The top line: Once known as Ganymede, The Elizabeth is part of Lunar Pub Company, which also behind the establishments The Apollo Arms in Clapham Old Town and The Hunter’s Moon in South Kensington. Founder Hubert Beatson-Hird has brought in Wild Honey chef Anthony Demetre to oversee the menu, with chef David Halewood, who was already at Ganymede, heading up the kitchen.
On the menu: Demetre knows how to write a menu, and The Elizabeth’s is packed with British bistro classics as well as a few curveballs and more cheffy creations. Starters include whipped cod’s roe with cucumber and pitta; duck, pork and guinea‑fowl en croute; Gazpacjo Andalusian style; and grilled merguez with slow baked butter beans and green sauce. Mains are hearty and herald in the autumnal months with dishes such as crisp slow cooked duck confit with spinach, chickpeas, and wild oregano; spatchcocked roast young chicken lacquered with Moroccan lemon and honey; and a Tamworth pork chop with leeks and apple relish. Desserts include a blackberry pavlova; crème brûlée; rum baba with whipped cream; and a chocolate mousse with caramelised hazelnuts. The Elizabeth also does a good line in bar snacks, that include potted pork and sourdough; and a smash burger and on Sundays serves a menu at £37 for two courses and £42 for three. Drinks wise, there’s a good selection of cocktails listed, and a wine list of Old and New World options supplied by Liberty Wines.
The vibe: Housed in a Grade II Victorian townhouse, The Elizabeth has 52 covers spread across its three dining spaces as well as 12-cover terrace and 36-cover private dining room. The pub has a separate drinking area and is decked out in deep burgundy walls, wooden floors and dark green banquettes that make it an ideal location for when the winter evenings start to close in.
And another thing: While the pub was previously named after a divine hero of Troy who was abducted by the gods to serve as Zeus’ cup-bearer, its new name pays homage to the UK royal family and the pub’s proximity to Buckingham Palace and Victoria station.
139 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QU // https://theelizabethsw1.co.uk/