English-Style Breweries and Pubs: Experience London Without Taking the Eurostar

Lack of time, lack of money, or just plain bad luck: it's not uncommon to feel the urge for a weekend in London, but the opportunities can be hard to come by. What if London came to us instead? More than ever, it seems like English cuisine is gaining ground in Paris. From a grand opening, to a cool pub where you can support your favorite football team, to a brewery that's all about chic, let's zoom in on these 100% relaxed spots that have helped us get by until the next #LondonCalling.

The vibe: as sleek and refined as an upscale London club, yet as chill as a real pub with lots of nooks and multiple levels, Public House is the spot we've been dreaming of for an English-style evening just a stone's throw from the Opéra Garnier. Credit to the decor goes to Laura Gonzalez, who worked her magic to make a 1,000-square-meter space feel comfy and inviting. With tartan, bold patterns, leather, and wood accents, this place has the cozy atmosphere you'd find in a London pub where you'd take shelter between rain showers, all complemented by a super friendly staff that immediately puts you at ease. However, there's no rowdy game-night atmosphere or overflowing pints at crowded counters. Public House is more like the UK version of Paris's elegant brasseries: you enjoy great food, raise a glass, and travel a bit without bothering the neighbors.

The British touch: Public House is under the guidance of Calum Franklin! Not familiar with the name? Dubbed "the king of pies" by his buddy Jamie Oliver, the chef with 147k Instagram followers has settled in Paris to train his team in the art of British culinary traditions. And let's just say, the sexy chef didn't skimp on sourcing the best French producers to create those comfort-food dishes that you'll soon find hard to live without.

The menu: English classics galore! The kitchen staff at Buckingham Palace will soon envy the house Scotch Eggs (10.50€), addictive Crispy Pig’s Head cubes (14.50€), and light Crab on Toast (16.50€). But the stars of the menu are undoubtedly the pies, with variations to suit every taste, including a veggie Dauphinoise Potato & Aged Cheddar pie topped with a parsley sauce (19.50€), or you can go straight for the Chicken pie with mushrooms, potatoes, and tarragon (24.50€). For dessert, succumb without hesitation to the Sticky Toffee Pudding, an English institution perfectly crafted here (11€), or share it with your +1, who might let you have a taste of their custom sundae: ice cream or sorbet, over-the-top toppings (sprinkles galore!), and of course, rich sauces (two scoops for 10€).

The extra touch: divine cocktails that fit the theme, like the Pimm’s that the aristocrats sip at the Royal Ascot races (14€) or an Espresso Martini with an especially silky foam (14€).

Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Public House, 21 rue Daunou, Paris 2nd. 01 77 37 87 93.

© Public House, Jérôme Galland, and Benoît Linéro.

The vibe: For seven years, L’Entente has been the Parisian incarnation of a genuine English brasserie. Nestled just steps from Place de l’Opéra, this charming spot (often recommended by Do It) offers homemade Anglo-Saxon classics... even down to the ketchup! The chic yet Insta-friendly decor—pastel blue booths, ceiling moldings, and white tablecloths—adds to its appeal.

The British touch: It's hard to get more British than Oliver Woodhead, the venue's elegant and friendly owner, whose natural UK charm makes you feel instantly at home.

The menu: The culinary scene is full of British staples, from the must-have Sunday Roast (36€) available every Sunday, to a delightful Fish & Chips with tartar sauce (24€), to Beef Wellington with a wine sauce (46€). Rare in Paris, start with Welsh Rarebit toasts with melted cheddar (14€), a fresh Crab Salad (26€), and the specialty of the house: meat pies. Go for the Chicken & Mushroom Pie (36€) or the classic Shepherd's Pie with lamb Parmentier (22€). An absolute treat, don't miss the devilishly good Double-Baked Chocolate Cake (9€). Wash it all down with a Pimm's (12€) or a classic Bloody Mary (15€).

The extra touch: a divine brunch offered every weekend and on public holidays, featuring muffins, Gascon Black Bacon, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and eggs Benedict. Reservations recommended!

Open every day of the week from 12 PM to 3 PM and 6 PM to 11 PM, with continuous service on weekends. À la carte brunch every Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday Roast starting at 5 PM on Sundays.

L’Entente, Le British Brasserie, 13 rue Monsigny, Paris 2nd. 01 47 42 92 35.

© L’Entente - Kate Devine @Deareverest.

The vibe: Smaller and less refined than its two counterparts mentioned above, this neighborhood pub near Guy Môquet is interesting for its "low profile" atmosphere that may seem unremarkable but fosters great encounters. Thanks to the layout with large communal tables, you're bound to strike up a conversation with your neighbor (unless you're a chronic introvert). The joy of match nights: two screens broadcast major football events, attracting groups of friends who come to cheer for their teams, enjoy a cold pint, and even share baby photos at halftime (true story, and super cute).

The British touch: You can simply order a Guinness at the bar, even during dinner (pint 9.50€), which is almost unheard of in other Parisian restaurants where you'd be expected to order food. This is the real English spirit: after-work vibes that last all evening, capturing the essence of a pub, where you can come and go as you please. Alexandre Chapier, already managing Blossom Burger in the 10th arrondissement, designed it just like that!

The menu: Start off easy with a haddock ceviche with sweet potato cream (14€) and Sardines On Toast with preserved lemon (9.50€), setting the stage for the menu's rock star—a hefty Fish & Chips with tartar sauce and double-cooked fries (19.50€). Another winning combo is the Grilled Cheese Toastie with aged cheddar (12.90€), best paired with totally decadent Cheesy Fries (8€). For dessert, have fun with Guinness chocolate mousse (7.50€).

The extra touch: The Blossom Arms frequently creates special events that highlight various spirits. Right now, Kraken rum is making an appearance in cocktails like the Espresso Krakini or the Kraken Negroni (8€), and even in a burger with an all-black bun (15€).

Open every day, with bar service from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, and restaurant service from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

The Blossom Arms, 17 rue Guy Môquet, Paris 17th.

© The Blossom Arms, Thomas Jaspers.

The best English candies, right here! No need to take the Eurostar—head to the 6th arrondissement to discover this adorable candy shop run by Maxime and his sister Lauren, who confess to a lifelong passion for sweets, dating back to their schoolyard days when they would trade their British loot after weekend trips to visit their dad in England! As adults, they turned their passion into a business. After opening shops in Angers, Nantes, Rennes, and Tours, Maxime and Lauren brought their candy store to Paris. Welcome to QK Confiserie! The shop lines its wooden shelves with an array of oh-so-chic glass jars filled with irresistible colorful candies that ignite your sweet tooth. From tangy to soft, hard, spicy, licorice, caramel, chocolate, or fruit-flavored, these sweet temptations capture a rainbow of flavors. Most of them are made with natural flavors and colors, some are gelatin-free, and others are gluten-free. You can buy them by weight (starting at 2.90€ per 100 grams)! Among our favorites are the Watermelon Slices, vegan watermelon pieces that send you straight to heaven, Fizzy Dummies, little tangy lollipops, Pig Faces, super cute pig-head candies, licorice dragees, raspberry-flavored crunchy candies, coconut mushrooms, mini vanilla milk bottles, Jelly Babies that are firm on the outside and gel-like inside, Salted Toffees (the famous English salted caramel), and soft cinnamon rolls. In short, a sugary feast and a big "wahouuuuuuu" of joy! So good.

QK Confiserie, 10 rue Vavin, Paris 6th. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

© QK Confiserie.

also discover the best brasseries in Paris and Amalia, a gastronomic restaurant in the 11th arrondissement