When is a pub not a pub? When it is a gastropub. To be fair, some of our favourite gastropubs are ones that feel as much like a proper boozer as they do a real restaurant. Our brand new list of the very best gastropubs in the UK reflects this approach, and we are lucky enough to have two of Time Out's top 21 UK gastropubs in London. One of them is south of the river, and one is north, which makes it nice and even.
Time Out's Best UK Gastropubs 2026: The Camberwell Arms
The south London champ is The Camberwell Arms, a legend of the game and a place that has been pumping out spectacular food since it launched as a gastropub back in 2014. Expect the likes of crispy barbecued mackerel on sweet and sour peppers, pork loin chop with red cabbage, and crispy fried pig's head with piccalilli. Find it on the gourmand's paradise that is Camberwell Church Street, where you can also feast yourself stupid at one of our favourite London Cheap Eats, Falafel and Shawarma. It is just down the way from sandwich diner Cafe Mondo, too.
Time Out's Best UK Gastropubs 2026: Red Lion & Sun
Our north London entry is Highgate's deeply charming Red Lion & Sun. This longstanding and historic 1920s-built spot is cosy in the winter and blissful in the summer, with an intimate garden at the back and a larger outdoor area facing the road at the front. It might also be the only gastropub known as much for its potent frozen margaritas as it is its high-octane food. The menu changes daily, offering delights such as crab on focaccia, chicken schnitzel with jalapeño salsa, and Iberico baby pork ribs.
For more recommendations, check out the 50 best pubs in London. Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.
