11 of The Best Gastro-Pubs in London

28th November 2025

Our clients love visiting a good pub when visiting the U.K. and Ireland. Whether for drinks, a meal, live music, or all of the above, the pub is the cornerstone of society in the UK and Ireland. London does food exquisitely well. With a gastro-pub on every corner in the capital, knowing where to go for the best experience can be a challenge; we wanted to share a list of our favourites.

Before we jump into the list, we spoke to publicans from two of the pubs on the list and asked them to share some insight on their establishments.

Scott and Maria Hunter, Owners of The Pig’s Head, Clapham

Describe your pub’s ethos & atmosphere.

The Pig’s Head is a cosy, warm and genuinely welcoming neighbourhood pub. Our menu changes daily, guided by what’s best and most local — as local as London allows — and everything we do is rooted in sustainability. We’re carbon neutral, we pour mostly organic or biodynamic wines, and all of our food waste is composted on site.

Almost everything inside the pub has had a previous life: the furniture, cutlery, fixtures and fittings are all second-hand, thoughtfully paired with plush banquette seating and characterful vintage artwork. The result is a space that feels lived-in, loved, and just a little bit special.

What’s your order recommendation for a drink and a meal at your pub?

If you’re in on a Tuesday, Pie Night is a must. I’d steer you towards our “Aurox” beef, bone marrow, Guinness & Cheddar pie for two — topped with puff pastry, served with onions and mash — and pair it with a bold, generous red (of which we always have plenty by the glass).

We’re also known for our Sunday roasts. Options include Pulled Shoulder of Little Mill Farm Tamworth pork, Roast Leg of John Taysom’s Hebridean lamb, or our Slow-Cooked Overnight Beef Brisket for two. For groups, the Piggy Platter is a feast: Little Mill Farm pork leg chop, pulled pork and sausages for four to share. And on certain Sundays, you might even spot half a pig’s head on the menu.

To drink, our house-made cocktails are always a good shout — alcoholic or alcohol-free. Wine lovers should try our house white, The Pig’s Head Cuvée, created in collaboration with Sandridge Barton and served from key keg to reduce waste. It’s light, easy drinking and dangerously moreish.

Apart from visiting your pub, what other great reasons are there for visiting Clapham?

Clapham’s full of great places and things to do. Clapham Common now has its own sauna and cold plunge, perfect for a post-walk reset. We love Birksen for beautiful flowers and homewares, and Lane Eight Coffee is our go-to for a proper caffeine fix.

Heath Ball, Owner of The Red Lion and Sun, Highgate

Describe your pub’s ethos & atmosphere.

We want to have a place where everyone feels at home, with a menu that reflects that; choices for all generations. And, atmosphere… what a pub should be, a “public house”; your home away from home.

What’s your order recommendation for a drink and a meal at your pub?

Wine! We love wine at the pub; we have a constantly moving wine list. We do not mark up like most pubs either, so we offer great value for wine lovers. For a meal, it would have to be our Sunday roasts. We offer a wide choice of meats and trimmings, and people travel from all over London on Sundays to experience our roasts.

Apart from visiting your pub, what other great reasons are there for visiting Highgate?

It is a beautiful little village on the edge of Hampstead Heath, great for taking a walk to enjoy nature, and to see views of the city. Highgate is full of independant shops and cafes, and we also have 10 pubs in the village! It’s a great way to spend a weekend. And, not forgetting Highgate Cemetery, its a stunning cemetery that is worth a visit.

Our 11 Favourite London Gastro-Pubs

The Pigs Head – Clapham

The Pigs Head lies south of the River Thames in the lively district of Clapham, a neighbourhood known for independent shops and cafes and its friendly atmosphere. Every year, our CEO, Aeneas, hosts a Burns’ Night tasting here that pairs exciting and rare whiskies with a delicious menu, which is a modern and inventive take on Scottish classics.

The Red Lion and Sun – Highgate

Set in leafy Highgate, The Red Lion and Sun is an award-winning gastropub in north London. It is loved for its hearty food, wood-burning fire, and beer garden, as well as its relaxed charm. It is one of the capital’s finest.

The Harwood Arms – Fulham

The Harwood Arms remains unmatched as London’s sole Michelin-starred pub, bringing elevated British cuisine to a cosy setting. Its commitment to seasonal, wild produce and game makes it a great destination for diners to taste the countryside in the heart of London.

The Anchor & Hope – Waterloo

Since opening in 2003, The Anchor & Hope has been a pioneering force in London’s gastropub movement. Its unfussy approach to food, convivial atmosphere, and loyal following have secured it multiple awards and a reputation as one of London’s best.

The Wigmore – Oxford Circus

Inside the Langham Hotel, The Wigmore’s polished interiors and modern feel serve up a menu overseen by Michel Roux. Its menu features re-imagined British classics in an elevated setting, and a plethora of beers and wines.

The Blue Stoops – Kensington

Opening its doors in October 2024, The Blue Stoops is the newcomer in the pack, with great food, a modern feel and a sense of local pride. They have managed to quickly establish themselves as one of London’s top pubs. On the bar side, you can try their iconic fried onion cheeseburger with your pint.

The Cadogan Arms – Chelsea

The Cadogan Arms has been beautifully restored with gorgeous, classic interiors. Its carved wood and stained glass make it one of London’s prettiest pubs, and the food and drinks live up to the high expectations the interiors create.

The Devonshire – Soho

Celebrated for pouring what many consider London’s best pint of Guinness, The Devonshire combines old-school pub atmosphere with polished hospitality. Enjoy a delicious stout and bar meal with friends in the pub, or dine on tasty, honest food in the restaurant.

The Audley Public House – Mayfair

Sitting proudly on one of London’s most exclusive streets, The Audley Public House brings craftsmanship and elegance to Mayfair. Owned by the team behind Scotland’s much-loved Fife Arms, it carries the same attention to detail and class. The decor is impeccable, and there are themed private rooms upstairs that can be booked for special functions.

The French House – Soho

The French House in Soho has long been a favourite for actors, writers and creatives. It has a no phones, no laptops, no music and no TV rule, which makes it perfect for conversation and escaping the online world for a while.

The Lore of the Land – Fitzrovia

Owned by film director Guy Ritchie, The Lore of the Land features a ground-level pub serving up pints of “Gritchie”, his own beer, and a first-floor dining room. Expect the highest quality British produce and seasonal fare cooked over charcoal and fire.

Away from the Ordinary now plans trips to the whole of the UK and Ireland. To start planning your next visit, get in touch with Away from the Ordinary today.