Whether you want an informal, quick bite to eat or a more fine dining experience for your afternoon break these are some of the best pubs for lunch in London. From gastro pubs with some of the top chefs, to places to grab a traditional Sunday roast, to party places offering a bit of fun, there is something for everyone.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 27th September 2024
Always a top spot for a great pub lunch in London, The Cleveland Arms is the place to go if you're in the market for international plates and unique pub grub. Tuck into steaks, burgers and pan-fried fish, washed down with craft ales and great wines.
Located in West London, The Mitre is more than just a gastropub, it's a home away from home. With a traditional yet modern feel and a secluded walled beer garden, it offers a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment prides itself on not just delicious cuisine and excellent service, but also on its warm hospitality, making it a perfect place to unwind and savor a diverse selection of ales, beers, and wines from around the world.
Situated in Holborn, The Rugby Tavern is a cosy boozer decked out in chequered floors, red leather booths and a striking central bar, serving a fantastic range of pints, cocktails and premium spirits. There's a delicious menu of pub classics with a French twist, to be enjoyed in the charming interiors or while relaxing on the leafy terrace, from Toulouse sausages in red wine gravy to breaded chicken schnitzel or cheese and truffle fries. Even better? The stunning restaurant Bistro Bleu can be found upstairs.
Offering a unique selection of British and European-inspired eats, The Cyclist has got your pub lunch all wrapped up with a selection of club plates like burgers and beer-battered fish, to more modern offerings like spiced aubergine and nourishment bowls.
Located in the heart of Kensal Rise, The Island is a popular boozer known for its commitment to top-notch grub. This cracking British gastropub serves up seasonal delights made using local, fresh ingredients sourced from the cream of the crop. Whether you're a veggie, vegan, or a carnivore, they've got a delicious dish with your name on it. The pub also boasts a cracking lineup of ales and brews from near and afar, alongside a fantastic selection of wines from across the globe.
The Heathcote and Star is a gorgeous pub in Leyton, which also happens to be serving up some of the best lunches around. From vegan burgers and braised ox cheek, to fried loaded with pulled pork and honey-soy BBQ, you can't go wrong with this hearty fare.
Located in Shoreditch, The Three Crowns is one of the best places for a quick pub lunch. Grab a few small plates of pow pow wings, prawn crackers and Thai-style pork bites while sipping on a pint or grabbing a cocktail (or two).
On the hunt for delicious pub lunches in Kentish Town? Vine is coming in hot. Head along to the best-loved boozer for dishes like vegan fish and chips, crispy duck salad and chicken pot pie, complete with a glug of wine or refreshing beer.
If you're after a crackin' pub lunch in the West End, then be sure to head to The Duchess. This gorgeous venue is touting a plethora of tasty bites, from the cider-battered cod loin with triple-cooked chips, minted mushy peas and tartare sauce to buffalo burrata. Yum.
The Iron Duke is a cosy pub offering a warm welcome in the heart of London's West End. This traditional pub is known for it's delicious British food and real ales. Perfect for a family lunch, especially if you hire the private dining room with an open fire for an intimate afternoon. Choose from freshly homemade sandwiches for a lighter meal or the classic fish & chips, sausage & mash or burger for something more filling. Get away from the busy city and enjoy an afternoon with good food and a lovely atmosphere.
Did somebody say pub lunch? The Canonbury did. Choose from their tasty menu, such as beer battered cod with triple cooked chips, tartar sauce, and mushy peas, or a beef burger with onions, cheese, and gherkins with some delicious bubbly and beer.
Whether you fancy a Sunday lunch or a meal any other day of the week, White Hart Southwark is the place to head. There's a choice of 1kg chicken wing buckets with three different sauces, burgers and chicken schnitzel too.
Serving up some of the best British classics around, The Prince Alfred is the perfect pub to check out for lunchtime. Whether you're there for Friday afternoon drinks or a quick bite in between breaks, this is the ideal spot for delicious fare.
