London is a city that excels at lunch. From bustling business meetings in Mayfair to leisurely afternoons in Notting Hill, there are countless places to stop for a midday meal. Yet despite the city’s ever-evolving dining scene, one institution remains firmly at the heart of British food culture: the pub lunch. Here at Cubitt House, we’re passionate about it.
There is something reassuring about stepping into a handsome neighbourhood pub, finding a comfortable corner table and settling in for a plate of seasonal British food. The best gastropubs in London combine everything that makes British hospitality special: exceptional ingredients, thoughtful cooking, warm service and spaces that feel as welcoming on a Tuesday lunchtime as they do on a lively Saturday evening.
A great pub lunch celebrates familiar British dishes while embracing the best seasonal ingredients available. Spring brings asparagus, Jersey Royals and lamb, summer delivers vibrant vegetables, fresh seafood and berries, autumn welcomes game, mushrooms and root vegetables and winter is all about hearty pies, slow-cooked meats and comforting puddings. The result is menus that change with the seasons.
At Cubitt House, this philosophy shapes every menu across our collection of neighbourhood pubs, where classic British dishes are prepared with care and creativity while remaining rooted in tradition. From a cosy country-style pub in the heart of Marylebone to Sunday roasts in Mayfair, pizzas in Belgravia to classic pub fare in Notting Hill, here are our favourite spots for a pub lunch in London.
Lunch in Marylebone
Marylebone has long been one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods. Elegant Georgian streets, independent boutiques and cultural landmarks combine to create a village-like atmosphere in the heart of the city. It’s also one of the capital’s finest destinations for lunch.
Before settling in for a pub lunch, visitors can explore the renowned Wallace Collection, home to one of London’s most impressive collections of fine and decorative arts, or enjoy a stroll through Regent’s Park, in particular Queen Mary’s Gardens, which Sylvia Plath once described as a ‘wonderland’. Also worth a visit is Daunt Books; the Marylebone outpost is famous for its oak balconies.
For those looking for lunch in Marylebone, The Grazing Goat and The Coach Makers Arms provide welcoming settings for everything from quick business lunches to leisurely afternoon dining.
The Grazing Goat feels like a cosy country pub but happens to be just moments from Selfridges. Its menu celebrates modern British pub cooking, with favourites such as shepherd’s pie, steamed mussels with sourdough, battered haddock, chips and mushy peas and quality cuts from the grill sitting alongside fresh seafood and seasonal specials.
Just around the corner, The Coach Makers Arms offers a menu rooted in classic British pub cooking, where guests can begin with devilled eggs, a lamb and smoked bacon sausage roll or the house prawn cocktail, before moving on to comforting favourites such as house pie, mash and gravy, battered haddock, chips and mushy peas and a selection of steaks and grilled dishes. The light-filled dining room and relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere make it a popular choice for both business lunches and long, leisurely afternoons.
Lunch in Mayfair
Mayfair is often associated with luxury shopping, grand hotels and historic architecture, but it is also home to some of London’s most vibrant dining destinations. A morning spent browsing Mount Street’s boutiques or discovering modern and contemporary art at Gagosian gallery naturally leads to thoughts of lunch.
Tucked away on Duke Street, The Barley Mow offers a quintessential Mayfair pub experience. Beautifully restored, the pub combines a handsome ground-floor bar with a vibrant first-floor dining room, balancing historic character with contemporary British hospitality. Its Queen Anne-style façade and warm interiors create a welcoming escape from the bustle of central London, while the menu champions seasonal British ingredients and traditional pub cooking with a refined touch.
Guests might begin with an apple and black pudding Scotch egg or a platter of Cobble Lane charcuterie, before settling into a leisurely lunch of Cornish mussels with saffron cream and grilled sourdough, the pie of the day or one of the pub’s expertly cooked dishes from the grill. Seasonal oysters and regularly changing specials reflect The Barley Mow’s commitment to British produce and make every visit feel a little different from the last.
