The prestigious Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs ranking for 2026 has been unveiled, delivering exciting news for London's culinary scene. A remarkable thirteen establishments from the capital have secured coveted positions on this esteemed national list, showcasing the city's thriving pub-grub culture.
Highgate's Red Lion & Sun Soars to Third Place
Leading London's impressive showing is The Red Lion & Sun in Highgate, which has been crowned the third best gastropub in Britain. This north London institution has climbed from sixth position in previous rankings, marking a significant achievement for the team behind this beloved local.
Heath Ball, the pub's proprietor, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. 'As a team, we feel humbled to be ranked number three in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs,' Ball commented. 'Moving from 6th to 3rd place is a huge achievement for us and reflects the consistency, care and hard work that goes into everything we do. We're proud to see that recognised.'
Culinary Excellence in North London
The Red Lion & Sun has built its reputation on what it describes as 'rustic modern British pub food'. Their current menu features an array of mouth-watering dishes that blend traditional pub fare with contemporary culinary techniques. Patrons can enjoy:
- Braised beef cheek with rich, slow-cooked flavours
- Bone marrow and pancetta pie for hearty comfort food
- Gnocchi served with wild mushrooms and fragrant sage
- A premium wagyu double cheeseburger for indulgent dining
The establishment has also gained particular acclaim for its exceptional Sunday roasts, which have become a weekend tradition for many local residents and visitors alike.
London's Strong Showing in National Rankings
While The Red Lion & Sun claimed the bronze position, The Devonshire in Soho secured the top spot in the 2026 rankings, having moved up from second place in the previous year's list. This marks a significant shift from recent years when The Unruly Pig in Woodbridge, Suffolk had dominated the rankings for three consecutive years.
Thirteen London Establishments Recognised
London's representation in the top fifty gastropubs demonstrates the capital's culinary diversity and excellence. The complete list of London pubs featured in the 2026 Estrella Damm rankings includes:
- The Devonshire, Soho (1st overall)
- The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate (3rd overall)
- The Canton Arms, Stockwell (11th overall)
- The Baring, Islington (17th overall)
- The Marksman, Hackney (23rd overall)
- The Hero, Maida Vale (24th overall)
- The Kerfield Arms, Camberwell (25th overall)
- The Waterman's Arms, Barnes (33rd overall)
- The Tamil Crown, Islington (35th overall)
- The Harwood Arms, Fulham (36th overall)
- The Bull and Last, Highgate (39th overall)
- The Knave of Clubs, Shoreditch (43rd overall)
- The French House, Soho (47th overall)
Notably, The Harwood Arms in Fulham maintains its distinction as London's only Michelin-starred pub, securing the 36th position in this year's gastropub rankings.
Celebrating London's Gastropub Scene
The strong representation of London establishments in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list for 2026 highlights the capital's continued excellence in the pub dining sector. From traditional Sunday roasts to innovative modern British cuisine, these venues demonstrate how London's gastropubs have evolved beyond simple drinking establishments to become destinations for serious food enthusiasts.
The recognition of thirteen different pubs across various London neighbourhoods – from Highgate to Camberwell, and from Soho to Barnes – showcases the geographical diversity of quality dining experiences available throughout the city. Each establishment brings its unique character and culinary approach to the table, contributing to London's reputation as a world-class destination for food lovers.