The Clapham North Pub is whipping up a mouthwatering menu to be reckoned with. You'll find a range of British classics with a delicious, contemporary twist, not to mention small plates, Sunday roasts and a lineup of indulgent puds.
Hope Fitzrovia is a London pub serving up pizzas by the dozen, from Belgian waffle, bacon and maple-covered beauties to pepperoni and hot honey slices. If you fancy some of these for your lunch, then head on down.
For British pub lunches and Sunday roasts in London, The Brownswood is a great shout. Head to the Finsbury Park boozer to chow down on all manner of hearty fare, including burgers or bangers 'n' mash, in their gorgeous space.
Serving up all the classic pub grub dishes you would expect, from hearty fish and chips to homemade Scotch eggs, The Market Porter is a gorgeous cosy spot located just a stone's throw from Borough Market. Enjoy a light bite during the week or swing by on a Sunday for mega roasts and fine wines.
St Bart's lays on a choice of homemade burgers, classic British mains and renowned flatbread spreads from its Smithfield base. The focus falls on the best British ingredients they can lay their hands on, with meat coming from the nearby market and a whole host of artisan wines and Meantime Brewery beers to wash it all down with.
If you're on the hunt for an indulgent lunch in London, look no further than The Earlsfield on Garratt Lane. This beaut boozer is ramping pub grub up a gear, with surf n' turf of octopus and ox cheek, plus small plates like pork belly and baked Camembert.
This gorgeous pub in the heart of Kidbrooke Village boasts stunning, chic interiors and equally stunning dishes straight out the kitchen. From brilliant British breakfasts to succulent Sunday roasts, this pub only uses the best seasonal dishes, paired perfectly with an eclectic range of drinks from the bar.
The Greyhound in South London is exactly the sort of pub you want to wander over to for a spot of lunch on the weekend, or any day of the week for that matter. It offers a homely, cosy space that's been around for over 300 years and that, today, focuses on high-quality food paired with an extensive draught beer selection. A Sunday roast is a no-brainer here, with Cotswold white chicken or slow-cooked Surrey Farm pork belly with crackling and all the trimmings on the menu, plus classic plates like Caesar salad and beer-battered line caught cod from the a la carte.
One of the best pubs in North London for food, The Goose is a Walthamstow favourite that's making sure you're covered for British classics across a traditional space. Think fish 'n' chips, scampi, grill dishes, burgers and more here, all accompanied by affordable drinks and live sports.
Situated in Wandsworth is a fabulous pub for your lunches. Whether it's a business meal or a quick bite with friends, you can enjoy excellent eats from chef David, from lamb chops to plant-based burgers and everything in between.
The Guildford Arms is a lovely, relaxed location to delve into a scrumptious pub lunch, offering dishes like aubergine parmigiana and pulled beef brisket. Or if you head over on a Sunday? There are a range of tasty roasts to get stuck into.
This pub doesn't just offer up a quirky setting for pints and cocktails, but serves as a top destination for amazing food throughout the week. The King's Arms has a menu of small plates ranging from chorizo croquettes to baked camembert, plus a selection of flame grilled burgers and pub grub classics. Visiting on a Sunday? Don't miss out on the roast dinner, with meaty centrepieces including beef, slow cooked lamp shank and chicken, served with rosemary potatoes and a giant Yorkshire pudding. End on a sweet note with sticky toffee pudding or the rich chocolate brownie.
Fancy a delicious pub lunch in Ealing that's going to satisfy all parties? Head to Forester on Sundays and tuck into a juicy roast, featuring leg of lamb, pork loin and a flavoursome veggie nut roast. If you're a fan of the trimmings, you can even just order a plate packed with them. Visit during the week for fragrant Thai food, too.
The Lillie Langtry is a homely pub located a few paces from West Brompton train station in West London. Blending traditional with contemporary, the pub boasts a Victorian cocktail lounge downstairs and a kitchen that serves both brunch dishes a selection of different meats from their grill menu. Ideal for a pub lunch in London, the venue's bar is always stocked with locally brewed ales, ice-cold craft beers and a selection of different fine wines.
