On a mellow London evening, I headed to The Newman Arms on Rathbone Street, W1, for a pie-filled evening in their charming upstairs dining room. The menu here is about hearty British fare, with a particular love for pies, so I brought a fellow pie enthusiast for the occasion. When we sat down at 7 pm, the sun had dipped, the breeze had cooled, and a golden-crusted pie felt right. If you’re after proper pub fare, a pint and pie in Fitzrovia, or a relaxed dinner in London W1, The Newman Arms is worth making a reservation. It’s the kind of establishment an overseas visitor would appreciate, or someone looking for a slightly posh take on British comfort food.
“If you’re a fan of flaky pastry pies with rich fillings and proper mash, The Newman Arms will be your happy place,” Homegirl London.
The Newman Arms Menu
To start, I dithered over the idea of salad or something rich and wintry. Ultimately, I chose the mushroom pâté with pickled shallots and toasted sourdough, which was earthy and delicious.
My dining companion had his eye on the crispy lamb belly scrumpets with fresh pea salad and tartare sauce, but it wasn’t available that evening. He happily switched to the chicken liver pâté with caramelised onion, crispy shallots and sourdough. It’s a classic choice that is done very well. There was also a tempting half pint of prawns with Marie Rose sauce and a lemon wedge. Starters sit between £7.50 and £9.
For mains, I went for the only vegetarian pie on the menu, a wild mushroom pithivier with a cute little jug of rich truffle and tarragon sauce. It was an absolute stunner with crisp pastry, packed with a generous mix of mushrooms and full of savoury depth. I added creamy mash and maple-roasted root vegetables, which were colourful, lightly roasted, and had just the right amount of bite.
My friend had chicken, ham hock, creamed leek pie with mash, and roasted hispi cabbage. It didn’t come with gravy, but the staff brought us a jug as soon as we asked, and from that point on, it was comfort on a plate.
There’s a showstopping fisherman’s pie, too, with a langoustine emerging from the top, claw clutching a tiny bottle of Tabasco. It’s a bit of theatre on a plate and made for Instagram. The aged beef shin and rib pie is another standout, served with roasted hispi cabbage and an intensely flavoured Murphy’s Stout gravy, a nod to their excellent draught selection. Pies range from £20 to £25.
Sides include skinny chips, creamy mash, tenderstem broccoli with anchovy and herb dressing, and a crisp fresh leaf salad. We were delighted with the maple-roasted roots that I’ve already mentioned. Sides are well-priced at £4.50–£5.50.
We didn’t make it to dessert, but there are just two, and both are tempting. The Newman’s chocolate cake (£6), which I now wish I’d tried, and a British cheeseboard (£10).
Drinks-wise, Murphy’s Irish Stout (smoother than Guinness) and Brixton Atlantic APA are on tap, and the bottles include Lucky Saint Lager. House cocktails feature a Limoncello Spritz, a Godfather (Amaretto and Johnny Walker Red Label), and their signature Black Velvet, half Murphy’s and half Crémant, served in a pewter tankard. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does. Rumoured to have been Winston Churchill’s tipple when he visited the pub, it makes for a surprisingly elegant aperitif.
Helpful Information About The Newman Arms
The pub dates back to 1730 and has lived many lives as a brothel, candlemaker, blacksmith and finally, from 1860, a pub. Today, Callum Murphy and Will St John are the team behind The Newman Arms, and it’s the first pub for their company, Aldrich Inns, which is on a mission to breathe life back into heritage-rich pubs that might otherwise fall by the wayside. With the reopening of the historic Pie Room, a new lease of life has been given to a true Fitzrovia gem.
The Pie Room has a nostalgic charm, with warm wood panelling, soft lighting, and crisp tablecloths creating an inviting, homely feel. Recently restored with care, the space features a herringbone brick floor, the return of its original hanging sign, and a once-concealed piece of protected artwork now lit up in the upstairs window. Rather than chasing trends, it leans into its rich history confidently. The ground floor remains a classic London pub that’s compact, lively, and unfussy. There’s also a basement lounge below, along with the loos.
Despite the name, you’ll find the pub at 23 Rathbone Street, London W1T 1NG, not on Newman Street. It’s easy to spot thanks to its pillar-box red frontage and the brightly painted barrels out front. You’ll usually see a lively crowd with drinks in hand spilling out onto the pavement.
Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 12 pm until 11 pm. The Pie Room serves food from 12 pm to 3 pm and again from 5 pm to 9.30 pm. It’s best to book in advance to guarantee a spot. The nearest stations are Goodge Street (3 mins), Tottenham Court Road (5 mins), and Oxford Circus (10 mins). For more information and bookings, visit The Newman Arms website.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this article of interest:
Ten Things To Do In Fitzrovia London W1
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London and The Newman Arms. Disclosure: I was invited to dine at this establishment; therefore, this is listed as a sponsored post. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research, as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.