What would London be without its pubs? It simply doesn’t bear thinking about. Our watering holes have been the beating heart of this city for centuries, providing sanctuary for students, thespians, poets, labourers, finance bros and travellers alike – but with so many of them (more than 3,000 in fact), how on earth do you know which ones are most worth your time? Well, besides Time Out’s lovingly curated guide to the capital’s 50 best pubs, you can look to the various awards that get handed out each year.
Once a year, the National Pub and Bar Awards picks out the very best pub in every one of the UK’s 94 counties. Thirteen of those pubs then go on to be crowned regional winners, with one rising above the rest to be named the best pub in the entire country.
In London, the top prize this year went to The George on Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia. The 18th century Grade II-listed public house is decked out in oak panelling, gilded mirrors, brass table tops and enamel paintings.
This place is big on its food (we’d argue that it is actually a gastropub). Its upstairs culinary offering is helmed by James Knappet, the chef-owner of the two Michelin starred Kitchen Table. When we visited shortly after it opened in 2022, we found that the ‘food is less fancy chef’s counter diner experience and more top-shelf pub grub’. Pull up a table in 2026 and you’ll find a menu with gourmet comfort dishes like fish and chips, fried chicken sandwiches or pork ribs.
It used to be operated by the JKS Group, which also oversees Gymkhana, BAO, Lyle’s and BiBi, but at the end of 2025, it was handed to the Ardent Pub Group, owners of The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea and The Hound in Chiswick.
Another London pub recognised at this year’s awards was The Devonshire. It earned the Industry’s Choice Award – which is voted for by hundreds of people from across the sector – for a second time. The National Pub and Bar Awards said: ‘Known for its star-studded local list as much as the quality (and quantity) of Guinness being poured, the Oisín Rogers-fronted pub stormed into London in late 2023, garnering a reputation almost beyond belief.
‘Clearly, the pub remains popular in the industry, as The Devonshire has again been voted as the sector’s favourite pub, handing Rogers and business partners Charlie Carroll and Ashley Palmer-Watts another trophy for their already maxed-out mantle.’
Read about the place that won National Pub of the Year here. All of the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards winners, including county and regional, can be found here.
Did you see that London is officially the fourth greatest city in the world for food?
Plus: This is Time Out’s best London restaurant for 2026.
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