This September, The Marksman – the much-loved East End public house and dining room on Hackney Road, run by friends Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram – celebrates its 10th birthday.
“We didn’t expect it to take off as quickly as it did,” says Jon, “but it definitely sparked something. At its heart, we wanted to hark back to the traditional East End boozer – where not only could you have friendly bar staff pour a perfect pint, but there was a daily menu too. Pubs with food can get a bit fancy, so stripping it back a little while retaining the skill was a big aim.”
The pub’s interior hasn’t changed much since it first opened its doors in 1865, aside from a little sprucing up. Warm, dark mahogany wood panelling, green leather banquettes, and original floorboards line the space, with classic pub stools hugging a large oak bar – standing drinkers always welcome. Upstairs in the dining room, designer and friend Martino Gamper created a striking contemporary contrast: a bold, linoleum-coloured floor mirrored by an upholstered, panelled ceiling made from cloth crafted by a local weaver.
Tom and Jon met 25 years ago while working at St John. Together, they remain passionate about British cookery and working with great producers both in the kitchen and behind the bar. Since opening, The Marksman has garnered glowing reviews from the likes of Jay Rayner and Tim Hayward; and was awarded Michelin’s ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2017. Today, The Marksman is backed by a stellar team working alongside Tom and Jon. Head Chef Luke Peacock brings experience from Bocca di Lupo, The River Café, and most recently the Empress E9. General Manager Tom Elliot previously worked at Lyle’s, and Assistant Manager and Drinks Lead Jack Thompson joined from St John.
At The Marksman, guests can stop by for a pint and a curried lamb bun; enjoy a three-course meal from the à la carte menu; host a party upstairs; or share in the ever-popular Sunday lunch – just one of the many menus on offer.
The à la carte menu is grounded in traditional British cookery, inspired by writers such as Jane Grigson and Dorothy Hartley, but firmly rooted in the present. Dishes highlight daily arrivals: Cod, Clams, Saffron & Sea Beet; Tamworth Chop & IPA Mustard; Montgomery Cheese Puffs & Roast Tomato; and Whipped Salt Cod, Hen’s Egg & Watercress. A house favourite, the Beef and Barley Bun – steamed like a Baozi – was first imagined by Jon while working at the St John hotel in Chinatown. The signature “iconic” Brown Butter and Honey Tart was first created by Tom while he was at One Leicester Street, his modern British restaurant.
Throughout the week, The Marksman offers special menus to bring a sense of occasion to every visit. Highlights include Tuesday’s Steak Night, Wednesday’s Curry Night and Saturday Brunch:
· Steak Night (£15): Expertly prepared Hereford Skirt, Chips & Salad.
· Curry Night (£15): The kitchen serves playful dishes like Lamb Keema Pav, Potato Buns & Salt Lime Yoghurt.
· Workers Lunch (Thurs & Fri, £15): Exceptional value weekly changing dishes such as Rolled Pork Middle with Pink Fir Potatoes, Rosemary & Aioli including a drink.
· Saturday Brunch: A vibrant crowd enjoys spicy Bloody Marys alongside plates like the House-Cured Smoked Bacon chop & Fried Egg, Dorset Crab Kedgeree
The Sunday Roast is a local institution, drawing the community and visitors alike. Elevated takes on classics – Roast Hereford Rump with Yorkshire Pudding & Horseradish Cream and Roast Sutton Hoo Chicken with Braised Spring Vegetables – are served until past 8:30 pm.
Upstairs at The Marksman, guests are invited to feast. Beyond the regular dinner service, the space is perfect for hosting events – whether it’s a bijou city wedding or a raucous 40th birthday party, The Marksman’s feasting menus cater to every occasion. Expect platters of oysters and devilled eggs circulating the room, paired with a vibrant pét-nat sparkling wine from Burgundy. Guests then settle in for a shared centrepiece: Chicken and Wild Garlic Pie.
Just outside the dining room lies London’s worst-kept secret – The Marksman terrace with its own dedicated menu. Grab a drink at the bar and tuck into a bowl of mussels and chips as you soak up the early evening sun.
“Pubs should be a microcosm of London life,” says Tom. “We never set tables near the bar because they are as much for drinkers as diners. Pop in for a pint after your shift or local 5-a-side match… maybe stay for a bite to eat.”
Later in the summer, The Marksman will announce a series of special menus and events to mark its decade in business…watch this space.