The Marksman

Lloyd S

Set in the heart of the Hackney Road in East London this is very much a traditional old pub with the downstairs looking like it's been kept in that style but the upstairs has been turned into a quirky and slightly retro dining room. You can just pop in for a drink and try one of there great local ales & lagers as we did a few weeks ago but it's mainly a food place. While we were here last we looked at the menu which is changed daily , plus in seeing some of the food being served made us want to come here for lunch and yesterday that's exactly what we did. When you book there is no guarantee where you'll be seated but on this occasion we were seated upstairs. Which was nice and a totally different atmosphere to downstairs especially yesterday as it was very busy. When you look at the menu you'll see that the dishes are certainly different to any where else , but after they were explained but one of the very friendly staff we made our choices . Firstly we started with some Olives & Black Treacle Sourdough Bread . The we had our starters which were Devilled Mussels & Monks Beard and to say the Mussels were amazing is an understatement and my Tamworth Blood Pudding & Parsley which was heavenly Then it was time for our mains of Braised Lamb , Peas & Wild Garlic (sadly no pic) but was fantastic and my fabulous Roast Hereford Rump of Beef which was simply stunning as were the Yorkshire Pudding , Roast Potatoes & Veg. These were matched with a delightful fruity Red Wine from Portugal After a little rest it was time for desserts a delightful Sheep's Yoghurt , Rhubarb & Rose and a delicious Chocolate Burnt Milk & Barley matched with a nicely chilled Banyuls a French Sweet Wine This brought an end to a truly memorable Sunday Lunch and I can honestly say it won't be to long before we return as the food was amazing and each member of staff was so warm and friendly.