These are London’s poshest pubs

Boasting 70 Michelin starred-restaurants and several foodie hubs such as Soho, London is a city that churns out world-class eateries by the skillet-load. But, if you’re in search of a place where you can tuck into sumptuous dishes without the stuffiness of white table cloths and bow-tied waiters, then a gastropub is your best bet.

Vibrant in atmosphere and equally as good as a fine-dining joint when it comes to culinary excellence, the gastropub hits the sweet spot between high-end gastronomy and the laid-back character of a local watering hole.

So, when you’re in need of a fuss-free gorging experience – or if your nearby Wheatsheaf just won’t suffice – these are the capital’s five best posh pubs to visit right now.

As the first and only Michelin-starred pub in London, The Harwood Arms is far from your average tavern – and that comes as no surprise as director Brett Graham is also head chef of The Ledbury, the 27th best restaurant in the world. Only the finest, seasonal British produce is used, with specific focus on game and wild food, and the gargantuan, gourmet-pleasing scotch egg alone is worth venturing to Fulham for.

Go if…, You want perfectly-executed comfort food in an equally relaxed environment.

The Camberwell Arms has become somewhat of a mecca when it comes to Sunday lunches, with beef bellowing with bovine brilliance, fluffy and indulgent trimmings and other notable glandular masterpieces. There are also two bars on-site – downstairs is a more traditional pub, and upstairs you’ll sip on classic drinks whilst listening to vintage records – and the new private dining room, which caters up to 40 guests, is ideal for summer meet-ups.

Go if… , Your better half’s Sunday roasts just don’t cut it anymore.

Once headed up by barbecue master Neil Rankin (now of Temper), Islington’s Smokehouse is part pub, part dining room, and is a London go-to for (surprise, surprise) smoked goods. Expect UK-sourced meat (such as 11 month winter lamb or 24 month Lincoln Russet) cooked on robata grills, Big Green Eggs or charcoal smokers, and – if you’re a thirsty oenophile – you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a well-curated wine selection that comes from several family-owned vineyards across Europe.

Go if…, You want a slice of Britain’s best meats whilst washing it all down with a worldly glass of red.

Airy with full floor-to-ceiling glass doors that welcome in blazes of natural light, The Thomas Cubitt will be your Fitzrovia go-to when Blighty’s sun finally decides to show its face. The wooden accents add a little hit of traditional style, the open fireplaces are welcoming in the colder months and the food – such as the seared yellowfin tuna and custard baked brioche – is worthy of any fine-dining hotspot. On days when you’re feeling louche, you can’t go wrong with a British bellini or a seasonal G & T.

Go if…, You want a spot of hygge without having to travel to Denmark.

A former 19th century coaching house, The Bull & Last – despite its reputation for producing high-quality dishes – has a rather rustic ambience and character, with stuffed animals and wooden stools and benches dotted around the room. While the ground floor is bustling and vibrant, for those that want more peaceful scenery, head to the upstairs dining room where you can pay full attention to the flawless seasonal fare. Better still, for those who’ve just strolled through Hampstead Heath (which is located in close proximity) with their canine in hand, they’ll be happy to hear that dogs are allowed in the bar area and will be treated to marrow bones and pig’s ear.

Go if…, You’re in search of a no-frills afternoon after a long saunter through the Heath’s greenswards.

Need more dining inspiration? These are the restaurants where London’s best chefs go to eat,

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