London’s pub culture is arguably the best in the world, and with over 3,500 pubs to choose from, you’ll see why. Whether you’re after a nice pint of British ale, cider, or some proper English grub, you will be spoiled for choice when visiting this great city.
As a London local, I’m always on the hunt for new and better pubs, so I can share my knowledge and make your decision of which ones to visit much easier.
Now, let’s take a look at the best places to grab a pint!
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Best London Pubs
The Holly Bush
Cosy historic pub nestled within the charming neighbourhood of Hampstead.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Holly Bush Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 435 2892
The Holly Bush is a north London institution, famously known for its charm, quaint surroundings, and history. This is one of the most popular pubs in the city, so if you plan on visiting, it’s well worth looking into making a reservation.
You can visit the Holly Bush for a nice meal, Sunday Roast, or even just a pint and enjoy one of the many cosy corners or park yourself outside on a nice sunny day.
The pub is dog-friendly, has a real fireplace, and free wifi and offers a lovely upstairs dining room, along with one on the main floor.
👉 Pro Tip: Before you cozy up at The Holly Bush for some food or a tipple, make sure to visit nearby Hampstead Heath, one of London’s best parks.
The Hunter’s Moon
Elegant pub in Chelsea, West London serving elevated dishes and a diverse selection of wines.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Hunter’s Moon Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 203 904 2270
The Hunter’s Moon is a fine pub located in charming west London, where the food is delicious and the overall aesthetic is pleasing to the eye.
This pub serves a more high-end take on traditional pub fare and is the perfect spot for date night or a special occasion. I tried the braised feather blade with kale and triple-cooked truffle and parmesan chips, which I still think about to this day.
The spot also offers brunch, Sunday roast, and Christmas menus and a wide selection of drinks with everything from beer to cocktails.
Trafalgar Tavern
Lively pub on the water in Greenwich with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, characterised by its entrance of international flags.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Trafalgar Tavern Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 203 887 9886
Otherwise known as the ‘Jewel of the Thames,’ The Trafalgar Tavern is a lovely gem located right along the water in London’s historic Greenwich neighbourhood.
There is an extensive open-air space where you can enjoy bar snacks, a delicious roast (as pictured above), or one of many traditional cask ales served.
The interiors of this pub are just as welcoming, steeped in history and decorated with artefacts and paintings that tell the story of Britain’s great naval history.
The Surprise
Lovely West London pub with a rustic chic atmosphere and a delicious Sunday Roast.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Surprise Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 203 837 4600
The Surprise is a charming pub located in a residential part of Chelsea in West London. Tucked away on a cozy street, this great hidden neighborhood gem should not be missed!
The independent pub is open for both lunch and dinner, serving home-cooked comfort dishes using locally sourced ingredients. You can also find one of the best Sunday roasts in London at this spot! I opted for the chicken, which is not my usual choice as I find it can be quite dry in some places, but this roast did not disappoint.
The second you enter this pub you will be greeted by a welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for date night or drinks with a friend.
The Pelican
Smart pub in Notting Hill with local beer and sophisticated British dishes.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Pelican Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 204 537 2880
The Pelican, with a minimalist and cosy atmosphere, provides a modern take on a Victorian pub. This is one of the best pubs in Notting Hill, and you’ll often find it beaming with people.
The menu provides a selection of fine dining dishes including oysters, bar snacks, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails, so you will surely find something that tickles your palate.
The Pelican is a true community-filled pub, and the perfect spot to grab a pint after a day spent strolling the streets of Notting Hill.
Princess of Shoreditch
Elegant renovated pub near Old Street serving delicious seasonal dishes.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Princess of Shoreditch Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 729 9270
The Princess of Shoreditch is a lovely pub located off the beaten path, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy East London borough. This award-winning spot offers a great combination of a simple yet refined atmosphere and delicious food.
The menu at this pub is centred around British provenance, with comforting seasonal dishes. We went on a Sunday afternoon and tried their multi-course Sunday lunch menu, which is great value for money.
I had the citrus salmon as a starter, the beef Sunday roast with all the trimmings, and the lemon meringue tart for dessert. You can do two or three courses, and there are several options both meat and veggie.
The Counting House
Multi-floor pub situated within an old bank in the City of London.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Counting House Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 283 7123
The Counting House is one of the most unique pubs in central London, formerly home to an old bank located directly in the City. Everything about the atmosphere in this pub is quintessentially British, from its 19th-century decor to its selection of craft beers and lagers.
