London is world-renowned for its culture, art and history. Wherever you go in this city, there’s sure to be a story behind it. And London’s pub food is no different.
Because London is such a cosmopolitan city, you can find cuisines from almost anywhere in the world. Whether it’s flavourful street food or Michelin-starred tidbits, tastiness is all around in England’s vibrant capital city.
One of the best things about exploring a city is experiencing local food – and nobody does local London food quite like a gastropub.
What’s so special about London Gastropubs?
The beauty of a British gastropub is that you can comfortably indulge in two of life’s greatest joys – food and drink. These wonderful spaces are hybrids of a pub, bar, and restaurant.
Back in the day, dinner at the pub meant a sad pie and a lukewarm pint. But fortunately for us, pubs have transformed into some of the best places to eat in London.
Of course, not all London gastropubs are created equal. They range from upscale and modern to laid-back and cosy. But, what they all have in common is tasty comfort food and cold drinks.
In Britain, the pub tradition is strong. Coupled with their hearty food culture, the gastropub is the perfect place to head for a tasty meal and a pint or two of beer.
The Best Pub Food in London
Before we get to the top gastropubs in London that you need to check out, let’s pause and take a look at what you should be ordering while there. Of course, the menu will differ in each pub. But there are definitely a couple of classics and staples that most places will offer!
1. Fish and chips
This will come as no surprise. England is the birthplace of fish and chips, and they do it excellently. You’ll find that the flavours go wonderfully with a pint of beer, particularly an English bitter or pale ale.
2. Steak and Kidney Pie
This classic pie is a long-standing pub classic. You may think that you’ve had great assorted pies in the past, but nothing beats this traditional staple. Belgian ale is its best pairing beer.
3. Sunday Roast
As you may have noticed, meat is king in gastropubs. Sunday roasts allow meat lovers to dive into a wonderfully roasted pile of meat alongside Yorkshire puddings, vegetables, roast potato and gravy. The best beer to drink with this dish is a dark ale or porter (or both).
The Top 8 Gastro Pubs in London
If these tasty dishes tickle your fancy, you’re sure to love these gastropubs in London. Depending on which spot you choose to experience, the cuisine might be fully traditional, or a new take on a classic. So, you can choose between authentic or innovative pub food in London.
One of the best aspects of gastropubs in London is the atmosphere. You’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time with the cosy vibe inside. Many of these top options also have a beer garden, which is particularly wonderful in the summer months. Enjoying a beer in the sun is a great joy for locals and travellers alike.
Without further ado, here are the best London gastropubs.
1. The Harwood Arms
Tucked away in the backstreets of Fulham, this upscale gastropub is the perfect place to visit for traditional British food that’s a bit special. The owner provides the kitchen with his own shoots, so the food couldn’t be more locally produced.
The Harwood Arms is the only Michelin-starred pub in London, which means it’s not the most budget friendly. But, if you’re wanting to treat yourself to a meal in the best gastropub in London, this is the place. Their scotch eggs are particularly yummy, but all of their dishes are near faultless.
A visit during game season is recommended. And after a delicious meal, you can indulge your love for a different game, by taking the Stamford Bridge tour. This Chelsea stadium is just a few minutes walk away from the pub.
2. The Pig and Butcher
This artistic pub is found in Islington and dates back to the mid-19th century. Another meat paradise, this London gastropub sources its meat directly from UK farmers. And, as suggested in the name, they carve on-site. Your food could not be fresher!
The Pig and Butcher’s menu changes frequently but is always top quality. They also serve a range of craft beers, hand-pulled ales, and wine from family-owned vineyards.
3. The Red Lion & Sun
This laid-back gastropub has a great atmosphere and not one but two beer gardens! It’s a great place to head to in the summers, where you can relax in the sun with a cold beer in hand. They welcome dogs, which is rare in London.
The menu features classic pub grub, but also extends to more eclectic contemporary dishes. Their drink menu is also expansive, and their cocktails are particularly popular when it’s warm out. If the weather isn’t playing along, their whiskeys are ideal.
4. The Mayflower Pub
You can find this ideally-located pub right next to the River Thames. Sit on the wooden deck with a beer in your hand while you look over one of the world’s most famous rivers. There’s a lovely vibe at this London riverside pub, and if you’re looking for a romantic setting, you can’t do better.
The Mayflower pub is one of the oldest pubs in London, and the decor reflects that. The street outside is cobbled and it’s a charming area to walk around and explore.
5. The Swan
This original Victorian/art deco gastropub has a beautiful garden where you can enjoy your meal. Indoors, there’s a traditional, intimate pub vibe.
The chef at The Swan creates a new menu each week so you can try new versions of the classics every time you dine. If you’re looking for real pub grub in London, try their sausage and mash or steak and chips. They have a great selection of wines, beers, and gins too.
The pub garden is dog-friendly, so you can bring your pooch along for dinner. Children have to leave by 7 pm, as things get a little more lively after dark.
6. The Cow
If you’re looking for a London pub that serves good seafood, The Cow is a great choice. The name might not reflect it, but they specialise in seafood. Their crab and oysters are revered, but whatever is in season at the time of your visit will be a good choice.
Recently renovated, the bar itself is split into two very different atmospheres. The bottom floor is intimate and welcoming, while their upper level is more of an upscale restaurant. You can choose what kind of vibe you’re after. Whichever you choose, the food and drink are sure to be superb.
7. The Anchor and Hope
This rustic gastropub in Southwark has the kind of atmosphere that will keep you coming back. And, since the menu frequently changes, you’ll never get tired of the meals there, even if you visit every day of the year.
This wooden-floored pub is popular with London’s artsy crowd, with colourful pieces of art adding to the congenial feel. Their seasonal menu focuses on flavour and quality. The duck’s cheek is particularly good, as is their homemade sourdough. There’s also an extensive wine and beer selection to keep you well-oiled.
8. The Eagle Farrington
The Eagle Farrington, which has been around since 1991, has a solid reputation for brilliant food in London. Located in Clerkenwell, this classic corner pub is almost always busy, and the bustle only adds to the atmosphere.
You can shake it up a little here and try some Mediterranean food instead of the usual British staples. Their steak sandwich is famous, but all of their food is fantastic. If you’re looking for something sweet, try their Portuguese desserts!
The open kitchen will have delicious scents wafting your way, which really adds to the dining experience. And, with a glass of wine from their well-stocked bar, your meal will be a very happy one.
Final Thoughts on the Top London Gastropubs
If you’re looking for the best pub food in London, you can’t do better than one of these fantastic gastropubs. The food is varied, hearty, and always delicious, which is just what good British grub should be.
The setting and atmosphere at all of these gastropubs in London is always friendly and inviting – which can be comforting when you’re in a new city, or even exploring one that you’ve lived in for years!
These gastropubs all offer something different, so this list should help you find the perfect place for a romantic night on the town, a family and friends’ get together, or a simple solo meal. Paired with the right glass of wine or beer, any meal at one of these London gastropubs is sure to satisfy.
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