London Gastro Pubs

Drinkers in The Paradise are watched over by an enormous angel sculpture, just one of the venue's quirky design features. While the pub has a relaxed feel, the dining room is more upmarket, with dishes including roast grouse and côte de boeuf. After dinner, you can enjoy evening entertainment from DJs to comedy nights.

This Victorian pub has been beautifully renovated and now features a dark wood bar, wooden floorboards and a smart restaurant. During the summer, the best place to be is the waterfront terrace with views across the river Thames to The O2. Typical dishes at The Gun include mushroom and chestnut Wellington and roast pheasant.

Established in 1855, The Coach and Horses is rumoured to have a few ghosts! The historic pub re-launched a few years ago, with a seasonal, modern British menu that changes every day. Typical dishes include rabbit and pork terrine, Cornish salt and pepper squid, pearl barley risotto and Elwy Valley lamb pie.

Located on the eastern edge of Hampstead Heath, The Bull and Last combines a traditional pub atmosphere with outstanding seasonal food. At the time of writing, the dinner menu featured crispy trotter wantons, roast lamb, ox cheek and chestnut mushroom pie, and beer battered haddock with pea puree and chips.

The Harwood Arms was the first London pub to be awarded a Michelin Star. The venue reopened in 2008, with the aim of bringing the countryside to London by serving locally produced food, much of it sourced from nearby Berkshire. Sample dishes include braised Herefordshire snails and grilled steak of Berkshire roe deer.

The Garrison in up-and-coming Bermondsey is renowned for its chic décor and tempting menu of dishes such as coq au vin with baby onions and calf's liver with braised savoy cabbage. The basement cinema room – described as "country house meets timber shed" – is perfect for parties.

Islington gastro pub The Duke of Cambridge is certified by the Soil Association and serves a delicious range of organic food and drink. The blackboard menu changes constantly but always features fantastic, fresh and inventive cuisine. One of London's favourite gastro pubs, diners can eat in the bar or in the dining room.

It may look like an average pub from the outside, but the Anchor and Hope in Waterloo is one of London's top gastro pubs: the seasonal, meaty menu has been highly praised by food critics. The restaurant doesn't take bookings in the evening, so be prepared to arrive early and hang out in the bar until a table becomes available.

Popular with local celebrities and media, this Notting Hill pub was founded by Terence Conran's son Tom. The Cow specialises in oysters, Guinness and huge portions. You can order fish stew or sausages in the bar or book a table in the dining room for more substantial meals including rib-eye steak and roast lamb.