The Devonshire in Soho has achieved the highest honour in British pub dining, being crowned the UK's number one gastropub at the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs 2026 awards.
After finishing in an impressive second place last year—their debut entry on the list—The Devonshire has now claimed the top spot, unseating two-time champion The Unruly Pig of Suffolk, which slipped to second place.
"This recognition means everything to our team," said a spokesperson for The Devonshire. "We've worked incredibly hard to create something special here in Soho, and to be named the best gastropub in the country is truly humbling."
The annual awards, voted on by industry experts and food critics, celebrate the finest pub dining experiences across Britain. This year marked a particularly strong showing for London, with 13 of the capital's pubs making the coveted list—the city's best representation in years.
Among the London highlights, The Red Lion & Sun in Highgate claimed third place, while The Canton Arms in Stockwell, The Baring in Islington, and The Marksman in Hackney all featured prominently. New entries included The Hero at Maida in Maida Vale and The Kerfield Arms in Camberwell.
The Devonshire has become known for its elevated take on British pub classics, combining seasonal ingredients with innovative techniques while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that makes a great local. Their commitment to quality and consistency has clearly resonated with the judging panel.
"London's gastropub scene has never been stronger," noted the Top 50 Gastropubs organisers. "The Devonshire represents the very best of what modern British pub dining can achieve—accessible, delicious, and rooted in community."
For Soho regulars and food enthusiasts alike, The Devonshire's triumph is a reminder that world-class dining doesn't require white tablecloths—sometimes, it just needs a great pub.