Guide to The Devonshire Soho: London’s Best Gastropub in 2026

If you walk past the corner of Denman Street in Soho, you will immediately notice a sea of people holding pints of black liquid with thick, creamy heads. This is The Devonshire Soho, or simply “The Dev” to its many fans. Since its explosive debut in late 2023, this establishment has redefined what a London pub can be. It manages a rare feat by being both a rowdy, authentic “boozer” on the ground floor and a world-class wood-grill restaurant on the upper levels. In January 2026, it officially secured its crown as the Number 1 Gastropub in the UK at the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs awards. Whether you seek the perfect Guinness or a dry-aged steak cooked over glowing embers, The Devonshire delivers an experience that justifies every bit of the hype.

The Masterminds Behind the Magic

Success on this scale rarely happens by accident. The Devonshire represents a “supergroup” collaboration between three titans of the British hospitality industry. Their combined expertise creates a synergy that Helium One Share Price you feel the moment you step through the heavy wooden doors.

Oisín Rogers: The Publican Extraordinaire

Oisín Rogers previously transformed The Guinea Grill in Mayfair into a legendary destination. He brings decades of experience in creating warmth, hospitality, and a sense of belonging. Rogers understands that a pub thrives on its atmosphere. He often walks the floor, greeting regulars and ensuring every pint meets his exacting standards.

Charlie Carroll: The Meat Specialist

As the founder of the wildly successful Flat Iron chain, Charlie Carroll knows exactly how to source and serve high-quality beef at accessible prices. He brought his obsession with butchery to The Devonshire, installing an in-house butchery where the team ages and prepares Scottish beef on-site.

Ashley Palmer-Watts: The Culinary Visionary

Ashley Palmer-Watts spent 20 years working alongside Heston Blumenthal, serving as the head chef of the two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston. While he could easily cook the most complex food in the world, he chooses to focus on “deceptive minimalism” at The Devonshire. He applies elite techniques to simple British classics, elevating them to a level rarely seen in a gastropub setting.

A Tale of Two Venues: The Pub vs. The Restaurant

The Devonshire occupies a massive BTRW Share Price multi-story site that once housed a Jamie’s Italian. However, the new owners have successfully erased any corporate feel, restoring the 1793 building to its historic glory with dark wood paneling, cozy snugs, and a bustling energy.

The Ground Floor Public House

The ground floor serves as the heart of the operation. Here, the team pours more Guinness than almost any other venue in the UK. The atmosphere stays lively from noon until late at night. You do not need a reservation for this area; you simply squeeze in, find a spot at the bar or on the sidewalk, and enjoy the “Guinness and oyster” culture that has become a Soho staple.

The Upstairs Grill and Claret Rooms

As you ascend the stairs, the noise of the pub fades into a sophisticated “hum of anticipation.” The first floor houses the Grill Room, centered around a massive custom-made wood grill where chefs cook steaks and chops over oak embers. The second floor offers a slightly more serene environment, while the roof terrace provides a stunning outdoor spot for a summer lunch. The decor features white tablecloths topped with brown paper, creating a “casual-fine” vibe that feels expensive yet unpretentious.

The Menu: Wood-Fired Excellence and Iconic Classics

The Devonshire does not try to reinvent the Currys Share Price wheel; it simply makes the wheel better than anyone else. The menu focuses on the best of British produce, treated with fire and precision.

The Legendary £29 Set Menu

Perhaps the most famous offering in London today is The Devonshire’s three-course set lunch. For just £29, guests enjoy a trio of dishes that have remained unchanged since opening day:

Prawn and Langoustine Cocktail: A “thriller with no filler” featuring sweet prawns and a whole langoustine in a tangy Marie Rose sauce.

Skirt Steak and Duck Fat Chips: A tender, smoky piece of beef served with arguably the best chips in the city.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A light, zesty, and squidgy Nebius Group Share version of the classic, drenched in toffee sauce.

À La Carte Highlights

For those exploring the full menu, several dishes stand out as “must-orders”:

Scallops with Bacon and Malt Vinegar: Served in the shell, these scallops benefit from a sharp dousing of vinegar that cuts through the richness of the bacon lardons.

