The top 50 best gastropubs in the UK have been announced, with six of the list coming from London.
The list, sponsored by Estrella Damm beer, is voted for by top foodies and hospitality experts.
Sign up to our LondonWorld Today newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The Top 50 Gastropubs 2022 were announced at a glitzy ceremony in Manchester.
The Guinea Grill, in Mayfair, was voted the top London gastropub, coming in at seven on the list.
While the Harwood Arms in Fulham, the only pub in the capital with a Michelin star, also featured in the top 20.
And while the Princess of Shoreditch didn’t make the top 50, it was named the best newcomer by the awards, with judges saying they fully expected it to make the list soon.
The Blue Boar, in Westminster, was named as one to watch by the judges, as it is the new enterprise of Sally Abé – who until recently headed up the Harwood Arms.
So read on to find out the best gastropubs in London, as voted by experts across the UK.
The Guinea Grill in Harwood was the top ranked gastropub in London
7 – The Guinea Grill – Mayfair
30 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6NL
The judges said: “This Mayfair-based gastropub is an institution.
“It has stood since at least 1423 in the same spot and has witnessed the London we’re familiar with today develop around it.
“Not only is the Guinea Grill’s structure of historic significance, but it has also played a hand in culinary developments too.”
The pub is famous for its steaks, and also serves sweetbreads, oysters and monkfish.
The Harwood Arms was ranked 15th best gastropub in the UK
15 – Harwood Arms – Fulham
Walham Grove, London SW6
As the only Michelin-starred pub in London, The Harwood Arms is no stranger to recognition.
Judges said: “The pub has maintained that star year after year, seeing the venue rise to the top of the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs 2020 list, becoming the first London gastropub to take the title.
“Eating at the Harwood Arms is a cosy affair that won’t break the bank … unless you let the extensive wine list carry you away, that is.
“Three courses will set you back just £55 or two will cost just £42. Considering it’s a Michelin-starred venue, we think this is extremely reasonable.”
The Red Lion and Sun in Highgate. Credit: Top 50 Gastropubs
16 – The Red Lion and Sun – Highgate
25 North Road, London N6 4BE
The judges said: “The Red Lion and Sun’s daily changing menu relies heavily on a team of chefs who work with the freshest ingredients to produce a wide range of staples, with a new menu available online by 11am each day.
“A pub for all seasons, you can either nestle yourself away near the log burner inside or find a comfy spot to relax in the garden with some seafood and peruse what is widely recognised as one of London’s best wine lists curated by its wine fanatic owner.”
21 – The Bull & Last – Highgate
168 Highgate Road, London NW5 1QS
The 50 Gastropubs awards said: “Its menu offers twists on pub classics, British cuisine with a continental twist and comfort food like its buttermilk chicken sandwich and its legendary Scotch eggs.
“So extensive and varied is the food offered at the Bull & Last, that its beautifully presented cookbook has been recently published featuring 70 recipes from the last 12 years alongside a history of the pub’s loyal customers, four-legged friends, local residents and a history of Hampstead Heath and the surrounding area.”
Food at the French House. Credit: Top 50 Gastropubs
29 – The French House – Soho
49 Dean Street, London W1D 5BG
On the pub’s food, judges said: “The team keeps it simple with a near daily changing menu that’s written by hand and includes dishes such as Carlingford oysters with grated horseradish, confit garlic and goats’ curd on sourdough and pâté grande mere with spiced plum chutney.”
38 – Canton Arms – Stockwell
177 S Lambeth Road, London SW8 1XP
The menu is brimming with iconic gastropub offerings, as the judges explained: “Those after a gastropub classic can enjoy Essex coast cod, bubble and squeak or a Cornish brill, chips and Hollandaise.
“More adventurous diners could order foie gras on toast with chutney.
“Other dishes have included cream of mushroom soup; roast carrot hummus with dukkah and croutes; and house cured salmon with a zuni pickle.”
Voters for the list included gastropub operators, who can’t vote for their own pubs, food writers, catering development managers and executive chefs, celebrity and top hospitality industry chefs, pub guide editors, industry chiefs and food operators.
