The Best Gastropubs in Soho, London

The Ape and Bird is Polpo owner Russell Norman’s version of a pub. He’s taken over the Marquis of Granby and added a sense of lightness to the place, although it very much still feels like a pub. You don’t get normal pub grub here though, rather you can feast on wood-fired pizzas and Venetian small plates from the Polpo menu while enjoying your drinks.

This Carnaby pub dates back to the 1930s and it’s still proudly traditional, from its prancing horse iron sign outside to the art deco touches inside. Like all Nicholson’s pubs, it takes gin and cask ale seriously and serves up a menu of pub classics including fish & chips, steak, ale and mushroom pie and sticky toffee pudding. However, this pub is also a specialty sausage and chop house with six types of sausage and four varieties of mash to choose from, so if you want a true taste of The White Horse this is what to order, with a pint of ale on the side of course.

Named in tribute to the Swiss watch-making community of 19th century Soho, The Sun & 13 Cantons has been through many phases. It was a hub for those in the film industry before hosting Heavenly Social DJ nights in the basement in the 90s, now it’s well-known for its kitchen residencies, which have included the likes of Darjeeling Express and Eastern Bloc. As a Fuller’s pub, they always have their own ales on tap as well as other craft beers and lagers.

Another Nicholson’s pub, the Dog & Duck has been standing in its present form since 1897 (although a pub was first built on the site in 1734) and over the years has welcomed the likes of John Constable, George Orwell and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Their seasonal ale selection is always on point and as well as the crowd-pleasing main menu, they turn out a range of great, hearty pies.

Despite being right in the heart of Piccadilly, The Queen’s Head has managed to retain its independence and its traditional pub atmosphere. They have locally sourced ales behind the bar and classic pub fare coming out of the kitchen, their pies being particularly popular.