To the British, pubs are so much more than just places to stop for a quick bite and a pint. They are convivial centers of social connection – our home away from home. When work gets hard or the winter nights are too long, the pub is the place we go to relax, recuperate, and catch up with old friends. They provide warmth, laughter, and help to reset the balance in your life.
During the 1990’s, many pubs went through an evolution from being homely, local affairs to progressive, modern-feeling establishments. The food got better, the drinks got better, and the decor became as much a part of the experience as anything else. We call these new monuments to popular style gastropubs – the perfect place for impressing your friends or a hot date. Knowing the coolest, coziest pubs in the area became a point of pride.
London still has some of the best gastropubs in the country, and if you want to experience the best of these fantastic drinkeries you need to know where to go. Check out our list of London’s best Gastropubs.
The Dove – Hammersmith
The Dove does an excellent job of combining traditional decor and feel with a modern approach to quality. The cramped, atmospheric bar area conventional to old English alehouses opens up into a beautiful dining space with a view of the river. If you’re just popping in for a quick pint, climb the narrow stairs to the balcony and enjoy one of the best views in this postcode.
The Greyhound – Kew
I’ll never forget the mushroom risotto I ate at The Greyhound. This is fortunate because it was one of those meals that was gone before even Instagram could get a look in. The plush modern interior sets a lovely tone for an exquisite meal and the staff are some of the friendliest in town. It’s the perfect place to stop after a wander around Kew gardens.
The Harwood Arms – Fulham
Hidden away in the back streets of Fulham, the Harwood Arms is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. It won the 2017 Best Gastropub award and is the only pub in London to have been awarded a Michelin Star. And it shows. The food quality is excellent and the bar staff know exactly how to pair your artisan fish and chips with the perfect ale. It’s a little pricey, but still not to be missed.
The Crown – Bethnal Green
The Crown has a lovely menu and some great dishes, but it’s the decor and atmosphere that really make this otherwise average pub stand out. A blend of quirky, plush, and homely furnishings are topped with a good selection of real ales. It’s perfect for a bit of relaxation and calm. A walk through Victoria Park afterwards does wonders for the constitution.
The Lazy Fox – Fulham
If you’re looking for a fun new experience, The Lazy Fox is a great venue to try. Their famous beer wall allows you to pour your own pints without waiting at the bar, making it one of the best places in the city to get together with some mates. The lovely interior makes up for the fairly standard menu on offer, and open fires during the winter will mean you won’t want to leave.
To discover more of what London’s pub scene has to offer, check out our fantastic Historic Pub Walking Tour. You’ll get some advice from the experts plus a few tasters too.