Iberico Pork Ribs: These ribs melt away from the bone, offering deep, smoky fat and intense flavor.

The Beef Chop: A massive, bone-in cut of dry-aged Scottish beef, butchered on-site and cooked to a perfect medium-rare over the wood embers.

Warm Bread Rolls: Do not skip the bread. These pillowy, butter-glossed rolls arrive warm and act as the perfect vehicle for Hamak Strategy Limited Share soaking up juices from your starters.

How to Secure a Table at The Devonshire

Getting a reservation at The Devonshire remains one of the hardest tasks in London. However, a little strategy goes a long way.

The Thursday Drop: New tables typically go live on Thursday mornings at 10:30 AM for the following three weeks. Set an alarm and ensure you have an account ready on their booking platform.

Check for Cancellations: Persistence pays off. Check the website frequently for last-minute drops, especially for lunch or late-night slots (after 8:30 PM).

Follow the Landlord: Oisín Rogers often TUI Share Price Analysis posts about last-minute availability or cancellations on his Instagram stories (@mcmoop).

Try a Walk-In: While the restaurant is usually full, the team occasionally accommodates walk-ins for solo diners or pairs during off-peak hours (around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM).

Why It Matters: The E-E-A-T Perspective

The Devonshire Soho succeeds because it leans into Experience and Expertise. The founders do not just run a business; they live the culture of hospitality. By combining a world-class chef with a legendary landlord and a meat expert, they provide a level of Authoritativeness that few can match. People Trust The Devonshire because the quality remains Is Now the Time to Buy NatWest? consistent. Whether you visit in 2024 or 2026, the Guinness stays cold, the steak stays smoky, and the service remains “highly personable” and “slick.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a dress code for The Devonshire Soho? The Devonshire maintains a relaxed, “Soho-casual” atmosphere. You will see people in suits next to people in jeans and sneakers. While the upstairs dining room feels more formal with its white tablecloths, the staff welcomes all guests who bring good energy.

2. Can I bring my dog to The Devonshire? Yes! The ground-floor pub is very dog-friendly. Small, well-behaved dogs are SVNS Share Price Decoded also allowed in the upstairs restaurant, making it a great spot for a Sunday roast after a walk through London.

3. What is the best time to visit if I don’t have a reservation? If you want to experience the pub atmosphere without the massive crowds, try visiting on a weekday afternoon between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. For the restaurant, your best bet for a walk-in is usually right when they open for lunch or very late in the evening.

4. Does the menu cater to vegetarians? While the focus is heavily on beef and seafood, the kitchen always prepares high-quality UFO Share Price Today vegetarian options, such as their popular Pumpkin Risotto or seasonal vegetable tarts. Always inform your server of any dietary requirements.

5. How much should I expect to spend? The set lunch remains an incredible value at £29. For an à la carte dinner with wine and a few Guinnesses, you should budget between £70 and £100 per person.

6. Is the Guinness really as good as everyone says? Yes. Oisín Rogers is obsessive about his Guinness. The pub uses a specific nitrogen-to-carbon dioxide ratio and maintains pristine lines to ensure every pint is creamy, smooth, and served at the perfect temperature.

7. Is the restaurant accessible for wheelchair users? The building features an elevator that provides access to the upper dining floors, making the restaurant accessible. However, the ground-floor pub can become extremely crowded, so navigating through the standing crowds may require assistance from the staff.

8. Can children dine at The Devonshire? Children are welcome in the restaurant at all times. In the ground-floor pub, children are welcome during the day, but the environment becomes quite adult-oriented and crowded after 5:00 PM, making it less suitable for younger kids.

9. Who are some famous people who have visited? The Devonshire has become a celebrity magnet. Everyone from Ed Sheeran and Margot Robbie to Bono and Lewis Capaldi has been spotted here. Some Rolls-Royce Share Price celebrities have even played intimate, unannounced gigs in the “Green Room.”

10. Do they serve a Sunday Roast? Yes, The Devonshire serves one of the most acclaimed Sunday Roasts in London. They typically offer a roast rib of beef with all the traditional trimmings, including Yorkshire puddings and duck fat potatoes.

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