34 best gastropubs in London: The best pub food in every part of town

Over the last two decades, London has seen an explosion of gastropubs opening up. The perfect combination of a British pub and good-quality restaurant, the gastropub has brought eating out bang up to date with smart and stylish dining areas and high quality menus. Gastropub cuisine is wide and varied and encompasses dishes from all over the world. Some focus solely on British cuisine, while others offer an eclectic mix of dishes, but the thing these gastropubs all have in common is quality. Either way, if you're here looking for the best pub food in London, you've come to the right place.

London boasts a fantastic range of great gastropubs, so whether you find yourself in the heart of Covent Garden, the City, Kensington or any other area of London, you’re sure to find a great gastropub in the vicinity. Fashionable, laid back and comfortable, gastropubs are as suited to colleagues enjoying a working lunch as family gatherings with Granny and the kids, so whatever the occasion, you can’t really go wrong. To help you choose a great gastropub for lunch or dinner, we’ve carefully selected what we consider to be the best gastropubs in London and listed them for you below.

Whether you’re in the mood for a craft brew, a traditional Sunday roast or a gourmet sandwich in a sun-drenched beer garden, these London gastropubs won’t disappoint.

We’ve divided our picks into different sections of London, but if you’re looking for, say, all the gastropubs in Chelsea, just search via our listings! To find out more about a gastropub, click through to its SquareMeal listing to read the full independent review, as well as reviews from diners, and unique special offers such as free drinks and discounts.

Best gastropubs Central London

Home to the glitz and glam of Fitzrovia, Mayfair et al, Central London is where you'll find some of the capital's swankiest gastropubs. Many of them have seen hefty refurbishments, but they remain historic old boozers at heart. 

Prince Arthur, Belgravia

What: Bold, Basque, and a little bit bougie, Prince Arthur might look like your typical boozer, but inside it’s pure gastro heaven. Think Iberian tile murals, bistro-style tables, and a fantastic wood-fire grill menu with caviar and quality produce to boot. We’re talking gigantic Galician blonde prime ribs, devilled eggs topped with caviar, urchin, oysters, and gildas galore. This is full-throttle gastropub cooking in fine Belgravia form.
Where: 11 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8NA
Book now: Prince Arthur

The George, Fitzrovia

What: After first launching with a clear demarcation between upstairs restaurant and downstairs boozer, The George has reconfigured itself into more of a typical gastropub setting, with one menu throughout. That menu is cracking - it leans on the simpler side of gastropub grub but if you just want somewhere to enjoy a nice pint or a bottle of wine alongside well executed pub classics, you'll be very happy in one of The George's many snugs and corners. They pour an excellent pint of Guinness too.
Where: 55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The George
Book now: The George

The Wigmore, Marylebone

What: Known as the home of the best and biggest cheese toastie in London, The Wigmore stands out for its traditional but brilliantly executed pub grub. It’s under the banner of Michel Roux Jr and The Langham Hotel, so expect comforting plates of lamb shoulder, brilliantly fluffy crunchy chips, pies and burgers. That being said, no visit to The Wigmore is complete without an XXL stovetop cheese toastie and a pint of The Wigmore Saison.
Where: 13 Langham Place, Upper Regent Street, W1B 1JA
Book now: The Wigmore

The Lady Ottoline, Holborn

What: Whether you pop in for a quiet beer, a hearty bar snack, a full meal or anything in between, you’re sure of a friendly welcome at this Bloomsbury boozer located a short walk from Chancery Lane and Holborn stations. The elegant yet comforting menu features British classics, including plenty of vegetarian options, while the handsome bar offers over 50 artisan and big name gins, craft beers and real ales.
Where: 11A Northington Street, WC1N 2JF
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Lady Ottoline
Book now: The Lady Ottoline

The Devonshire, Soho

What: The Soho pub so legendary it already has a nickname, 'The Dev' has been the restaurant on everyone's lips since it opened in late 2023. Fight your way through the perpetually-rammed downstairs boozer and you'll find three floors of gorgeous grill rooms up above, where The Devonshire's handwritten menus include piles of Scottish langoustine, beautifully-cooked steaks to share and a superb sticky toffee pudding. 
Where: 17 Denman Street, W1D 7HW
Book now: The Devonshire

