Amongst London's many claims to fame, the capital is considered to be the birthplace of the modern gastropub. Combining elevated cuisine with cosy pub ambience for a more accessible fine dining experience, the gastropub quickly took root and launched a whole new scene. These days, more or less any pub can throw a half-decent plate of chips your way, but gastropubs are where even the most demanding gourmands go to enjoy refined specialities and traditional hospitality. Find the top destinations in our guide to the best gastropubs in London.
The best gastropubs in London
One of the country's best gastropubs
The privately owned Red Lion & Sun gastropub in Highgate location highlights quality produce on a daily changing menu of contemporary British pub food. The likes of oysters, mussels, beef, chicken and lamb take centre stage here and can be enjoyed in the pared-down interior or the two beer gardens. Drinks include an ample international wine list and a selection of whiskies. During warmer months, hog roasts are a regular speciality.
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25 North Road, Haringey/Highgate
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The Red Lion & Sun
020-834 017 80 - Read more on Thatsup
Where it all began
Founded in 1991, The Eagle Farringdon is supposedly the original gastropub that launched the whole London scene. Over the decades, it has retained its knack for fine food from the best ingredients, offered at good value and in an egalitarian spirit. The daily menus are scrawled on the blackboard right before service starts and you’re whisked off on a culinary holiday around the Mediterranean. The famed steak sandwich is worth keeping an eye out for as well.
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159 Farringdon Rd
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The Eagle Farringdon
020-783 713 53 - Read more on Thatsup
The only Michelin-starred pub in London
With leather seating, wooden furniture and stag heads adorning the walls, this Fulham establishment is a stylish contemporary gastropub that serves excellent British cooking. The Michelin-starred Harwood Arms highlights the finest British produce, in particular game and other wild food. You can enjoy a pint with your venison Scotch egg, or tuck into an exemplary Sunday roast. The extensive wine list covers all corners of the globe.
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Walham Grove, Fulham/Hammersmith and Fulham
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The Harwood Arms
020-738 618 47 - Read more on Thatsup
Putting the gastronomie in gastropub
An iconic Soho pub, The French House is frequented by showbiz types and adherents to the old ways; its strict ban on music, phones and TVs makes for a rather unique social experience. That said, the focus here is still on food and drinks the French way. Expect a changing menu of delicacies such as foie gras and Gruyere toast, scrawled on a sheet of paper and accompanied by a choice of thirty champagnes and wines by the glass.
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49 Dean St, Soho
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The French House
020-743 724 77 - Read more on Thatsup
Award-winning Sunday roast
Several years have passed since this independent gastropub topped The Guardian’s list of the 50 best Sunday lunches, but it continues to prove that legacy true with an exemplary roast dinner. The Camberwell Arms serves food throughout the week, putting a twist on British produce and tradition with international influences for dishes such as grilled pork collar with anchovy sauce and bruschetta.
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65 Camberwell Church Street, Camberwell
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The Camberwell Arms
020-735 843 64 - Read more on Thatsup
Culinary haven in busy area
Across two recently refurbished floors, The Princess of Shoreditch offers a haven of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. The changing seasonal menu here is the work of Michelin-starred chef Simon Bonwick and focuses on British provenance. A typical à la carte might include dishes such as Crediton duck or slow-roast lamb rump, with the pudding selection refreshingly ample as well. The Princess of Shoreditch also does a Sunday roast and features wines by small, family-owned producers.
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76-78 Paul St, Shoreditch
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The Princess of Shoreditch
020-772 992 70 - Read more on Thatsup
Genteel Chelsea gastropub
Catering to Chelsea socialites with enchanting sylvan decor, refined pub fare and varied drinks, the Hollywood Arms is a plush, airy establishment with a cosy ambiance and a touch of elegance, making it a solid choice as a venue for weddings and other events. The kitchen uses only the freshest British ingredients, serving up a seasonal menu of polished takes on national staples such as fish ‘n’ chips, burgers and pies. The steaks are a particular highlight, and there’s a concise wine list go along with them.
