The Brave

The Brave is a highly anticipated British bistro pub on Essex Road in Islington, opened in December 2024 by acclaimed chef James Cochran -- winner of the 2018 Great British Menu and previously chef-patron of 12:51 on Upper Street -- in partnership with the Seven-Eighths Group (operators of The Hemingway and The Hunter S). Time Out calls it "a slick foodie pub halfway down Essex Road" with "creative, exactingly executed flavour bombs raining down from the open kitchen," recommending the Carlingford poached oysters. Hot Dinners declares "Islington's pub scene continues to be in rude health with the arrival of this exceptionally good bistro pub." The pub takes over the former Engle Field site on upper Essex Road, a short walk from Goodbye Horses and Godet.

Cochran's menu pays homage to his Scottish and Caribbean heritage using seasonal British produce. Standout dishes include the jerk spiced chicken Scotch egg with Scotch bonnet jam, south coast scallops in tikka masala sauce with roe and coconut, Scottish razor clam ceviche with quince and pine nut, roast haunch of Aynhoe venison with neep and tattie hash browns and XO sauce, and chocolate mousse with bay leaf ice cream and Armagnac prunes. Bar snacks are equally enticing: cheese gougères with pineapple jam, crispy canapés and bar snacks designed for pint-in-hand eating. A large pub garden is being developed for summer use. L-shaped dining room with open kitchen. Website: thebravelondon.co.uk.