Crawl London’s gastropubs

The Coach 

Once a dusty old boozer in Clerkenwell, The Coach is now a chi-chi gastropub serving some of the best grub in the city. Among its French-influenced dishes is a 48-day Hereford cote de boeuf that should really be washed down with a glass of Burgundy. 

The old-school Canton Arms in Stockwell

Canton Arms

This proper old-school pub in Stockwell – all red-stained mahogany and leatherbound books – just happens to have slap-up food. Its seven-hour lamb shoulder is the stuff of legend, especially if you follow it with a buttermilk panna cotta and Yorkshire rhubarb. 

The Drapers Arms 

A beaut of a boozer in Islington, The Drapers Arms has soaring ceilings, glinting chandeliers and a lovely garden where you can munch on some seriously scrumptious dishes. Find fancied-up versions of British classics like suet crust lamb pie and a tidy wine selection. 

The Buxton

This pleasingly bright and airy pub on the corner of the always-vibrant Brick Lane in East London dishes out modern European food made with herbs that are plucked from the rooftop garden. 

A Sunday roast at Marksman in Hackney

Marksman

This one-time Michelin Pub of the Year winner in Hackney, east London, never rests on its laurels, with an ever-changing menu including a lamb curry and an array of mouthwatering pies. 

The Garrison 

A lovely little spot with a romantic-boho vibe, The Garrison has been a Bermondsey institution since 2003. The reliance on seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers – predominantly farmers and fishermen – means its menu is always evolving.

The Jugged Hare 

One look at the taxidermy-studded walls and you know this burly pub in Barbican means business when it comes to meat. Its menu is crammed full of game, like the eponymous jugged hare.