The 28 best pubs in London
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Along with red phone boxes, rickshaw cycles and pigeons, the pub is a ubiquitous sight in the heart of London – so much so that it's hard to know how to pick one. Unfortunately, they're often less than inspiring, owned by the same faceless brewery chains, selling the same beer, floored with the same tired carpet. In researching my book Drink London, I visited dozens of pubs in the city, and here are 28 of the very finest – worth seeking out whether you're a weekender or a born-and-bred Cockney. Or check out our list of the best pubs with beer gardens in London.
- Charlotte Hu
The best pubs in central London
1. The Royal Oak, Marylebone
Best pub in central London for: British produce
Ah, a sunny Sunday afternoon in Marylebone – the song the Kinks never recorded. I’ve been coming to this part of town for over two decades now, usually finding space for a pint at one pub or another. Marylebone’s got increasingly chi-chier during that time, drawing people into the High Street and Chiltern Firehouse, but broad York Street still feels local, part of the neighbourhood scene. There’s the domed tower of St Mary’s for a landmark, and a rare set of bow-fronted shops from the Georgian era. The Royal Oak, which opened in 1807, was rebooted a few years ago but thankfully hasn’t been smartened up too much inside – it’s still a pub, with ceiling panels and large windows for natural light. Downstairs is one big space, with tables outside and stools by the window; upstairs is a dining room, more for private events.
They did a marvellous nduja Scotch egg a few years back, which has now evolved into a pancetta one, equally chomp-able, with roast aioli to dunk it in; the menu is less meaty these days, with crisp tempura broccoli to crunch on, miso-crusted cod and a plant-based burger for mains – though there’s still the roast beef sandwich for lunch, a zingy fried chicken smeared in apricot harissa, and splendid Sunday roasts, with a crumble for afters. It’s one of the few places where you can order a London Particular – that pea and ham soup named after the city’s infamous fogs. This is time-out-of-mind, take-it-slowly London, a place to slip away to for a few hours with a purchase from Daunt’s Books round the corner. There aren’t many other pubs where I’m prepared to wait half an hour for a table, nursing a pint of Two Tribes Metroland and watching the world go by. Rick Jordan
Address: The Royal Oak, 74 York Street, London W1H 1QN
Website: theroyaloakmarylebone.co.uk - Kim Lightbody
2. The Harp, Covent Garden
Best pub in Central London for: a tactical retreat from the tourists
A gentle dawdle from the crowds and splashing fountains of Trafalgar Square, you'll find this individual public house – look out for the cascades of colourful hanging baskets of flowers. The beer selection is varied, locally focused and brilliant, thanks to a long-serving landlady, and, in a welcome change to the standard fish and chips pub menu, the Harp serves only butcher's sausages in baps to eat. In the summer, the big stained glass windows are thrown open, making the seats at the front a great place to watch those ceaseless hordes pass by and feel glad you found such a perfect little place.
Address: The Harp, 47 Chandos Place, London WC2N
Website: harpcoventgarden.com - Simon Brown
3. Audley Public House, Mayfair
Best pub in central London for: light bits and a traditional feel
Audley Public House is one of the newer additions to Mayfair’s elegant drinking scene – sort of, anyway. Thoughtful restoration and lots of creativity transformed this 200-year-old pub into a traditional space with an oddly modern feel. Artfarm is behind the revival, the hospitality company responsible for The Fife Arms. The restored wood panelling is original, and specially commissioned artworks adorn the walls alongside notable pieces from Hauser & Wirth’s extensive roster of artists. Sunday roasts are served in the pub, although it’s worth trying out the bar snacks like the warming sausage roll, coronation crab on toast, and London rarebit. Upstairs, at Mount Street Restaurant, Jamie Shears’ menu showcases the best produce from his favourite UK suppliers in dishes – expect Orkney scallops, Durslade Farm lamb, and Yorkshire grouse and goose liver pie. CS
Address: The Audley Public House, 41-43 Mount Street, London W1K 2RX
Website: theaudleypublichouse.com 4. The Newman Arms, Fitzrovia
Best pub in central London for: unpretentious beer on tap
The Newman Arms is one of London's most storied pubs – it was integral to Fitzrovia’s fecund 20th-century literary scene, and has been in existence since 1730, so it was a real shame when it closed in 2017. But new operator, the London-based Truman Brewery, itself a revived concern, reopened it in 2018 and it’s just as a pub like this should be – cosy, clubby and unpretentious, with Truman’s great real ales on tap and the reputation for proper handmade pies intact. A happy ending.
