The Sun and 13 Cantons

The Sun and 13 Cantons | A Classic British Boozer With Amazing Chef Residencies

So, here’s a free history lesson.

The word “canton” refers to the Swiss word for county. There were 12 cantons in Switzerland at the time of this pub’s birth, and Soho’s large Swiss watch-maker community was wittily referred to as the 13^th… so this pub was named in their honour.

Fast forward to the present day and you can still find that community feel in this pub – a pub which has, over the last three or four years, gained an increasingly stellar reputation as not only a great post-work watering hole but also (perhaps more notably) an excellent destination to uncover new-kid-on-the-block foodie pop ups.

Inside, The Sun and 13 Cantons feels like a good ol’ fashioned British booza, but in the Ministry of Magic. Specifically we’re talking dark wooden bar and high stools meets bottle green tiling, with gold trim.

Despite being part of the Fullers empire, The Sun and 13 Cantons manages to keep a level of individuality about it, due largely to the string of critically acclaimed food residencies that it’s become known for. Notable alumni include Sambal Shiok, a Malaysian laksa bar that did pop ups all over London before opening its first permanent venue in 2018 on Holloway Road; and Darjeeling Express – Asma Khan’s smash hit that started out as a supperclub and became a highly successful restaurant. If you don’t believe us, check out Netflix’s Chef’s Table – she’s on it.

Currently, however, it’s the domain of Little Bao Boy. Despite only launching in 2016, Little Bao Boy already has half a dozen locations across the UK making it a not quite so little. Nevertheless, you can expect a concise menu of half a dozen bao (beef brisket, chilli salt tofu, Korean fried chicken, etc) plus pulled pork fried, veg gyozas, and – prepare yourself – deep fried sweet bao covered in cinnamon sugar, berry compote, and condensed milk.

After which you won’t be so little, either.

NOTE: You can find out more, and book a table right here.

The Sun and 13 Cantons | 21 Great Pulteney Street, Soho, W1F 9NG

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