North London Pub Ranks Third Best Gastropub in Britain

Highgate’s Red Lion & Sun has been recognized as the third best gastropub in Britain for 2026. This esteemed ranking is part of the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list, which features 13 establishments from London.

Notable Features of Red Lion & Sun

The Red Lion & Sun is celebrated for its “rustic modern British pub food.” The current menu includes:

• Braised beef cheek
• Bone marrow and pancetta pie
• Gnocchi with wild mushrooms and sage
• Wagyu double cheeseburger

The pub is also renowned for its excellent Sunday roasts.

Remarks from Management

Heath Ball, who oversees the pub, expressed gratitude for the recognition. He noted, “As a team, we feel humbled to be ranked number three in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs. Moving from 6th to 3rd place is a huge achievement for us and reflects the consistency and hard work that goes into everything we do.”

Top Rankings in the 2026 List

The Devonshire in Soho secured the top position in the 2026 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs, improving from second place in 2025. Several other London pubs made notable entries:

• The Canton Arms, Stockwell – 11th
• The Baring, Islington – 17th
• The Marksman, Hackney – 23rd
• The Hero, Maida Vale – 24th
• The Kerfield Arms, Camberwell – 25th
• The Waterman’s Arms, Barnes – 33rd
• The Tamil Crown, Islington – 35th
• The Harwood Arms, Fulham – 36th (London’s only Michelin starred pub)
• The Bull & Last, Highgate – 39th
• The Knave of Clubs, Shoreditch – 43rd
• The French House, Soho – 47th

Historical Context

Previously, the Unruly Pig in Woodbridge, Suffolk, held the top spot for three consecutive years. The recognition of these gastropubs highlights the evolving landscape of dining in the UK.