James Cochran announces new Islington pub venture

James Cochran is to return to Islington with a new pub venture following the closure of his restaurant 12:51 in August.

The chef has teamed up with Seven-Eighths Group, which is behind east London pubs the Hemingway and Hunter S, to launch the Brave in Essex Road in December.

Cochran’s menus will offer a fresh take on British pub food, drawing influence from his Scottish-Caribbean heritage.

The pub, previously the Engle Field, will have 50 covers across several dining and drinking spaces.

It will bring together Cochran’s childhood memories of pub visits with his Glaswegian father, aiming to bring warmth and camaraderie to a modern, elevated yet relaxed setting.

The chef said: “We’re creating something really special here at the Brave. It’s not just a pub – it’s a place where people can enjoy quality food and drink in a warm, authentic environment.

“My dad used to take me to the pub when I was a kid and I have happy memories of that time, so this feels full circle for me. And, given all the love we received from customers and locals when we closed 12:51, it’s a no-brainer for me to open something down the road.”

Michael Butt, who is overseeing the project for Seven-Eighths Group, added: “With James at the helm in the kitchen, the Brave is set to become the culinary jewel in the crown for the group. It’s a space where the best of traditional pub culture meets innovation, and with an epic food menu from James, we can’t wait to see the pub full of happy diners once we are open.”

Dishes will include potato dumplings with slow-braised shin of beef, hay emulsion, Montgomery Cheddar and beef gravy, and roast maitake mushroom with celeriac, bread sauce and kale.

A sharing dish will feature roast haunch of Aynhoe venison with venison sausage, slow-braised venison pie, neep and tattie hash browns, XO sauce, grilled hispi cabbage, roast onions and chicory salad.

Cochran closed his 12:51 restaurant in Upper Street at the end of August after almost seven years of trading. At the restaurant he sought to bring together his Caribbean, Scottish and Kentish heritage in a menu that demonstrated both unpretentious fine dining and classical cooking techniques.

Cochran posted on Instagram: “We have had countless guests come through our doors, and it has been an honour to serve every one of them, as well as work alongside all the staff members who have made 12:51 possible over the years. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

12:51 was recommended in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland for its “well-priced tasting menu” that offered “interesting textures and bold flavours”.

Cochran has previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants including Brett Graham’s the Ledbury and the Harwood Arms.