Glorious Twelfth: Best Restaurants For Game Season In 2026
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3 days ago
Are you game?
The Glorious Twelfth, which falls on 12 August each year, marks the beginning of game season in the UK. For around five months, many restaurants add game to their menus: a term referring to meat from an animal typically found in the wild rather than raised on farms – that includes venison, pheasant, partridge and more. Grouse shooting is a hotly debated topic (and you can read more about the different arguments for and against it here), but some believe it’s the most ethical and sustainable type of meat as it’s free-range and wild. So which chefs are cooking it best this year? Read on to discover the best restaurants for game season in London.
Where To Eat In London This Grouse Season
When Is Grouse Season In The UK?
In England, Wales and Scotland, grouse season begins on the 12 August (the Glorious Twelfth) and ends on 10 December. In Northern Ireland, the season is slightly shorter, ending on 30 November.
Why Is It Called The Glorious Twelfth?
The term ‘Glorious Twelfth’ was coined as part of the Game Act of 1831, which declared that game hunting between August and December was no longer forbidden – providing people adhered to certain rules, like no hunting on Sundays. While some argue there’s nothing glorious about shooting, it’s thought the name was a nod to the Glorious Revolution, which saw the exile of King James II and was widely viewed as a period of positive change in British history. Plus, grouse shooting has historically generated significant revenue for rural communities, particularly in remote parts of Scotland and northern England, and many believe this type of hunting is essential for land conservation.
Best London Restaurants For Game
Franco’s
One of London’s oldest Italian restaurants, Franco’s brings a Mediterranean twist to game season. Head to the Jermyn St stalwart this season to try British game sourced from local suppliers: seasonal highlights include venison with creamy polenta and wild mushrooms, pheasant ravioli and wild boar strozzapreti. Pair with a glass of the sommelier-recommended Keramos Cannonau.
61 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6LX, francoslondon.com
The Harwood Arms, Fulham
The Harwood Arms
Brett Graham’s Fulham pub The Harwood Arms is known for its Michelin star, but also for its focus on game. This year the menu includes dishes like venison scotch egg, Anjou pigeon with Tokyo turnips, cherry and grelot onion, and a Sunday roast of slow cooked deer shoulder, wrapped in bacon and served with roast potatoes and greens.
Walham Grove, London SW6 1QJ, harwoodarms.com
Wiltons
This historic dining room in St James’ is renowned for its game offering, sourced from the shoots at Bolton Abbey Estate on the Barden Moors. On the menu for 2026: grouse Ă l’Anglaise, venison braise and venison saddle with wild mushroom gratin, and grey and red leg partridge.
55 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6LX, wiltons.co.uk
Kitchen W8
Mark Kempson is a big fan of game, so it’s no surprise he goes big at his Kensington restaurant W8 come grouse season. Head there this grouse season to try dishes such as Yorkshire grouse served with smoked celeriac, stuffed cabbage, liver and bacon.
11-13 Abingdon Rd, London W8 6AH, kitchenw8.com
The Cinnamon Club
British produce and Indian flavours have always been a delicious combination. Showcasing this to perfection is Vivek Singh’s modern Indian restaurant in Westminster Library, which will be serving a rotating selection of game specials including clove-smoked grouse breast, mallard with tawa mince and mango, and venison with pickling spices.
The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith St, London SW1P 3BU, cinnamonclub.com
The Jugged Hare
The clue’s in the name: game is a central part of The Jugged Hare, a gastropub in Barbican. This August, the restaurant is marking the arrival of grouse season with dishes like the titular Jugged Hare, which sees Norfolk hare braised in a rich sauce. Through the season, menus will evolve with the daily shooting calendar; expect the likes of woodcock, venison, grouse and more.
49 Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4SA, thejuggedhare.com
The Game Bird
Game is the star of the show at The Stafford’s restaurant. Dishes go beyond the classics, with inventive, hearty creations such as roast pigeon with turnips and barley risotto, and later in the season, game pithier with foie gras.Â
The Stafford, 16-18, St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NJ, thestaffordlondon.com
Cooking At Home
We’ve also compiled our favourite game recipes so you can make the most of the season at home:
