Muddy Stilettos

This year’s&nbsp;competition for gastropub greatness has been hotter than a freshly fried, triple-cooked chip. After much scoffing, quaffing and deliberating,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.top50gastropubs.com">The Estrella Damm</a> list of the UK’s finest gastropubs has been revealed &#8211; with eight from London in the top 50, a further 10 in the top 100 – plus a One to Watch award nomination. It&#8217;s clear the capital is still on top of its game when it comes to pub grub with Islington crowned as the Borough to beat with five pubs making the cut.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-red-lion-amp-sun-highgate-no-6"><a href="https://www.theredlionandsun.com/index">The Red Lion &amp; Sun</a>, Highgate (No.6)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="988" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/146468581_237045518067694_252247002802279315_n.jpg" alt="Roast beef on white and blue plate The Red Lion &amp; Sun, Highgate" class="wp-image-86209" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/146468581_237045518067694_252247002802279315_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/146468581_237045518067694_252247002802279315_n-600x593.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Boasting two beer gardens, earthy spacious interiors with a cosy fire to boot, The Red Lion &amp; Sun is the perfect spot to refuel (and warm up) after a tromp around Hampstead Heath, or a frosty dip in the bathing pond. A regular on the top 50 list since 2016 (kudos), food here is centred around fresh, seasonal, quality produce (with all meat supplied by Highgate Butchers). The menu changes daily, (and is uploaded online by 11am), but expect elevated pub classics and some amazing sharing platters which can be pre-ordered in advance &#8211; perfect for those who like to decide what they&#8217;re eating ahead of time, rather than waiting for the menu to drop!



Try this: West coast Scottish langoustines char-grilled with garlic butter are a great dish for sharing 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-harwood-arms-fulham-no-12"><a href="https://harwoodarms.com">The Harwood Arms</a>, Fulham (No.12)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="814" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/244569165_328602445690550_6758943499882521267_n-814x1000.jpg" alt="THE HARWOOD ARMS FULHAM MOUNTED DEER ON WALL AND DRIED FLOWERS ON THE TABLE" class="wp-image-86210" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/244569165_328602445690550_6758943499882521267_n-814x1000.jpg 814w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/244569165_328602445690550_6758943499882521267_n-489x600.jpg 489w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/244569165_328602445690550_6758943499882521267_n.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px" /></figure>



The only Michelin starred pub in London, The Harwood Arms champions local provenance, with a real focus on game and wild food (as wild as possible) which can also be seen adorning the walls too (vegans and veggies look away now!). Despite its locale and Michelin status, food here is pretty reasonable with two courses for £50 and three for £65.



Try this: Got to be something wild &#8211; Berkshire fallow deer, pale ale, prune and spring onion



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-baring-islington-no-26"><a href="https://www.thebaring.co.uk">The Baring</a>, Islington (No.26)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/335525529_1415239632570610_5919618284852252461_n-800x1000.jpg" alt="The Baring Islington roast dinner dishes served" class="wp-image-86214" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/335525529_1415239632570610_5919618284852252461_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/335525529_1415239632570610_5919618284852252461_n-480x600.jpg 480w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/335525529_1415239632570610_5919618284852252461_n.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



A relatively new kid on the block, The Baring is rockstar cool and not a pub of many words (seriously the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebaring/">Insta bio</a> reads &#8216;a pub in Islington&#8217;). Serving good, honest pub grub with sustainability high on the agenda you can dine here for £12 at lunchtime (£15 if add a glass of vino) which is superb value. The first floor dining room can seat up to 32 making it great for celebrations and large parties as is the sharing option on the menu &#8211; one main and one dessert for the group to share plus a selection of starters for £55 a head. 



Try this: Grilled Normande ex dairy rib of beef, chimichurri, triple cooked chips, alioli and hispi cabbage



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bull-amp-last-islington-no-31"><a href="https://thebullandlast.co.uk">The Bull &amp; Last</a>, Islington (No.31)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Livers_1_1500x.jpg-copy.jpg" alt="The Bull &amp; Last mushrooms and truffle on toast" class="wp-image-86216" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Livers_1_1500x.jpg-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Livers_1_1500x.jpg-copy-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The second Islington gem to grace the top 50 &#8211; The Bull &amp; Last. Benefiting from a recent refurb the vibe here is light, fresh and unpretentious. Seasonal, local food is the focus which extends to the drinks too with British breweries dominating the beer list. Though the menu changes daily, there is a lot of choice on both the lunch and dinner menus, you can choose from bar snacks, lighter bites and main meals ranging from £5-£85 in price. 



Try this: Beer battered haddock, triple cooked chips, tartare sauce, mushy peas and a cheeky wally 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-parakeet-kentish-town-no-36"><a href="https://theparakeetpub.com">The Parakeet</a>, Kentish Town (No.36)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/350091824_772445230923981_7699862392556407105_n-800x1000.jpg" alt="The Parakeet, Kentish Town interiors banquette wooden tables and modern art" class="wp-image-86222" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/350091824_772445230923981_7699862392556407105_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/350091824_772445230923981_7699862392556407105_n-480x600.jpg 480w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/350091824_772445230923981_7699862392556407105_n.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



Another newcomer to the gastropub scene, opening just last year The Parakeet somehow manages to exude traditional pub vibes (parquet flooring, stained glass, wood panelling, velvet) with cool industrial-styled features (exposed brick, colourful artwork). The atmosphere is buzzy and fun with Jazz Monday&#8217;s and Tuesday quiz nights among the regular events happening. Food wise, it&#8217;s seasonal, British and often cooked over a flame while Sunday&#8217;s are all about the roast with a sharing menu recently introduced. 



Try this: Wood roasted (of course) John Dory followed by the Amerena cherry sorbet



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cadogan-arms-chelsea-no-40"><a href="https://thecadoganarms.london">The Cadogan Arms</a>, Chelsea (No.40)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="917" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/398657039_653774520233258_2954579683784461117_n-917x1000.jpg" alt="The Cadogan Arm Chelsea PANEER CURRY SERVED WITH RICE AND POPPADOMS" class="wp-image-86226" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/398657039_653774520233258_2954579683784461117_n-917x1000.jpg 917w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/398657039_653774520233258_2954579683784461117_n-550x600.jpg 550w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/398657039_653774520233258_2954579683784461117_n.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 917px) 100vw, 917px" /></figure>



After an extensive refurb back in 2021 this pretty pub (seriously check out the window and hanging baskets come spring) has gone from strength to strength, (it&#8217;s sister pub <a href="https://thegeorge.london">The George</a> is also on the list (No.91)). Though very grand inside (wood panelling, plush furnishings, chandeliers, decorative mouldings, opulent wallpaper), The Cadogan Arms is unashamedly pub traditional with all your favourites on the menu including a Sunday roast, banging bar food plus a great TV for match day screenings with appropriately sporty snacks.



Try this: Paneer or pork cheek curry, with lemon and cashew nut rice, cucumber raita and poppadoms



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-guinea-grill-mayfair-no-43"><a href="https://www.theguinea.co.uk">The Guinea Grill</a>, Mayfair (No.43)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/384173685_765110101638824_383011421804892728_n-800x1000.jpeg" alt="The Guinea Grill pie and steak with side dishes served on a tray" class="wp-image-86229" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/384173685_765110101638824_383011421804892728_n-800x1000.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/384173685_765110101638824_383011421804892728_n-480x600.jpeg 480w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/384173685_765110101638824_383011421804892728_n.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



A stalwart in Mayfair since 1423, The Guinea Grill is renowned for its meaty menu of dry aged, grass fed British beef served fresh from an open grill (and its cheery top-hatted doorman!). Being just a short walk from Oxford Circus and Bond Street, The Guinea makes a great lunch or dinner spot after a day pounding the pavements. There&#8217;s also a swanky private dining space which seats up to 28 people (and counting), as the pub is currently closed for renovation while work is done to expand it. See you there from Mon 4 March when the old girl reopens.



Try this: Any of the steaks with chips, baked gruyere creamed spinach and wild mushrooms cooked in garlic butter. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-canton-arms-stockwell-no-46"><a href="https://www.cantonarms.com">The Canton Arms</a>, Stockwell (No.46)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/355350904_711617780974001_6288253871255462457_n.jpg" alt="THE CANTON ARMS STOCKWELL STEAK SLICED WITH HERB BUTTER " class="wp-image-86232" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/355350904_711617780974001_6288253871255462457_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/355350904_711617780974001_6288253871255462457_n-600x600.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/355350904_711617780974001_6288253871255462457_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/355350904_711617780974001_6288253871255462457_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Game season is high on the agenda at The Canton Arms where a number of special dinners are put on, so carnivores, now is the time of year to pay them a visit. Aside from all the meat, expect standard pub classics with a bit of twist, top notch specials (see the blackboards) and a vast selection of drinks all at reasonable prices &#8211; not surprisingly, booking is essential. 



Try this: Roast partridge, lentils and mustard sauce



And finally a special mention goes to <a href="https://www.cubitthouse.co.uk/the-barley-mow-mayfair/">The Barley Mow</a>, Mayfair, a runner up in the One to Watch category this year.







Be a gastro-tourist&#8230; take a foodie tour around the city visiting the gastropubs which made it into the next 50&#8230;



<a href="https://brookhousefulham.com">Marksman Pub</a>, Hackney (No.53)



<a href="https://www.thetamilprince.com">The Tamil Prince</a>, Islington (No.60)



<a href="https://thecamberwellarms.co.uk">The Camberwell Arms</a> (No.62)



<a href="https://brookhousefulham.com">Brook House</a>, Fulham (No.71)



<a href="https://www.thedrapersarms.com">The Drapers Arms</a>, Islington (No.73)



<a href="https://www.anchorandhopepub.co.uk">The Anchor and Hope</a>, Southwark (No.77)



<a href="https://www.clarencetavern.com">The Clarence Tavern</a>, Stoke Newington (No.84)



<a href="https://www.comptonarms.co.uk">Compton Arms</a>, Islington (No.89)



<a href="https://thegeorge.london">The George</a>, Fitzrovia (No.91)



<a href="http://thewarwickpimlico.co.uk">The Warwick</a>, Pimlico (No.99)

Roomy pants on! The Top 100 Gastropubs 2024 revealed!

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