Located on Upper Richmond Road, the East Putney Tavern is dishing up some seriously good grub. As well as craft beers and gins to sip on, it's pub lunch offerings are mouthwatering. The Saturday menu includes crispy, battered haddock and the Sunday features a range of roasts.
Golden Lion Fulham is supplying all the best options for your next lunch, thanks to its wide range of mouthwatering eats. Tuck into a dish and drink for £6.75 from Monday to Friday. Or opt for a bottomless brunch, complete with endless pizza and free-flowing bevvies.
Craving some classic British food? Take a break from work and head to this Mayfair pub for one of the best dining experiences. Choose eats such as buttermilk chicken or burgers and wash it all down with a classic cocktail.
With glorious views of the riverside and a delicious menu to boot, Boaters is a firm choice for lunches in Kingston. Make your way inside for the tasty Sunday roasts, including a vegan Wellington or porchetta with cider apple sauce. As for during the week? Expect hearty mains.
Offering escape from the constant London bustle, the Smugglers Tavern on Warren Street is a charming pub that's stocked with the best craft beer in town. The talented chefs in the kitchen are on hand to deliver fresh gastro dishes and brunch classics, all made using the freshest ingredients available. If that wasn't enticing enough, guests can make the most of the venue's 30-bottle strong rum collection or can instead sample the best craft beer creations of 20 of Britain's best breweries.
There's only one good reason that we go to the pub at lunchtime, and that's for a pint. But what if your pub could offer you more? Join the Duke of Clarence in South Kensington for a pub lunch in London that boasts the finest in affordable, British plates.
The Eagle in Ladbroke Grove has become something of a West London favourite, thanks to its new partnership with Truman tank beers. Based just a short stroll from the area's tube station, the venue's chefs have created a menu that perfectly pairs with the fresh tank beers on offer behind the bar. Expect to find hearty British roast dinners, cheese heavy burgers and mouth-watering catch-of-the-day dishes.
Treat yourself to a divine pub lunch at The Peacock in Islington. Made using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, you can expect to wolf down top quality roasts, small plates featuring honey and mustard chipolatas, plus enticing sharing boards full of meats and cheeses.
With over 100 varieties of wine and a dedicated cellar, Davy's Wine Vaults has nailed their wine offering and now, they're turning attention to the food. Expect a classic British menu using high quality, locally-sourced ingredients to create dishes from Sunday roasts to king prawn and crab linguine.
A maze of charming rooms and wine-filled bars, this quaint Southwark pub is home to some seductive spots in which to chow down on a dreamy pub lunch. Find your perfect nook and work your way through the wine list as you tuck into a slap up meal.
For a little bit of what you fancy, and then some, head down to this lovely bar in Pimlico for one of the best pub lunches in London. With wall-to-wall pub classics, as well as a few modern favourites, you'll leave sated and satisfied.
From marinara chicken burgers through to hearty beef burgers, Howl at the Moon is the perfect anecdote for a pub lunch in Hoxton. Throw in a pint of local beer and you're onto a midday winner.
With a prime position in the heart of Covent Garden Market, The Crusting Pipe is serving up delicious, fresh and seasonal food all day long, with a special selection of wines. You can even find an intimate semi-private from to enjoy your pub grub from.
For a classic pub lunch in South London, head to The George Inn. Nab a dish and a drink for £10.75 Monday to Friday from 12pm to 5pm. Chow down on the likes of grilled chicken fillet, wood-fired pizzas and gammon steaks.
Holding its head high as one of the best pubs in Waterloo, The Duke of Sussex dishes out a tasty menu of classic grub with a signature flare. From Harissa-marinated chicken through to pork schnitzel, you'll be wanting to lick your plate clean.
Fronting classic pub grub in Greenwich, The Lost Hour is the place to tuck into British staples like fish 'n' chips or all-day brekkies, alongside a lineup of international small plates, quesadillas and more.
A haven for classic British gastronomy, The Britannia knocks up just the setting for a relaxed pub lunch in London. Sitting pretty in Kensington, she's a lush boozer of old world charm and contemporary finishes where you can tuck into sharing plates, sandwiches and mains like their Slow Roasted Pork Belly (we hear it's pretty bangin').