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45 Hollywood Rd, Kensington
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Hollywood Arms
020-734 978 40 - Read more on Thatsup
Exciting small plates
Islington gastropub The Tamil Prince has developed a big reputation for its authentic South Asian cuisine – it's rated as one of the top places to eat in the capital. The team in the kitchen trained at Roti King and have put together a concise selection of Indian small plates. Food is served in a stripped-back pub setting.
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115 Hemingford Rd, Islington
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The Tamil Prince
0798-875 07 21 - Read more on Thatsup
Oft-changing British menu
The award-winning Anchor & Hope writes out its menu on a prominently displayed blackboard, indicating that this is the sort of place where the food changes frequently. You can always count on modern British cuisine at this Waterloo gastropub, however, conscientiously sourced and carefully prepared. There’s usually something for fans of seafood and venison to be found as well, and there’s an extensive list of wines, cocktails, craft beers on tap and other drinks to complement your meal.
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36 The Cut, South Bank/Southwark
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The Anchor & Hope
020-792 898 98 - Read more on Thatsup
New kid on the block
Colonising Belgravia with elegance and aplomb, the recently opened Ganymede respects British pub heritage while boldly exploring new culinary frontiers. The welcoming atmosphere and classic decor provide a fitting setting for indulging in standout dishes such as risotto nero or homemade tagliatelle. The menu brings together European influences in simultaneously familiar and intriguing manner.
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139 Ebury St, Belgravia
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Ganymede
020-397 107 61 - Read more on Thatsup
French and British influences
Providing hospitality in the heart of Clerkenwell since 1790, The Coach is an elegant inn that offers lodging as well as dining and wining. You can browse the extensive drinks menu in the elegant ground-floor bar, or head upstairs for a proper meal. The menu changes weekly and includes daily specials, so there’s plenty of variety, especially considering the food draws on both British and French culinary traditions. There’s also a garden for al fresco relaxation, and private dining rooms are available too.
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26 Ray St
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The Coach
020-395 415 95 - Read more on Thatsup
Full range of British cuisine
A classy Chelsea favourite, The Cadogan Arms was renovated during the pandemic lockdown and is now beautifully furnished with polished wood in a lavish, country house-reminiscent style. The menu combines traditional staples with pub comfort food for a comprehensive British dining experience, with the dishes devoted to sustainability, seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce. There’s no slacking off when it comes to the drinks, either, as you can choose from a painstakingly curated wine list, cocktails and a dozen draught beers.
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298 King's Rd, Chelsea
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The Cadogan Arms
020-314 826 30 - Read more on Thatsup
London's first Pub of the Year
Bethnal Green’s Marksman was the first London pub to receive the title of Michelin Pub of the Year, and the hype has yet to die down. Above the welcoming ground-floor pub, lunch and dinner are served in a colourful dining room. The menu changes daily, though dishes that have become a part of local folklore, for example the brown butter & honey tart or the filled buns, are more or less a fixture.
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254 Hackney Road, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Marksman
020-773 973 93 - Read more on Thatsup
Buzzy pop-up finds a home
Once a proper neighbourhood boozer, The Plimsoll has been cleaned-up, scrubbed-down and supercharged by the Four Legs pop-up team of chefs Jamie Allan and Ed McIlroy. They’ve brought their famed Dexter burger with them, but there’s plenty more culinary finesse to be found on the daily changing menu, from quick snacks to whole fish. The crowds that regularly pack into this establishment next to Finsbury Park indicate that it’s all up to par.
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52 St Thomas's Rd
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The Plimsoll
020-303 410 99 - Read more on Thatsup
The first steakhouse in London
Serving prime British cuts since the 1960s, The Guinea in Mayfair is said to be London’s oldest steakhouse. Split across two buildings, the elegant dining establishment includes different private dining areas too. You’ll find finest grass-fed, dry-aged beef on the menu, along with the catch of the day and seasonally changing side dishes. The award-winning pies with an authentic suet lid are worth sampling as well.
