Where once 'pub grub' was literally a soggy pie and an unhappy pint has now become one of the most delicious staples of British food. Gastropubs are king in the capital, offering up everything from the finest cuts of steak to mouth-watering roast dinners that even your mum can't live up to. So whether you have a hangover to cure, a rainy day to run out or want a feast in a beer garden, make sure you head to these boozers for the best pub food in London.
Last updated on 15th March 2023
Inspired by the ship that first carried English pilgrims to the New World, the Mayflower is one of the most authentic English pubs in South London that offers its guests delicious gastropub dishes, locally sourced ales and stunning views of the Thames. From hearty cuts of British meat to belly-warming pies, you'll be spoiled for choice by the diverse menu.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the City and manoeuvre your way through a narrow passage to this rustic wine bar. You'll find a wine list which features bottles from the old and new world, alongside premium ales and classic British dishes if you get hungry.
The kitchen over at The Ram has been taken over by the guys at Burgers, Wings and Ribs. These fab foodies rustle up a mean selection of grub, including unlimited chicken wings for £16, towering stacks of deliciousness and sides like dirty fries.
Looking for the best pub grub in London? Head to Bloomsbury where The Lady Ottoline is keeping you fuelled up with a range of British classics and modern twists. Tuck into chicken Caesar croquettes, smoked salmon Scotch eggs and classic fish and chips at this pretty Holborn haunt.
Bringing the best of British pub food to the streets of the City, Epic Pies is an absolute must-visit. Stop by with colleagues, mates or potential partners for the chance to graze on comfort food classics, with plenty of refreshing drinks to choose from.
The George IV in Chiswick manages to combine a cosy appeal with a modern aesthetic to create a fun environment to tuck into some good London pub food. Alongside their roast dinner, their menu is packed full of tasty treats, with fish and choice cuts of meat taking centre stage.
For everything from speciality steaks to Sunday roasts and fish 'n' chips, Larkshall is a great shout. Head to the Chingford traditional pub to settle down in their friendly surroundings, washing your meal down with pints or vino.
Offering some of the finest pub grub in North London, The Dartmouth Arms offers a stunning selection of modern classics, from white bean soup and bavette steak, stonking roast dinners with all the trimmings.
The Gun is not just a pretty face, alongside its selection of craft brews, it also serves up some pretty great classic pub grub. Stop by the Spitalfields haunt to experience Sunday roasts surrounded by cool decor and a trendy East London crowd.
The Gipsy Queen aren't just a cosy, traditional pub in Kentish Town, they also offer up some of the best gastropub food around. Their mouth-watering traditional dishes are made using amazing ingredients, and there's something for vegetarians, pescatarians and meat-eaters alike.
If you're peckish for some delicious pub grub in London, The Burlington Arms is definitely up there as one of the best. Head to this Mayfair gem for sumptuous burgers, Scotch eggs, craft beer and fabulous classic cocktails.
The Iron Duke is a no-nonsense, small and friendly pub found in the heart of London's West End. Serving delicious traditional pub food with a splattering of lovely real ales, this is the perfect place to escape the bustling streets.
Boasting a diverse menu of crispy stuffed olives, sweet potato burgers and whole grilled sea bass, The Star by Hackney Downs is most definitely a crowd-pleaser when it comes to food. Enjoy light nibbles or a huge main while tipping back pints.
For a lineup of burgers and Sunday dinners, take a look at the pub food from The Leyton Star. They're fronting piled-high patties with plenty of sides, including tempura cauliflower bites and truffle Parmesan fries, and sumptuous roasts.
With a menu created by a MasterChef winner, King's House rustles up a mighty menu of Basque-British fare. Dive into Sagardoa cider-cooked chorizo, patatass bravas and jamon croquettes, as well as delightful brunch dishes and sumptuous Sunday roasts.
This gorgeous pub in Kensal Green offers a top-notch selection of classic British pub grub that simply oozes charm. Created by head chef Marek Rudnik with consultant chef Sebastien Lambot, the menu features a wide selection of dishes and a knockout Sunday roast.
When looking for the best pubs in London, there's only two things that really matter: great food and great drinks. The Selkirk offers both of them, as well as vintage furnishings and a fun pub vibe. Set in a beautiful Victorian building, they manage to offer tonnes of character while still delivering on British classics like Shepherd's Pie, roast chicken and more.
The White Bear is one of the oldest pubs in South London, so you can bet they know how to cook you up some food. While their recent refurbishment has added some more contemporary touches, the venue retains a rustic feel, creating the perfect pub atmosphere. As for food, the order of the day is all about big plates of gastro food.
After some comfort eats in London? Check out The Cambria in Camberwell for delicious pub classics, from Sunday roasts to battered fish and old-fashioned puds. Pair your meal with a pint of beer or glass of vino.
