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The Culpeper

London, Whitechapel - Modern European - Pub with rooms - ££

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Nicholas Culpeper was a 17th-century botanist, physician and astrologer – and the Whitechapel pub that bears his name is equally adept at playing many roles. Starting from the top, there's a vegetable garden on the roof, with produce growing in the shadow of City spires and skyscrapers; the second floor offers a few sparsely stylish guest rooms, while the first floor houses the kitchen and an airy dining space. But the heart of the operation is the ground floor, where post-work drinkers and diners gravitate to a horseshoe bar, and where the aesthetics gracefully balance hipsterdom and Victorian heritage with giant windows, scuffed parquet floors and dangling light fittings. The small menu magpie-picks from contemporary European influences: starters might include the likes of lightly battered fritto misto with a generous dollop of preserved lemon aïoli or a warming Jerusalem artichoke orzotto with rosemary pesto and pickled onion. Mains are characterised by hearty and ho...

Nicholas Culpeper was a 17th-century botanist, physician and astrologer – and the Whitechapel pub that bears his name is equally adept at playing many roles. Starting from the top, there's a vegetable garden on the roof, with produce growing in the shadow of City spires and skyscrapers; the second floor offers a few sparsely stylish guest rooms, while the first floor houses the kitchen and an airy dining space. But the heart of the operation is the ground floor, where post-work drinkers and diners gravitate to a horseshoe bar, and where the aesthetics gracefully balance hipsterdom and Victorian heritage with giant windows, scuffed parquet floors and dangling light fittings. The small menu magpie-picks from contemporary European influences: starters might include the likes of lightly battered fritto misto with a generous dollop of preserved lemon aïoli or a warming Jerusalem artichoke orzotto with rosemary pesto and pickled onion. Mains are characterised by hearty and homespun choices – think rustic cassoulet swimming with confit duck leg, Toulouse sausage and pork belly (the star of our inspection meal) or a Mitteleuropean medley of spätzle with squash, chanterelles and chestnuts, speckled with crispy cavolo nero. Dense chocolate and hazelnut brownie is a fitting way to conclude; otherwise, the blackboard trumpets suppliers behind the exclusively francophone cheeseboard. Drinks cover all bases, from real ales and cocktails to Old World wines (including skin-contact varieties).

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VENUE DETAILS

40 Commercial Street
Whitechapel
E1 6LPGB

020 7247 5371

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Separate bar, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required, No reservations

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