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30 Bruton Pl, Mayfair
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The Guinea
020-740 917 28 - Read more on Thatsup
Boutique pub and hotel
Belgravia’s The Orange combines a gastropub with accommodation for a unique hospitality destination. Visit the elegant dining area for a variety of Mediterranean- and British-inspired dishes, including pizzas. Set lunch menus and Sunday roasts are available as well. You can complement your food with an array of beverages, including bottles off the well-represented international wine list.
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37 Pimlico Rd, Chelsea/Belgravia
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The Orange Public House & Hotel
020-788 198 44 - Read more on Thatsup
Informal, comfy dining spot
If you’re looking for a laidback Sunday roast in a lively ambiance, the Canton Arms on Lambeth Road is where it’s at. The menu at this contemporary British gastropub finds inspiration all over, serving dishes such as Provençal short rib with macaroni cheese and a seven-hour Salt Marsh lamb shoulder with potato gratin. Check out the blackboard for sharing specials, or sit next to the fireplace and enjoy a glass of fine Mediterranean wine.
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177 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall
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Canton Arms
020-758 287 10 - Read more on Thatsup
Pub fare, reimagined
The Wigmore is a modern British tavern at The Langham luxury hotel, boasting a stylish retro-inspired dining area with deep green walls and table lamps. Overseen by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Albert Roux, the menu here elevates traditional British pub fare with seasonal ingredients, attention to detail and inventive flourishes. The scotch egg is embellished with masala spices, for example, while the cheeseburger comes with grilled ox-tongue. Among the many fine wines and beers on the drinks list, you’ll also find a house Saison ale.
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15 Langham Pl, Fitzrovia/Marylebone
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The Wigmore
020-796 501 98 - Read more on Thatsup
Hearty fare at boutique hotel
The Three Cranes is an elegant gastropub in the City that also offers individually styled bedrooms. You’ll find large ribeye or burger plates sitting side by side with lighter choices such as hummus, pan-fried prawns with garlic butter or spicy lamb kofta in the menu. There’s an extensive list of wines, beers, spirits and softs to accompany your meal available as well.
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28 Garlick Hill, The City/City of London
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Three Cranes
020-345 574 37 - Read more on Thatsup
Renovated and elevated
In a prime location for anyone looking for a break from the sightseeing and shopping in Central London, the recently renovated Duchess serves pies, burgers, fish ‘n’ chips and other such pub staples. The kitchen has a penchant for elevating the classics, however, so you can expect somewhat more refined takes than usual. For indecisive types, the Sunday roast comes with a Sharing Board option that includes all the available meats, all the trimmings and a few extra bits as well.
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39 Duke St, Marylebone
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The Duchess
020-385 630 06 - Read more on Thatsup
Britain's first organic pub
Since first opening in 1998, The Duke of Cambridge has been certified by the Soil Association and is considered the first organic pub in the country. This commitment to sustainability is evident in the kitchen, which serves a changing menu that highlights fresh seasonal ingredients. Though rooted in Britain, the cuisine here finds inspiration all over the place, with a sample menu likely to feature burrata, British lamb, Niçoise salad and Basque cheesecake all sitting together prettily. The drinks at this pared-down gastropub are also carefully sourced and include organic wines and beer.
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30 St Peter's St, Islington
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The Duke of Cambridge
020-735 930 66 - Read more on Thatsup
French-inflected gastropub
A cut above your ordinary boozer, Islington’s well-known The Drapers Arms gastropub has a touch of class to it with high ceilings, neutral colours, a chandelier and checkerboard floors. The food menu changes daily and finds inspiration on both sides of the Channel with mains such as trout in mussel broth, crusted lamb loin chop, aged sirloin and more. The regional vintages on the curated list are available by the glass, which is a nice bonus for wine lovers.
