I am often at the Barbican Centre reviewing concerts and always find the area rather dreary… so much concrete and very little greenery or life. Restaurant-wise the options are few and unexciting. The exception is Chiswell Dining Rooms, although it is perhaps a little too smart and pricey for a pre-concert meal. The Jugged Hare is a lively and sophisticated gastropub with food that uses big bold British flavours, a concept that done well will never fail to satisfy growling London stomachs.

We were among the first guests to sit down for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon, but soon enough the place was full (mostly of booted and suited businessmen). I wasn’t overly enthused by the variety of starters but the salad I chose was light, healthy and imaginative. An eclectic mix of pea, broad bean, radish, dandelion, goat’s cheese and walnuts, it was as pretty as it was tasty and though bizarre, the dandelion was a lovely addition. My brother chose Pork and green peppercorn terrine, a well seasoned and expertly made slice accompanied by delicious bread crisps.

Surveying the room, it was plain to see which dishes were favoured by the diners, and the Rotisserie Chicken seemed most popular; convinced of its merit I ordered it, the special of the day a half Cumbrian free range chicken, sage stuffing and bread sauce. My brother has been keen to try a Chateaubriand steak for a while, and though discouraged by our waiter who scoffed at the idea of him eating it alone, he eagerly ordered it. The chicken was delicious, cooked perfectly to ensure the meat was tender and juicy, bringing out all the flavours of this superior breed. The skin was crispy and well seasoned, and the gravy was delicious. The Chateaubriand was, as expected, an amazing piece of meat… cooked rare served thickly sliced – my brother was delighted. I tasted a mouthful, the texture is unlike any other cut of beef, soft and indulgent. The steak was delivered with giant chips, most of which were left after our meat feast… they were a little too fat and consequently not soft enough inside.

The puddings at the Jugged Hare are uncomplicated and classic, I chose the Kendal mint chocolate pot and my brother had the Honeycomb ice-cream with chocolate sauce. The chocolate pot had an intense flavour and was incredibly rich, not unlike the Gu products but thicker with chunks of peppermint cream on the top. The honeycomb ice cream was homemade, a light and easy pudding after the big main course.

Downstairs a grand private dining room is available for special occasions, the perfect old fashioned banqueting table. Despite only opening recently the Jugged Hare is already enjoying roaring success and I have a feeling it is only going to get better, and much more popular.

Visit the website to book here.