Lunch in Belgravia
Belgravia’s handsome garden squares and white stucco terraces create one of London’s most picturesque settings for a midday meal. This historic neighbourhood is rich with character and fascinating stories. Visitors can explore Eccleston Yards, shop for vintage clothing at stylist favourite Retromania or spend time learning about the remarkable history of the Chelsea Pensioners at the nearby Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The Thomas Cubitt has become a neighbourhood institution, occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Belgravia just moments from Elizabeth Street. A favourite among local residents, shoppers and professionals alike, it combines a lively bar with elegant dining rooms and a menu rooted in seasonal British cooking. Whether stopping in for a quick working lunch or a leisurely afternoon with friends, guests can expect thoughtful British dishes and pub classics, from the pie of the day to market-led seasonal specials.
Tucked away on Motcomb Street, The Alfred Tennyson offers a quieter and more intimate experience. Named after the Victorian poet, the pub pairs classic British charm with cosy interiors and a relaxed atmosphere, while its menu showcases carefully sourced British produce. Dishes such as the twice baked cheddar soufflé reflect its refined yet approachable style of cooking.
Just a short stroll away, The Orange offers a more bustling atmosphere, where locals and visitors gather throughout the day across its vibrant dining rooms and bar. Spread across a handsome corner building, it combines the energy of a bustling local pub with the feel of a neighbourhood restaurant. Alongside its much-loved pizzas, the à la carte menu blends British pub favourites with Mediterranean influences, with the Herdwick lamb lasagne remaining a long-standing favourite among regulars.
Lunch in Chelsea
Few London neighbourhoods capture the spirit of refined British living quite like Chelsea. Known for its beautiful streets, independent shops and creative heritage, Chelsea offers endless opportunities for exploration before or after lunch.
Visitors may choose to browse Rixo‘s latest clothing collections at the independent brand’s King’s Road boutique, check out the latest exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery or, during spring, experience the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.
At the heart of the neighbourhood sits The Builders Arms, a Chelsea favourite tucked away behind the bustle of the King’s Road. Said to have been built to house the builders working on nearby St Luke’s Church, the pub remains a much-loved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Inside, you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while the menu celebrates modern British pub cooking with dishes such as the apple and black pudding Scotch egg, Cornish crab with radish and potato salad and battered haddock, chips and mushy peas.
A pub lunch in Chelsea offers the perfect balance between neighbourhood charm and exceptional dining, making The Builders Arms one of the most sought-after lunch destinations in London.
Lunch in Notting Hill
Colourful terraces, independent boutiques and a thriving food scene have made Notting Hill one of London’s most beloved neighbourhoods. Whether exploring Portobello Road Market, browsing local galleries or simply enjoying the area’s unique atmosphere, few places invite lingering quite like Notting Hill.
The Princess Royal provides an ideal destination for lunch in the neighbourhood. Set within a handsome Victorian corner building just moments from Portobello Road, it combines elegant interiors with a relaxed, neighbourhood atmosphere that reflects Notting Hill’s blend of sophistication and creativity. The menu celebrates modern British cooking, balancing pub favourites such as the smoked trout Scotch egg, steak burger and day boat fish and chips with regularly changing seasonal dishes.
A leisurely lunch here feels perfectly suited to the rhythm of the neighbourhood itself: relaxed, welcoming and effortlessly enjoyable.
Discover the Best Pub Lunch in London
Whether you’re exploring Marylebone’s cultural landmarks, shopping in Mayfair, wandering the streets of Chelsea, discovering Belgravia’s hidden corners or spending an afternoon in Notting Hill, a great pub lunch is never far away.
Across our collection of neighbourhood pubs, Cubitt House celebrates everything that makes British hospitality special: seasonal ingredients, thoughtful cooking, welcoming spaces and genuine conviviality. Join us for a leisurely lunch, a business meeting or simply an afternoon spent enjoying exceptional British food in some of London’s most beautiful neighbourhoods.
Book your lunch table today and discover why Cubitt House continues to serve some of the best pub food London has to offer.
Book Your Table
