“The George” in Fitzrovia is proudly named “Best Pub in London” for 2026
If you enjoy discovering London’s classic pub culture, there is now one more reason to spend time in pubs in Fitzrovia. The George, a historic pub on Great Portland Street, has officially been named Best Pub in London at the 2026 National Pub and Bar Awards.
In a city with more than 3,000 pubs, this recognition places The George among the capital’s standout places for food, drinks, and traditional British pub atmosphere. Located in the heart of Fitzrovia Quarter, it is also a reminder that some of Central London’s most interesting places are often found just beyond the busiest tourist streets.
What should you know about The George?
Located at 55 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 7LQ, The George offers the kind of traditional London pub setting that feels increasingly difficult to find in the city centre. The venue has become popular not only for casual drinks, but also for its stronger food offering and carefully preserved historic interior.
If you visit, here are some of the things people often come for:
✸ A well-poured Guinness
✸ Classic Irish coffees
Because of its stronger focus on food quality, some London visitors now describe The George as something closer to a gastropub, blending traditional pub culture with a more elevated dining experience.
What happened at The George in Fitzrovia?
Each year, the National Pub and Bar Awards recognises the strongest pubs and bars across the United Kingdom. The process begins by selecting the best pub in each of the UK’s 94 counties. From there, 13 venues are chosen as regional winners, celebrating places that stand out for hospitality, atmosphere, customer experience, and quality.
In 2026, The George was selected as London’s regional winner, making it officially one of the country’s most recognised pub destinations this year.
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Considering how competitive London’s pub scene has become, this award carries real weight. For anyone exploring Central London, it is a useful sign that The George – one of the best pubs on Great Portland Street, is worth adding to your list.
Why is The George special in London?
One of the things that makes The George stand out is its connection to London’s history. The building dates back to the 18th century and is officially listed as a Grade II historic building, meaning many original features have been carefully preserved over time.
When you step inside, you will notice details that immediately feel very different from newer bars around Central London.
The interior includes:
✸ Traditional oak-panelled walls
✸ Vintage mirrors throughout the pub
✸ Brass-topped tables
✸ Decorative enamel artwork
✸ Original design details that reflect classic British pub culture
It feels very much like a traditional London pub, but one that has adapted well to modern expectations around food and hospitality. That balance is likely one reason it stood out so strongly this year.
What can you eat at The George?
The George has gained attention not only for drinks, but increasingly for its food. The upstairs kitchen is led by James Knappett, the chef behind Kitchen Table, a London restaurant currently holding two Michelin stars.
Rather than formal fine dining, the menu focuses on familiar dishes prepared with more attention to quality ingredients and technique.
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Popular dishes include:
✸ Fish and chips
✸ Fried chicken sandwiches
✸ Pork ribs
✸ British comfort food classics
What makes it interesting is that the food still feels approachable. You can stop by for a casual drink, but if you decide to stay for dinner, the experience feels more thoughtful than what many people expect from a traditional pub.
How to get to The George in Fitzrovia
One reason The George works well as part of a day in Central London is its location. You can easily reach it while exploring Fitzrovia Quarter, Oxford Street, or nearby parts of the West End.
Here are the easiest routes:
1. Great Portland Street Station
Only a short walk away. Served by the Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines.
2. Oxford Circus Station
Around 10 minutes on foot and convenient if you are already shopping along Oxford Street.
3. Warren Street Station
A simple option if you are arriving from Euston or King’s Cross.
4. Walking from Soho
If you are already spending time in Soho, the walk into Fitzrovia takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
Its location makes it easy to fit into a wider day exploring Central London.
Other places to explore near The George
If you are already visiting The George, it is worth spending more time around Fitzrovia Quarter, one of Central London’s most interesting neighbourhoods for food, shopping, and local discoveries.
1. Visit Oxford Street Nearby
Only a short walk away, Oxford Street gives you easy access to flagship stores, beauty retailers, and some of London’s busiest shopping destinations. Explore more things to do in Oxford Street.
2. Discover Local Cafes Around Fitzrovia
If you prefer somewhere quieter after lunch or drinks, Fitzrovia has several popular coffee spots nearby. Some local favourites include:
✸ Kiss The Hippo:
The brand is known as one of London’s first carbon-negative coffee roasters, making it a good stop if you enjoy speciality coffee with a stronger focus on sustainability.
Address: 51 Margaret St, London W1W 8SG
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 07:30 – 17:30
- Saturday: 08:00 – 17:30
- Sunday: 08:30 – 17:30
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✸ Joe & The Juice:
Alongside coffee, you will find fresh juices, protein shakes, sandwiches, salads, breakfast bowls, and lighter meals
Address: 12 Great Portland Street, W1W 8QN
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7am – 8pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 8pm
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✸ Fred Bakery Oxford Circus:
Popular for its croissants and carefully made pastries, Fred Bakery recently earned a place on The Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries in London and stands out as one of the latest openings in Fitzrovia Quarter for visitors exploring Central London.
Address: 52-53 Margaret Street, W1W 8SQ
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7:30 am–6 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:30 am–6 pm
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Explore The George and more in Fitzrovia Quarter today
Over the years, Fitzrovia has developed into one of Central London’s most interesting neighbourhoods for restaurants, cafés, galleries, shopping and independent hospitality.
For visitors looking to experience a more local side of London, Fitzrovia Quarter continues to offer some of the city’s most interesting places to eat, drink and explore.