Just a step away from the Imperial War Museum, you’ll find a pub that’s much more than just a pub. One of the founders of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, The Three Stags is a gastropub that places much more emphasis on the gastro end, while still accommodating those who stumble in mistaking it for a pub. While we may all be bored of hearing ‘British classics with a modern twist’, what really sets Three Stags apart is their quality of ingredients, emphasis on seasonal foods, and, for those interested, their curated wine list.
Unsurprisingly, they’re very popular in the area of their Sunday roasts, of which come with a tempting selection of meats: 32 day dry aged Argentine picanha roast beef, salt marsh braised lamb shank, cornfed chicken supreme with chicken croquette, porquetta stuffed with sausage meat sage, and a butternut & lentil wellington for the veggies among us. The picanha comes highly recommended if you like a big cap on your meat. All come with roasties, yorkies, veg, and gravy, of course, and, if you’re a traditionalist, you can order a side of cauliflower cheese. With restaurant-tier plating but with pub-like portion sizes, the Three stags combines the best with the best.
The wine list, though not wine-bar extensive, has an inspired selection of different flavour profiles so you can pair with your meal with ease. The most expensive bottle of red is at £40, a bold and rich Yalumba Organic Shiraz, but if I was pairing with a roast dinner, I’d order the Punta De Vista Cabernet as it so well accommodates anything thick and meaty, and comes for a much cheaper £28. Otherwise, the selection of international wines is impressive for a “pub”, and the staff are knowledgeable enough to know which pairs with what if you had no idea.
And leaving this until last, their interior is dazzling. It’s pub vibes elevated to the most pristine. Windows all round to make the most of the natural light, chandeliers and low-hanging lights make up the shortfall, framed paintings of statesmen beneath wall-fitted candelabras, ornate wooden chairs, tables that don’t rip off the top layer of sleeve fabric, and benches lining the outdoors. It’s a 5-star country pub in the middle of a city. You’ll no doubt leave wanting much more.
Details
- Address:
- 67-69 Kennington Road
- SE1 7PZ
- Transport:
- Lambeth North