Discover London’s Best Pub Food: The 8 Most Popular Dishes to Eat.
Have you ever been to a Pub in London? London has a diverse culinary culture, and one of its most beloved food traditions is Pub Food. From the famous Fish and Chips to our favorite Sticky Toffee Pudding, there’s something for everyone in the city’s pubs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of pub food in London and we’ll list the 8 most popular dishes you can try on your next visit. We will also share some of our favorite Pubs in London.
We fell in love with Pub Food from our very first time visiting London back in the day. The dishes are simple but with lots of flavor. The classics like a Shepherd’s Pie or a Steak Pie are to us what the best pub food is all about and serve those typical British flavors. If we think of British Cuisine, that’s it.
What we love even more is the vibe in a Pub. Besides the nice food, you will always have a nice chat with a local visiting the pub after work or for some weekend fun. Of course tourists visit these pubs too, but we always feel like we are only surrounded by locals. And that adds so much to the experience. And don’t get us started on the amazing Ciders they have on tap.
What is the History of Pubs in London?
Pubs, short for public houses, have been a symbol of British life for centuries. They were originally established as communal gathering places for villagers to drink, socialize, and share news. While pubs have always served food, the dishes were mostly simple and basic, such as bread and cheese, pickled eggs, or pie and mash.
However, in the 20th century, as the British working-class population grew, pubs began to offer more substantial and diverse menus. With the help of refrigeration and modern cooking techniques, pubs started to serve a wider range of dishes, including steaks, chops, and fish and chips.
Today, pub food has evolved into a diverse and delicious cuisine that draws inspiration from traditional British dishes, international cuisine, and trendy favorites. All the while still being simple but with lots of flavor.
“I always leave room for dessert when I eat in a Pub in the UK. Their desserts are my favorite. My new addiction is the yummy Sticky Toffee Pudding. I honestly dream of this dish and wake up deciding to make it myself the next day.”
What are popular classic Pub Food Dishes in London?
Fish and Chips
No trip to London is complete without trying the iconic British dish of fish and chips. This meal typically consists of battered and fried fish (usually cod or haddock) served with thick-cut chips (fries) and a side of mushy green peas. It’s a simple but delicious meal that’s perfect for a casual night out with friends.
Bangers and Mash
Bangers and Mash is another classic British dish that’s popular in London pubs. It consists of sausages (the “bangers”) served with mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s a simple but satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold winter evening.
Pie & Mash / Steak & Ale Pie
Pie and Mash is a traditional East London dish that’s been served in pubs for over 200 years. It consists of a meat pie (usually made with beef or chicken) served with mashed potatoes and a parsley sauce called “liquor.” It’s a simple but savory meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. I absolutely loved the Steak & Ale Pie I had on my last visit. They used Ale (beer) to marinate the steak in. It gave the Pie such a nice and rich flavor.
Scotch Egg
Scotch Eggs are a popular pub snack that’s perfect for sharing. They consist of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden brown. They’re often served with a side of mustard or mayonnaise for dipping.
Shepherd’s Pie
One of our favorite Pub Food in London is the classic Shepherd’s Pie. This is a casserole dish that consists of a layer of (minced) meat and vegetables in a nice rich sauce covered in a layer of mashed potatoes. It is then baked in an oven. Simple but with so much flavor. I actually make it at home sometimes, since I love this so much.
Ploughman’s Lunch
The Ploughman’s Lunch is a classic British meal that’s often served in pubs. It typically consists of a selection of cold meats (such as ham, beef, or salami), cheese, pickles, and crusty bread. It’s a simple but satisfying meal that’s perfect for a lunch.
Sunday Roast
A Sunday Roast is a classic British meal that’s traditionally eaten on Sundays, as the name suggests. It typically consists of roasted meat (beef, lamb, or pork), roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding, all smothered in gravy. It’s a very comforting meal that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a delicious dessert that’s often served in London pubs. It consists of a moist sponge cake made with dates, covered in a rich toffee sauce, and served with a dollop of cream or ice cream. Let me tell you, you will regret it if you don’t order this at least once during your visit to London. Me telling you how amazingly good this is, does not even do it justice. It might just be the best thing you will even taste.
We had amazing Sticky Toffee Pudding at Gordon Ramsay’s Streetburger restaurant. Ramsay is famous for his version of Sticky Toffee Pudding (see picture below) and he definitely did not disappoint us. Of course you can get this dessert at most pubs as well.
I made my own Sticky Toffee Pudding at home, right after coming back from our most recent trip to London. Click on the link below for the recipe and let me know if this dish is now your new addiction too.
Our Favorite Pubs in London
Here are the Google Maps links to some of our favorite Pubs in London. We had great Pub Food, English Tea and Beer & Ciders at these locations. Of course there are many more amazing pubs to be found at every corner of the streets in London.
- The Nags Head at Covent Garden
- The Spice of Life in Soho
- The Three Greyhounds in Soho
Afternoon Tea in a Pub in London
The British drink more tea per person than anywhere else in the world. So having a typical Afternoon Tea in a pub in London should definitely be on your to-do-list. Just choose a simple black tea and get some milk to go with it. That’s the English way of drinking tea. If you like you can get some sweet snacks to go with it, like scones or muffins.
We had a great time drinking our English Tea at The Spice of Life Pub in Soho. They have a menu with something for everyone, from classic Pub Food Dishes to more modern bites. They have a cellar where they organize fun events like Jazz sessions etc. We can definitely recommend this pub.
I think this article showed you our love for Pubs and Pub Food in London. In our opinion a trip to London or the United Kingdom is not complete without walking into a Pub. It is such a huge part of British Culture that you simply don’t want to miss out on experiencing this yourself.
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