The French House, Soho

What: This British institution has housed many icons - Dylan Thomas, Francis Bacon and John Mortimer to name a few, as well as the legendary Fergus Henderson, who started here before opening St John. The upstairs dining room remains more or less as it has been for a century, and current chef Neil Borthwick serves a daily changing menu of proper British grub, from cod cheeks with aioli to sea bass with sauce vierge.
Where: 49 Dean Street, W1D 5BG
Book now: The French House

The Jugged Hare, Barbican

What: With its stag’s heads on the bare brick walls and strung-up rabbits by the toilets, The Jugged Hare is an unabashed celebration of hunting, fishing and shooting, with top-quality game as a standout feature of the seasonal menu. To top it off, portions are huge, wines are carefully paired to each dish, and staff are friendly.
Where: 49 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SA
Book now: The Jugged Hare

The Eagle, Farringdon

What: Since launching in 1991, The Eagle has maintained a reputation for gastropub food of the best sort. The daily menu, which is scrawled on blackboards, features robust flavours from all over the globe, including southern Europe and the Med and everything is spot on. You might have to wait for or share a table – it’s always packed – but it’s an experience worth waiting for.
Where: 159 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3AL
Book now: The Eagle Farringdon

Best gastropubs East London

East London is awash with old pubs, but a few have been swept along with the culinary revolution that has been going on out east. No discussion on London's gastropubs is complete without The Marksman, and those delicious beef and barley buns.

The Princess of Shoreditch, Shoreditch

What: Just moments from Old Street station, this 18th-century pub is a Mecca for hipsters and city slickers who appreciate its no-nonsense pubby vibe and simple but effective food. Book ahead to secure a table in the subdued upstairs dining room, which puts seasonal produce centre stage and enjoy the likes of cod, roast cauliflower and grape, squash and goat's curd ravioli with braised goat, or chocolate, pickled cherry and black sesame as part of a multi-course tasting menu.
Where: 76-78 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Princess of Shoreditch
Book now: The Princess of Shoreditch

The Knave of Clubs, Shoreditch

What: Boisterous, buzzy and fun, The Knave of Clubs is the new king of cool in Shoreditch. With former Allegra chef Patrick Powell at the helm of a slick, compact food menu, it has become one of the most popular pubs in London, slinging hundreds of chermoula rotisserie chickens a day alongside a magnificent porchetta, classy prawn Scotch eggs, fish cakes and chicken-fat roasties. The renovation is splendid too - sink into mismatched chairs or a cosy booth and enjoy the hypnotic spin of those juicy chickens. If this is the future of London’s boozers, we’re happy to see it.
Where: 25 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6JX
Book now: The Knave of Clubs

The Macbeth, Hoxton

What: Combine East End charm with a Portuguese twist, and you have The Macbeth. Jamie Allan and Patrick Nolan have restored the oak bar and 19th-century mural, bringing this staunchly old-school boozer into the 21st century. Allan is The Macbeth’s ace in the hole - the former Four Legs collaborator leads the way on a menu of unfussy Iberian grub - marinated mushrooms, lamb samosas, and pork bifanas - ideal post-pint food. It’s a pub first, but the rustic cooking proves gastropub polish isn’t always necessary.
Where: 70 Hoxton Street, N1 6LP
Book now: The Macbeth

The Marksman, Hackney

What: Once voted Michelin Pub of the Year, this stylish born-again boozer sports a quirky upstairs dining room in which you can enjoy British seasonal food cooked with flair. Inspired by the rich and diverse culinary history of London, you’ll find plenty of fish and seafood on the menu, as well as those famous beef and barley and curried lamb buns, and some cracking beers on draught as well. To drink, pick an Old World wine or a pint of Meantime Yakima Red.
Where: 254 Hackney Road, E2 7SJ
Book now: The Marksman

