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A Jackalope is a mythical American animal, with the body of a rabbit and antelope horns. Marylebone's Jackalope is itself something of a hybrid — a traditional mews pub fitted out with modern furnishing and trendy ales.
It works well. The pub's former incarnation as the Dover Castle was much missed for its creaky wooden interiors and dark corners. The new furnishings jar a little with the memory of that place. But any nostalgic regrets are soon dampened by a trip to the bar.
Gone is the tired old selection of Sam Smith's beers; in comes a much wider selection of craft ales (up to 16) alongside a couple of traditional draughts on the pumps. The place is now overseen by the folk behind The Euston Tap, whose attitude to beer selection is the polar opposite to that of Mr Smith.
The food is something of a departure, too. Down in the basement, the Jackalope serves up spicy Xiao Mian noodles (the first place in London to do so, apparently). Here's someone who knows what the hell he's talking about to review the food:
Otherwise, the 18th century pub hasn't changed too radically. The room layout is preserved (the place is Grade II listed), and the walls still sport wood panelling. Even the 'Dover Castle' etched glass windows are preserved. The jackalope wallpaper throws us ever-so-slightly, and the back rooms now feel a bit too well lit, but we're so happy to see this characterful venue trading again.
Last updated April 2019.
On Twitter as @JackalopeLDN.