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44 Barnsbury St, Islington
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The Drapers Arms
020-761 903 48 - Read more on Thatsup
Seafood specialists
This Anglo-Irish gastropub in Notting Hill claims to be an essential destination for Guinness and oysters, and indeed offers a sizeable shellfish menu. Focusing on seafood with Northern European influences, the menu includes a hearty fish stew and daily specials such as crab tagliolini. You can complement your meal with a good selection of wines, taking in the playful artistic murals dominating the dining areas.
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89 Westbourne Park Rd
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The Cow
020-722 100 21 - Read more on Thatsup
Ever-changing Stokey gastropub
A fairly new addition to the neighbourhood, The Clarence Tavern boasts a beer garden that’s ideal for al fresco dining. In addition to an epic Sunday feast of slow-cooked lamb, roast brill and beef, the Stoke Newington gastropub serves a changing menu of global favourites and traditional staples, for example, ricotta gnudi, mussels, onglet or pies. The drinks list includes carefully sourced natural wines, beer, seasonal cocktails and softs.
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102 Stoke Newington Church Street, Stoke Newington
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The Clarence Tavern
020-871 211 88 - Read more on Thatsup
Heaven for sharers
Combining traditional pub hospitality with trendy small plates, The Norfolk Arms is an understated gastropub in the St Pancras area. You can nibble on and share an extensive lineup of Mediterranean-inspired tapas, cherrypicked from the Middle East all the way to the Iberian Peninsula. A selection of larger mains is also available and can be complemented by one of the many wines on offer.
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28 Leigh St, Bloomsbury
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The Norfolk Arms
020-738 839 37 - Read more on Thatsup
North London hospitality
One of the top gastropubs in the country in 2023 according to the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs jury, The Bull and Last is a North London institution that also offers lodging. Their roasts are unbeatable, starting with, for example, a homemade limoncello sprite before moving onto roast rib of shorthorn beef, roast lamb rump, ricotta-stuffed courgette and more. The daily changing menu uses quality seasonal produce and cooks with care.
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168 Highgate Road
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The Bull & Last
020-726 789 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Food that'll have you fired up
Owned by Guy Ritchie and David Beckham, the Lore of the Land is a chic traditional British pub that sings the praises of cooking on flames, embers and charcoal. You’ll dine a menu packed with delicious seasonal dishes here, from daybook fish with a kohlrabi remoulade and seaweed butter to braised duck leg with sour plums. Slow-cooked roasts with seasonal trimmings are served on Sundays.
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4 Conway Street, Fitzrovia
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Lore of the Land
020-392 744 80 - Read more on Thatsup
London's first vegan gastropub
The first 100-percent plant-based pub in the capital, The Spread Eagle stocks a rotating selection of natural vegan beers, small-batch wines and vegan cocktails behind the bar. Meanwhile, the kitchen cooks up vegan delicacies such as paella and dhal, striving for minimal waste and making use of seasonal ingredients. A Sunday roast and weekend bottomless brunch are also available.
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224 Homerton High Street
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The Spread Eagle
020-898 504 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Rooftop garden for in-house produce
The Culpeper is an all-in-one spot from top to bottom, starting off with the shabby-but-chic ground-floor pub, continuing with British bistro dining on the first floor, past the boutique hotel rooms on the second and up to the rooftop bar and garden where they grow their own veggies. These are harvested and served in a concise seasonal menu or as cocktail garnish. The emphasis is on sustainable, organic cuisine with a rich heritage.
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40 Commercial St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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The Culpeper
020-724 753 71 - Read more on Thatsup
Pooch-perfect community hangout
A proper neighbourhood pub that’s big on dog art, The Scolt Head has strong gastro game despite its unpretentious setting. The kitchen sources fresh ingredients from local producers and makes its own jams and chutneys. The daily changing menu has its feet planted firmly in British culinary tradition, but regularly features international influences and seasonal flourishes – expect anything from fish ‘n’ chips to spring rolls, curries and chicken wings.
