Less than three months after closing his highly rated Islington restaurant 12:51, chef James Cochran is opening a new venture nearby – a ‘bistro pub’ called The Brave in a revamped Essex Road boozer.

“We’re creating something really special here at The Brave,” says James. “Given all the love we received from locals when we closed 12:51 this summer, it was a no-brainer for me to open something five minutes down the road.“

Launching next Thursday, 5 December, The Brave offers what he calls a “fresh take on the British pub” which “brings the wild of Britain to the heart of London”.

James’s signature combinations of Scottish and Caribbean influences will be found in bar snacks such as a jerk-spiced chicken Scotch egg served with Scotch bonnet jam, while more substantial dishes include roast haunch of Aynhoe venison, venison sausage, slow-braised venison pie, neep & tattie hash browns, XO sauce, grilled hispi cabbage, roast onions and chicory salad, using venison sourced from Brett Graham of The Ledbury’s farm.

Restaurant 12:51 in Upper Street, which served its last guests in early September, won high praise in the 2024 Harden’s guide for its “fantastically fun and fabulous food” and “upbeat vibe“. James has teamed up with the people behind The Hemingway in Victoria Park and Hunter S in De Beauvoir to open The Brave.