There’s something undeniably comforting about British pub food. Whether you’re sitting by a crackling fire on a cold winter evening or soaking up the sun in a beer garden, the right pub dish can make everything feel just right. These meals have been enjoyed for generations, with recipes passed down and perfected over the years. What’s amazing is that, despite the changes in food trends, these pub favourites continue to bring joy to locals and tourists alike.
1. Fish and Chips
Golden-battered fish served with thick, hand-cut chips is one of the most beloved British meals. Whether it’s cod or haddock, this dish is a must-have in any pub. Traditionally served with mushy peas and a wedge of lemon, fish and chips is enjoyed by seaside visitors and city dwellers alike.
2. Bangers and Mash
Sausages (bangers) and mashed potatoes are a staple of British comfort food. Pubs often offer variations of this dish, with different types of sausages and rich onion gravy poured over the creamy mash. It’s a warm, filling meal that’s perfect for rainy days.
3. Steak and Ale Pie
This hearty pie features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in ale, encased in golden, flaky pastry. It’s often served with vegetables and mashed potatoes or chips. The rich flavours of the ale give the beef an extra depth, making it a pub favourite for generations.
4. Ploughman’s Lunch
The Ploughman’s Lunch is a cold dish made up of cheese, crusty bread, pickles, and sometimes ham or pork pie. It’s a simple meal but packs a punch in flavour, often enjoyed with a pint of ale. This rustic plate was originally a meal for field workers, but its appeal has grown far beyond the countryside.
5. Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting classic, Shepherd’s Pie is made with minced lamb cooked in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden. Sometimes confused with cottage pie (which is made with beef), it’s a warming, filling dish that’s perfect for a pub lunch.
6. Scotch Eggs
A soft-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and coated in breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to perfection. The Scotch egg is a versatile pub snack that’s often served as part of a sharing platter or on its own with a bit of mustard for dipping.
7. Cornish Pasty
Originating in Cornwall, this pasty is filled with beef, potatoes, onions, and swede, then baked in a pastry case. It was traditionally a portable meal for Cornish miners, but today it’s a popular pub food, enjoyed hot or cold.
8. Beef Wellington
A British classic, Beef Wellington is made by wrapping a tender fillet of beef in pastry, often with a layer of mushrooms or pâté. Though it’s more commonly associated with fine dining, many pubs proudly serve their take on this dish, often with a side of seasonal vegetables.
9. Chicken Tikka Masala
Though Indian in origin, chicken tikka masala has been embraced as a British favourite. Tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce make it a popular pub curry. It’s usually served with rice or naan bread, and it’s a great option for those looking for something a bit different.
10. Full English Breakfast
The Full English Breakfast is a morning staple that some pubs serve all day. It typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, black pudding, mushrooms, and tomatoes, served with toast. Whether as a hearty breakfast or a midday meal, it’s a satisfying option that has stood the test of time.
11. Pie and Mash
An old favourite, pie and mash is a simple yet hearty meal. The traditional version features a minced beef pie with mashed potatoes, smothered in liquor—a parsley sauce rather than gravy. This dish has roots in London’s East End but has spread across Britain.
12. Roast Dinner
Sunday roast is an institution in British culture, and many pubs offer it all week long. Whether it’s roast beef, lamb, chicken, or pork, this dish comes with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
13. Toad in the Hole
Toad in the Hole is a quirky but beloved dish consisting of sausages baked in a fluffy Yorkshire pudding batter. It’s typically served with onion gravy and vegetables. The exact origin of its name remains a mystery, but it’s been a pub menu staple for centuries.
14. Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are a quick and tasty snack made of seasoned sausage meat encased in puff pastry. They’re easy to eat on the go, but many pubs offer gourmet versions with special twists on the classic filling, perfect for a light bite alongside a pint.
15. Gammon, Egg, and Chips
This is a simple, no-nonsense pub dish that’s just as satisfying as it sounds. A thick cut of gammon (a type of ham), served with a fried egg and chips, makes for a comforting, savoury meal. Sometimes it’s served with pineapple for a sweet contrast.
16. Bubble and Squeak
A thrifty yet delicious dish, bubble and squeak is made from leftover vegetables (often cabbage and potatoes) that are fried until crispy. It’s typically served alongside breakfast items or as part of a pub’s vegetarian offerings.
17. Black Pudding
Black pudding, made from pork blood, oats, and spices, might not be for everyone, but it’s a cherished part of the British culinary tradition. Often sliced and fried, it’s a standard part of a Full English breakfast or served as a side in many pubs.
18. Lamb Shank
Slow-cooked lamb shank is a tender and flavoursome dish, usually served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The meat falls off the bone and is often paired with a rich gravy or red wine sauce, making it a hearty pub classic.
19. Pork Scratchings
This pub snack is as traditional as they come. Pork scratchings are crispy, seasoned pork rind, often enjoyed with a pint of beer. They’re crunchy, salty, and utterly satisfying—perfect for a quick bite between sips of ale.
20. Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and butter pudding is a classic British dessert that’s often found in pubs, especially in the colder months. It’s made by layering slices of buttered bread (traditionally stale bread) in a dish, then pouring over a rich custard mixture of eggs, milk, and cream. The pudding is usually sprinkled with raisins or currants and baked until golden and crispy on top, while remaining soft and creamy inside. This thrifty yet indulgent dessert dates back to at least the 18th century, making it a true British classic.
21. Sticky Toffee Pudding
To finish on a sweet note, sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert found in pubs across the country. It’s a moist sponge cake made with dates, drenched in a rich toffee sauce, and often served with custard or ice cream. A perfect way to end a meal.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
