Best Pub Lunches in London

Whether you want an informal, quick bite to eat or a more fine dining experience for your afternoon break these are some of the best pubs for lunch in London. From gastro pubs with some of the top chefs, to places to grab a traditional Sunday roast, to party places offering a bit of fun, there is something for everyone. 

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 14th November 2024




The Smugglers Tavern

Offering escape from the constant London bustle, the Smugglers Tavern on Warren Street is a charming pub that's stocked with the best craft beer in town. The talented chefs in the kitchen are on hand to deliver fresh gastro dishes and brunch classics, all made using the freshest ingredients available. If that wasn't enticing enough, guests can make the most of the venue's 30-bottle strong rum collection or can instead sample the best craft beer creations of 20 of Britain's best breweries. 

The Britannia

A haven for classic British gastronomy, The Britannia knocks up just the setting for a relaxed pub lunch in London. Sitting pretty in Kensington, she's a lush boozer of old world charm and contemporary finishes where you can tuck into sharing plates, sandwiches and mains like their Slow Roasted Pork Belly (we hear it's pretty bangin'). 

The Mitre

Located in West London, The Mitre is more than just a gastropub, it's a home away from home. With a traditional yet modern feel and a secluded walled beer garden, it offers a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment prides itself on not just delicious cuisine and excellent service, but also on its warm hospitality, making it a perfect place to unwind and savor a diverse selection of ales, beers, and wines from around the world.

The King's Arms

This pub doesn't just offer up a quirky setting for pints and cocktails, but serves as a top destination for amazing food throughout the week. The King's Arms has a menu of small plates ranging from chorizo croquettes to baked camembert, plus a selection of flame grilled burgers and pub grub classics. Visiting on a Sunday? Don't miss out on the roast dinner, with meaty centrepieces including beef, slow cooked lamp shank and chicken, served with rosemary potatoes and a giant Yorkshire pudding. End on a sweet note with sticky toffee pudding or the rich chocolate brownie. 

Lillie Langtry, Fulham

The Lillie Langtry is a homely pub located a few paces from West Brompton train station in West London. Blending traditional with contemporary, the pub boasts a Victorian cocktail lounge downstairs and a kitchen that serves both brunch dishes a selection of different meats from their grill menu. Ideal for a pub lunch in London, the venue's bar is always stocked with locally brewed ales, ice-cold craft beers and a  selection of different fine wines. 

The Island

Located in the heart of Kensal Rise, The Island is a popular boozer known for its commitment to top-notch grub. This cracking British gastropub serves up seasonal delights made using local, fresh ingredients sourced from the cream of the crop. Whether you're a veggie, vegan, or a carnivore, they've got a delicious dish with your name on it. The pub also boasts a cracking lineup of ales and brews from near and afar, alongside a fantastic selection of wines from across the globe.

The Last Judgment

Footsie Friday & Stock Saturday and 1 other offer

The Last Judgement is housed in a former bank building and as a result, sports towering gold ceilings, chandeliers and a private mezzanine. This Holborn beauty also happens to not just shine in the looks department, but also sling out some serious delicious food. Look forward to classic British dishes here, made with fresh ingredients, such as beer-battered cod with house chips, handmade chicken pie or sausage and mash. 

The Depot

This gorgeous pub in the heart of Kidbrooke Village boasts stunning, chic interiors and equally stunning dishes straight out the kitchen. From brilliant British breakfasts to succulent Sunday roasts, this pub only uses the best seasonal dishes, paired perfectly with an eclectic range of drinks from the bar. 

The Admiralty

There's really only one place you'll need to start when having lunch at The Admiralty, and that's the pie section. Serving up deliciously made, melt-in-the-mouth classics with a hearty helping of mash and gravy, it's a great spot for seeking respite from the bustle of Trafalgar Square outside. Fancy making it a liquid lunch? There's a strong choice of Fuller's ales to complement your pie juuuuust right. Lovely.

