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.
The George On Great Portland Street is home to gastro fare, including oysters, fish and chips and burgers, all across a traditionally styled space. When you want affordable meals in a cosy location, this is the place.
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.
For food lovers who believe pub grub should be treated with culinary respect, 26 Furnival Street is a must-visit. The kitchen masterfully marries the comfort of seasonal British produce with the bright, sun-kissed notes of Mediterranean flavours. By cooking simply and with immense care, they allow the exceptional quality of their ingredients to do the heavy lifting.
The secret to their success lies in their tight-knit partnerships with independent London suppliers and producers who share their obsessive love for good craft. From perfectly executed light bites that pair beautifully with a cold beer to sophisticated, relaxed dinners, this spot is helping redefine what modern British pub food can be in the capital.
Whether you're in the mood for a light snack or a full meal, The World's End has something for everyone. Enjoy crispy mozzarella sticks, smoked sausage samplers, and a variety of BBQ meats. Plus, with Red Dog Saloon's residency, you can indulge in smoked pork shoulder, St Louis cut ribs, and more, all served with a side of hearty pub vibes.
60 minute masterclass - 2 Cocktails (£38PP) and 1 other offer
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The William IV may look like a traditional London pub, but it's got a menu worthy of the city's finest restaurants. Pull up a bar stool downstairs and you can grab rock oysters, rarebit crumpets or a dry aged cheeseburger to pair with your pint.
Upstairs is even more extravagant. The seasonal dining room menu regularly packs in the likes of whipped bone marrow, hogget chops, roasted pheasant, venison haunch and chalk stream rainbow trout.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Resident chefs and local legends, Riley's, serve up sensational Mediterranean small plates, mega mains and decadent desserts at the Black Eel. Take your pick from cured meats and cheeses, steamed mussels, burgers, fish buns, ribs and plenty more delicious dishes.
With leather-bound booths, stained glass and warm wood finishes, the cosy bar is perfect for a casual bite to eat, date night dinner or long and leisurely lunch. The drinks menu is just as impressive, bringing you all the beers, wines, cocktails and spirits you'd expect from an East London boozer.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just a few minutes from London Bridge and Tower Bridge, The King's Arms is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. With all kinds of cosy crannies, there's a spot for you whether you're looking for a light bite or a hearty feast.
Over on the menu, there's all kinds to whet your appetite. We're talking BBQ sauce-drenched ribs and chicken wings to sirloin steaks and sensational small plates of pork belly, calamari and aubergine parmigiana.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 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, courtesy of kitchen residents Balans - think everything from flatbreads and sharing plates to hearty roasts on Sundays.
This can be enjoyed either in the cosy, multi-level or in their plant-filled beer garden. This adult playground has got plenty to keep you entertained after your meal too, including retro arcade games, pool tables, dartboards and RC racing - as well as all sorts of events.
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.
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 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.
Crudough serves up pub food turned up to the max. We're talking freshly made sourdough, baked to perfection and topped with only the finest ingredients. Take your pick from pepperoni, goats cheese, tuna, nduja, figs and plenty more.
This drinks list has just as much to get excited about. We're talking craft beers, fine wines, bubbles and all kinds of cocktails.
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.
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.
In a neighbourhood known for its strong community spirit, The Elmhurst has quietly become a destination for genuinely great pub food. With chef Andrew Swann now at the helm of the Elmhurst Food Kitchen, and fresh from winning the Trencherman's Award for Best Chef 2023, the menu has been refined with classic dishes executed to the highest standards and made from the finest produce.
The real highlight is the pub's newly launched Sunday roast offering, which has quickly become a local favourite thanks to its generous portions and carefully considered flavours.
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 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.
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.
Prince Arthur is certainly a pub that serves food – but this is not your standard pub grub. Its Basque dishes are cooked on a custom-built grill imported from Spain.
Expect exceptional cuts like Galician Blond beef, alongside standout fish like wild turbot and bluefin tuna - all grilled over open flame. If you want a more refined setting, book into the elegant upstairs private dining room.
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.
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.
The Marquis of Westminster is a love letter to pub food done properly. Every dish, from its Turner & George steak sandwich to its ultimate cheese toastie and frites, is made fresh each day, balancing nostalgia with a modern edge.
Expect crowd-pleasers like beer-battered fish finger sandwiches, brisket bagels with English mustard, and excellent veggie and vegan options that feel just as hearty.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Serving a small but delicious menu, The Gun is a great choice for gastro fare in East London. This Hackney favourite is cosy and charming, filled with comfy seating and often hosting DJs on weekends.
Devour their olive-fed British wagyu steaks, or opt for miso aubergine instead - washed down with one of their many draught beers or cocktails.
A charming pub in the heart of Waterloo, The Duke of Sussex is just the place to be for fine British fare in cosy surrounds. Expect traditional wooden interiors and leather booth seating, with a spacious beer garden to boot.
Their hearty menu features the likes of smoky bacon cheeseburgers, seared seabream with crushed new potatoes or a five-bean chilli, with plenty of refreshing pints to wash it all down.
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.
Pub grub doesn't get any better than The Black Lion on Kilburn High Road. This fabulous boozer is whipping up a mouthwatering selection of Indian plates and lip-smacking bevvies. Think tandoori chicken wings with pineapple chutney or double-cut lamb chops. Need we say more?
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.
To say The Kerfield Arms is a gastropub is something of an understatement. Set on a handsome corner in Camberwell, this revived Victorian boozer has a Michelin star among its many accolades.
In the kitchen, head chef Jay Styler serves up the likes of Cornish pollock, grilled bacon chop with smoked mash, Swaledale lamb with quinoa, and Highland sirloin. Drinkers are as welcome as diners here, with plenty of room to drop in for a pint or settle in for supper.
From a beautifully converted boozer on Elia Street, The Tamil Crown brings sensational South Indian dishes to the streets of Islington. Standard pub grub this is not.
With chef Prince Durairaj, of Roti King and Tamil Prince fame, in the kitchen, its signature dishes are bold and packed with flavour, from the beef masala uthappam to the Chettinad lamb curry. One taste and it's clear why this place won its spot at the Top 50 Gastropub Awards.
The gastropub baby of Brett Graham of the famed Ledbury restaurant, Mike Robinson of the acclaimed Pot Kiln pub in rural Berkshire and Edwin Vaux from the famous Vaux brewery, The Harwood Arms serves up anything but pub grub.
Expect hearty seasonal dishes, from grilled Cornish monkfish and Dorset sika deer to venison pate en croute and Iberian pork. The drinks list is just as high class, with all kinds of guest ales and 30 different types of worldly wine.
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.
