Where to Find the Best Pub Food in London

Whether it’s a trendy gastro-pub or backstreet boozer, knowing where to find the best pub food in London is up for debate among foodies across the city. After all, London food tours have a total of 32 boroughs in the capital to choose from. While that’s not to mention those outer regions that make use of London-based suppliers.

If you then consider how many bars you see upon every street, it’s not surprising figures are believed to be over 3.5 thousand London pubs in total. Many of which serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner to help keep business afloat. While others have such a high standard, they really are trying to compete for the award of the best pub food in London.

Where to Find the Best Pub Food in London

So how do you start to decide on where to find the best food in London? It’s certainly not an easy task! Therefore, if you are a foodie on a trip to the capital, we recommend our London food tours or checking out the pubs close to your accommodation. Although, if you’re literally looking for some food for thought, then let’s help you get started:

The Harwood Arms – Fulham

Currently listed in 1^st place within the prestigious Top 50 Gastropub Awards, is Fulham’s Harwood Arms. While the list contains pubs from up and down the country, it’s no surprise that the Harwood Arms tops the charts.

After all, there aren’t many pubs in the UK that have been awarded a Michelin Star. It’s co-owned by Brett Graham, who along with his Notting Hill Restaurant has The Ledbury has retained the Michelin Star status since 2010.

The Guinea Grill – Mayfair

Our second choice is in the affluent area of London’s Mayfair. Furthermore, it too coming within the top 10 of the Top 50 Gastropub Awards.

Having been open for nearly 600 years, the pub is also filled with a long-standing history. As well as crab and oysters on the menu, the Guinea Grill is famous for its love of high-quality meat. Whereby in days gone by, American food tourists would feel well-catered for as they chose from the menu simply based on size of the steak, not price.

The Marksman – Hackney

Another of our top choices for the best pub food in London is that of the Marksman in Hackney. Having again made the grade for the Top 50 Gastro Pubs list. However, while the Michelin Starred winner has refined the meaning of pub food in London, the Marksman stays traditional to a typical London pub.

Only the food that goes with it is something else, bringing together pub classics with high-end restaurant-quality food. However, the whole experience is aimed more at your relaxed diner, providing somewhere to eat as you watch the world go by.

The Red Lion and Sun – Highgate

While Hackney is in the city centre, among the hustle and bustle of London’s East End, the Red Lion and Sun provides more a country pub feel. Located in North London, the village of Highgate provides foodies the chance to escape city life without commuting too far.

Diners can expect a warm welcome upon arrival, with “rustic modern British pub food”. Given food is sourced from the local butchers, we highly recommend visiting on a Sunday for one of the best roast dinners imaginable.

Drapers Arms - Islington

While it’s exterior may appear unassuming, the quality of food available is far from it. If you’re an international foodie looking for traditional pub grub, this is certainly a place to visit. Albeit one that embracing modern techniques to get the very best out of their ingredients.

If you happen to in London during February, then why not book a table for Valentine’s lunch on February 14^th. When the owners donate the days taking to domestic violence charity Refuge.

The French House - Soho

Our next two choices are different ends of the scale, but both in the heart of the West End, among the famous streets of London’s Soho. As you step inside the relatively new French House, you’ll realise this isn’t your standard London pub.

As the name suggests, there’s a distinct French influence throughout. If you prefer a wine bar to drinking British brewed beers, then you’re in luck. Likewise, the food is also especially French, with fresh oysters and mussels often more often than not.

The Dog and Duck - Soho 

In contrast, is the Nicholson’s owned Dog and Duck. Which, as a chain pub, comes with a fairly standard menu of great British classics.

Priding itself a speciality pie house, it’s also the place to go in Soho if you just fancy a good old burger, or fish and chips.

Roundhouse – Covent Garden

Another bar offering customers a choice of pub classics is the Roundhouse in Covent Garden. This one makes our list of the best pub food in London for its convenience as much as quality. It’s found among the restaurants and boutique shops of Covent Garden.

It’s within easy reach of the major theatres and local attractions, plus there’s no need to book in advance. Although, be aware pubs in central London become particularly busy around 5pm/6pm, when office workers finish for the day.

The Colonel Fawcett - Camden

Camden is a foodies dream, with many opting for street food tours around the locks and canals. The famous Camden market has provided an array of vendors for generations.

However, it’s not always practical to eat outdoors, especially in those colder months. As such, you’ll be pleased to hear there are plenty of pub options. In particular, with the impressive menu of Colonel Fawcett. If we had to choose, we’d go for the mussels and pork belly starter, followed by Atlantic monkfish tail for main.

The Anchor and Hope - Waterloo

Waterloo Station is one of the UK’s major train stations, with commuters heading in and out of London for a whole manner of reasons. It’s no wonder then, that there are a number of food choices nearby.

Food-wise the menu is undoubtedly British, featuring steak and chips, beef pie, kippers and tatties or cheesecake for afters. However, no matter what you order, you’ll soon discover the classics can be presented in a particularly modern gastropub style.

Food and Drink Experiences in London

Enjoy the best food and drink experiences with our London food tours. Where you can choose from street food tours, afternoon tea, pub tours, fine dining experiences, cookery classes and much more. Giving the ultimate foodie something new to discover, with real food, by real people.