Eight London pubs have been awarded a place in the UK’s top 50 gastropubs. Well-known venues in Fulham, Mayfair and Kentish Town made the coveted 2024 Estrella Damm ranking as professional chefs scoured the UK for the best the country has to offer.
Despite London’s strong showing in the awards, no gastropubs in the city ranked in the top five in the UK. The Unruly Pig in Woodbrige, Suffolk took first place, followed by entries in Devon and Cornwall
In its full rankings published today (Monday 22 January), The Red Lion & Sun in Highgate was named the best gastropub in London – placed sixth nationally.
According to Estrella, the pub nestled in the leafy north London village offers “rustic, modern British pub food”. The meat is supplied locally by Highgate Butchers, while all other ingredients are carefully sourced from respected producers.
It has also been labeled ‘a pub for all seasons’ as it offers a cozy log burner in the winter, whilst also having a lovely garden for the warmer months. This is not the first time The Red Lion & Sun has received national acclaim, as in 2018 it was the winner of the Great British Pub Awards.
If you are heading to the Highgate pub it might be wise to make sure you have a table booked. Estrella’s description adds: “On a Sunday you’d be forgiven for thinking the whole of North London ends up in the pub.”
It’s no surprise that the Harwood Arms in Fulham made the prestigious list. The only Michelin-starred pub in the capital – it’s tucked away in a pretty street near Stamford Bridge.
For dessert, the pub offers apple parfait and custard along with other options. The second best gastropub in London according to Estrella, it was ranked 12th in the national list.
The Baring in Islington comes in as London’s third best gastropub. At number 26, it is the highest ranked new entry on the list. as Estrella describes it as a “perfect all-rounder”. Quail shish, pig’s cheek and wild mallard are among the staples on the menu, while traditional pork belly roasts, beef steak or grilled Normande ribs are available on Sundays.
Take a look at the full list below
1 The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge
2 The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
3 The Mariners, Rock
4 The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury
5 The Sportsman, Seasalter
6 Red lion and sun, Highgate, London
7 Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland
8 The Star Inn, Harome
9 Freemasons in Wiswell, Wiswell
10 The Hand & Flowers, Marlow
11 Heft, High Newton
12 Harwood Arms, Fulham, London
13 The Angel in Hetton, Hetton
14 The Rat Inn, Hexham
15 The Bridge Arms, Canterbury
16 The Hound of Wingham, Wingham
17 The Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax
18 The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market
19 The herd horse, Hayfield
20 Pyne Arms, Barnstaple
21 The Coach, Marlow
22 The Beehive, White Waltham
23 The Broad Chare, Newcastle
24 Edinburgh Castle, Manchester
25 The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe
26 Baringen, Islington, London
27 The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells
28 The Pipe & Glass Inn, Beverley
29 The white swan by the fence, fence
30 The Longs Arms, Bath
31 The Bull & Last, Islington, London
32 The Black Bear, Usk
33 The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton
34 The Woolpack, Stroud
35 Barrington Boar, Barrington
36 the parakeet, Kentish Town, London
37 The Masons Arms, Knowstone
38 The Abbey Inn, Byland
39 The black bull, Sedbergh
40 Cadogan Arms, Chelsea, London
41 The Bulls Head, Craswall
42 The Loch and The Tyne, Windsor
43 Guinea Grill, Mayfair, London
44 The Dew Drop Inn, Hurley
45 Killingworth Castle, Wootton
46 Canton Arms, Stockwell, London
47 The Double Red Duke, Clanfield
48 The Duncombe Arms, Ashbourne
49 The Scran & ScallieEdinburgh
50 The Bull, Charlbury
Keep up to date with London’s most exciting events, newest restaurants and latest offers with our What’s On, Going Out newsletter. You can register HERE.
