Stepping into a classic English pub feels like entering a warm embrace of rich flavors and time-honored recipes. Hearty pies, golden chips, and savory puddings fill the menu with comforting tradition.
But beyond the beloved standbys, a handful of daring dishes tempt those who crave something unexpected. Here are the 15 best English pub foods worth savoring—and 5 bold picks that adventurous eaters will be glad they tried.
1. Steak And Ale Pie
Holy moly, is there anything more quintessentially British than a proper steak and ale pie? Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in rich, dark ale until they practically melt in your mouth. The gravy, thick and glossy, carries hints of herbs and a subtle bitterness from the beer.
That golden pastry crust deserves its own moment of silence – buttery, flaky, and sturdy enough to hold the savory treasure within. Each forkful delivers the perfect balance of meat, sauce, and pastry.
2. Fish And Chips
Britain’s national treasure! The perfect fish and chips starts with fresh cod or haddock dipped in a light, crispy batter that shatters like glass when you bite into it. Underneath that golden armor lies flaky white fish that steams when you break it open.
The chips aren’t those skinny French fries – they’re proper chunky potatoes, crisp outside and fluffy within. A splash of malt vinegar cuts through the richness, while salt brings everything to life.
3. Bangers And Mash
Sausages so plump they might burst with flavor (hence the nickname “bangers”) nestled on a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes – this dish is the definition of straightforward brilliance. Those sausages aren’t just any old tubes of meat; proper English bangers have a distinctive herby profile that pairs perfectly with the creamy spuds beneath.
The crowning glory? A river of onion gravy cascading down the potato mountain, pooling around the plate. Each bite should include all three elements for maximum satisfaction.
4. Shepherd’s Pie
Forget fancy food – shepherd’s pie is what happens when leftovers get a magnificent second chance! Minced lamb (not beef, that’s cottage pie, you heathens) simmered with onions, carrots, and peas in a savory gravy that’s rich enough to make you weep with joy.
The real magic happens up top with that golden-brown mashed potato crust. Crispy ridges from the fork marks create the perfect textural contrast to the succulent meat mixture below.
5. Sunday Roast
The undisputed heavyweight champion of British cuisine! A proper Sunday roast features slices of perfectly cooked beef (or chicken, pork, or lamb depending on the pub’s specialty) surrounded by an army of sides. Those Yorkshire puddings – crisp on the outside, soft in the middle – exist solely to soak up the glorious gravy.
Roast potatoes should be nothing short of magnificent: crunchy golden exteriors giving way to fluffy centers. Throw in some honey-glazed carrots, buttered peas, and maybe cauliflower cheese if you’re lucky.
6. Steak And Chips
Sometimes simplicity hits the spot like nothing else! A properly cooked pub steak – usually a rump or sirloin – seared to develop that irresistible crust while keeping the inside juicy and pink. No fancy reductions or foams here – just a pat of garlic butter melting seductively over the hot meat.
The chips should be thick-cut, golden, and numerous enough to make you question your life choices. A grilled tomato and a few mushrooms might make an appearance, pretending to be healthy.
7. Toad In The Hole
Despite the alarming name, no amphibians were harmed in the making of this glorious dish! Plump sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter until puffed and golden – it’s like someone took the best parts of breakfast and dinner and created something magical.
When done right, the batter rises dramatically around the sausages, crisp at the edges but with a slightly soft center. The sausages themselves peek out like they’re playing hide and seek.
8. Ploughman’s Lunch
The lazy genius of English pub food! A Ploughman’s isn’t cooked – it’s assembled, and therein lies its brilliance. Thick slabs of mature cheddar (sometimes Stilton too if you’re lucky) paired with a hefty chunk of crusty bread and a dollop of tangy pickle or chutney.
Add in some crisp apple slices, pickled onions that’ll clear your sinuses, maybe a boiled egg, and a handful of fresh tomatoes. The beauty is in the contrasts – sharp cheese against sweet pickle, crunchy apple against soft bread.
9. Gammon, Egg And Chips
Talk about a holy trinity of deliciousness! A thick-cut slice of gammon ham, salty and slightly sweet, grilled until the fat turns crispy at the edges. Crowning this magnificent meat is a perfectly fried egg – the yolk must be runny enough to create an instant sauce when pierced.
The chips play a crucial supporting role, ready to mop up that glorious combination of egg yolk and meat juices. Some pubs add a grilled pineapple ring or tomato as a token nod to your five-a-day.
10. Scampi And Chips
Forget fancy seafood restaurants – British pubs perfected breaded scampi decades ago! These little nuggets of langoustine tail come coated in a crispy breadcrumb armor, fried until golden and served piping hot. Break one open and you’ll find sweet, juicy seafood inside that perfectly balances the crunchy exterior.