Come for an after-work pint or stay for the night as this pub is also a hotel. One of the top offerings culinary-wise is their classic British handmade pies. They also offer many other tasty delicacies including breakfast and pudding menus.
This is the perfect place to grab a drink after a day of sightseeing and trying out London restaurants.
The White Horse
Nicknamed the ‘Sloaney Pony’, this popular spot in Fulham is great for a midday or evening tipple.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The White Horse Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 736 2115
The White Horse in Parson’s Green southwest London is one of London’s finest and best pubs, characterised by a front garden and mahogany interiors.
The pub has a great selection of beers, including several craft beers served on tap and an array of international beers. A cool feature of this pub is its craft beer residency, where they offer 12 different rotating craft beers on tap, which changes daily.
The overall vibe of the White Horse is enjoyable and lively, making it the perfect spot to grab an after-work pint or catch up with a friend.
The George
One of London’s most famous traditional pubs, located in the heart of London Bridge.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The George Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 407 2056
The George is one of London’s most iconic pubs, which started as an Inn built in the 17th century. It has stood the test of time as the go-to watering hole in London Bridge.
The atmosphere of this pub is very traditional, from its wood panelling to its private dining areas and simple furniture. One of the defining features is the massive beer garden that runs along the side of the pub, which is often filled with people. The beer garden also hosts live music.
The George has classic pub options like fish and chips along with lighter food like salmon fishcakes.
If you need any more reason to visit, The George is dog-friendly, so you’ll likely be surrounded by furry friends!
The French House
Central London watering hole where artists, writers, and actors often enjoy a glass of wine or champagne.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The French House Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 437 2477
For those who fancy a more sophisticated pub experience, look no further than The French House in central London.
A unique feature of this pub is its no tech rule, encouraging good conversations and being in the moment. The pub has no music, no phones, no machines, and no TV policy, making it an intimate space meant to enjoy good food, great drinks, and better company.
The French House offers a great selection of French sharing plates, 30 different champagnes, and a list of wines by the glass. The madeleines are very popular. This is a special spot great for a London date night, right in the heart of Soho.
Soho is the most famous part of central London. You can visit several of London’s attractions before ending your day at this pub.
The Dove
Thameside Pub offers a waterfront view or an intimate indoor space to enjoy a meal or a drink.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Dove Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 208 748 9474
Visit the Dove for a charming and peaceful day out, enjoying waterfront views, seasonal pub classics, and a serene atmosphere.
This pub is versatile, making it a great spot to visit during any season. You can enjoy the Thameside views on a sunny day watching the boats go by, or snuggle up by the fireplace on a wintery Sunday with a roast.
The Dove is also steeped in history and has existed on this site since the seventeenth century, entertaining some of the most famous historical British writers and poets.
In recent years, it has also seen some of the finest actors, writers, and politicians in London, which you can see for yourself on the framed list of patrons over the lower bar’s fireplace.
The Dog and Duck
Historic pub open since 1897 that used to be frequented by notable author George Orwell.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Dog and Duck Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 494 0697
The Dog and Duck is a well-known Soho pub that has kept a lot of its history, from when it was originally built in 1734.
The atmosphere will have you feeling like you stepped back in time, between the original glazed tiles, mahogany panelling, and mirrors.
The decor is not the only historical feature of this pub. The central London spot also serves up traditional English classics and is famous for its hand-crafted specialty pies. On tap, they serve an impressive selection of changing cask ales, and they are also known for their wide selection of gins, from robust to sweet and fruity.
The Ten Bells
Popular east-end boozer with an atmosphere that has a mix of modern and historic.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Ten Bells Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 247 7532
The Ten Bells is part of an independent East London pub company.
In true East London fashion, the Ten Bells take the traditional pub atmosphere, adding its modern flare across three glorious floors. This pub offers a generous selection of draft beers, with everything from IPAs to lagers, to cask beers, to ciders. It also has a great selection of cocktails offered upstairs.
Located a stone’s throw away from Spitalfields Market, one of the best attractions in Shoreditch, this is the perfect spot to grab a pint after a day of shopping and eating.
The Cadogan Arms
Character-filled Victorian pub in the heart of Chelsea serving English staples.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Cadogan Arms Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 203 148 2630
If you’re looking for tradition, elegant interiors, and a great atmosphere in which to enjoy fine wine, bespoke beers, and classic cocktails, you’ll find all that and more at The Cadogan Arms.
