The Horn of Plenty

The Horn of Plenty in London isn't just another pub – it's the kind of place where Charles Dickens might have penned his next masterpiece if he'd had access to craft beer and Latin-inspired tacos. Tucked away like a well-kept secret, this charming establishment manages to pull off that rarest of London pub tricks: feeling both historically authentic and completely of-the-moment.

From the moment you cross the threshold, you realize this isn't your standard-issue London watering hole. The Horn of Plenty strikes that perfect balance between cozy traditional pub and contemporary hangout, where the wooden beams overhead have witnessed countless conversations, and the warm lighting makes everyone look like they're starring in their own indie film. The atmosphere is so inviting that even your most reserved friend will end up chatting with strangers at the bar about their shared love of obscure IPAs.

Speaking of beverages, the beer selection here is enough to make a hop enthusiast weep tears of joy. The carefully curated rotation of craft beers sits alongside perfectly kept traditional ales, proving that The Horn of Plenty understands both the classics and the contemporary. But what really sets this London gem apart is its resident kitchen, El Jardín, which has somehow managed to make tacos feel like they've always belonged in a British pub. It's the culinary equivalent of that friend who shows up to a formal dinner in sneakers and somehow looks better than everyone else.

The food menu reads like a love letter to cross-cultural cuisine. Those beef tacos everyone keeps raving about? They're the kind of dish that makes you question everything you thought you knew about pub food. The kitchen team has mastered the art of taking familiar comfort foods and adding unexpected twists that make perfect sense once you taste them. When they serve up their special ribs with fermented pineapple salsa, it's like watching a master class in flavor combination.

The space itself deserves special mention. Unlike some London pubs that feel like they're playing dress-up in vintage decor, The Horn of Plenty wears its history naturally. The walls could tell stories (and probably have overheard some good ones), but the vibe is thoroughly present-day. It's dog-friendly too, which means you might find yourself sharing your evening with some four-legged regulars who've developed sophisticated tastes in pub snacks.

What really makes this place tick is the staff. The bartenders have that perfect mix of knowledge and approachability – they can recommend the perfect beer pairing for your meal without a hint of pretension. And if you're lucky enough to catch their pub quiz night, you're in for a treat. The quiz master has achieved minor celebrity status among regulars for questions that are equal parts challenging and entertaining.

The reasonably priced menu means you can treat yourself to several dishes without having to check your bank balance afterward. It's the kind of place where you can comfortably linger over a couple of pints and a spread of sharing plates, making it ideal for those long London evenings when time seems to slow down and nobody's in a hurry to leave.

The Horn of Plenty has also embraced the concept of special events, with their Italian Supper Club becoming the talk of the neighborhood. These five-course feasts transform the pub into something approaching a fine dining experience, albeit one where you can still wear jeans and nobody raises an eyebrow. It's this versatility that makes the venue so special – it can be your casual Tuesday night pint spot or your Sunday afternoon culinary adventure.

Here's the insider tip: arrive around 6:30 PM if you want to snag one of the prime spots by the windows. The early evening light filtering through the glass creates an almost magical atmosphere, and you'll have first dibs on the evening's specials. And while you might be tempted to stick to your usual order (those tacos are admittedly addictive), the regularly changing menu rewards the adventurous.

Next time you're debating where to meet friends in London, make your way to The Horn of Plenty. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a food explorer, or just someone who appreciates a proper pub with personality, you'll find your tribe here. Just don't blame me when you end up making it your regular – though honestly, you could do a lot worse for a home away from home in London.