THE GASTROPUB.
the 8 best gastropubs in london, bringing you unique concepts, neighbourhood staples, and historic & scenic locations
● THE KNAVE OF CLUBS
EAST LONDON’S SHARPEST PUB REVIVAL
Restoring a historic Bethnal Green boozer with serious culinary ambition, Knave of Clubs bridges the gap between old-school East End watering hole and top-tier gastropub. The menu leans heavily into seasonal British ingredients cooked over open flames, paired alongside a razor-sharp tap list and low-intervention wines. It’s laid-back, candlelit, and buzzing with local creatives tucking into wood-fired chops and perfectly crisp chips.
Bethnal Green
theknaveofclubs.co.uk
photos from @theknaveofclubspub
● THE HOLLY BUSH
HISTORIC HILLTOP, HIGH END COMFORT
Tucked away up the winding alleys of Hampstead, The Holly Bush is a Grade II listed dreamhouse complete with open fires, wood-panelled nooks, and centuries of history. While it looks like a cosy time capsule, the kitchen delivers 2 AA Rosette level gastropub cooking. Think dry-aged steaks, pan-roasted game, and decadent pies served alongside flawless pints of ale. It’s the ultimate reward after a brisk walk across the Heath.
Hampstead
hollybushhampstead.co.uk
photos from @thehollybushpubhampstead
● PLAQUEMINE LOCK
REGENT’S CANAL MEETS NEW ORLEANS
Sitting right on the water’s edge in Angel, Plaquemine Lock flips the traditional pub script on its head by bringing authentic Louisiana Creole and Cajun soul to Islington. Run by chef Jacob Kenedy, this colorful gem serves up spicy gumbo, shrimp po' boys, corn bread, and cracklin' pork belly alongside craft beers and southern cocktails. With live jazz sessions and canal-side seating, it’s a high-energy party in pub clothing.
Islington
plaqlock.com
photos from @plaqueminelock
● THE TAMIL PRINCE
ROTI, CHOPS, AND CRISP LAGER
Housed in a quiet backstreet pub in Despard Road, The Tamil Prince completely redefined what a modern British gastropub could be. Swapping standard pub grub for vibrant South Asian cooking, executive chef Prince Durairaj serves up smoky channa masala, buttery roti, and legendary grilled king prawns. Pair those explosive spice profiles with an ice-cold pint or a craft cocktail, and you’ll see why this neighbourhood spot remains one of London’s hottest tables.
Islington
thetamilprince.com
photos from @the_tamil_prince
THE LONDON 100 WINNER / BEST GASTROPUB
● THE PIG & BUTCHER
NOSE TO TAIL GLORY
A true Islington heavyweight, The Pig and Butcher handles all its meat butchery on site, sourcing directly from specialist UK farms. The chalkboard menu changes daily depending on what arrives at the door, featuring everything from Tamworth pork chops to rich game pies and slow-braised suet puddings. With its rustic farmhouse tables, exceptional beer list, and electric weekend atmosphere, it’s a carnivore's paradise that never misses.
Islington
thepigandbutcher.co.uk
photos from @pigandbutcher
● COMPTON ARMS
BACKSTREET LEGENDS, BIG FLAVOUR HITS
Hidden away in Canonbury, the Compton Arms is a legendary local pub with a rich literary history (George Orwell was a regular). Today, it doubles as one of the best food-led pubs in North London, hosting brilliant culinary pop-ups that turn simple pub visits into flavour odysseys. It’s small, intimate, and boasts a sun-dappled beer garden that’s ideal for lingering over natural wines and top-tier small plates.
Canonbury
comptonarms.co.uk
photos from @comptonarmsn1
● THE GUINEA GRILL
MAYFAIR HISTORY, WORLD CLASS STEAKS
Tucked off Berkeley Square since 1952, The Guinea Grill is an iconic institution where old-world charm meets serious meat craftsmanship. Up front, it’s a bustling, narrow pub pouring pristine pints of Young’s ale; in the back, it’s a legendary grill room serving dry-aged British beef, suet kidney pies, and rich devilled kidney starters. The service is white-gloved yet wonderfully warm, making every visit feel like an occasion.
Mayfair
theguinea.co.uk
photos from @guineagrill
● THE DRAPERS ARMS
GEORGIAN CHARM, CROWD PLEASING FEASTS
With its high ceilings, leafy garden, and flooded natural light, The Drapers Arms is the quintessential Islington gastropub. The kitchen takes seasonal British produce and cooks it with generous, soulful flair, famous for its sharing roasts, suet crust pies, and hyper-seasonal fish dishes. Paired with a meticulously curated wine list and a pub-wide neighbourhood buzz, it’s the place you’ll want to spend every Sunday afternoon.
Islington
thedrapersarms.com
photos from @thedrapersarms