The Spread Eagle, Homerton

What: London’s first completely vegan pub does a roaring trade in East London. This old boozer has hosted some great foodie pop ups over the years, and these days it does some cracking vegan food of its own, from solid bar snacks like the mini squashage (not sausage) roll, to samphire and artichoke paella and crispy Korean chicken of the woods mushrooms with gochujang sauce.
Where: Homerton High Street, E9 6AS
Book now: The Spread Eagle

The Culpeper, Spitalfields

What: Billed as a ‘proper English pub’, The Culpeper is a stripped-back, all-day venue that serves patriotic grub with some Gallic overtones. Breakfast, weekend brunch and Sunday roasts are part of the offer, while the drinks list features local bottled beers and cocktails created with home-grown herbal tinctures. A simple, weekly-changing menu of three starters, three mains and three desserts is available in the first floor restaurant, and there's a lovely rooftop open in the summer months too.
Where: 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP
Book now: The Culpeper

Best gastropubs West London

Out west is where the majority of London's notable gastropubs lie, especially around well-heeled neighbourhoods like Chelsea, Notting Hill and Kensington. Many of these are pubs by name alone, with food and service to match almost any restaurant in London.

The Abingdon, Kensington

What: A long-standing Kensington gem, The Abingdon blends neighbourhood charm with seasonal, British-rooted pub grub, with a smattering of Mediterranean influence. We love the elegant booths, original hardwood floors, and chic art-deco accents, but The Abingdon isn’t just a pretty face - the menu delivers some delicious, elevated gastropub cooking, with daily specials sitting alongside classics like chicken liver parfait, red pepper ravioli, and sea trout with crispy potato galette. The wine bar, curated by Amicia Staples, offers over 200 bottles and rare vintages by the glass, complemented by inventive cocktails.
Where: 54 Abingdon Road, W8 6AP
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Abingdon
Book now: The Abingdon

The Walmer Castle, Notting Hill

What: Notting Hill’s Walmer Castle nails the balance between pub atmosphere and stylish dining. Isabella Worsley’s reimagined interiors - moody panels, textured wallpapers, bold art - provide a unique backdrop for seasonal cooking, which ranges from creamy burrata to herb-crusted cod, alongside some charming old-school puds, like a lemon posset. The drinks list champions small, sustainable UK producers, but there’s a surprisingly deep old-world wine list worth exploring too.
Where: 58 Ledbury Road, W11 2AJ
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Walmer Castle
Book now: The Walmer Castle

The Chalk Freehouse, Chelsea

What: Tom Kerridge’s Chelsea venture, The Chalk, cleverly balances pub buzz with refined British cooking, much like his other award-winning pubs - The Coach, and The Hand and Flowers in Marlow. The former Butcher’s Tap site has been refreshed with white paint, a raised dining area, studded leather banquets, and a traditional bar. Plus, Kerridge has former Hand and Flowers head chef Tom De Keyser leading the kitchen, turning out confident, flavourful dishes from lamb shoulder to ray wing, alongside retro puddings. The snacks are excellent too.
Where: 27 Tyron Street, SW3 3LG
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Chalk Freehouse
Book now: The Chalk Freehouse

The Holland, Kensington

What: The Holland has evolved under Max de Nahlik into a neighbourhood pub that’s also a genuine destination restaurant. It’s thoroughly impressive in person - Scandi-inspired interiors, exposed brick, and a green-tiled bar set a relaxed scene, and a beautiful upstairs private dining room is one of our favourites in West London. His menu sticks to bold, classic British flavours: spiced crab on toast, venison faggots, cured fish and indulgent puds. Well-priced wines complement an unusually excellent cocktail list too, making The Holland a proper all-rounder.
Where: 25 Earls Court Road, W8 6EB
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Holland
Book now: The Holland

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: Part of the same group that renovated The George, and The Hound in Chiswick, The Cadogan Arms menu has also been masterminded by Ardent Pubs, so you can expect more quality pub grub here, from prawn cocktails to a pitch-perfect ham, egg and chips. The tasteful refurb has still retained all the pub’s original architectural details, like ornate timber panelling.
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Cadogan Arms
Book now: The Cadogan Arms