A mountain of chips stands ready for dipping in tartar sauce – that creamy, pickle-studded condiment that’s mandatory with any proper pub seafood. A wedge of lemon adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
11. Curry
Surprise! The British have adopted curry as their own, and pub versions are a beautiful cultural mash-up. Usually a chicken tikka masala or a beef madras – spicy enough to notice but rarely volcanic – served with a mountain of fluffy rice and a naan bread the size of your face.
The sauce should be rich and glossy, perfect for scooping up with those pillowy pieces of naan or crispy poppadoms. Many pubs serve it with the “full works” – mango chutney, lime pickle, raita, and sliced onions.
12. Full English Breakfast
The hangover’s worst enemy and best friend simultaneously! A proper pub Full English is a magnificent beast featuring eggs (fried or scrambled), bacon rashers, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. Regional variations might include black pudding, hash browns, or fried bread.
Everything should glisten slightly with that distinctive sheen that only comes from a well-seasoned flat-top grill that’s seen years of service. The plate should be so full that strategic eating is required to prevent a catastrophic food avalanche.
13. Lasagna
British pub lasagna is Italian food that’s been given a bear hug by English sensibilities! Layers of pasta sheets sandwiching rich beef ragu (often spiked with Worcestershire sauce because…Britain) and creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with a blanket of bubbling cheese that’s slightly scorched at the edges.
The portion size is typically enormous – a slab rather than a slice – and it comes with chips instead of salad because this is a pub, not a health spa. Some places add garlic bread on the side for maximum carb loading.
14. Fish Finger Sandwich
Childhood nostalgia meets pub genius! Forget dainty tea sandwiches – this beast stacks golden fish fingers between thick slices of soft white bread slathered with tartar sauce or ketchup (passionate debates have erupted over which is correct).
The contrast between the crispy coating of the fish fingers and the pillowy bread is what makes this simple creation sing. Add a handful of fresh lettuce for a token vegetable and that satisfying crunch.
15. Mixed Grill
Carnivores, rejoice! The mixed grill is what happens when someone can’t decide which meat to order, so they get ALL OF THEM. A typical plate includes a small steak, lamb chop, gammon, sausages, black pudding, and a fried egg because protein needs more protein on top.
Only attempt this challenge if you’re seriously hungry or planning to skip your next two meals. Not so much a dinner as a protein-packed endurance event – the marathon of pub meals!
16. Hunter’s Chicken
Chicken wrapped in bacon, smothered in BBQ sauce and melted cheese – whoever this hunter was, they clearly weren’t tracking anything healthier than flavor! This pub favorite takes a simple chicken breast and transforms it into something irresistibly indulgent.
The bacon adds smokiness and keeps the chicken moist, while that tangy-sweet BBQ sauce cuts through the richness. Melted cheddar forms a gooey blanket over the whole creation, often bubbling and slightly charred at the edges.
17. Lancashire Hot Pot
Born in the industrial north, this slow-cooked masterpiece features tender lamb and vegetables under a lid of sliced potatoes that crisp up beautifully in the oven. The beauty lies in its simplicity – chunks of lamb shoulder, onions, and carrots simmered until the meat practically falls apart.
Those overlapping potato slices on top turn golden and crispy while sealing in all the flavorful juices below. The gravy underneath should be rich but not too thick, infused with herbs and the essence of lamb.
18. Burger And Chips
British pub burgers aren’t those dainty gourmet stacks – they’re proper hand-fillers that require jaw-dislocating skills to eat! A thick beef patty (often mixed with onions and seasonings) topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a fried egg if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
The bun should be sturdy enough to hold everything together but soft enough to soak up those precious meat juices. Lettuce, tomato, and onion make an appearance, along with a dollop of relish or burger sauce.
19. Chilli Con Carne
The British pub version of this Tex-Mex classic is comfort food at its finest! Minced beef simmered with kidney beans, tomatoes, and just enough chili to warm you up without setting your mouth on fire. The sauce should be rich and thick – perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips or spooning over rice.
Most pubs serve it with all the trimmings – sour cream to cool things down, guacamole for creaminess, and grated cheese that melts slightly on contact with the hot chili. Some places add jalapeños for the brave.
20. Fish Pie
Imagine all the treasures of the sea tucked under a fluffy mashed potato blanket – that’s fish pie for you! Chunks of white fish, salmon, and maybe some smoked haddock swimming in a creamy parsley sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming. Some pubs throw in prawns and hard-boiled eggs for extra indulgence.
The mashed potato topping should be ridged with fork marks and baked until golden, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy filling below. A sprinkle of cheese on top never hurt anyone.