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 edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 30th August 2024
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.
Tom Kerridge's famous Marlow pub and restaurant is now in London as The Butcher's Tap & Grill. Here, you'll get to handpick your choice cut from the butcher's counter, whether it's prime-aged beef, flavorful pork, or tender lamb, then watch it sizzle on the grill. While your meat cooks, kick back with a cold pint or a glass of wine and munch on crispy mac 'n' cheese bites or zesty salted white anchovies.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Slap bang in the middle of Holborn and housed in a former bank building, The Last Judgement is a grand pub fronting opulent decor: think towering, golden ceilings and dazzling chandeliers. It fronts an impressive wine collection, craft beers and spirits alongside a droolworthy British menu. Look forward to tucking into beer-battered cod served with chips, chicken pie or sausage and mash.
Using cooking methods and flavours inspired by the Pacific Rim, it's no wonder that the cosy and quirky Pacific Tavern, nestled between Canada Water and Surrey Quays, had an outstanding menu. Swing by this haunt to devour the likes of seabream crudo with coconut, corn and lime, plus grilled chicken, miso and mole rojo.
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.
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.
You can trust this atmospheric pub in Clapton to dish up some seriously good food. The Crooked Billet E5 is popular with locals and newcomers alike, partly because of its enormous beer garden. On the menu, there are hearty roasts, sausage with mash and marmalade onion gravy plus plenty of bar snacks if you settle down for a tipple or two.
To tuck into some of the best pub grub in London, you'll want to head over to The Heathcote and Star. They've got plenty of hearty offerings, like braised ox cheek, vegan burgers and classic fish 'n' chips, for you to enjoy.
If you're looking for great pub food in Islington, one place that you need to check out is The Brougham. Not only is this laid-back hangout a pretty one, with pink velvet chairs and luscious plants, but its menu also features tasty pizzas, Caesar salad and beer-battered haddock with chips.
You'll find delicious pub food on Upper Richmond Road where the East Putney Tavern sits. Among a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, there's a range of traditional boozer classics like cheeseburgers and a 12 hour lamb shoulder shepherds pie, plus a selection of roasts.
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.
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 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.
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.
Head to the Crofton Park Tavern in Brockley for some tasty pub food, including their very own dry aged beef. Alongside craft beers and delicious wines, the classic boozer is dishing up chicken kiev, beer battered haddock and short rib cheeseburgers. To top it all off, finish with an indulgent chocolate pot or sticky toffee pud.
You might know The Devonshire for its perfect pints of Guinness but it also happens to offer some of the best gastro pub food this city has to offer. Standing tall just off of Piccadilly Circus with its glossy green tiles and clusters of thirsty punters surrounding its outsides, this hot pub is the brainchild of a group of famous publicans and restauranteurs. Oisin Rogers, Charlie Carroll and Shaley Palmer-Watts came together to create two floors of elegance and fine nosh. Among smart white tablecloths and rustic brickwork, you'll find moreish plates of hand-divided scallops with bacon and malt vinegar, langoustines, lamb cutlets and duck fat chips.
Perched above Waterloo's busy concord, The Victory is dishing up some of the best pub food in London. This bright and modern pub's menu includes a range of elevated small plates like halloumi friends with tahini, double fried chicken alongside siracha ketchup and larger dishes like roast lamb rump.
The Railway is a corker for pub grub in London, as the traditional yet modern spot that dates back to 1889 has seasonal dishes and British favourites galore. Settle down across the cool space here to try it for yourself, including everything from truffle and rarebit burgers to fish 'n' chips.
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.
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.
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.
Situated on a sun-soaked corner in the heart of Kensal Rise, The Island NW10 is a lively local hangout that's all about serving up yummy eats, top-notch service, and good vibes. This swanky British gastropub dishes out plates made with fresh, locally sourced British ingredients, ensuring there's always something to tickle your tastebuds, whether you're a veggie, vegan, or meat lover. We're talking goodies like beer battered line caught haddock and potato gnocchi.
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.
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.
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.
Fancy a delicious pub lunch in Southfields? Make your way over to best-loved boozer Earl Spencer. While surrounded by traditional interiors with a contemporary touch, get stuck into beautifully prepared Sunday roasts, banging breakfast bites and so much more.
Located close to Primrose Hill, The Lansdowne is a charming gastropub that's been serving up delicious dishes since 1992. Take a seat on one of their wooden tables and relax in their laidback surrounds, sipping on draught beer or one of the many gins available from the bar. As for the menu? Not only are their pizzas known for being some of the best in the area, but you can also nab sumptuous Sunday roasts and small plates like three cheese macaroni or cumin hummus with flatbread.
Serving up a stunning selection of locally sourced dishes, this southeast London spot gets it's ingredients from independent producers nearby. From lunch through to dinner and the traditional Sunday roast, you won't go hungry here.
When you're after gastro pub food in London, The Highbury Barn Tavern will fit the bill. This local favourite with football fans isn't just about its sport, as menus here promising popular Sunday roasts, juicy brisket burgers, and pork and cider pies. Plus, there's a crackling open fire in winter and a beer garden for summer.
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.
Just a stone's throw away from Fulham Broadway and Stamford Bridge, you'll find The Mitre, a cosy, family-owned gastropub with a mix of classic and modern vibes. Their menu focuses on the best of local British ingredients, so you can dig into goodies like beer battered line caught haddock, Cotswold chicken caesar salad, and West Country lamb chop with crispy potato terrine. And to wash it all down, they've got an array of tipples from around the world.
Make your way over to The World's End to get your munch on, delving into mouthwatering small plates like poutine or wild mushroom arancini. Or if you fancy something more substantial? There are burgers, pies and Sunday roasts for that.
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.
Boasting a delicious gastro menu, it's no wonder why Boaters is a top-notch place to grab food in Kingston. Choose from elevated pub classics, from the likes of a dry-aged pork cutlet to a soft shell crab burger and Sunday roasts. Better yet, there are also pretty views to match.
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.
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.
Hop off the tube at Parsons Green to find some of the most delicious pub food this side of the city. The Brown Cow is a cosy haunt fronting wooden benches topped with individual candles and modern lighting, as well as a cracking menu. Swing by for a couple of small bites, like a chorizo scotch egg served with smoked tomato aioli, or tuck into large plates of buttermilk-fried free-range chicken burgers and Butcombe Gold beer-battered haddock, alongside thick-cut chips.
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.
Putney's own Prince of Wales is well-versed in delicious pub food, offering a menu of elevated pub grub to hungry visitors. From signature burgers and freshly baked pies through to classic Sunday roasts, this is a South London pub that promises a lip-smacking experience.
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.
Sophisticated gastropub The Admiral Codrington knows a thing or two about great food, with cosy interiors that feature quirky wallpaper, comfy booth seating and dark wooden paneling. Situated in Chelsea, this relaxed space serves up delicious dishes like Aberdeen Angus steaks, aubergine and chickpea curry or a rotating pie of the week, washed down with premium spirits and ever-changing guest ales.
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.
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.
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 Clapham North Pub isn't just a stylish and cosy boozer at which to snuggle up with a cocktail or craft beer - it's also home to a mouthwatering menu. Chow down on small plates and elevated British classics, not to mention indulgent Sunday roasts.
Looking for classic pub fare with an elegant French twist? Then you'll love The Rugby Tavern in Bloomsbury. This charming venue features leather booth seating, a well-stocked central bar and even a stylish bistro upstairs, with a pretty, plant-filled terrace outside. As for the menu, expect everything from chickpea falafel burgers to moules mariniere and breaded chicken schnitzel.
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.
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.
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.