Fitzrovia's 'The Newman Arms' Review

Tucked away in in the heart of Fitzrovia, The Newman Arms, has reopened its doors, breathing new life into a much-loved London pub. With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, this quaint pub has been newly refurbished and now features a cozy upstairs restaurant that blends old-worldly charm with some modern touches.

We visited early one evening while the atmosphere was still quiet before the after-work crowds descended. Greeted upstairs by a friendly and highly professional waiter, we were immediately made to feel at home. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and understated elegance—think warm lighting, wooden accents, linen tableware,  and just the right touch of modern polish.

To start, I chose the chicken liver pâté, served with caramelised red onion and sourdough bread. The pâté was incredibly smooth and rich, its depth of flavour beautifully offset by the sweet tang of the onions. The sourdough added a satisfying crunch, rounding out a truly indulgent first course.

We also sampled the crispy lamb belly scrumpets, which arrived paired with a fresh pea salad and a zingy tartare sauce. The scrumpets were golden and crisp on the outside, with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness within. The pea salad brought a lightness to the dish, while the tartare sauce offered a sharp, creamy counterpoint – a surprisingly good pairing.

For mains, I couldn’t resist the aged beef shin & rib pie, served with Murphy’s stout gravy, creamy mash, and roasted hispi cabbage. This was truly comfort food at its best—a golden, flaky crust encasing deeply flavourful beef in a rich, velvety gravy. The creamy mash and roasted hispi cabbage were a good accompaniment, although for me I would have like to have seen some more vegetables.

My guest opted for the chicken, ham hock, and creamed leek pie, which proved equally satisfying The filling was well-seasoned, and with a perfect pastry shell. Again, the same mash and hispi cabbage completed the plate with rustic finesse. Both dishes came with extra gravy boats , making it a delight to generously pour the delicious gravy over our pies,  

Unfortunately, we abstained from their very well-known stout but we did partake in a very smooth Malbec which complemented the food perfectly

Service throughout the meal was warm and attentive without being intrusive. The staff clearly take pride in their work, and their enthusiasm adds to the welcoming feel of the place. Prices are reasonable too, which is always a bonus

Whether you’re after a relaxed evening meal, a cozy date night, or simply craving some expertly crafted comfort food, The Newman Arms delivers on all fronts.

This newly reopened gem is definitely a go to spot in Fitzrovia’s dining scene—and well worth a visit.

Website: www.thenewmanarms.co.uk

Location: 23 Rathbone St, London, W1T 1NG

Written by Lorna Bryn

Photography courtesy of The Newman Arms