The Dog And Duck

Delightful Pies and Impeccable Service

Stepping into The Dog and Duck, nestled comfortably in the heart of Soho, feels rather akin to finding an old, reliable pair of shoes. No pretense, just wholesome warmth radiating from every cranny of this wood-paneled snug haven. The restaurant has a storied connection tracing back to perhaps its most famous patron, George Orwell, and it manages to keep that historical charm alive, supported by dark aged beams and candidly vintage paintings. As you weave through the energetic crowd sipping everything from local ales to a cheeky gin and tonic, you gradually understand — perhaps as Orwell might have in his time — that cosy pubs like these are London's beating heart.

On my recent foray, Dog and Duck was buzzing with an electricity that only an iconic London pub can manifest. Up the narrow stairs, the quaint dining area is perceivably small—encapsulating no more than six tables under its modest roof—but it forms its magic with that same intimacy. Bernie, the chirpy and relentless waitress with entertaining banter, led us to a sunny bay window offering glimpses of frenzied Soho life below. Order the steak and ale pie if you've any sense; its golden crust envelops a savoury filling, each bite humming sweet harmony. The admirable fish and chips makes the temptation devilishly hard to resist too, freshly fried and mountainous. With friendly faces, invigorating pints on tap, and whisperings of Orwell's pen in the air, The Dog and Duck commits to a true blue British dining experience — a trove of tradition amid the bustling capital. — Milo Tastemaker