Blue Boar Pub is a partnership between renowned Nottingham chef Sally Abe and Conrad London St James that looks to refine and elevate a classic pub menu to bring nostalgic food flavours to diners’ plates.
Having most recently held the position of head chef at The Hardwood Arms (London’s only Michelin starred pub), aside from her own projects Abe’s experience spans time under high profile chefs and positions at some of London’s finest kitchens. Her first placement after university was at The Savoy, before she moved on to Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and then worked alongside industry greats like Marcus Wareing and Brett Graham.
The menu at Blue Boar Pub is a culmination of all this experience and is a marked celebration of the UK’s bounty. Taking humble ingredients and preparing them in a creative way is a signature move from Abe, with snacks like a Coronation chicken scotch egg and golden raisin chutney setting the tone for a menu focused on familiar flavour given fun twists.
Starters feature dishes like potted Cornish crab with cucumber jelly and corned beef and mustard croquettes, while mains bring burgers fish and chips and steaks – all given a touch of reinvention through sides or sauces. Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for by way of dedicated menus, and on Sundays the restaurant is given over to the great British roast, where Abe puts Lake District meats at its heart.
Interiors are classic and cosy with a mix of comfy sofas for lounging on, hidden corners perfect for dates and mix and match tables ideal for more traditional dining. Guests can also indulge in only drinks and snacks if they prefer, with the bar’s speciality bloody Mary cocktails, Meantime Brewery draft beers or one of the many gins.
Sally Abe has won multiple awards, including being named as a ‘Chef to Watch’ at the 2019 National Restaurant Awards.