Pub ambiance with fine-dining food menus are what gastropubs in London offer customers. Scattered all over the city, the concept is fast gaining popularity. Despite being the centre of social interaction, traditionally British pubs placed little emphasis on food. The gastropub aims to challenge that by featuring a variety of posh British cuisine like scallops, cheese platters, roast meats and vegetables. Gastropubs make great venues for family brunches and Sunday lunch.
The Dove, Hammersmith
The Dove is one of London’s most famous pubs and dates as far back as the 17th Century. Situated right on the Thames, this charming pub reeks of tradition. The food here is a combination of traditional classics (with a twist) and a selection of contemporary dishes. All dishes are freshly prepared in house by resident chefs. In the warmer months visitors can dine alfresco on the riverside terrace and take in the great views of the River Thames.
Menu favourites: Steak, red onion and ale pie, Creamy pumpkin gnocchi, Poached Cornish Cod with leeks, Chocolate-chip bread and butter pudding
Harwood Arms, Fulham
Harwood Arms is the only London pub to have been granted a Michelin star. Excellent ales and wines are accompanied by the finest British home-cooked country food. The pub is particularly famous for its fine game dishes, made from meat shot by the head chef himself. This rural haven features a rustic decor and plenty of weekly entertainment, perfect for an evening gathering of friends and family.
Menu favourites: Wild garlic soup, Rabbit cooked in cider with dumplings, Brown sugar doughnuts with seabuckthorn curd
credit: Douglas LeMoine
Bull & Last, Kentish Town
Bull & Last has been consistently voted as one of the best gastropubs in north-west London. Located near leafy Hampstead Heath, this is one of the few dog-friendly gastropubs in the city. Tables however, need to be reserved in advance for diners. But the exceptional food and laid-back, friendly atmosphere make it worth booking in advance. The charcuterie is made on the premises, including the dark slivers of duck ‘prosciutto’.
Menu favourites: Slow-cooked pork cheeks with triple roast potatoes, English pea, rocket and cow’s curd salad, Malt chocolate brownie ice cream
Britannia, Hackney
Very few London gastropubs can compete with Britannia when it comes to entertainment. Located in the bustling East End, the pub always has an exciting calendar of events and entertainment. Regular theatre nights featuring the resident troupe, monthly comedy nights, DJs every weekend till 2am and beer festivals are just some of the events visitors can be a part of. This grand old Victorian pub has been spruced up to cater for all sorts of diners and drinkers, from families enjoying the garden barbecues and the kids’ menu, through to smart dining in the tucked-away dining room.
Menu favourites: Gammon steak with duck egg, Smoked trout, crab & mackerel fishcakes, Treacle tart with apple sorbet
credit: Ewan MunroCadogan Arms, Chelsea
The posh Cadogan Arms has a rus in urbe look, complete with stuffed animal heads on the walls. The dishes are all expertly cooked and attractively presented, from the vivid green pea soup garnished with pancetta to the fillet of pan-fried trout, balanced on a firm risotto and studded with broad beans. There’s also a commendable selection of ales and wines by the glass available.
Menu favourites: Norfolk asparagus soup, Shetland Isles mussels steamed with white wine and garlic, Chocolate espresso delice
credit: Ewan Munro