East London pub wins Michelin award for the first time
A Hackney boozer has won the prestigious Michelin Pub of the Year award - the first time it has ever gone to an establishment in the capital.
Judges for the guide said the Marksman on Hackney Road was 'a proper neighbourhood pub first and foremost' - and were impressed with its 'new era' pub food. It beat competition from over 500 other pubs in the UK and Ireland to scoop the accolade.
Co-owner Jon Rotheram told ITV News he and partner Tom Harris were thrilled with the win.
The pair come from a restaurant background, having worked at St John in Clerkenwell for many years. At the Marksman they focus on traditional British dishes from local suppliers, and say the menu is dictated by whatever produce is good at the time.
The pub was one of 36 in London to feature in this year's guide, nine of which were listed as ‘inspectors’ favourites’.
The others given this distinction were The Bull & Last in Highgate, The Thomas Cubitt in Victoria, The Empress in London Fields, The Draper's Arms in Islington, The Canton Arms in Stockwell, The Anchor & Hope in Waterloo, St John's Tavern in Archway and The Harwood Arms in Fulham.