This corner pub on Chelsea’s famous King’s Road is a West London institution. It has plenty of seating indoors, and a couple of tables outdoors, and it is not uncommon to see patrons standing outside of the pub enjoying a pint, especially on a nice day.
The energy in this pub will have you wanting to spend your evening here, and you certainly can! The pub serves English staples including the likes of fish and chips, Sunday Roast, and meat pie. You will also be able to enjoy live sports and seasonal menus at the pub.
The Old Queen’s Head
Vibrant 2-floor pub in Islington that turns into a dance club on weekend evenings.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Old Queen’s Head Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 354 9993
Pub by day, party by night, the Old Queen’s Head in Islington is a North London gem that you are sure to enjoy.
The pub hosts a series of fun events, including live music, pub quizzes, bottomless brunch, stand-up comedy, and hip-hop and R&B-themed nights. They also do 6-pound cocktails on some Wednesday nights.
Be sure to check out the website to see what’s on during your trip and to purchase tickets. I would also recommend getting an advance entry ticket to avoid queues on busy weekend nights.
The Churchill Arms
Photogenic flower-covered spot in Notting Hill, serving up delicious Thai dishes and pints.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Churchill Arms Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 727 4242
The Churchill Arms is one of London’s most iconic and best pubs, located in the classy neighbourhood of Notting Hill.
This pub has a reputation for its flower-covered exterior, and around Christmastime, it transforms into one of the most magical places to be in London, covered in twinkly lights and festive spruce trees.
One of the most unique things about the Churchill Arms is that instead of serving British classics, the menu is filled with regional Thai dishes from family recipes, which have been served there for over 25 years in the beautiful butterfly-themed conservatory dining room.
I can confirm that both the food and atmosphere are fantastic, and I would put this pub at the top of your list.
The Duke of Edinburgh
Fun pub in Brixton, South London, with a large and lively beer garden that’s especially popular in the summer.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Duke of Edinburgh Website | 🍽️ Food Served
The Duke of Edinburgh is one of the best South London pubs, famously known for having the best and biggest beer garden in the area.
This is a great chilled spot to enjoy on a sunny summer day with a large group of friends or family. The main sports games are always playing, so if you’re looking for a spot to catch the latest rugby, cricket, tennis, or football match within a fun atmosphere, this is just the place.
There are several beers on tap to enjoy, including local beers from nearby Brixton Brewery, seasonal cocktails, and BBQ delicacies from partner restaurant Bodeans BBQ.
The Harp
Traditional 2-floor pub in Covent Garden with a great selection of ciders.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Harp Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 836 0291
The Harp is a great traditional British ale house located in Central London’s Covent Garden. The pub has won multiple awards, including the Evening Standard’s Best London Pub in both 2019 and 2020!
This award-winning pub is the perfect place to enjoy the classic English pub experience, and enjoy a pint of real ale, or a ‘perry’, otherwise known as pear cider. You will have a minimum of 10 drafts to choose from, with beverages ranging from cask ales, to short-term guest brews, ciders, and perries.
This Harp is perfect for beer connoisseurs and those looking to engage in good conversation over a frosty pint.
The Northcote
Busy pub in the heart of Clapham Junction that’s popular for watching sports and dancing in the evenings.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Northcote Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 223 5378
The Northcote is a vibrant corner pub located in the neighbourhood of Clapham Junction / Battersea Southwest London. This pub offers a little bit of everything, whether you fancy brunch, a casual after-work drink, watching a football match, or a proper night out.
This pub has two floors, with bars on each. The main room downstairs can get very busy, especially on weekend nights, and is perfect if you’re looking to dance the night away. The upstairs area is a bit more chilled and intimate, more geared for conversations with friends.
The Northcote also serves pub classics, a selection of drinks and a covered terrace.
Pub on the Park
East London gem with a park-side beer garden and DJs on the weekends.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Pub on the Park Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 923 3398
Located on the edge of London Fields Park in East London, Pub on the Park is a hidden gem that you won’t want to miss.
This pub is the perfect spot for enjoying a cold one any time of the year and offers plenty of options for seating both indoors and outdoors. It has both covered and uncovered patios, which allow for a bit of fun rain or shine.
This pub provides a lovely view of the park, bringing good vibes on nice days. It is also minutes away from London Fields, Haggerston, and Hackney Central overground stations and close by to many popular East London attractions including Hackney Empire Theatre, Hackney Picture House cinema, and music venues.
