For those of you who count down to the Glorious Twelfth, the finest catch might be yours to claim. But if you’re more inclined to hunt in the comfort of the city’s top establishments, I’ve curated a list of the best game restaurants in London. Featuring seasonal specialties, year-round delicacies, and sommelier-approved wine pairings, these handpicked spots earned my stamp of approval for the Excellence in Wild Game Dishes awards. And trust me, they’re worth the chase, no camouflage required.
Every time I step into The Cinnamon Club, I’m awed by its spectacular interior — it occupies the former Westminster Library, with walls still adorned with books, creating an ambiance that feels distinctly aristocratic. Admittedly, there’s a fleeting irony in dining in what was once a temple of knowledge, but such are the times! Anyway, the restaurant’s grandeur is undeniable, with its lofty ceilings, airy vaults, and beautiful wooden shelves. The Cinnamon Club offers exquisite Indian fare, with game dishes as a longstanding highlight of the menu.
I came specifically to try their char-grilled Balmoral Estate venison loin. It was beautifully complemented by dried lime and masala mash, resulting in a treat that was both sublime in texture and perfectly balanced in spices. I couldn’t resist trying a bite of my companion’s tandoori Scottish pheasant breast, which was wonderfully tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for another reason to visit, their Saturday jazz brunch is a must, made all the more charming by the unique setting.
Venison loin — £40
A true landmark in Fulham, The Harwood Arms has the vibe of an upscale forest lodge — sophisticated and subtly wild, much like its menu. I’m a big fan of their Scotch eggs, which are surprisingly offered in a vegetarian version as well. The gastropub prioritizes quality sourcing, with both sustainability and top-notch flavor at the forefront. I appreciate that the team makes great use of their rooftop vegetable garden, adding fresh, homegrown produce to the dishes. Plus, director Mike Robinson’s Deer Box company supplies premium venison — so it’s definitely something you should try.
Perfectly complemented by smoked beetroots, cabbage, and bone marrow, it can easily be one of the best you’ve had. I paired it with Nebbiolo d’Alba from Piedmont, available by the glass — a sublime match. You won’t be short on choices here, as the wine list is seriously extensive and thoughtfully curated. Among other treats that really stood out were: exceptional chestnut soup with wild boar sausage and pumpkin custard tart.
3-course menu — £79
Richard Corrigan is a chef deeply passionate about game, which makes his Mayfair restaurant the ultimate destination for celebrating shooting season. Here, you can savor treats like Yorkshire grouse, a rare delicacy that’s beautifully complemented by earthy beetroot and pickled mushrooms. While it’s available only for a short time, missing it is no tragedy. Focusing on wild produce from both sea and land, the cuisine is genuinely outstanding.
For instance, their lunchtime omelette is a masterpiece in its own right, even if it wasn’t paired with Dorset snail (I’m happy it was, though). I’ve often been tempted by roast venison in various appealing preparations, but on my last visit, I opted for the whole Scottish partridge, expertly accompanied by braised kale. And I should also mention the delightful conversation I had with the restaurant’s highly skilled sommelier, which led to some truly exquisite pairings.
3-course dinner menu — £58
Housed in a 19th-century former bank — yes, complete with all the old-world charm you'd expect — The Jugged Hare invites you to huddle up on those frosty winter days with a drink that warms more than just your hands, all while the friendly atmosphere wraps around you. Year-round, this welcoming gastropub pays tribute to the rich bounty of the British Isles, serving up dishes crafted from the best hunted and foraged ingredients. However, during the Glorious Twelfth, they take things up a notch, going to extraordinary lengths to spotlight the season's finest produce.
As the name not-too-subtly suggests, the star attraction here is the wild Norfolk hare, traditionally prepared in its own blood and served in a jug — a creation that feels to me straight out of a medieval banquet. Get game birds like Scottish woodcock, too — they make an impeccable addition to the feast. And I personally have zero regrets about being seduced by Christmas pudding with brandy custard.
3-course menu — £65
The name of the restaurant leaves no ambiguity about what’s in store. Set in the heart of St James, within the iconic Stafford London hotel, it’s the kind of place where you might expect an air of formality and a few upturned noses. Yet, it’s wonderfully welcoming and relaxed — despite the presence of a not-so-casual trolley offering house-cured salmon.
I was still marveling at British game terrine, paired with that luscious mustard sauce, when the adorable server arrived with stuffed Englefield Estate venison loin, complemented by whisky-glazed celeriac. Depending on the season, you’ll find delights like roast pigeon (which I can vouch for), partridge, pheasant, and more of Britain’s finest delicacies. Finishing off my meaty indulgence, I couldn’t resist browsing their dessert menu. I opted for ethereal pistachio soufflé, though I’m usually drawn to more dramatic crêpes Suzette, flambéed right at the table.
3-course Sunday lunch menu — £55