Address: The Newman Arms, 23 Rathbone Street, London W1T 1NG
Website: thenewmanarms.co.uk
5. The Guinea Grill, Mayfair
Best pub in central London for: carnivores
There are corners of Mayfair that seem insulated from progress: the hedge funds, the specialist gunmakers, the old-school barbers and the discreet hotels. Add to that list, The Guinea, which has been feeding and watering folk around these parts for centuries (although the building’s been replaced a couple of times over the years). In the front is a classic old pub serving Young’s beer; through the back is the reliable Guinea Grill, which serves slabs of top-class Aberdeen Angus beef and not much else. An institution.
Address: The Guinea Grill, 30 Bruton Street, London W1J 6NL
Website: theguinea.co.uk- Kim Lightbody
6. Jamaica Wine House, The City
Best pub in central London for: catching up with a wine lover
On the site of this hidden-away City tavern stood London’s first coffee house, ‘at the sign of Pasqua Rosée’s Head’; built in 1652, it’s now a traditional pub a world away from the big, brash chain bars that dominate the Square Mile. It’s in public houses such as this – reached through a maze of ancient alleyways and with dark wood partitions – that business has been done the old-fashioned way for centuries, with a handshake, a nod and a pint. Downstairs is known as Todd’s, which specialises in wine.
Address: Jamaica Wine House, St Michael’s Alley, off Cornhill, London EC3V 9DS
Website: jamaicawinehouse.co.uk - Kim Lightbody
7. Ye Old Mitre, Clerkenwell
Best pub in central London for: a lesson in the history of public houses
At one time, this pub stood on land owned by the Bishop of Ely. The story goes that felons on the run could claim refuge from City of London constabulary here as it wasn’t technically part of London. It’s ancient, having originally been built in 1546, although it was rebuilt in 1782 and refitted in 1930, so its colourful history isn’t immediately obvious. The ale is real and the food is comfortingly traditional with toasties and pies. It’s notoriously hard to find; follow the sound of animated cheer down an alley from Hatton Garden to a cosy, characterful hideaway.
Address: Ye Olde Mitre, 1 Ely Court, London EC1N 6SJ
Website: yeoldemitreholborn.co.uk - Kim Lightbody
8. Princess Louise, Holborn
Best pub in Central London for: a step back to the golden age of public houses
London isn't short of grand 19th-century gin palaces, but this is the queen of them all. No one could fail to be awed by the sheer effort those Victorians put into their boozers; there's intricate tiling, gold cornicing, etched glass screens, marble pillars, stained windows and polished wood in glorious abundance throughout, all preserved as if the craftsmen who built it only just knocked off. But it's no museum – during the day, it's a fine pub for a quiet pint, and in the evenings, an after-work crowd flock from the offices of Holborn. Drink in the history and marvel at a true London one-off.
Address: Princess Louise, 208 High Holborn, London WC1V
- Kim Lightbody
9. The French House, Soho
Best pub in Central London for: a post-work drink with a difference
Like a pub-shaped Tardis, the French House is a time-travelling glimpse into a boho Soho of years gone by, when the area was an anything-goes playground for actors, artists, playboys, poets, free thinkers and hard drinkers. It looks unchanged since the 1960s, with monochrome portraits of starry patrons lining the wood-panelled walls. These days, it's rarely anything less than packed with a diverse crowd and full of sparkling chatter: the owners keep something of the libertine spirit alive by serving beer only in halves but plenty of Champagnes by the glass. Find something – anything – to celebrate, squeeze into the French House, order some bubbles and forget the world outside for a while.
Address: 49 Dean Street, London W1D
Website: frenchhousesoho.com - Kim Lightbody
10. The Grenadier, Belgravia
Best pub in Central London for: a refresher after a day in the park
Only the most ardent wanderers will stumble upon this exceptionally secluded spot – it's halfway down a beautiful but incongruous cobbled mews lane off a grand Belgravia square near Hyde Park and Green Park. So don't leave it to chance – seek it out, and you'll be rewarded with one of London's most singular spots for a drink. The name comes from an age-old military connection (it was built to house an army regiment), and there are numerous apocryphal tales about its history and even hauntings, but forget all that, and you're simply left with an evocative and atmospheric old pub, cosy in the winter and hidden away enough to be peaceful come summer.
