London's Devonshire Pub Crowned UK's Best Gastropub in 2026 Awards

The Devonshire, a renowned Piccadilly establishment famed for its Guinness, has been crowned the best gastropub in the United Kingdom, according to the prestigious Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs awards for 2026. This victory sees London asserting its dominance in the culinary pub scene, with the capital hosting a significant portion of the top-ranked venues.

A New Champion Emerges

In a notable shift from last year's results, The Devonshire has usurped the previous winner, The Unruly Pig in Suffolk, which now occupies second place. Completing the podium is The Red Lion and Sun in Islington, securing the third spot. The awards organisers highlighted The Devonshire's remarkable success since its takeover by a team of industry veterans, including Oisin Rogers, Charlie Carroll, and Ashley Palmer-Watts.

Excellence in Food and Atmosphere

The pub is celebrated for its premium, homemade cuisine that focuses on British produce, supported by an in-house butcher and bakery. Beyond its culinary accolades, The Devonshire maintains a strong pub identity, reputedly serving the best Guinness in London and, according to rumours, selling more pints of the stout than any other pub in the UK or Ireland.

London's Strong Presence

The awards list, which actually features 100 venues, underscores London's prominence, with more than a fifth of the top 100 gastropubs—22 in total—hailing from the capital. Notable London entries include The Canton Arms in Stockwell at number 11, The Baring in Islington at 17, and The Marksman in Hackney at 23. City AM favourite The French House in Soho ranked at number 47.

Industry Insights and Challenges

Claire Alexander from The Killingworth Castle in Oxfordshire, while celebrating the recognition, emphasised the ongoing struggles in the hospitality sector. She noted that government support often falls short, but praised the resilience developed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Alexander stressed that a successful gastropub is not just about excellent food but also about creating a welcoming atmosphere and fostering community connections.

Echoing this sentiment, Alex Winch, co-owner of The Merry Harriers in Hampshire, which placed 18th, expressed pride in being among inspiring publicans. He highlighted the awards' focus on traditional pubs that serve fantastic food while remaining central to their communities, a trend he finds reassuring in these challenging times for the industry.