The Harwood Arms, West Brompton

What: It may be the only Michelin-starred pub in London, but The Harwood Arms still trades as a proper local boozer, with plates of stupendous venison Scotch eggs, as well as thumping Sunday roasts on offer. The kitchen specialises in wholeheartedly seasonal British fare including veg, soft fruit and herbs from the pub’s rooftop garden, plus foraged pickings and bags of furred and feathered game. A must-visit for foodies.
Where: Walham Grove, SW6 1QP
Book now: The Harwood Arms

The Blue Stoops, Kensington

What: The latest outpost from the renowned Allsopp’s Brewery, The Blue Stoops isn’t afraid to stand out with its electric blue facade that acts as a beacon to the residents of Kensington. Putting the heart and soul back in the classic boozer, The Blue Stoops brings a convivial atmosphere, with authentic decor, as well as unique ‘swan necks’ where ales and bitters are pulled with theatrical flair. The food is equally as exciting, with menus from Lorcan Spiteri, who offers unapologetically assertive pub grub that will leave you wanting more.
Where: 127-129 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LP
Book now: The Blue Stoops

The Cow, Notting Hill

What: Shellfish and crustacea are the perennial stars of the French-inspired menu at Tom Conran’s The Cow, though you’ll find plenty of British classics too. This is a great spot if you love a seafood or oyster platter, or the simple pleasure of a pint of prawns and a good dollop of mayonnaise. The mains are excellent and rustic, like fish stew with rouille and beef and guinness pie. To drink, there’s more Guinness and a refined wine list.
Where: 89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH
Book now: The Cow - Westbourne Park Road

Best gastropubs North London

North London isn't far behind West London in the gastropub stakes, but these definitely feel more like neighbourhood ventures, serving the good people of Islington, Archway, Kensal Green etcetera with quality pub grub.

The Hare & Hounds, Islington

What: Islington’s Hare & Hounds is a rather charming three-storey gastropub, right by Islington Town Hall. Huge ground floor windows are swung open in the summer months, beckoning the outside in. Inside the vibe is classic - dark timber furniture, wood panelling, rotating beers on draught - but the menu kicks things up a notch with wild garlic risotto, torched mackerel and moules marinieres, as well as grilled meats. The bar snacks are excellent too, making this a lively spot to watch some live sport with a good Scotch egg.
Where: 181 Upper Street, N1 1RQ
Book now: The Hare & Hounds

The Hero, Maida Vale

What: A glorious timber-framed wabi-sabi dining room meets nostalgic pub food at The Hero, which follows the blueprint of successful sister pub The Pelican in Notting Hill. This four-storey megalith boasts a downstairs boozer, private dining, a grill room and more, and the food is wonderfully uncomplicated, with Scotch eggs sharing menu space alongside cheese toasties, a whole quail, and ham, egg and chips.
Where: 55 Shirland Road, W9 2JD
Book now: The Hero

The Compton Arms, Islington

What: Supposedly the subject of George Orwell’s treatise on the perfect pub, The Compton Arms is a well-known incubator of up-and-coming chefs. Rake is the latest residency, offering comforting, carefully modernised plates of British classics. Think soft and pillowy syrup-soaked crumpets piled high with ray wing tenders, rarebit-baked oysters, and deep-fried berry pie. The cooking might be old school and casual (though polished and intense), but the atmosphere is thoroughly on trend.
Where: 4 Compton Avenue, N1 2XD
Book now: Rake at The Compton Arms

The Parakeet, Kentish Town

What: This old Victorian boozer in Kentish Town brought in the big guns when it tempted former Brat chefs Ben Allen and Ed Jennings over to take on the kitchen. The results have been superb - The Parakeet is right in the heart of London’s culinary zeitgeist, with big cuts of beef and whole sea breams roasted in a furious wood-fired oven. Classic pub draught beers mix it up with biodynamic wines on the drinks list.
Where: 256 Kentish Town Road, NW5 2AA
Book now: The Parakeet

