A Punch Taverns outlet in London’s Docklands has been awarded the prestigious title of Time Out magazine’s Gastropub of the Year.

The Gun, on Coldharbour, is credited with the accolade in the Time Out Eating and Drinking Guide 2006.

Tom Martin, licensee at the pub with his brother Ed, said: “Time Out’s listings often set the benchmark for those in the catering industry and to be recognised by the publication in this way is huge reward for the effort our team has put into The Gun.”

Described as ‘an oasis in a desert of iron, steel and glass’ the judges were particularly delighted with the menu which includes ‘wonderful interpretations of British classics, as well as touches of French bistro cuisine’.

Tom and Ed took the lease this time last year with the pub having been closed for almost four years after a fire wrecked the building and left it derelict.

Following an investment of over £500,000 the pub has been transformed into one of the Docklands’ leading food and drink destinations.

A riverside terrace and separate sun deck with barbeque area offer views over the Thames to the Millenium Dome and compliments an interior of leather couches and candlelit dining.

Popular dishes include roast suckling pig with apple sauce, Gun fish pie and the Old spot bacon sandwich with eggs and brown sauce.

The pub, which is more than 200 years old, has a nautical history and was once frequented by the late Lady Hamilton.

And the award has had an immediate impact on the business, says Tom: “Since the guide was published we’ve seen a dramatic increase in turnover and people are going out of their way to visit our other outlets, The Well in Clerkenwell, EC1, and the White Swan on Fetter Lane, EC4.”

The Gun was a finalist in the 2005 ITV Tio Pepe Restaurant awards, has recently won a Remy Martin award and was also a finalist for best gastropub at this year’s Class awards.

Boosted by this success the pair are planning to open another pub in Victoria Park next year.

Mark Francis, business relationship manager at Punch, said: “We are constantly encouraging our licensees across the entire estate to improve their food offering and The Gun is a fantastic example of what can be achieved.”

Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s leading pub companies with almost 8,200 outlets and 464 in London.

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For further information on Punch Taverns please contact Jules Kerby at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780

For further information on The Gun, The Well and the White Swan please contact Kate Lester at Roche Communications on 020 7436 1111