Classic English Pub Meals in London
London’s pub scene is world-renowned, blending history, atmosphere, and hearty meals. The pub is the bastion of our communities. It’s where we go to celebrate, to catch up with friends, to have a quiet moment of reflection or just to shelter from the rain. Is there anything more English than a good old fashioned pub? We don’t think so.
Over the years English pub food has blossomed into gastronomical wonders. Gone are the days when soggy sandwiches or pickled eggs were all that was on the menu. Our pubs these days are competing with the best restaurants for our lunch and dinner time reservations.
Whether you’re stopping for a quick bite between sights or enjoying a leisurely evening pint, the English pub experience wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some of our classic dishes.
Here’s a few of our favourites for you to try on your visit to London.
1. Bangers and Mash
A classic you’ll find on pub menus across London is bangers and mash, a dish with a long history dating back to World War I. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of sausages (the “bangers”) and mashed potatoes, often topped with rich onion gravy. You might even get a posh version (like in our photo) with green beans.
London pubs serve up various versions of this meal, featuring local sausages made from different meats, such as pork, beef, or even game, giving a unique twist depending on where you dine. A well-executed plate of bangers and mash is the ultimate in pub comfort food—perfect for a chilly evening or a post-sightseeing lunch. Try the Garden Gate in Hampstead.
2. Steak and Ale Pie
The traditional steak and ale pie is a must-try for anyone seeking the heartiest of pub meals. Slow-cooked beef in a rich ale-based gravy is encased in a golden pastry crust, making this a filling and flavorful dish that’s ideal for colder days. The rich gravy is often made using local ales, adding a deep, malty flavor to the beef, which is tender enough to fall apart.
Served with mashed potatoes or chips and seasonal vegetables, steak and ale pie offers a taste of English heritage on a plate. London pubs, with their historic settings, make enjoying this meal a true cultural experience, often accompanied by one of the local craft ales used in the dish itself. We enjoyed a visit to The Butchers Hook and Clever recently for their steak and ale. It’s near Smithfield market so the produce is as good as it gets.
3. Chicken Tikka Masala
Hold on!!! Curry? In an English pub?
Absolutely.
Chicken Tikka Masala is well known these days as England’s national dish. Overtaking the good old fish and chips.
Boneless chunks of chicken are marinated in light spices and cooked in a creamy yoghurt. Served with a side of fluffy rice and naan bread. Perfect for a cold day with a cold pint.
It’s a strange thing to say and a thing that us English all understand but a pub curry is different from a curry served in a restaurant. Perhaps it’s the surroundings.
No Fish and Chips?
Every day we welcome guests from around the world on our food tours. And everyday we get asked where to get the best fish and chips. We will always, always recommend going to a proper fish and chip shop (or chippy) to get this dish.
The batter is so much better, the techniques of cooking both fish and the chips is perfected.
Here’s our blog about proper fish and chip shops in London for you to have a go at.
Whether you’re on a food tour or just looking to explore on your own, indulging in these classic English pub meals is a great way to connect with London’s culinary heritage. At London Bites, we make sure your journey through the city’s food scene is memorable, complete with local insights and the best pub stops. So why not pull up a chair, grab a pint, and dig into some of the best British fare the city has to offer?