From old pub classics to more refined pubs with great food, read our guide to the best gastropubs in London.
The Harwood Arms, Fulham
With pedigree such as the Pot Kiln in Berkshire and the much-lauded Ledbury in Notting Hill overseeing its re-launch, The Harwood Arms was always destined for great things, becoming the first London pub to achieve a Michelin Star in the 2010 guide.
The interiors are simple and rustic, but the distinctly British cooking, including favourites such as venison scotch egg, is at the top of its game, making it one of the best gastropubs in London.
The Crossing, Barnes
The pub and restaurant operator Christian Arden has teamed up with Wild Honey’s Anthony Demetre to lauch The Crossing pub in Barnes.
Formerly The Tree House, the space reopened late last year after a £450,000 refurbishment and the duo have pitched the place very much as a pub, with starters not straying beyond £13, and mains set between £12.50 and £24.
On the menu? Mushroom and spring onion croquettes; slow-cooked Italian squash with grapes and parmesan; gnocchi with venison ragu; Dorset cod with baked leeks; and saffron risotto.
The wine list is extensive but not exhaustive and bottles start at £23.
The Peasant, Clerkenwell
Clerkenwell has its share of gastropubs, but The Peasant remains one of the best. The downstairs bar area is full of character, serving a long list of ales and beers, with plenty of room for both drinkers and diners.
The upstairs dining room is relaxed and airy, ideal for long lunches with the family. Read our guide to the best restaurants in Clerkenwell.
The Drapers Arms, Islington
One of the finest gastropubs in London where service is wonderful and you feel at home.
Eat in the upstairs dining room or downstairs in the pub that’s bustling and welcoming. The Drapers Arms was awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2010 Michelin Guide, which it has retained since.
The Coach, Clerkenwell
The Coach has recently been restored by chef-restaurateur and former Racine chef, Henry Harris, who has also recently opened the Three Cranes pub in the City.
The menu mixes French and British flavours and techniques, which Henry Harris is known for, and will change with the seasons.
Drinkable ales and draught lagers from craft breweries like Timothy Taylor, Portobello Brewery, Thornbridge and Stiegl from Austria are available at the bar as well as a list of wines from familiar Old World names and some new and interesting producers.
The Coach gets the balcne of proper pub and great food just right.
Keep reading our guide to the best gastropubs in London…
The Cleveland Arms
A charming pub near Paddington, The Cleveland Arms is housed in a beautiful Grade-II listed building.
Recently re-opened after a refurbishment with a new chef, the food in the downstairs dining room is excellent.
Choose from a lunch special menu, an all-day modern European menu, Saturday brunch and a Sunday roast which mixes British pub classics with a more refined restaurant touch.
The Princess of Shoreditch, Shoreditch
The Princess has established itself as a top dining experience in Shoreditch, combining a gastropub, serving classic pub dishes, in the downstairs bar area, with more of a fine dining experience in the upstairs dining room.
Book ahead for the fine dining, or turn up early for the walk in downstairs. The Princess has a lengthy wine list, with many by the glass and carafe options.
Read our guide to the best restaurants in Shoreditch.
The Duke of Wellington, Marylebone
The Duke W1 is widely regarded as one of Marylebone’s best-kept secrets and one of The Best Gastropubs in London.
The bar and upstairs dining room are intimate, if a little cramped, with a cosy and friendly atmosphere. Portions are generous, including a cracking ‘Ginger Pig’ rib-eye steak.
Read our guide to the best restaurants in Marylebone.
The Gun, Docklands
With a beautiful riverside setting and a large decked terrace to embrace the British summer, The Gun is one of the best dining experience in the Docklands offering a great British pub menu.
In the summer, be sure to visit A Grelha at The Gun, an al fresco Portuguese BBQ of fresh fish and meats on the decked terrace.
The Eagle, Clerkenwell
The Eagle is attributed with being the pioneer of the gastropub movement in the early 90s and it remains at the top of its field with a daily changing, if somewhat limited, menu with Spanish influences.
Due to its popularity, it can become too loud and crowded, but The Eagle strikes the right balance between a pub and a restaurant
The Ship, Wandsworth
Housed on the banks of the Thames by Wandsworth Bridge since 1786, with a quiet and relaxing front bar, a large conservatory and an excellent garden overlooking Wandsworth Bridge, The Ship is a lively and sociable spot for summer drinking.
The Ship is such a popular spot in the summer, and deservedly so!
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