Stepping into The Jugged Hare, located a brief walk from the cultural heart of The Barbican, you find yourself enveloped in an environment that goes beyond the typical gastropub narrative. Here, the essence of British culinary heritage is reimagined through a lens of sustainability, seasonality, and an unwavering dedication to the art of game. It’s a space where the ethos of farm-to-table dining is not just practised but celebrated, with every dish serving as a testament to the pub’s commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship.
The pub’s culinary ethos reflects Britain’s natural larder, focusing on a close relationship with local suppliers to ensure the menu is a living document of the seasons, embracing dishes that are fresh and vibrant. It’s a place where the wild, the foraged, and the harvested come together, offering a palette of flavours that are as diverse as they are delicious.
Imagine starting your journey with a dish as robust and comforting as black pudding croquettes, complemented by the sharpness of Guinness HP sauce—a playful yet respectful nod to traditional British fare. Then, let your taste buds wander to the Herefordshire snails, a dish that encapsulates the British landscape with its garlicky, buttery goodness enveloping each morsel.
As you delve deeper into the menu, the namesake Jugged Hare dish itself stands as a bold declaration of the pub’s game-centric philosophy. This traditional preparation of wild Norfolk hare, braised in its own blood, bridges the gap between past and present culinary traditions, offering a taste of the countryside right in the heart of the city. And then, there’s the Sunday Roast, the epitome of British dining culture, featuring 45-day aged Longhorn beef, a highlight of the pub’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
The ambiance of The Jugged Hare adds another layer to its allure. The interior, adorned with tasteful taxidermy and hunting memorabilia, isn’t just décor but a narrative element that ties the dining experience back to the origins of game and the respect for nature that guides the pub’s philosophy.
Complementing the culinary experience is a selection of wines, local beers, and crafted cocktails, each curated to enhance the flavours of the dishes. In essence, The Jugged Hare goes right to the heart of British culinary traditions, redefined for the modern palate. It stands as a monument to sustainability, a champion of local produce, and a custodian of the culinary heritage that makes Britain’s food scene so uniquely rich and inviting, right in the city.
