Nags Head - Covent Garden
Quick info
About Nags Head - Covent Garden
On James St in Covent Garden, Nags Head is a pub with a Victorian interior and a real fire in the bar area, set among plenty of tables and chairs. The kitchen runs a traditional pub food menu, with a trio of pies, including a cheddar cheese, potato and leek option, alongside meat pies such as chicken and beef or beef and ale. Shepherd's pie and sandwiches, including chicken and bacon or steak, served with chips, round out the offering, and a kids' menu covers fish, chips and peas. Sunday brings a roast finished with apple pie. Draught beers from McMullens are served alongside the food. Tables can be booked ahead of other plans such as a theatre trip, and dogs are welcome throughout the pub.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingUsually difficult to find a space
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention meat pies, shepherd's pie, fish and chips and sunday roast.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention meat pies, shepherd's pie, fish and chips and sunday roast.
Customer Review Summary
Meat pies draw the most consistent praise, with reviewers repeatedly singling out the trio of pies, the beef and ale pie, and the chicken and beef pies as standouts. Close behind, the Sunday roast, shepherd's pie, and fish and chips get called out as highlights, alongside the beef and bacon sandwiches at lunch and a well-received vegetarian burger. Several mention the beer selection and old-style, characterful interior, with one describing sitting by a real fire chatting to other customers. Staff are repeatedly called friendly, attentive, and helpful, and one wedding party praised the team for handling their reception with care from start to finish. Prices draw mixed comment: most call the food reasonably priced and good value, though one visitor joked about "2026 prices" for the beer. One family booked ahead before the theatre and enjoyed the trio of pies together, while another group, turned away elsewhere with a child, found relief in the pub's kids menu and generous portions.
Customer Review Summary
Meat pies draw the most consistent praise, with reviewers repeatedly singling out the trio of pies, the beef and ale pie, and the chicken and beef pies as standouts. Close behind, the Sunday roast, shepherd's pie, and fish and chips get called out as highlights, alongside the beef and bacon sandwiches at lunch and a well-received vegetarian burger. Several mention the beer selection and old-style, characterful interior, with one describing sitting by a real fire chatting to other customers. Staff are repeatedly called friendly, attentive, and helpful, and one wedding party praised the team for handling their reception with care from start to finish. Prices draw mixed comment: most call the food reasonably priced and good value, though one visitor joked about "2026 prices" for the beer. One family booked ahead before the theatre and enjoyed the trio of pies together, while another group, turned away elsewhere with a child, found relief in the pub's kids menu and generous portions.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Just wanted to write a quick note to thank you and the whole wonderful team at The Nag’s Head for making our wedding reception last week so perfect. From start to finish, everything was handled with such care, professionalism, and warmth. You helped turn what was already the happiest day of our lives into an absolutely magical celebration for us. The attention to detail, the delicious food, the fantastic service, and the lovely atmosphere made it a day we’ll never forget. You went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly, and we couldn’t have asked for a better venue or team to share our special day with. Thank you again for everything — it really was perfect. We’ll definitely be back to celebrate with you in the future!”
- Google user
“Nag's Head was excellent. The staff was kind and accommodating. The food was great, the beef and ale pie was so delicious. And the vegetarian burger option was also great. A classic English pub in a fun area!”
- Google user
“Such an amazing meal. We were admittedly eating at a less busy time - 3:30 - but were seated immediately. The Shepards Pie was so good - exactly what two USA visitors were looking for on our first visit to London.”
- Google user
“This is an ideal place for lunch. We went for a variety of sandwiches including chicken & bacon and steak. All came with chips and reasonably priced. For an extra pound you can upgrade the chips to chunky ones which we all did. The portions were generous and the prices were reasonable. I have to mention the friendly and helpful staff too, making this a fab place to escape the crowds.”
- Google user
“Had Sunday roast followed by apple pie dessert here today. Top nosh food. Best I' ve had in this London trip. Good value for money.The Brazilian barman/waiter was very friendly and helpful. Chatted to is for a while which was well received. Lovely place, old style with loads of charm. Would recommend.”
Highlights
“Large, busy pub with Victorian interior serving McMullens' draught beers and traditional pub food.”
- Great beer selection
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
Show more amenities
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Beer
- Food
- Solo dining
- Restroom
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Dining options· 2
- Seating
- Table service
- Highlights· 1
- Great beer selection
- Parking· 1
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
Location
Bars near Nags Head - Covent Garden
- The White Hart4.31,6040.2 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleWi-Fi
steak and ale pie, fish and chips, guinness photo printing
- The French House4.52,0640.3 miReservations
madeleines, pork shoulder, handwritten menu
- The Plough4.21,8620.3 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
sticky toffee pudding, chicken wings, mac and cheese
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nags Head - Covent GardenReservations · Outdoor seating · Wi-Fi | 4.33,485 | — | £10–20 | meat pies, shepherd's pie, fish and chips |
| The White HartReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Wi-Fi | 4.31,604 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | steak and ale pie, fish and chips, guinness photo printing |
| The French HouseReservations | 4.52,064 | 0.3 mi | — | madeleines, pork shoulder, handwritten menu |
| The PloughReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.21,862 | 0.3 mi | £10–20 | sticky toffee pudding, chicken wings, mac and cheese |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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