The Cat & Mutton pub has been a mainstay of Broadway Market for very long time indeed - 300 odd years - and although it closed late last year, it's about to be reopened by Tom Gibson, who is also behind Ruby’s in Dalston. As the man himself says, it's very much an institution: "I grew up in Hackney and have been going to The Cat & Mutton for years. I feel really privileged to become a part of its rich history and beginning the start of a new chapter."
So what can we expect from the revived pub? Very much a place of two halves. Downstairs will be more of a traditional boozer, which means "vintage enameled mirrors" an oak bar that stretches the length of the room, banquet seating and wooden tables. There will, of course, be draft ales and beers on tap (although we don't have a list yet) and a "superior spirit selection" is promised too.
Upstairs there is the "little sister of Ruby’s" - the cocktail bar called Pearl's, which will have a reclaimed tin ceiling, salvaged furniture and vintage glassware. Cocktails on the list will be ‘Pearly Queen’ – a lychee and lemongrass infused take on a Pina Colada and "Alfred’s Porter" - a mixture of cognac, port, oyster sauce & honey. The "Bloody Ruby" will also be putting in an appearance here.
As for the food, that'll be taken care of Ben Denner whose original Lucky Chip van is only up the road at Netil Market and whose Licky Chops will be responsible for the food here. It will be available both in Pearl's and the downstairs pub - including such fare as:
- Oysters (fresh or smoked)
- Burnt broccoli, yoghurt, pickled mustard seeds
- Pulled pork roll, American cheese, coleslaw
- Bucket of mutton chops, bean salad, mash, mint sauce
- Smoked haddock, charred leeks, aioli, toast
- Churros, cappuccino
The Cat and Mutton re-opens in April at 76 Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ. For more information, follow them on Twitter @catandmutton.
