It’s not unusual for a new place in London to be recommended to us. In fact, I can’t remember the last day someone didn’t tell me I “have to visit” somewhere in this fabulous city of ours. I love it. It makes me realise just how much amazing stuff we’re surrounded by, and how little I’ve still seen.
However, it’s rare that a place I’ve never heard of comes with as high a recommendation as The Fox & Anchor did. A friend told me she’d taken her other half there for his Birthday and has the best time imaginable – so decided I’d steal her idea and take a friend there for his too. Seriously, the best plan ever.
I’m not going to lie. When I first walked up to the Fox & Anchor, Clerkenwell I was a little nervous. It’s a pub – and a VERY busy one when the sun’s is out in the City and it’s 6.30pm. I struggled my way to the bar, wondering if I’d made the right decision bringing him here. I mean, he doesn’t need overly fancy, but a load of suits guffawing on the pavement outside isn’t really him either.
2 minutes later, my mind was completely changed. I’d not only booked a table for dinner, but a room upstairs too – and as I checked in at the bar the staff were so friendly and welcoming that I was immediately at ease. They advised me we had an area reserved in the restaurant at the back (as soon as I glanced back to the dining space, the cosy serenity of it melted away any previous anxiety) and handed me the key to our room – The Market Suite.
Now. Let me explain. The Market Suite is NOT a room. It’s the place I want to move into forever. Absolutely incredible in everyway – and whilst the photos on the site are great – they do not do it justice. You walk in through the bathroom which is slightly odd at first, but as soon as you take in your surroundings you really don’t care. A huge copper bath, double walk in shower with rainforest shower head, beautiful double sinks and top quality toiletries sit next to fluffy white towels and sparkling fixtures. Next door, a lounge area with huge TV, DVD and Sound System leads out onto a beautiful private roof terrace overlooking East London. And last, but definitely not least – a gorgeously appointed bedroom with a HUGE comfy bed – perfect for a romantic stay!
Now.The whole night was a surprise for my friend – So off I went to meet him and bring him back for dinner. We were seated in a secluded little candlelit booth at the back of the restaurant, and we both loved the look of the menu – amazing British classics that any man (or me) would love. He chose Oysters to start, I went for a Soft Boiled Scotch Egg (We shared, both were gorgeous) and then he went for a classic Pie and Mash, while I had the steak. I totally won this round. It was DELICIOUS.
We didn’t order dessert as I’d brought a cake along, that had been lovingly made by the stars at Bake-a-Boo in West Hampstead (which was incredible – not only tasting – but looking too!) However, we did take a couple of bottles of wine upstairs to enjoy on the roof terrace under the stars.
He was most definitely a happy boy when he saw the room and we were blown away when we sat outside in our private space, chatting, drinking and generally having the perfect evening.
Both of us L-L-LOVED this place. I cannot stress it enough. If you’re looking for great service, good gastropub grub, and an amazing place to stay that is quirky, gorgeous and generally great value for money…this one’s for you.
Book it immediately and tell them I sent you!
[Images via https://www.thelondonfoodie.co.uk/ and www.telegraph.co.uk]
The Fox and Anchor, Clerkwenwell can be found at:
115 Charterhouse Street,
London
EC1M 6AA
020 7250 1300
