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We Brits love a pub – for post-work drinks, for Sunday roasts, for a dog-friendly catch-up with friends. Here’s our pick of London’s best boozers…
William IV – Kensal Rise
William IV in Kensal Green is a Victorian pub established in 1837. Now family owned, it still enjoys historical features such as wood burning fireplaces, arched doorways and stained-glass windows. When it comes to food, think classic comfort dishes like beer battered cod and triple cooked chips and sticky toffee pudding. On Sundays, a traditional roast with a full vegan alternative is on offer all day while, somewhat unusually for a pub, a daily brunch menu from 10am-3pm includes eggs benedict and mushrooms and parmesan on toast. As of last month, it opened 15 rooms, too – furniture is sourced from trendy Golborne Road.
The Jugged Hare – Barbican
The Jugged Hare in the City serves seasonal British dishes including meat, fish and – naturally – a large game menu. It has a ‘walk-in’ wine room so you can handpick your bottle of red and a window through to the ‘cold room’ showcases the ageing process of the meat and hanging game. Sides are just as good as the main event – try the ham hock hash and fried duck egg or Baron Bigod mac ‘n’ cheese.
The Cleveland Arms – Paddington
The Cleveland Arms in Paddington is a beautiful old pub with revamped interiors and a rustic European-meets-Italian menu. Housed within a grade-two listed building, head chef is Louis Lingwood from Oldroyd in Islington, who has opted for a market-led menu here. Aside from great food, the pub hosts regular events like chef collaborations and supper clubs dedicated to a stand-out ingredient or supplier. Last year it launched its Table Talk series, inviting a trailblazing individual to give a talk each month on the intricacies of their craft.
The Hero of Maida – Maida Vale
The Hero of Maida in Maida Vale is seriously gorgeous, with a charming garden, art deco chandelier and lovely cornicing in the dining room. Pairing British seasonality with provincial French cooking, menus change daily and include anything from calf’s brains with black butter to hake with braised fennel and green sauce. Don’t skimp on dessert here – crème caramel is a must. The Sunday roast is epic, with slow roast pork belly and apple sauce and excellent veggie dishes like mushroom, spinach and feta Wellington.
The White Haus – Farringdon
The White Haus in Farringdon is a pub with a twist: think ski chic with a chalet-style bar, vintage cable car, quirky cuckoo clocks and old ski memorabilia. Dishes are similarly alpine inspired, from schnitzels and sauerkraut to sharing boards of baked Mont d’Or and traditional cheese fondue. Yum.
Main image: The Hero of Maida
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