Address: The Grenadier, 18 Wilton Row, Belgravia, London SW1X 7NR 1QP
Website: grenadierbelgravia.com The best pubs in South London
11. The King's Arms, Waterloo
Best pub in South London for: the atmosphere
The neat terraced streets of workers’ houses between Waterloo station and the river provide a glimpse into a Georgian London rarely seen; they’re worth a wander on their own, but happily, tucked into the middle of them is this most traditional of city pubs. There’s a reason it’s always packed to overflowing – real ales on tap, a no-nonsense wooden horseshoe bar, a jolly old atmosphere and a sizeable Thai restaurant out the back. The food at such places can often be an uninspiring approximation, but here it’s always vibrant and authentic.
Address: The Kings Arms, 25 Roupell Street, London SE1 8TB
Website: thekingsarmslondon.co.uk12. Skehans, Nunhead
Best pub in South London for: good craic
No one does hospitality like the Irish, and so a proper Irish pub is a joy to find – although too many are old-country approximations. Here’s the real deal, independent and family-owned, in the heart of south London. The exterior is a treat, with hanging baskets and lots of greenery; it has pool and darts, local beer and of course an immaculate Guinness. Chuck in live music every week, sport on television and good Thai food in the garden, and you have everything that makes pubs indispensable.
Address: Skehans, 1 Kitto Road, London SE14 5TW
Website: skehans.com
13. The Royal Oak, Southwark
Best pub in South London for: traditionalists
Green glazed bricks on the outside, timeworn wood on the inside, real ales aplenty and net curtains protecting the privacy of the jolly locals... is there a more perfect old pub in London? It’s conveniently close to London Bridge but the backstreet location means that only those in the know end up on one of its seats. It’s a capital outpost of Sussex brewery Harvey’s, so a pint of its Best Bitter is always a fine choice. The Royal Oak is the definition of traditional and all the better for it.
Address: The Royal Oak, 44 Tabard Street, London SE1 4JU
Website: royaloaklondon.co.uk14. The Alma, Crystal Palace
Best pub in South London for: Victorian charm
The Alma is an independent pub close to Crystal Palace, known for its glass frontage and Victorian charm (the building dates back to the 1850s). Craft beer is big business here, so sample the rotating range from breweries like the East London Brewing Company and Brick Brewery. Sundays are for traditional roasts, but the contemporary menu served Monday to Saturday is just as fabulous. Burgers and steaks sit alongside fancier dishes such as khao soi with crispy tofu, sweet potato and jasmine rice. Save room for dessert – it’d be a crime not to dive into the sticky toffee pudding. CS
Address: The Alma Crystal Palace, 95 Church Road, London SE19 2TA
Website: thealmapub.com- Kim Lightbody
The best pubs in West London
15. The Harwood Arms, Fulham
Best pub in West London for: a Michelin-starred meal in unpretentious surroundings
This pretty and elegantly scuffed place pushes the boundaries of what can be called a pub. One can indeed sit and just order a drink, but the set tables and attentive waiters leave no doubt that this is a gastropub. And not just any gastropub: Fulhamites flock here for the Michelin-starred food, much of which is game shot in the Home Counties (see the monochrome portraits on the walls of hunting parties and be left in no doubt where your plateful came from). Drinkers can tuck into bar snacks – roe deer and walnut terrine, say. A pack of peanuts will never again suffice.
Address: The Harwood Arms, Walham Grove, London SW6 1QP
Website: harwoodarms.com16. Bricklayers Arms, Putney
Best pub in West London for: real ales
Comfortably detached from the west London riverfront, comfortably detached from the bustle of Putney proper and Wandsworth, comfortably detached from the real world, in fact, this Camra-approved pub has a timeless feel. That’s mainly due to the fact it was built in 1826 and looks unchanged since, with low ceilings and a pleasingly lived-in feel. In winter, a British stout by the coal fire is a rare treat; in summer, the beer garden fills up with ale lovers who know this unpretentious place is somewhere to be celebrated.
