Explore the best Gastropubs in London

If you’re anything like me, a gastropub in North London sounds especially appealing right now. The days are still short, the evenings are cold, and all you really want is somewhere warm, welcoming and comforting. Places that combine the easy familiarity of a proper pub with the care and creativity of a great restaurant always feel like the perfect answer.

Over the years, I’ve wandered through many corners of London, usually led by curiosity, hunger and the promise of something good to drink and eat. Along the way, I’ve discovered gastropubs, establishements that sit somewhere between a pub and a restaurant, where the atmosphere draws you in just as much as the food does. These are places that feel easy and familiar, yet still manage to surprise you. These are some of the London gastropubs that have truly won my heart, and my appetite.

Why London’s Best Gastropubs Are Worth Exploring

Let’s be honest, my love for pubs is no secret. I’m just as happy standing at the bar with a pint in hand as I am settling in for a long and scrumptious meal. And that's where Gastropubs come into play, they sit right in that sweet spot between the two. They’re not here to replace your local boozer, and they’re not trying to be a full-blown restaurant either. Instead, they offer something slightly different, a place where you can eat exceptionally well without losing the comfort, familiarity and chill nature that makes pubs so special in the first place.

And let's be honest, because London’s gastropubs are a breed of their own. Gone are the days when it was just a pint and a packet of crisps. Today, many have evolved into proper culinary destinations, with chefs who care deeply about seasonality and letting good ingredients shine. Menus change with the seasons, chalkboards change regularly, and there’s always the sense that someone in the kitchen is genuinely having fun. But What I love most is the balance. You still get that warmth and friendliness you expect from a pub, but paired with plates that make you stop mid-conversation and say, “Hang on, this is bloody good.”

What Makes a Gastropub Stand Out?

You might wonder what exactly sets these gastropubs apart from your average pub or restaurant. From my experience, it’s a few key things:

• Quality ingredients: Gastropubs focus on sourcing the best local and seasonal produce, and you can definitely taste the difference.

• Great wine: Not just an afterthought, but a genuinely good and well-chosen wine list that invites you to stay a little longer.

• Creative menus: Comforting at heart, but with enough flair and confidence to keep things interesting.

• Atmosphere: Relaxed, cosy and welcoming, with just a touch of polish.

• Passionate staff: The kind of people who know the menu inside out and are more than happy to guide you through it.

  
  

I always find that the best gastropubs in London are those that make you feel at home while surprising you with something new on your plate.

My Top Picks for Gastropubs in North London

So, let me take you on a little wander through some of my favourite gastropubs in North London. Each has its own character and charm, but all share a commitment to good food, good drink and that effortlessly welcoming atmosphere that keeps pulling "foodie pub lovers" back through the door.

The Baring | Angel

Included in the 50 Best Gastropubs in 2024 and proudly retaining that accolade in 2025, The Baring is exactly what you want from a neighbourhood gastropub. Relaxed, unfussy and quietly confident, it’s tucked away on a residential street in Angel and feels like a proper local from the moment you walk through the door. The food, though, is anything but ordinary. The menu is seasonal, comforting and deeply rooted in classic pub cooking, with just enough twists to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of place you visit and leave already thinking about what you'll order next time.

The Victoria | Mile End

They might not officially label themselves a gastropub, but in my books, they absolutely are. If you’re after a lively atmosphere with a focus on seafood, this is your place. I first visited towards the end of last year and it was nothing short of delicious. The menu is seasonal, fresh and changes regularly, but you can usually expect beautifully grilled fish or a selection of seafood nibbles that are perfect for sharing. And honestly, oysters, chips and a pint of Guinness? Hard to think of a better combination. Its location near Victoria Park only adds to the charm, especially on a sunny day when one drink has a habit of turning into several.

The Pig and Butcher | Islington

I haven’t been back in a while, but The Pig and Butcher has long nailed the art of comfort food with a twist. This is the kind of place that knows exactly what it’s doing and does it really well. The pork belly is nothing short of legendary, the black pudding Scotch eggs are properly indulgent, and honestly, everything else I’ve tried has been consistently delicious. Add to that the fact that they’ve started serving breakfast since last year, it's enough reason to go back very soon.

The Drapers Arms | Islington

Another Islington favourite, The Drapers Arms offers a seasonal menu that’s always fresh and inventive. I have to admit, I've been only here for drinks in a few occasions, but rumour has it, their Sunday roasts are the kind that make you want to nap afterwards.

The Marksman | Hackney

The Marksman feels like a proper Hackney pub that’s grown up a bit, I mean, Michelin pub of the year? More modern, more polished, but still warm and welcoming at its core. I haven’t been in years, but by all accounts it’s evolved into a place that balances contemporary cooking with classic pub soul. It’s a great shout if you’re after something a little different, without losing that familiar pub comfort and in the heart of this trendy area of Hackney.

The Hero | Notting Hill

This isn’t your typical gastropub, as it’s a place where delicious food, great wines and cocktails, and music lovers come together to spend memorable times. Although on the posh side, including its clientele, expect nothing less than extraordinary. While the menu is concise, it offers diners the chance to enjoy delicious, meaty dishes and an extravaganza of flavours from the sea. There’s nothing ground-breaking on the menu, but what they deliver on the plate is a different story.

What truly sets this place apart, though, is upstairs. On the second floor sits what I can only describe as a little treasure for music and drinks lovers, like myself. An acoustically designed listening room invites guests to slow down, pour another drink, and experience music the way it’s meant to be heard.

Tips for Enjoying Your Gastropub Experience

If you’re planning a visit to one of these fantastic spots, here are a few tips:

1. Book ahead: Many of the popular gastropubs fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

2. Try the specials: Chefs often create daily specials based on what’s fresh and in season.

3. Enjoy the atmosphere: Take your time, soak in the surroundings, and simply enjoy the experience.

   
   

A Final Thought on London’s Gastropub Scene

Gastropubs are undeniably on the rise, and exploring London’s ever-growing list has become one of my favourite ways to tap into modern British cooking without breaking the bank. Each visit feels like a small adventure.

So next time you’re craving something a little special, skip the fuss and head to one of these gastropubs. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Happy eating and exploring!