is pretty much the perfect local.

All the markers of a good gastropub are there, starting with a brilliant wine list.

There are candles in jam jar, beautiful fabric napkins, raw wood tables…

And a daily-changing menu highlighting the best of what’s in season!

At the moment, that means the first aubergines of the year, slightly smoked, then shredded and served with melt-in-the-mouth piperade, bocconcini (baby mozza balls!) and wild garlic pesto.

Summer on a plate and an absolute triumph!

Whole grilled sole is a regular feature on The Pig & Butcher’s menu and a dish I can never resist.

This time, it came with steamed wild asparagus, sweet Jersey Royals, crispy peas and a brown butter sauce.

Simplicity at its very, very best.

But the roasts are what took The Pig & Butcher to the rank of legend amongst Islington residents.

The slow roasted pulled pork shoulder is the perfect example of everything a beautiful Sunday roast should be.

Moist, succulent meat, tangy apple sauce, tender vegetables, stunning roasties, silky-smooth gravy and a Yorkshire pudding as big as my head… And crackling!

This face means it’s a winner!

Difficult as it might be, try to save some room for pudding…

Lemon posset, Earl Grey jelly & blackberries. 

Silky smooth, super light and tart, it’s one of those puddings you simply cannot stop eating.

Absolutely irresistible.

Crispy raspberry pancake & dark chocolate mousse.

Simple yet decadent, it’s the perfect illustration of the sort of food The Pig & Butcher excels at.

Beautiful, ingredient-driven dishes, that let carefully-sourced ingredients shine through and through.

I’ve been so many time I stopped counting. I went with friends, I went with family, and I highly recommend you do the same.

It’s really popular amongst locals, which means you definitely want to book beforehands (if you hurry, you might even be able to make it for this weekend!).

Happy Sundays ahead!

The Pig & Butcher, 80 Liverpool Road, Islington, London N1 0QD