TDN Weekend December 2016 Issue 9
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/988448
If you do take in THE ANCHOR AND HOPE, then you might be better off going early in the week, while you still have plenty of gas in the tank. And even then you might decide that it's all too much. For the whole thing could hardly be in greater contrast with your Tuesday evening in Belgravia, never mind your Wednesday afternoon at Ascot. At 36 The Cut, SE1 8LP, you are on an unlovely stretch of asphalt and concrete between Waterloo and London Bridge stations. But this is also home to both the Old and Young Vic theatres, and just behind the South Bank complex of national theatre, film and performance venues. The pavements duly crackle with the social energy loaded onto this circuit board of urban culture. So make sure you go back to your hotel and change before venturing out. Morning coats and top hats would only be worn in vaudeville hereabouts, and a hot summer night will be thirsty work even in slashed jeans. The Anchor and Hope conforms unapologetically with its milieu. You will almost certainly find it packed out and cacophonous and you can't jump the queue for a table by booking. Even once you have seen out your wait at the bar, or out on the pavement, you may find yourself sharing a table. But if such egalitarianism is consistent with the local tempo, then don't forget that the reason all these people are here is the elite quality of what is coming out of that kitchen—open, naturally, so that the team in there can contribute to the din and energy. Wednesday