Address: The Bricklayers Arms, 32 Waterman Street, London SW15 1DD
Website: bricklayers-arms.co.uk - @lateef.photography
17. The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
Best pub in West London for: losing a whole Sunday afternoon in a cosy, buzzy setting
The Cadogan – a well-known and much-loved Chelsea institution – reopened its doors after a full renovation in July 2021, with a whole new team, look and menu. With Dominic Jacobs (who looks after the Running Horse in Mayfair) and JKS Restaurants at the helm, and Alex Harper (The Ledbury, The Harwood Arms) and James Knappet (Kitchen Table) in the kitchen, hopes of restoring this spot to its former glory were in safe hands. Updated decor manages to feel traditional with a modern twist – chandeliers hang from the freshly painted intricate ceiling in the main bar, while lamps and bright artwork warm the wood-panelled walls in the dining area. Burnt orange velvets, deep green and tan leather chairs are pulled around brass and marble tables, and huge dried flower displays show off the fireplaces. The focus is local and seasonal, with a menu full of British pub classics that stir a sense of nostalgia. Black pudding scotch egg, prawn cocktail and fish and chips are among our faves, while the strawberry sherry trifle is a must. Cancel the rest of your plans for the day, The Cadogan is the kind of place you’ll find it difficult to leave. Sarah Allard
Address: 298 King's Road, London SW3 5UG
Website: thecadoganarms.london 18. The Churchill Arms, Kensington
Best pub in West London for: photo opportunities
This Kensington watering hole is arguably the most famous in London – or at least the most photographed as Christmas creeps closer. The building dates back to the mid-18th century, and an earlier incarnation of the pub was a favourite of Winston Churchill’s grandparents. The pub is decked in colourful foliage, pinks, whites and purples cascading over the windows during the spring and summer months. In the winter, dozens of Christmas trees adorn the exterior, and fairy lights illuminate the street. It’s now owned by Fuller’s, so expect a classic British menu and lots of real ales. CS
Address: The Churchill Arms, 119 Kensington Church Street, London W8 7LN
Website: churchillarmskensington.co.uk19. Crooked Billet, Wimbledon
Best pub in West London for: a village feel
Drinking in this Wimbledon Village pub is like being transported to a charming Cotswolds hamlet. Over the warmer months, outside seating takes the form of deckchairs carried out to the green out front, and pints are served in sturdy reusable plastic tumblers to cope with demand. No high-rise buildings around means the sun shines here for much of the day, so afternoons and evenings fly by quickly. Naturally, the Victorian pub is dog-friendly, and seasonal menus draw in locals and other Londoners in the know. Dip crostini in gooey baked camembert, pick at a Cornish ploughman's board, or opt for a classic fish and chip dinner. CS
Address: Crooked Billet, 15 Crooked Billet, London SW19 4RQ
Website: thecrookedbilletwimbledon.com
- Kim Lightbody
The best pubs in East London
20. Pride of Spitalfields
Best pub in East London for: taking in the sights and sounds of London's hippest area
Almost all of the pubs around Brick Lane have followed fashion to cater for the hordes of hipsters who flock to this famous old street every night – but not the Pride. With its net curtains, wood-burning stove, patterned carpet and uninterested cat, it’s a glimpse into an East End largely lost – it’s also a friendly, quirky place to escape the real world. Order something by London brewery Truman’s – its spiritual home, the Black Eagle Brewery, was nearby on Brick Lane.Address: Pride of Spitalfields, 3 Heneage Street, London E1 5LJ
21. Pembury Tavern
Best pub in East London for: craft beer and perfect pizza
Holding its own against the non-stop traffic that crisscrosses the junction here, the Pembury is a 21st-century update of a traditional pub. Its refurb gave it an austere but handsome look inside and out, and it’s big enough to accommodate the crowds that use it as a handy meeting spot for all occasions. Beer is from Five Points, one of the original Hackney craft breweries that started out just over the road: it’s dependably good (try the barrel-aged Railway Porter on cask). Food is pizza, and mighty fine it is too. After a visit there you’d be tempted to ask: what more do you need from a pub?