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107A Culford Rd
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The Scolt Head
020-725 439 65 - Read more on Thatsup
Comfy, cosy, chic
The Garrison’s chic interior provides a homely setting for a menu focused on British provenance and seasonal produce. You’ll find national gems such as Cornish fish stew or grass-fed sirloin steak on the frequently changing food roster, accompanied by elevated sides such as mashed potatoes with smoked bone marrow. Weekend brunch with a bottomless option and traditional Sunday roasts are available too.
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99-101 Bermondsey St, Southwark
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The Garrison
020-708 993 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Game is the name of the game
Stuffed full of taxidermized critters, this upscale City gastropub is considered one of the top game restaurants in the capital. Prepared in an open kitchen, prime market cuts sit side by side on the menu with squirrel croquettes and other seasonal delicacies at this meat-lovers paradise. The signature speciality is the eponymous Jugged Hare, a hare stewed in a jug in a pan of hot water, that dates back to the 18th century.
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49 Chiswell St, The City/City of London
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The Jugged Hare
020-816 101 90 - Read more on Thatsup
Suited to all occasions
Chelsea’s The Cleveland Arms has an ornate setting that caters equally well to special celebrations as it does to informal dining. The drinks include a CAMRA-certified ale range and a curated wine list, with the staff happy to recommend the perfect pairing for your food. The menu at this ornate gastropub highlights British produce and culinary tradition through elevated classics. You can enjoy the weekly menu in the dining room or outdoors in the courtyard.
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28 Chilworth St
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The Cleveland Arms
020-770 617 59 - Read more on Thatsup
New kid on the block
Despite opening only in August 2022, this neighbourhood pub in Islington already ranked among the Top 50 gastropubs in the entire country not six months later. Its success seems to be due to a fondness for simplicity, whether in the stripped-down yet welcoming interior, or in the familiar fare served by the kitchen, elevated with a deft chef's touch – for example, farmhouse terrine with apricot ketchup and toast, or Cornish pollock with mussels and monk's beard.
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55 Baring Street
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The Baring
020-791 658 61 - Read more on Thatsup
Riverside gastropub with views
The Waterman's Arms is an attractive waterside gastropub with original elements and a delightful balcony overlooking the river. The menu, driven by fresh produce, revolves around seasonal ingredients, featuring dishes like hake, mussel, tomato and bread stew, or spit-roast chicken accompanied by chicken-fat polenta. Local brews, exquisite wines, and timeless cocktails are also on offer.
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375 Lonsdale Rd, Barnes
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The Waterman's Arms
020-452 989 70 - Read more on Thatsup
Award-winning front of house
Brook House in Fulham has earned accolades for both its outstanding front-of-house team and its culinary offerings. This inviting and modern pub features a menu with global influences, which changes frequently to highlight seasonal produce and focuses on reducing waste. Guests can savour an array of dishes such as parmesan gnocchi, grilled tandoori monkfish, and scallop ceviche, all paired with a comprehensive wine list.
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65 New Kings Road, Fulham/Hammersmith and Fulham
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Brook House
020-737 152 83 - Read more on Thatsup
Pub meals in Kentish Town
Opened in 2023, The Parakeet is a modern and trendy gastropub right in the heart of Kentish Town. Ben Allen, who formerly worked at Brat, presides over the kitchen, giving diners a changing menu of ingredient-led and seasonal European cuisine, with dishes cooked over flame. There's a Sunday roast on each week too.
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256 Kentish Town Rd, Camden Town
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The Parakeet
020-459 963 02 - Read more on Thatsup
Rustic dining
Despite being in Islington, The Pig & Butcher has a rustic farmhouse feel, with weathered wood and on-theme decor. A private dining room full of country vibes is also available. Food is a top priority at this gastropub, with the ingredients being carefully sourced and the meat being butchered on-site. The seasonal menus are written up on chalkboards.
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80 Liverpool Road, Islington
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The Pig & Butcher
020-722 683 04 - Read more on Thatsup
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