Pub on the Park even made it into my 5-day London itinerary, so definitely don’t skip this one!
The Hollywood Arms
Elegant and aesthetically pleasing spot in Chelsea, with artistic pastel interiors and velvet furniture.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Hollywood Arms Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 203 040 7191
The Hollywood Arms is a high-end pub in the heart of Chelsea, offering a nice variety of seating options.
The pub has a large private room upstairs, perfect for hosting a wedding reception or large party, a semi-private room downstairs and a space open to the public for drinks and dining.
The interiors are beautifully decorated with pastel paintings and velvet furniture, providing an inviting and elegant atmosphere. I found the service at this pub to be good, and there is a nice selection of British seasonal food, cocktails, beer, and wines served.
Anchor Bankside
Waterfront Southwark pub with indoor and outdoor seating and waterfront views.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Anchor Bankside Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 407 1577
The Anchor Bankside is a lovely historic waterside pub, rebuilt in 1676 after the great fire of London and enjoyed by many both indoors and outdoors today.
This pub offers a whole host of great facilities, including a beer garden, the capacity to host parties and other functions, wifi, and waterfront views. It is also dog-friendly, family-friendly, and accessible to people with disabilities.
You’ll find this spot buzzing with people on a summer day after work, and it has a fantastic location in the heart of London Bridge, with amazing nearby attractions including Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (both the original and recreated sites), London Bridge river crossing, and The Shard.
📚 Fun Fact: The Anchor Bankside is the only surviving river tavern of Shakespeare’s time.
The Garden Gate
Hampstead Pub offers a lovely atmospheric outdoor oasis that’s heated for year-round use.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Garden Gate Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 435 4938
A north London gem near Hampstead, the lovely Garden Gate is an atmospheric pub that marks the perfect setting to enjoy a Sunday Lunch.
This pub contains a large heated garden filled with trees, allowing you to enjoy a nice nature-filled experience while indulging in a meal or beverage with loved ones in any season.
I stumbled across this spot recently for a Sunday afternoon lunch with my friends and enjoyed the atmosphere. There is also a large indoor space for those wishing to cosy up. The Garden Gate serves a nice selection of home-cooked meals and beverages.
The Castle, Tooting
One of London’s best beer gardens, and a South London institution.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Castle, Tooting Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 208 672 7018
The Castle is the best pub in Tooting, boasting a massive beer garden and mini castle huts filled with logs and a fireplace, perfect for a cosy gathering.
The pub is known for hosting parties in all weather conditions, providing top-notch facilities for enjoying its surroundings in comfort, whether that’s under the heated stretch tent in winter or sun cover in the summer.
The Castle has a plethora of food and drink options, including its famous burger shack, with mouth-watering burgers using the best British beef, crab, fried chicken, and plant-based options.
This pub is truly a great experience any time of year, rain or shine, and is worth checking out if you find yourself venturing around south London.
The Phene
Classy and iconic three-floor West London pub and beer garden.
📍 Google Maps | 🍻 The Phene Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 +44 207 352 9898
The Phene is a Chelsea staple and can be easy to miss as it’s located in a residential part of the neighbourhood and surrounded by foliage. It is the true definition of a neighbourhood local pub.
Nearby to Chelsea’s most famous street King’s Road, the Phene is a great place to relax and stop off for a drink or meal after a day of shopping and exploring. The pub has a rich heritage, dating back to the 1900s, and has a lovely selection of spaces including cosy bars, a covered garden, and private dining.
The lovely atmosphere features soft blue and brown velvet and leather furniture and cosy booths where you can tuck into a delicious meal from a Michelin-trained chef. This is one of my personal favourite pubs.
FAQs
What is the most popular pub in London?
There are many very popular pubs in the city of London, but a few of the most popular include The George,The Churchill Arms, and The Ten Bells.
Which is the best proper pub in London?
The George, previously known as the George Yard Inn, is London’s only surviving galleried inn and has been around since 1676. The spot is located in London Bridge and contains a large beer garden where you can enjoy British ales and live music.
How many pubs are there in London?
According to research conducted by real estate advisor Altus Group in 2022, London currently has 3,580 pubs. This figure shows that you will not be hard-pressed to find a pub in pretty much any area of London.
Where can I take a pint in London?
Pints are allowed in most places in London unless there are specific restrictions stated in that area. Some pubs will only let you drink them inside, while many allow it both indoors and outdoors.
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In addition to the great pub culture, there are many other awesome bars in London to check out during your trip. Cheers!
