The Devonshire Soho is located at 17 Denman Street, London W1D 7HW, and is widely considered the most successful modern pub opening in recent British history. Co-founded by publican Oisín Rogers, Flat Iron creator Charlie Carroll, and former The Fat Duck executive chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, the venue masterfully balances a raucous ground-floor “Public House” with a sophisticated wood-fired grill restaurant on the floors above. As of March 2026, it remains one of the hardest reservations to secure in the capital, consistently winning top accolades including the No. 1 spot in the Top 50 Gastropubs list and high rankings in the National Restaurant Awards. The establishment is legendary for its meticulous 0.19% nitrogen-to-CO2 ratio Guinness, its on-site butchery led by George Donnelly, and a wood-ember grill that imparts a distinct smoky profile to its signature Scottish beef and fresh day-boat seafood.
The Founders: A Triple-Threat Partnership
The Devonshire’s meteoric rise is no accident; it is the product of three of the most influential figures in the UK hospitality scene. Their combined expertise covers every facet of the dining and drinking experience.
Oisín Rogers: The Landlord
Known as “The Landlord,” Oisín Rogers previously made The Guinea Grill in Mayfair a global destination for steak and Guinness lovers. His role at The Devonshire is to ensure the ground-floor pub maintains an authentic, bustling atmosphere where service is slick but never pretentious.
Charlie Carroll: The Meat Geek
The founder of Flat Iron, Charlie Carroll brought his obsession with accessible high-quality beef to the project. His expertise in sourcing and volume ensures that even though The Devonshire serves over 500 covers daily, the quality of every steak remains world-class.
Ashley Palmer-Watts: The Michelin Pedigree
Formerly the right-hand man to Heston Blumenthal, Ashley Palmer-Watts oversees the kitchen. He has stripped back the complexity of fine dining to focus on “the best version” of classic British dishes, utilizing an on-site bakery and butchery.
The Culinary Heart: Wood-Fired Excellence
The defining feature of the upstairs restaurant is the custom-built, three-meter wood-fired grill. Unlike charcoal, which provides intense heat but less flavor, the oak embers used here impart a nuanced smokiness to the ingredients.
On-Site Butchery and Aging
Head butcher George Donnelly, who brings over 30 years of experience, manages the in-house aging room. Scottish beef is dry-aged on the premises, ensuring that cuts like the T-Bone and Ribeye have a depth of flavor that is rare for a Soho pub.
Signature Menu Items
The £29 Set Lunch: Arguably the best value in London, featuring a prawn and langoustine cocktail, skirt steak with duck fat chips, and sticky toffee pudding.
Iberico Pork Ribs: Slow-cooked and finished on the grill for a sticky, smoky exterior.
Hand-Dived Scallops: Served in the shell with bacon and malt vinegar, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to British coastal produce.
The Guinness Cult: Science of the Pour
Downstairs, the conversation rarely strays from the quality of the Guinness. The Devonshire is widely cited as serving the best pint of the “black stuff” outside of Dublin.
Temperature and Gas Control
The cellar at The Devonshire is a marvel of engineering, maintaining the stout at a precise temperature. The team utilizes a specific gas blend and high-flow lines to ensure the creaminess of the head and the smoothness of the body are consistent from the first pour to the last.
The Drinking Experience
The pub is a “vertical drinking” space where the energy spills out onto Denman Street. Despite the crowds, the bar staff are trained to handle volume with speed, ensuring that no one waits too long for their perfectly settled pint.
Practical Information and Planning
Opening Hours and Contact
Pub: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM.
Restaurant: Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM; Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM.
Address: 17 Denman St, Soho, London W1D 7HW.
Email: enquiries@devonshiresoho.co.uk.
Getting There
The Devonshire is centrally located and easily accessible via public transport:
Piccadilly Circus Station: 2-minute walk (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines).
Leicester Square Station: 5-minute walk (Northern and Piccadilly lines).
Bus: Multiple routes serve Shaftesbury Avenue and Regent Street.
Booking and Dress Code
Reservations are essential for the restaurant and are released several weeks in advance. The pub operates on a walk-in-only basis. The dress code is “smart-casual”—you will see people in suits sitting alongside those in jeans and sneakers.
FAQs
How do I book a table at The Devonshire Soho?
Reservations must be made via their official website. Tables for the Grill Room are released in blocks, and it is highly recommended to book 3-4 weeks in advance for weekend slots.
Is there a walk-in policy for the restaurant?
The restaurant is almost exclusively booking-only due to demand. However, the ground-floor pub is walk-in only and offers a limited bar snack menu including scotch eggs and sausage rolls.
What is the price of a pint of Guinness at The Devonshire?
As of early 2026, a pint of Guinness is priced at approximately £7.20, reflecting its premium quality and central Soho location.
Does The Devonshire offer vegetarian options?
While meat-focused, the menu usually features a seasonal vegetable starter (like a confit tomato tart) and a main such as pumpkin risotto or a grilled cauliflower steak.
What makes the sticky toffee pudding a “cult classic”?
It is lauded for its exceptionally light texture, zest of lemon to balance the sugar, and a rich toffee sauce made with high-quality butter and dates.
Can I host a private event at The Devonshire?
Yes, there are four private dining rooms available for groups of up to 60 guests, offering bespoke menus and a dedicated service team.
Is the rooftop terrace open year-round?
The 40-cover rooftop terrace is primarily used during fine weather. It cannot be booked separately and operates on a first-come, first-served basis for diners.
Is there an elevator for accessibility?
Yes, the building is equipped with an elevator to provide access to the various dining rooms across the three floors.
What is the “Green Room” at The Devonshire?
The Green Room is an invitation-only space that has hosted intimate performances by stars like Ed Sheeran, though it is not accessible to the general public.
Who is the head butcher?
The butchery is overseen by George Donnelly, a veteran with over three decades of experience in high-end meat preparation.
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