A gorgeous pub in Paddington, The Cleveland Arms is famed for its delicious food. One the menu here you'll find a unique mix of British and international dishes, including onglet steak with Mojo verde and confit spuds, heritage tomato salads and pan-fried pollock.
The White Swan manages to combine that rustic pub aesthetic with the taste of a modern gastropub. With tantalising options like Cumbrian veal or pan-fried duck on the menu coupled with a wide array of European wine, draught beer and cocktails, they deliver some of the best pub food in London while maintaining that jovial local atmosphere.
From smash burgers to the best wings around, Wolfpack's pubs are some of the best for food across our capital. Whether you head to the West Hampstead, Queens Park or Fulham location, the bar's very own craft beers will be washing down your meal.
With a place like The Jugged Hare, it's all about the experience with the food. They might offer some of the best gastropub food in London, but this is all made that much better by being situated in the Grade II listed Whitbread Brewery. Inside, taxidermy lines the walls and the open kitchen where customers can watch the food being prepared on their eight-spit rotisserie and charcoal grill adds a bit of theatre to the food.
If the stunning views and wide selection of craft beers on offer weren't enough to convince you to go to The Admiralty, then you should know that the pub is renowned for having some of the best pies in London. So tuck in and absorb the spectacular views of Trafalgar Square.
In the mood for some hearty pub food? Then make your way to Simon The Tanner in Bermondsey. Whether you fancy sinking your teeth into the crispy cod cheek or grilled pork neck, The Disappearing Dining Club's eats are bound to impress.
Hungry for some post-work grub? Spread across two bustling floors, The Crown & Anchor is a superb spot in Covent Garden and also happens to be the most Instagrammable pub in London. Enjoy delicious burgers, sausage rolls and much more at this joint.
The George On Great Portland Street is home to gastro fare, including black pudding scotch eggs, venison hot pots and burgers, all across a traditionally styled space. When you want affordable meals in a cosy location, this is the place.
Richard The First is an old-school pub that is nearly one hundred years old. The inside is cosy with a splattering of wooden benches to keep up the old pub vibe. Their dining room and outdoor area perfectly compliment their delicious menu of London pub grub, which includes everything from gastropub bites to sharing platters.
Beer drinkers have found their paradise here, as the Mall Tavern has over 28 taps filled with the best beer from around the planet. But while the contemporary pub might have the hops down, they don't skimp on dinner, with a menu packed full of seasonal British classics – with everything from a superfood salad to beef & ale pie.
The Cadogan Arms is a beautiful pub found in the heart of Chelsea, boasting dark wooden interiors, hanging chandeliers, a stand-out bar and plenty of elevated, hearty grub. Think sumptuous Sunday roasts, beer-battered fish 'n' chips and more.
Offering some of the finest pub grub this side of the Thames, Swan at Shakespeare's Globe puts seasonal British food as its focus. Head down come dinnertime for roast Cornish cod with a cannelloni of crab, or lamb rump with smoked carrot salad, all ready to be washed down with some of their excellent cocktails.
Head to Balham where this unique pub and restaurant serves up a stunning selection of seasonal eats, from burrata, cornish sardines and traditional Scottish salmon, to vegan burgers and sirloin steak.
The Four Thieves doubles as both an incredibly fun night out packed with entertainment and a wonderful pub boasting delicious food. They offer traditional pub food in London with a modern twist, daily specials, a famous Sunday roast and a BBQ in the summer. When you're finished with the meal, you can drink one of their over seventy gins and play vintage arcade games.
You can always rely on The Churchill Arms for some moreish pub food. And no, it's not like any other boozer, as this venue whips up a delicious variety of Thai eats. From fiery curries to delicious noodles and spring rolls, this menu is bound to impress.
The Victoria is a pillar of the Dalston community famed for its live music and equally great burgers. The venue has been hosting live music for years, and serves a wide variety of locally brewed beers, continental wines and classic cocktails. But stay for their range of burgers, from steak to beef, that are all ethically sourced.
Looking for some British classic fare in London? Royal Oak presents some of the best pub grub from beer-battered fish to rotisserie chicken and Sunday roasts. Grab a cocktail and settle in for an evening of board games or hit the bar for some mingling.
If you're feeling a bit homesick for your local but want the top quality London pub food you've come to expect, pop down to The People's Park Tavern. They offer traditional food, including a lovely Sunday roast, and offer a wide range of beers to wash it all down. They also have one of the best beer gardens in the capital, perfect for relaxing (and for the kids to let some steam off in) as you tuck into their delicious food.
The Black Dog is an award-winning pub beloved in the Vauxhall area thanks to its modern interiors and delicious menu. While most venues focus on British cuisine, they are much more international, with full English breakfasts sitting next to albondigas. Meanwhile, the insides are a refined and great place to chill out.
