Tucked away in the heart of Islington, The Pig and Butcher has long been a favourite among North London food lovers, but thanks to a recently appointed head chef and an exciting new menu, there’s never been a better time to visit.
From the outside, it has all the charm of a traditional British pub, complete with a welcoming front terrace that’s perfect for enjoying a pint in the sunshine. Step inside and you’ll find a beautifully designed space that strikes the perfect balance between relaxed neighbourhood pub and refined dining destination. The atmosphere is lively without ever becoming overwhelming, ideal for everything from date nights to catching up with friends over exceptional food. It feels special without ever being pretentious.
The restaurant has earned a reputation for serving one of the best Sunday roasts in North London, but its weekday offering deserves just as much attention. The excellent lunch set menu offers outstanding value, with two courses for £21 or three for £25. Dishes such as Roast Beef with Pickled Chicory and Horseradish, Cornish Pollock and Carrot Cake with Honeycomb Ice Cream showcase the kitchen’s commitment to elevated British cooking.
During our evening visit, our waiter couldn’t speak highly enough of one of the new chef’s signature creations: the Grilled Iberico Pork. Describing the combination of sweet, savoury and coffee flavours as “a masterpiece”, he admitted it sounds unusual on paper, but assured us it works beautifully. Judging by the enthusiasm surrounding the dish, it’s fast becoming a must-order.
We began with the Tempura Courgette, a deceptively simple dish that completely exceeded expectations. Delicately crisp on the outside while wonderfully creamy and soft inside, it was elevated further by a silky Comanescu sauce that tied every element together beautifully.
The Fish Tartare was equally impressive. Incredibly fresh, it balanced delicate seafood with bright citrus notes, while grapefruit added an unexpected burst of flavour that lifted the entire dish. Although both starters initially appeared modest in size, they delivered so much flavour and richness that they proved surprisingly satisfying.
For mains, we opted for the 45-day aged steak, served alongside chunky triple-cooked chips and peppercorn sauce. The steak was cooked flawlessly, tender, full of flavour and exactly as ordered, while the peppercorn sauce was rich without overpowering the quality of the beef. The chips deserve a special mention too: golden, crisp and gloriously fluffy inside. Triple-cooked? Triple delicious. Knowing that all of the meat is responsibly sourced from the UK’s Lake District only adds to the appeal.
To finish, we tried the Pavlova with Cinnamon Ice Cream. As someone who doesn’t usually gravitate towards desserts, this was a genuine surprise. The pavlova was light, fresh and perfect for summer, while the cinnamon ice cream added warmth and depth without feeling overly festive. It was an inventive pairing that worked brilliantly.
The biggest takeaway from our visit is just how much impact the new chef has had in only a few months. The refreshed menu feels confident, creative and packed with flavour, while still respecting the restaurant’s roots in seasonal British cooking.
Whether you’re stopping by for one of North London’s finest Sunday roasts, making the most of the excellent-value lunch menu or settling in for a memorable evening meal, The Pig and Butcher delivers on every level.
Verdict: Outstanding seasonal British cooking in a relaxed yet refined setting. With an inspired new menu, exceptional ingredients and genuinely warm hospitality, The Pig and Butcher remains one of North London’s essential dining destinations.
