When it comes to London’s food scene, there’s more to the city than Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy street food markets. Pub grub—a beloved institution of British cuisine—remains a cornerstone of London’s culinary identity. Traditional yet evolving, the humble pub meal is an experience that captures the essence of British comfort food.
Whether it’s a hearty pie, crispy fish and chips, or something more contemporary, London’s pubs offer a diverse range of flavours that cater to locals and visitors alike. Here’s a guide to some of the best pub grub spots across the capital.
1. The Anchor & Hope (Waterloo)
If you’re after a pretension-free gastropub experience, The Anchor & Hope is a must-visit. Located near Waterloo Station, this pub serves modern British dishes with an ever-changing menu driven by seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, and the food is unpretentious yet expertly executed. Signature dishes include slow-cooked lamb shoulder with dauphinoise potatoes or a rich, comforting beef pie with suet crust. It’s the perfect place to enjoy pub classics elevated with a touch of sophistication.
2. The Harwood Arms (Fulham)
As London’s only Michelin-starred pub, The Harwood Arms in Fulham takes pub grub to gourmet heights. Specializing in British game and wild food, its menu reflects the best of rural British cuisine in a relaxed pub setting. The highlight here is the venison Scotch egg, a perfect blend of crispy breadcrumbs, flavourful venison, and a perfectly soft egg yolk. Seasonal dishes like braised rabbit with wild garlic or a decadent Sunday roast with all the trimmings ensure that each visit is memorable. For a refined take on traditional pub fare, The Harwood Arms sets the standard.
3. The Bull & Last (Highgate)
Nestled near Hampstead Heath, The Bull & Last is a favourite for those looking to combine a countryside walk with a great meal. This gastropub offers the best of British comfort food with modern twists. Their beer-battered fish and chips, served with mushy peas and tartar sauce, is a crowd-pleaser, but don’t miss the charcuterie board, laden with homemade terrines and pickles. The Sunday roasts, with their generous servings of beef, pork, or lamb, are especially popular, complete with Yorkshire puddings the size of your head.
4. The Marksman (Hackney)
Located in the heart of East London, The Marksman is known for its inventive takes on traditional British dishes. This award-winning pub blends nostalgia with contemporary flair, offering mouthwatering dishes like their beef and barley buns or a standout curried lamb pie. For dessert, their brown butter and honey tart is legendary. The Marksman is proof that East London’s pub scene continues to push boundaries, blending comfort and creativity.
5. The Holly Bush (Hampstead)
Step into The Holly Bush in Hampstead, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. This charming, centuries-old pub is known for its traditional ambiance, complete with cozy fireplaces and wooden beams. The menu focuses on British classics, including steak and ale pie, bangers and mash, and one of the best ploughman’s lunches in the city—loaded with local cheeses, crusty bread, pickles, and chutneys. The Holly Bush is a great spot to enjoy a pint of real ale alongside a hearty, no-nonsense meal.
6. The Camberwell Arms (Camberwell)
A favourite among South London locals, The Camberwell Arms offers an eclectic take on pub food with bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Their whole roast chicken with aioli and roast potatoes is a must for sharing, as are their inventive small plates like grilled squid with preserved lemon or ox heart with roasted beets. While the dishes veer away from the more traditional British fare, they maintain a strong focus on seasonal ingredients and comforting, bold flavours. For a pub that combines rustic charm with a bit of adventure, The Camberwell Arms is hard to beat.
7. The Southampton Arms (Kentish Town)
If you’re in search of a more old-school, traditional pub experience, The Southampton Arms in Kentish Town offers just that, along with a fantastic selection of local ales and ciders. This pub is all about simplicity, offering a menu of no-frills pub classics like pork pies, sausage rolls, and generously filled pork baps. The focus here is on sourcing high-quality local ingredients, and there’s an old-fashioned charm to the place that makes it feel like a step back into London’s pub past.
8. The Guinea Grill (Mayfair)
For steak lovers, The Guinea Grill is a London institution that’s been serving top-quality meat since 1952. Located in the upscale area of Mayfair, this traditional pub specializes in steak and kidney pie and perfectly grilled steaks. Their dry-aged beef, sourced from select British farms, is served alongside chunky chips and rich sauces, making this the go-to pub for a hearty steak dinner. The elegant yet laid-back atmosphere ensures a memorable dining experience, whether you’re celebrating or just craving good, old-fashioned pub grub.
9. The Coach (Clerkenwell)
Another Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, The Coach in Clerkenwell merges classic British pub food with French culinary influences. Dishes like potted shrimp with toast, ox cheek pie, and their famous aged beef tartare with bone marrow combine rustic British comfort food with refined French techniques. It’s the perfect place for those who want a pub meal that goes beyond the traditional without losing the comforting, hearty feel of classic pub grub.
10. The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead)
Dating back to the 16th century, The Spaniards Inn is a North London favourite, famed for its historical charm and beautiful setting near Hampstead Heath. Known for their Sunday roast, featuring succulent meats like roast beef or pork belly with perfectly crisp crackling, this pub also serves up hearty pies, burgers, and fish dishes. The Spaniards Inn offers a quintessential British pub experience with a side of history, making it a must-visit for those exploring Hampstead.
London’s pub scene is more diverse than ever, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re after a plate of classic fish and chips, a Michelin-starred Scotch egg, or a hearty Sunday roast, the capital’s pubs have something for every palate. The best pub grub not only satisfies hunger but also delivers on comfort, quality, and a bit of London’s storied pub culture. So, next time you’re in town, pop into one of these local gems and enjoy a true taste of British comfort food.
