Tasty food, good atmosphere and great service. I ordered a pie and a glass of beer while I was seated at the 1st floor, and the friendly waiter (French gentleman) made sure I was satisfied with my choices. They are the best pub among several places that I visited during my stay. I would surely visit them again!
The Newman Arms, dating back to 1730 in Fitzrovia, is a true London treasure that blends authentic old-world charm with exceptional food and service. My visit was elevated by the warm, historic atmosphere—think rustic wooden beams, exposed brick walls, and a cozy fireplace, all steeped in the kind of literary lore tied to George Orwell’s *Nineteen Eighty-Four* and *Keep the Aspidistra Flying*. The white tablecloths, a rare touch for such a traditional pub, added a refined yet inviting feel, making it perfect for a memorable date night.
The fish pie and beef pie, crafted by Chef Carlo, were the stars of the show. These are proper old English pies—flaky, golden pastry encasing rich, flavorful fillings. The beef pie, infused with Truman’s Runner ale, was hearty and satisfying, though some might notice a slight tomato tang that tweaks the classic recipe. The fish pie, paired with creamy mash and seasonal veg, was equally outstanding, showcasing Carlo’s mastery of traditional British fare.
Our waiter, Oliver, was an absolute delight. His spot-on food recommendations made the meal even better, and his sharp sense of humor kept us laughing throughout the evening. His attentive, friendly service turned a great meal into a genuinely memorable experience.
Sipping Pol Roger Champagne at just £70 a bottle—a steal for Central London—was the cherry on top, adding a touch of luxury without the hefty price tag. The drink menu also impressed with Truman’s cask ales like Runner Best Bitter and Swift Golden Ale, alongside craft beers and fine wines, catering to all tastes.
The snug basement and first-floor dining room enhance the intimate, historic vibe, though the small, closely packed tables upstairs can get a tad noisy. Still, it’s a minor quirk in an otherwise stellar experience. The Newman Arms, with its rich history as a former brothel and literary haunt, Carlo’s incredible pies, and Oliver’s warm, witty service, is a real gem of a pub—a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic British charm in the heart of London.
Brilliant pub with a great selection of beer/drinks on offer. The pie was also a delight - the wild mushroom pie was delicious!
The staff were also polite and welcoming which made our experience 5/5.
Located just off Oxford Street and nicely nestled between three underground stations; Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road or Oxford Circus this newly opened pub ended up being a nice surprise lunch location for me and my partner. A pub that has been established since the 1700's the location certainly gives off a historical feel as you walk the side alley's you almost feel as if Jack The Ripper could pop out at you from the side entrance of the pub. instead though, and thankfully enough, the only thing we were greeted with was a tendful barman ready to pull a perfect pint of Murphy's stout. It was my first time trying the stout and although he'd tell you it doesn't beat a good Guinness (having grown up 10 minutes from the brewery, he tells us) he none the less indulges you in light hearted conversation as he lets the pint sit 3 quarters full letting the stout settle before finishing the pour. The art of serving a good stout, he tells me, is looking after the barrel lines and pouring it just right.
We sat in a cosy corner by the window and the quaint ground floor bar off the main streets just enough to drown out most of the hustle and bustle of the busy west end but not so much that the atmosphere felt dead. Jazzy music plays and we enjoy our drink before we head to our 12:30 reservation for lunch.
As we get ready to head up stairs to their "Pie Room" dining area we are greeted by Olivier who takes our drinks for us and leads us to the far left corner of the dining area to a table next to an open window. The sunshine and breeze was a welcome part of our lunch as it was a warm day in London.
The menu is generous with starters like Crispy Lamb Belly Scrumpets and a Half Pint of Prawns. As we ordered, Olivier was happy to engage us in conversations and menu recommendations. We opted for the Chicken Liver Pate with caramelised onions and rye bread. The latter really complimenting the pate, it was just right to set us up for the main course.
I ordered the Aged Beef Shin and Rib pie, which came with creamy mash and I ordered their Maple Roasted Root Vegetables on the side. My partner opted for the Braised Leg Shepherd's Pie with a Pea Salad. The flavours of both pies could be described as bold and packed with flavour. Both arrived piping hot, which is a relief as most pubs serve food that is on the way to being cold! You wont be disappointed in the roasted veg either. The shepherds pie was a tad on the salty side but the sweetness of the roasted veg helped lessen the edge of the dish and it was not like most shepherds pies in a sense that instead of the meat in a minced form it was more of a pulled texture and it made all the difference. The mashed potato on top was generous and added to the heartiness of the meal itself, so much so in that we skipped dessert even though the Newman Arms Chocolate Cake sounded tempting, we will be back for that next time!
After our meal we went to check out their underground floor which offered board games and comfy sofa's to relax in where we had one last drink before heading back out on to Rathbone Street and off home. Just in time too as more people were arriving for a boozy lunch and tourists ready for The Newman Arms "Pie & Pint" offerings.
All in all, I'd say this little gem of a pub is in a great location and has kept its 1700's charm while the menu and drinks on offer really bought it back up in to today's modern standards of great food and service. 5/5 on both fronts! We can't wait to go back to try more of what's on offer, like a Black Velvet pint served in a classic silver tankard!
Newman Arms is an absolute gem! The space has a warm and welcoming feel, perfect for enjoying some truly fantastic food. Their pies are next-level—rich, flavourful, and comforting. The aged beef shin & rib pie was outstanding, packed with deep, slow-cooked flavours. The sides and starters are just as impressive—crispy lamb crumpets were a standout, and the tenderstem broccoli with anchovy dressing was a great balance of freshness and umami. The dessert menu is equally tempting, with a perfectly executed sticky toffee pudding. Excellent service, cosy atmosphere, and top-notch food—highly recommend!