Address: The Pembury Tavern, 90 Amhurst Road, London, E8 1JH
Website: pemburytavern.co.uk22. The People's Park Tavern, Victoria Park
Best pub in East London for: late-night antics
Stroll through Victoria Park on a summer afternoon, past picnicking families and frisbee-throwers, and stumble upon Hackney’s liveliest al-fresco hideout. The secret garden space seems a million miles away from the busy streets of East London’s arty neighbourhoods, making it the perfect place to dive into plates of BBQ grub and sip the day away by the pop-up cocktail bar. Committed pubbers stay here until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays when DJs soundtrack nights from 9pm onwards. CS
Address: The People's Park Tavern, 360 Victoria Park Road, London E9 7BX
Website: peoplesparktavern.pub23. Prospect of Whitby, Wapping
Best pub in East London for: riverside drinking
For a city with a massive river running through the middle of it, London has surprisingly few riverside pubs: the prime positions tend to be monopolised by grand buildings in the west, warehouses in the east. However, tucked-away Wapping has three pubs right on the Thames, and this just stands out as the best. It dates back to 1520 – well, the flagstone floor does at least – and has a real sense of history. Head straight for the deck at the back, where you can gaze over the water to the wharves of Rotherhithe and the towers of Canary Wharf. A properly atmospheric London drinking experience.
Address: Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH
Website: greeneking-pubs.co.uk
- Kim Lightbody
The best pubs in North London
24. The Queen's Head, King's Cross
Best pub in North London for: killing time with a pint
The streets around the great stations can be uninspiring, which makes this friendly free house near King’s Cross St Pancras stand out even more. Preserving many of its original Victorian features, it’s run by a genuine beer and cider devotee who changes the casks and kegs on offer regularly. Food comes on boards: British cheeses, say, or Spanish charcuterie; and what’s more, there’s a piano – and nothing says ‘local’ like a singalong.
Address: The Queen's Head, 66 Acton Street, London WC1X 9NB
Website: queensheadlondon.com - Andrew Sparkes / Alamy Stock Photo
25. Holly Bush, Hampstead
Best pub in North London for: a post-ramble pint
There are several fine pubs in Hampstead, but this one edges ahead due to its in-the-know location on a steep lane near the station, and the delightful Grade-II listed building. There’s a real fire for winter, and a few prime seats out the front for when the sun shines; it’s lined with ancient-looking wood panelling and furnished in stately leather. The Holly Bush is a Fuller’s house, so the ale’s always well kept too. Perfect for a Sunday roast and a pint after a blowy trudge across the nearby Heath.
Address: Holly Bush, 22 Holly Mount, London NW3 6SG
Website: hollybushhampstead.co.uk - Getty Images
26. The Hawley Arms, Camden
Best pub in North London for: music
In these days of craft beer bars with more taps than a Bruce Forsyth routine, or gastropubs that are basically restaurants which happen to serve beer, it’s easy to forget that pubs have another time-honoured function: entertainment. The Hawley Arms could stake a claim to being the most famous music pub in London now, and although it’s only been around in its current incarnation since 2004, it’s a central part of the still thriving Camden scene. Head to one of its low-key gigs or stop by any night for the rock ’n’ roll atmosphere.Address: The Hawley Arms, 2 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8QU
Website: thehawleyarms.co.uk27. The Harrison Pub, King’s Cross
Best pub in North London for: plant-based Sundays
The Harrison is a traditional pub found slightly south of King’s Cross Station, making it the perfect place for an ice-cold pint and spot of grub when a post-travel pitstop is much needed. There’s an outdoor terrace (heated for chillier evenings) and many events, including live music on Fridays and Saturdays and pub quizzes on Mondays. The pub’s Sunday roasts are a must. Layer slithers of roast beef, lamb, pork belly, chicken, or nut and falafel roasts on top of all the trimmings, and try your best not to drift into a food coma. Looking for a place to stay with easy access to the bar? There are a handful of cosy rooms upstairs! CS
Address: The Harrison Pub & Hotel, 28 Harrison Street, London WC1H 8JF
Website: harrisonbar.co.uk 28. The Southampton Arms, Highgate
Best pub in North London for: something simple
When it (re)opened in 2010, the Southampton Arms seemed to represent something new in London – no fancy name, no flock wallpaper or ironic taxidermy, no kitchen… But really, it’s the authentic spirit of the pub reborn. Furniture is mainly restricted to penitential pews, and the gas style lamps look somewhat strict, but a happy hubbub of customers warms things up (as do the basic but welcome pub snacks, like pork pies). Everything on the many taps – real ales, craft beer, authentic cider – is all made in the British Isles, which is one reason among many that you should visit.Address: The Southampton Arms, 139 Highgate Road, London NW5 1LE
Website: thesouthamptonarms.co.uk