London, a city overflowing with pubs, presents a delightful challenge for food lovers – choosing the best among thousands. Thankfully, we’ve taken the liberty of sampling some of the city’s most remarkable gastropubs and are ready to share our findings. These pubs offer a unique fusion of classic pub vibes and refined culinary experiences, creating a must-visit destination for any discerning foodie.
Where Tradition Meets Modernity: The Princess of Shoreditch
Tucked away on a tranquil street in the heart of Old Street’s bustling district, The Princess of Shoreditch is a sanctuary for food enthusiasts. Its spacious interior is awash with natural light, thanks to its expansive windows, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional pub charm and contemporary elegance. Ascend the vintage iron staircase to discover a cozy dining room, bathed in candlelight, that evokes the warmth and comfort of a refined country home.
The Princess of Shoreditch boasts two distinct menus: a classic à la carte offering and a more adventurous five or eight-course tasting menu, a rare and delightful find in a pub setting. Each dish is a testament to the chef’s culinary prowess, showcasing vibrant presentations and delicate flavor combinations. We were particularly enamored with the tender and peppery venison tartare and the rich braised beef cheek risotto.
The desserts were equally impressive, each one a delightful symphony of taste and texture. The blood orange sorbet with sourdough treacle tart, the rhubarb and white chocolate dessert, and the cloud-like chocolate soufflé are just a few examples of the chef’s artistry.
The Princess of Shoreditch successfully blends fine dining with the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional pub, making it a true gem in London’s vibrant culinary scene.
Chelsea Charm Meets Culinary Innovation: The Cadogan Arms
The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, a haven for London’s most sophisticated residents, attracts crowds with its unique menu and elegant ambiance. This beloved pub boasts panelled wood, twinkling chandeliers, and marble tabletops, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
The Cadogan Arms menu is a delightful journey through culinary traditions, offering both classic pub favorites and elevated modern twists. Indulge in the timeless delights of hand-raised pork pies and scotch eggs or venture into the realm of refined gastronomy with the confit duck-leg terrine and gooey cheese toasties with a tangy kimchi accompaniment.
Main courses are equally impressive, featuring the savory wild-mushroom and pearl barley pie with parsnip and hazelnut remoulade and the crispy beer-battered fish and chips with tartare sauce and mushy peas. But the true star of the show is the exceptional steak.
The restaurant utilizes only the finest British and Irish heritage breeds raised on bio-diverse pastures, resulting in tender and flavorful beef. Each steak is perfectly paired with giant garlic-buttered Portobello mushrooms, grilled Isle of Wight tomatoes, and peppery watercress.
The Cadogan Arms effortlessly blends classic pub charm with culinary innovation, offering a truly unforgettable dining experience.
A Victorian Gem: The Duke of Cambridge
This Victorian pub, located in one of London’s most stylish postcodes, has undergone a modern transformation while retaining the charming quirks of a traditional boozer. The downstairs area is a haven of green banquettes and polished mahogany, while the upstairs dining room, designed by the renowned Martino Gamper, features unique and eye-catching lino flooring.
Chef proprietors Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram, both alumni of the renowned St John restaurant, have created a menu that celebrates bold flavors and simple techniques. The menu, inspired by London’s rich history, is weekly changing, ensuring a constant flow of fresh and exciting dishes.
Some of the signature dishes include the beef and barley buns, steamed like bao and served with fresh horseradish, and the salty-yet-smooth brown butter and honey tart. The latter is so popular that reservations are required to secure a slice.
The Duke of Cambridge is a testament to the creative and innovative spirit of London’s culinary scene, seamlessly blending classic pub charm with contemporary design and exceptional cuisine.
