London Gastro Pubs

The Couch

This popular Soho haunt boasts (apparently) the biggest windows on Dean Street. Perfect then for chilling out with a pint and watching the hectic bustle outside. The menu at The Couch changes weekly but to give you an idea, when we last popped in, chargrilled king prawns with couscous and sweet chilli along with chicken breast with cream cheese and asparagus were both on the menu. There's only one sofa though. Get there early if you want to nab it.

The Cow Dining Room

Another of the founders of gastro pub food is Notting Hill's Cow Dining Room. The owner is Tom Conran - son of Terence, Oysters and Guinness are the things to be seen with here. Choose from Irish Rocks or Wild Falmouth Bay Natives. Seafood features heavily on the menu and the pub's philosophy is "eat heartily and give the house a good name." We think that could be arranged.

Duke of Cambridge

Voted the second best bar in this year's Observer Food Magazine Awards, the Duke of Cambridge prides itself on its organic, well-sourced fare. The seasonal menu of wholesome British food changes twice daily. All the real ales are local brews and the wine list is made up of 40 bins, all organic too.

The Eagle

Rumour has it that The Eagle, a fine Farringdon watering hole, was where the gastro pub revolution first evolved. The menu is simple but delicious. The food is a mix of Mediterranean and wholesome British and the varied wine list is fairly priced. The owners are even attributed with starting the bread with balsamic vinegar and olive oil trend that you'll find today in many a gastro pub. Just don't ask for any salad cream, OK?

The Garrison

There are a few cool extras at The Garrison such as a downstairs cinema room that can be hired for private dos. The menu includes fancy options such as foie gras and chicken liver parfait, and roast guinea fowl with sauce poivrade. And to finish, sample tasty pub puddings such as Norfolk apple and treacle tart with clotted cream.

The Gun

This Grade II listed gastro pub dates back to the 18th century and boasts a lovely deck overlooking the Thames. The Cabin Room at The Gun features murals of Nelson's cabin and the Battle of Trafalgar and can be hired out for private dining. Food ranges from dining room delights to a more relaxed pub menu. In the summer - if it's sunny - fresh fish is barbecued in the alfresco eating area.

The Marquess Tavern

Having had a revamp, The Marquess Tavern in Canonbury now boasts a kitchen headed by chefs previously at the Ivy and St John. The food is top-notch British fare, sourced almost entirely in the UK. Traditional Sussex pond pudding, Bath chap (pig's cheek) with mash and homemade pork pie with piccalilli are all on the menu. Add a drinks list including award-winning Nyetimber sparkling wine, Bramley and Gage liqueurs from Devon, and London Porter beer.

Queen's Head & Artichoke

The Queen’s Head & Artichoke is a more recent arrival to the scene. Begin your meal with Portuguese rock oysters with shallot and Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar, and follow perhaps with duck breast, roast Jerusalem artichoke and baby beetroot salad with apricot and ginger jam. And did we mention that the decor is picture perfect too? It is!

St John's Tavern

This pub is a real find on Junction Road in Archway. The locals love the rustic French/British menu featuring a mix of meat, fish and salad dishes. Everything at St John's Tavern is homemade and the bread is baked on site. Choose from eating in the beautiful high-ceilinged ballroom or the outside garden.