The Jugged Hare

City of London. Established in 1796, it originally operated as The King's Head. It stands on the grounds of Samuel Whitbread's original brewhouse. For nearly two centuries the pub served as the official "brewery tap" - the primary watering hole for brewery workers and visitors - a role it sustained until Whitbread officially ceased operations on Chiswell Street in 1976. In 1992 it expanded into parts of the brewery's old storehouses, and in 2022 it was reimagined and reopened as The Jugged Hare. The name comes from jugging, a historic British cooking technique that dates back centuries. Traditionally, a whole hare is cut into portions, marinated, and sealed inside a tall earthenware jug along with red wine, stock, and juniper berries. The jug is then placed in a larger pot of boiling water to slow cook the meat for several hours. True to this heritage, the pub has positioned itself as one of London's premier champions of British wild game. It operates strictly around UK game seasons, executing famous annual dinners for events like the Glorious 12th (the start of grouse season), and serving wild boar, venison, woodcock, pheasant, and snipe alongside local ales and fine wines.

The interior retains the identity of a classic Victorian pub, with oak floorboards, red leather seating, bar tables crafted from antique whiskey barrels, stylish chandeliers, and features an extensive collection of glazed taxidermy and mounted British birds and animals. The upstairs has been beautifully remodeled and was a lovely place to enjoy a Fuller's London Pride and soak in this gorgeous pub. And on my way out I discovered in the back is a "secret garden". Lots to love about this pub!