Hope Smithfield

Premier Pies and Perfect Pub Atmosphere

If you find yourself wandering the atmospheric streets of Farringdon, do not pass up the chance to step into The Hope—a charming sanctuary nestled just alongside Smithfield Market. This Grade 2 listed building is flush with Victorian character, featuring an original etched glass wall and an impressive curved window that floods the room with warm light. While pies may be The Hope’s pièce de résistance, the spirited staff—particularly shout-outs to Jess, Kat, Denise, awe at the gemlike service—is what elevates the experience from pleasant to unforgettable. From the moment the delicate scent of savory pastry escapes from the open kitchen, get ready for a true feast: beef and ale pies generously laden with peas, gooey cheese, and possibly the best gravy in London, glide gently on their soft, luscious mash pillows.

A fine selection of ales, ranging from smooth northern bitters to vibrantly hopped brews, quenches the thirst kindled by such hearty fare. Better still, while value appears to be a sunset dream in many corners of London, The Hope embodies an exception, with its prized pie-and-pint deal offering exceptional value and deliciousness—a quintessential respite in tumultuous city life where every quid counts. Lovers of British traditions will find solace amidst busts of captivating memorabilia, welcoming their inner Anglophile as they unwind to delightful anecdotes born from vivaciously shared tables. The Hope feels less like stepping into a local pub and more like discovering an old friend—a tribute to its infallible dedication to craft, community, and charm. The chandelier may shimmer dimly under the austere intrusions of modernity, but The Hope certainly remains a luminously enduring heartthrob. — Audrey Al Dente