Located in Piccadilly, The St James Tavern is coming up trumps for its mouthwatering pub lunches. We mean everything from moreish chicken goujons and fish 'n' chips to bacon burgers and much more, alongside pints of beer or soft drinks.
The Roundhouse in Wandsworth puts on a cracking effort with it comes to pub nosh. Their menu changes daily with what ingredients is seasonally available so you can count on a home grown menu of British cuisines and classic gastro goodness to see you through any pubbing venture here. Worth noting the good spread of craft beers they've got on too, you know, to wash it all down.
Something of a South London gem, The Manor Arms is not only gorgeous inside and out (with a secret garden, no less), but it also boasts one of the most mouthwatering menus this side of the river. Head over to tuck into hearty Sunday roasts, as well as things like lamb shank shepherd's pie and maple-roasted squash.
If you're looking for a delicious feast or simply a few top-quality bar snacks for lunch, then The Crooked Billet E5 in the heart of Clapton is the boozer for you. Feast your eyes (and mouth) on halloumi fries with hot sauce, beer-battered haddock and chips, or head along on a Sunday for an epic roast.
The Ram has partnered up with Burgers, Wings and Ribs to bring you a mouthwatering menu of hearty delights. Not only can you munch on killer stacks and tasty chicken dripping in sauce, but also wash it down with refreshing craft beers.
Crutched Friar's kitchen whips up a fantastic selection of pub favourites that are sure to satiate any cravings. Think creamy chicken and bacon pie, ribeye steak or Gloucester sausage and mash, washed down with happy hour cocktails or sloshing pint of beer.
The Last Judgement is housed in a former bank building and as a result, sports towering gold ceilings, chandeliers and a private mezzanine. This Holborn beauty also happens to not just shine in the looks department, but also sling out some serious delicious food. Look forward to classic British dishes here, made with fresh ingredients, such as beer-battered cod with house chips, handmade chicken pie or sausage and mash.
Looking for the best places to have a pub lunch in London? Head south of the river to The Coat and Badge, where you'll find a menu of freshly cooked pub grub that really impresses. Expect everything from eggs benny through to sumptuous streaks at this Putney staple.
If 'soul food' sounds like your idea of a pub lunch in London, then Rocket Euston's menu is sure to deliver the goods. From plenty of steak and gourmet burgers, to tapas and classics like pies or mac 'n' cheese, there's plenty of crowd-pleasers here.
A gastro pub in London known for their in house cured and smoked meats, The Jugged Hare offers a dining experience like no other. The open kitchen allows customers to watch their food being prepared on a rotisserie and charcoal grill while they admire the walls full of taxidermy. A window to the kitchen's cold room shows the ageing process of the restaurant's meat and hanging game.
Looking for a crackin' pub lunch? The Leyton Star is fronting piled-high patties, tempura cauliflower bites and loaded truffle Parmesan fries from Cheeky Burger. You can chow down in the comfy interiors or gorgeous beer garden.
There's really only one place you'll need to start when having lunch at The Admiralty, and that's the pie section. Serving up deliciously made, melt-in-the-mouth classics with a hearty helping of mash and gravy, it's a great spot for seeking respite from the bustle of Trafalgar Square outside. Fancy making it a liquid lunch? There's a strong choice of Fuller's ales to complement your pie juuuuust right. Lovely.
Settle down into the cool booths at Sylvan Post for a pub lunch to remember. Once you've ventured over to the Forest Hill boozer, you'll find a menu of classics like flat iron steak and gut-busting burgers awaiting, with 50% off mains on Mondays.
For the perfect pub lunch with family and friends, make your way to Hare & Hounds Osterley. This charming boozer is surrounded by green fields, making you feel like you're in the countryside even though you're just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of Hounslow. A local favorite, they serve home-cooked, delicious plates of traditional favourites like beer-battered haddock, Chalcroft farm beef burger, and sticky toffee pudding served with salted caramel ice cream.
