London’s Best Restobars & Gastropubs: The Real Deal
Let’s be real, London’s food and drink scene is packed with pretenders and wannabes, but if you know where to look, the city’s got some absolute gems that stand head and shoulders above the rest. We’re talking about those places that blend a killer vibe with top-notch food and drink—the kind of places where you can lose track of time and not care about a thing. If you’re tired of the same old, here’s where you need to go to get your fix of the best restobars and gastropubs in London.
The Albany: A Proper Pint & Good Grub
Forget your fancy, overpriced gastros—The Albany is where it’s at if you’re after a proper pub with a modern edge. Tucked away in the city’s labyrinth of streets, this place doesn’t mess around. The craft beer selection is top-tier, no gimmicks, just solid brews that’ll make any beer geek swoon. And the food? Think pub classics with a twist, the kind that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for average.
Angel Oak: Peckham’s Beer Garden Paradise
Peckham’s got a rep for being a bit rough around the edges, but that’s what gives Angel Oak its charm. This isn’t just any beer garden—it’s the beer garden. Spacious, green, and always buzzing, it’s the kind of place where you can lose an entire day without trying. Their menu screams British seasonal, and the drinks list is just as down-to-earth and impressive. If you haven’t been, sort it out.
Aviary: Rooftop Views and Attitude
If you’re not afraid of heights and you’ve got a taste for the finer things, Aviary’s your spot. This isn’t your typical rooftop bar with a mediocre view and a worse menu. No, Aviary is where the city comes to life below you as you sip on a cocktail that’s as sharp as the view. The food’s bang on too—modern British that doesn’t shy away from bold flavours. Perfect for when you want to impress someone or just remind yourself you’re living the good life.
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings: Vintage Vibes with a Punch
Bourne & Hollingsworth isn’t just a venue; it’s an experience. Walk in, and you’re transported somewhere that feels like it belongs in a different era, but the food and drink will slap you right back into the present. This place is all about atmosphere—vintage without the stuffy pretentiousness. The brasserie-style menu is comfort food with an edge, and the cocktails? They’re dangerously good.
Coin Laundry: Retro Done Right
Remember the 70s? Probably not, but Coin Laundry will make you wish you did. This retro-themed restobar knows how to throw it back, and not just in decor. The menu’s all about bringing back those childhood classics with a grown-up twist—think comfort food with a touch of nostalgia. It’s the kind of place where you go for one drink and end up staying all night.
DUCKSOUP: Where Wine and Food Play Nice
DUCKSOUP is the kind of place that makes you rethink what a wine bar should be. It’s casual but with serious food and drink cred. The natural wine list is something else, and the food is simple, seasonal, and absolutely spot on. No frills, no fuss, just pure quality. If you’re a bit of a wine snob (or aspire to be one), this is your new happy place.
SMOK’D at Grey Horse: BBQ, Whisky, and All That Jazz
When you want something with a bit more bite, SMOK’D at Grey Horse is where you head. This isn’t just a pub—it’s a BBQ and whisky haven. The food’s smoky, sticky, and absolutely loaded with flavour, while the whisky selection will have you coming back for more. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is—just damn good.
The Grove: Fresh, Simple, and Unpretentious
The Grove is your go-to when you want something that doesn’t try too hard but delivers every time. Fresh food, a solid range of drinks, and an atmosphere that’s as welcoming as your local, but with a bit more polish. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. This is the pub for when you just want to relax and enjoy something that’s simple and good.
Harts Boatyard: Pub Vibes on the Water
Harts Boatyard is proof that you don’t need to be in the city centre to find a top-notch gastropub. Perched right on the river, this place gives you the kind of laid-back vibe that’s perfect for lazy Sundays or after-work drinks. The food’s proper pub fare, but with a bit of flair—think hearty, satisfying, and just what you need.
Little Duck The Picklery: Fermentation Fun Times
If you’re into your ferments and all things tangy, Little Duck The Picklery is your new obsession. It’s intimate, quirky, and all about that fermenting life. The wine’s funky in the best way possible, and the food is an adventure on a plate. It’s not for everyone, but if you get it, you’ll really get it.
Lulu’s: Wine Bar Meets Deli
Lulu’s is like that cool friend who’s got style without even trying. It’s a wine bar, it’s a deli, and it’s just plain cool. The vibe’s intimate, the wine selection is spot on, and the food is perfect for sharing or just indulging yourself. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for a glass and end up making a night of it.
Madison: Penthouse Chic, London Style
Madison isn’t just a restobar; it’s an experience. Sitting pretty with panoramic views of the city, this NY-style penthouse bar is all about the glamour. The food’s modern and chic, the drinks are on point, and the vibe is effortlessly cool. If you’re in the mood to dress up and show off, Madison’s where you want to be.
Marksman: Public House with a Twist
Marksman takes the idea of a public house and turns it up a notch. This is classic London with a modern edge, where the food is as much the star as the drinks. The menu’s rooted in British tradition, but with a few surprises along the way. It’s the kind of place where you go for a pint and end up staying for dinner—and dessert.
Meraki Bar: Greek Modernity in London
Meraki Bar is where Greek hospitality meets London style. It’s modern, it’s vibrant, and the food is just plain delicious. The cocktails are fresh and inventive, and the atmosphere is always buzzing. If you’re after something a bit different but still want that London edge, Meraki’s got you covered.
Niku: Resto, Gin Bar, and a Little Bit More
Niku isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to experience. This restobar has a bit of everything: a garden, a lounge, and a gin bar that’ll make any gin lover’s heart skip a beat. The food’s got a global twist, and the vibe is all about kicking back and enjoying the finer things in life.
One One Four: Wine-Paired Perfection
One One Four takes the idea of wine and food pairing and runs with it—in the best way possible. The plates are seasonal, the wines are carefully selected, and the vibe is intimate and laid-back. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for the evening and just let the food and wine take you on a journey.
The Pelican: Victorian Boozer, Modern Bites
The Pelican is what happens when you take a classic Victorian boozer and give it a modern update. The drinks are cold, the food’s hearty, and the atmosphere is just the right amount of lively. It’s got that old-school charm but with a menu that’ll make you sit up and take notice.
Roof Garden at Pantechnicon: All-Day Vibes with a View
The Roof Garden at Pantechnicon is where you go when you want all-day vibes with a killer view. This isn’t just a rooftop bar—it’s a restobar with a menu that’s as impressive as the skyline. The food’s fresh and inventive, the drinks are on point, and the atmosphere is the perfect mix of relaxed and refined.
Upstairs at The Department Store: Members Club Cool
Upstairs at The Department Store is like being in on a secret. It’s exclusive without being pretentious, with an atmosphere that’s effortlessly cool. The food’s modern British with a twist, and the drinks are as classy as the surroundings. If you get the chance to go, don’t miss it.
The Victoria: Gastropub Greatness
Last but certainly not least, The Victoria is what happens when a gastropub gets everything right. The beer garden’s a dream, the food’s top-notch, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a pub—a bit of noise, a lot of laughter, and no rush to leave.
So, there