The Eagle, North Kensington

The Eagle in Ladbroke Grove has become something of a West London favourite, thanks to its new partnership with Truman tank beers. Based just a short stroll from the area's tube station, the venue's chefs have created a menu that perfectly pairs with the fresh tank beers on offer behind the bar. Expect to find hearty British roast dinners, cheese heavy burgers and mouth-watering catch-of-the-day dishes.

The Crooked Billet E5

If you're looking for a delicious feast or simply a few top-quality bar snacks for lunch, then The Crooked Billet E5 in the heart of Clapton is the boozer for you. Feast your eyes (and mouth) on halloumi fries with hot sauce, beer-battered haddock and chips, or head along on a Sunday for an epic roast. 

The Greyhound

Monday Night Quiz and 1 other offer

The Greyhound in South London is exactly the sort of pub you want to wander over to for a spot of lunch on the weekend, or any day of the week for that matter. It offers a homely, cosy space that's been around for over 300 years and that, today, focuses on high-quality food paired with an extensive draught beer selection. A Sunday roast is a no-brainer here, with Cotswold white chicken or slow-cooked Surrey Farm pork belly with crackling and all the trimmings on the menu, plus classic plates like Caesar salad and beer-battered line caught cod from the a la carte. 

The Jugged Hare

Express Lunch

A gastro pub in London known for their in house cured and smoked meats, The Jugged Hare offers a dining experience like no other. The open kitchen allows customers to watch their food being prepared on a rotisserie and charcoal grill while they admire the walls full of taxidermy. A window to the kitchen's cold room shows the ageing process of the restaurant's meat and hanging game. 

Iron Duke

The Iron Duke is a cosy pub offering a warm welcome in the heart of London's West End. This traditional pub is known for it's delicious British food and real ales. Perfect for a family lunch, especially if you hire the private dining room with an open fire for an intimate afternoon. Choose from freshly homemade sandwiches for a lighter meal or the classic fish & chips, sausage & mash or burger for something more filling. Get away from the busy city and enjoy an afternoon with good food and a lovely atmosphere. 

Lots Road

In the mood for an elevated pub lunch? Lots Road in Chelsea has just what you need. From the cosy dining area to the British menu, this venue is bound to impress. Start off your meal with a chorizo scotch egg, before finishing on a Mediterranean vegetable and halloumi wrap.

The Heathcote And Star

The Heathcote and Star is a gorgeous pub in Leyton, which also happens to be serving up some of the best lunches around. From vegan burgers and braised ox cheek, to fried loaded with pulled pork and honey-soy BBQ, you can't go wrong with this hearty fare.

Hare & Hounds Osterley

For the perfect pub lunch with family and friends, make your way to Hare & Hounds Osterley. This charming boozer is surrounded by green fields, making you feel like you're in the countryside even though you're just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of Hounslow. A local favorite, they serve home-cooked, delicious plates of traditional favourites like beer-battered haddock, Chalcroft farm beef burger, and sticky toffee pudding served with salted caramel ice cream.

Forester

Fancy a delicious pub lunch in Ealing that's going to satisfy all parties? Head to Forester on Sundays and tuck into a juicy roast, featuring leg of lamb, pork loin and a flavoursome veggie nut roast. If you're a fan of the trimmings, you can even just order a plate packed with them. Visit during the week for fragrant Thai food, too. 

The Rugby Tavern

Christmas Day and 1 other offer

Situated in Holborn, The Rugby Tavern is a cosy boozer decked out in chequered floors, red leather booths and a striking central bar, serving a fantastic range of pints, cocktails and premium spirits. There's a delicious menu of pub classics with a French twist, to be enjoyed in the charming interiors or while relaxing on the leafy terrace, from Toulouse sausages in red wine gravy to breaded chicken schnitzel or cheese and truffle fries. Even better? The stunning restaurant Bistro Bleu can be found upstairs.