Whether you're hankering after a sumptuous Sunday roast with all the trimmings or a juicy short-rib burger, The World's End is a pub that knows what's up in the good grub department. Topping it off? The traditional interiors and cracking drinks list.
From morning to night, The Railway is a perfect spot for everything from brunch to after work drinks. Get cosy in the tea room or tuck into seasonal fare inside, before moving onto the gorgeous beer garden for a small batch spirit, cask ale of old world wine.
Whether you're in the mood for a few quiet drinks or looking to make a real night of things, head to this south London hotspot for an evening of local beers, real ales and seasonal dishes. Located on the back streets of Borough Market, it's a real gem.
Royal Oak is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a delicious pub lunch in East London. Found on Columbia Road, it's ready and waiting to fill you up with all kinds of tasty British bites, from Sunday roasts and tasty pies through to burgers and steak.
This gorgeous pub in Covent Garden houses an astounding selection of gin from their dedicated Gin Terrace. Perfect for accompanying their signature succulent Sunday roast, with veggie and vegan options available for those avoiding meat.
If you're looking for a mid-afternoon meal or a quick lunch break with a colleague, Crown & Anchor is a brilliant spot to head to. Located in Covent Garden, the venue is perfect for grabbing sumptuous burgers, pies and sausage rolls.
Fancy a pub lunch of juicy burgers, homemade pies and Sunday roasts? The Wrestlers is just where to head. This traditional pub just off Highgate High Street doesn't just have great food as its draw, it's also got old school looks and charm.
Pub lunches at The Star of Kings come courtesy of Cheeky Burger, who are serving up mouthwatering patties and loadsa sides for you to chow down on. Head on down to the King's Cross spot before your long train journey or after a spot of shopping; you won't be disappointed.
Once a bus repository, The Depot is an iconic North London boozer boasting a vintage bar and serving up some of the best pub lunches around. Expect grilled swordfish Niçoise, tandoori cauliflower and pulled lamb shoulder for mains plus mocha tart for dessert.
Make your way to The Adam and Eve for some tasty eats in their glorious space. Whether you fancy tucking into some small plates, such as chicken liver parfait, or delving into an awesome Sunday lunch, with succulent meats, and all the trimmings, this North London spot is for you.
If you're on the hunt for fabulous pub lunches in Chingford, head to Kings Head. From Monday to Friday, you can nab a main for £7.50 - think favourites such as buttermilk chicken sandwiches, burgers and linguine. Want to add a starter? You can tack that on for an extra £3.
🥂 Cosy Cocktail Bar - Happy Hour Cocktails 2-4-£12 5pm - 7pm 🥂 and 1 other offer
The Somers Town Coffee House is coming up trumps for pub lunches in London. Head to the King's Cross water hole and feast on a selection of British classics in a cosy setting.
People's Park Tavern do proper good pub lunches. But even if they made plain old cheese sarnies, instead of the hearty pulled pork burgers and huge hot dogs on the menu, we'd still turn up and nosh down. That's because People's Park Tavern have the best setting for a lunch in the whole of London. With their amazing beer garden bordering on the edge of Victoria Park, anything you order will have a complimentary side of beautiful.
Wolfpack Fulham is ideal for West London pub lunches, if you're after burgers or wings that is. Think gut-busting patties and plenty of chicken, all while you sup craft beer or watch live sport across the screens.
For classic pub grub, ranging from Sunday lunches to home comforts, grilled goods and burgers, Ferry Boat Inn in Tottenham has you covered. Better yet, their sprawling, heated riverside beer garden is coming up trumps in the outdoor drinking and dining department.
Located in Camberwell is one of the best places to eat lunch, The Cambria. Enjoy munching on British classics, from Sunday roasts to juicy burgers, steaks and plenty of veggie-friendly options. Pair with a refreshing pint or glass of vino.
If you're craving a taste of country living, head no further than The Woodman in Battersea. The South London hideaway totes a menu of British pub grub, real ales and brilliantly cosy surroundings to revel in while cosying up by the fire.