The Drapers Arms, Islington

What: Housed in a Georgian building that’s retained its fine features, The Drapers Arms is the kind of gastropub you take your parents to (when they’re paying). The kitchen satisfies with its mix of modern comfort food, such as the house cheeseburger, and more refined dishes such as skate with blackberry, pink grapefruit and spinach, or chicken, leek, bacon and tarragon pie. To drink, there are real ales at the bar and a wine list offering glass and carafe options.
Where: 44 Barnsbury Street, N1 1ER
Book now: The Drapers Arms

Parlour, Kensal Green

What: Its tagline is ‘make it fun, make it memorable, make it Parlour’, which actually sums up this Kensal Green gastropub pretty well. Cconsistently good food, infectious vibe and generous hospitality make Parlour popular with locals and Londoners from further afield, so if you’re looking for the whole package, you’ve found it. Open for hearty breakfasts, brunch, lunch and dinner, and welcoming of kids and dogs, it’s a great spot for family dining.
Where: 5 Regent Street, NW10 5LG
Book now: Parlour

Best gastropubs South London

South London doesn't boast the same quantity as other areas, but the quality is sky-high - The Canton Arms and Camberwell Arms both draw punters from all over London, and the Anchor & Hope in Southwark is one of the capital's original true gastropubs.

The Hound, Chiswick

What: This Chiswick gastropub transforms a former police station into a stylish boozer, with wood panelling, studded banquets, and a central glasshouse courtyard. Executive chef John Sparks is overseeing the menu, delving into his bag of British pub classics: golden black pudding Scotch eggs, colossal beer-battered fish and chips, sticky toffee pudding, and retro trifles. Playful twists and top-notch execution elevate traditional fare, and the friendly service and light-filled interiors make it a summer favourite.
Where: 210 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PD
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Hound
Book now: The Hound

The Kerfield Arms, Camberwell

What: A second site from the team behind The Baring in Islington, Camberwell’s Kerfield Arms delivers more gastropub excellence from a group at the top of its game. Forest green walls, double-height ceilings, and restored wood floors set the scene, and space is carved out for drinkers separate to the dining room. Meanwhile, seasonal British cooking dazzles: Yorkshire hogget with bagna cauda, smoked Cornish squid, and chamomile custard doughnuts. If you’re looking for pub cooking at its best, get on a train to Camberwell.
Where: 16 Grove Lane, SE5 8SY
Book now: The Kerfield Arms

The Waterman’s Arms, Barnes

What: This neighbourhood gem in Barnes sits right on the river and attracts a pretty glamorous crowd thanks to the location and the excellent food. Sam Andrew (previously The Camberwell Arms and Ducksoup) leads the way in the kitchen with a menu full of bold, elevated British fare, ranging from lemon sole with bay leaf to a chunky Hereford steak with smoked garlic butter.
Where: 375 Lonsdale Road, SW13 9PY
Book now: The Waterman Arms

Anchor & Hope, Southwark

What: One of London’s first generation gastropub set, The Anchor & Hope still does some outstanding food and remains one of the best restaurants in the Waterloo and Southwark area. The pub started with a walk-ins only policy, but thankfully you can now book, thus
Where: 36 The Cut, SE1 8LP
Book now: Anchor & Hope

The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell

What: Ox-blood walls, bistro chairs and dishes to share (rump of Hereford beef, say, or spit-roast chicken for two or four) make this Camberwell gastropub a brilliant place to while away a weekend with friends. At lunchtime, you’ll find a pared-down version of the evening menu and a first-floor cocktail bar adds drinks appeal.
Where: 65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
Book now: The Camberwell Arms

Canton Arms, Stockwell

What: Situated on scruffy South Lambeth Road, this superb neighbourhood boozer serves up a daily menu full of pared-down British and European flavours. Everything here is delicious, from soups to the Sunday sharers such as seven-hour Salt Marsh lamb shoulder with Greek salad. Be warned: you'll want to book fairly well in advance because tables go quickly and the waiting list gets pretty hefty on weekends.
Where: 177 South Lambeth Road, SW8 1XP
Book now: Canton Arms

More about the drinking than the eating? Check out these cool London bars, or get involved with some of London's most incredible cocktail bars. Or if pubs are your thing, and you've got a big birthday or celebratory dinner to plan, check out our guide to the best pub private dining rooms in London.