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 13th… 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.
Nic Crilly-Hargrave
Currently, however, it’s the domain of Kaneda Pen, whose outfit Mamapen is the best place for Cambodian BBQ in the city. It’s also the only place for Cambodian BBQ in the city, but we’d stand by that statement regardless. After years of successful pop-ups he’s settling in here for a year or so, primed to lavish your tastebuds with classic Khmer recipes like BBQ pork neck skewers and pan-fried tofu ‘knots’, alongside fusion wildcards like braised beef ‘tattie mince noodles’ inspired by his Scottish girlfriend.
It’s definitely worth adding those in… if you think your order needs tartan up a bit.
NOTE: You can find out more, and book a table right here.
The Sun and 13 Cantons | 21 Great Pulteney Street, Soho, W1F 9NG
Want to check out more of the local drinking scene? Here’s our pick of the best pubs in Soho…