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Table of Contents
6 Best Historic Pubs in London
The French House • Soho
Nicknamed ‘The French’ by its regular patrons, this pub has been embedded in London’s bohemian ambiance for many decades. During World War II, it served as headquarters for Charles De Gaulle and the Free French, and in its prime years it counted Dylan Thomas, Sylvia Plath, and Lucian Freud among its clientele. An extensive selection of French and Spanish wines available by the glass.
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Place • +44 20 7485 5511
The Lamb & Flag • Covent Garden
This centuries-old local establishment was once a favored place for Charles Dickens to visit. It then grew as a more rough bar famous for bare-knuckle fighting, earning the moniker `Bucket of Blood`. Now more serene, it offers a nice spot to drink London Pride beer.
Place • +44 20 7437 2477
The Star Tavern • Belgravia
Classic upscale pub – all chandeliers, dark-wood furnishings, heavy drapes and bookcases full of antique tomes. The Star was the hangout of the wealthy and renowned during the Swinging 60s – Peter O’Toole, Diana Dors, Albert Finney – as well as criminal masterminds (the Great Train Robbery of 1963 was planned here). Popular for Sunday roasts and cask ales.
The location details and phone number +44 20 7235 3019 are provided.
The Ten Bells • Spitalfields
This former Spitalfields pub used to be a regular haunt for the Victorian prostitutes who were murdered by Jack the Ripper in the late 19th century. All tours featuring London’s most notorious murderer swing by here; the faded decor and candlelight add to the creepy atmosphere of the allegedly haunted building.
Place • +44 20 7497 9504
Ye Olde Mitre Tavern • Clerkenwell
This low-ceilinged inn is reputedly London’s smallest pub and also one of its oldest, dating back to 1546. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have visited here and danced on the courtyard out back. Award-winning real ales and cider on tap and good pub grub.
The location details and phone number +44 20 7405 4751 are provided.
The George Inn • Southwark
William Shakespeare himself frequented the bar at the George while his plays were performed in the courtyard below. It’s the only galleried coaching inn still standing, with a maze-like interior, warped wooden floors, and original fireplaces. Serves contemporary pub food such as jerk duck nachos.
Place • +44 20 7247 7532
5 Best Cocktail Bars in London
The Vault at Milroy’s • Soho
Step inside London`s oldest whiskey retailer, approach the sizable bookshelf, and activate the hidden button. The shelf will swing open, revealing the intimate, speakeasy-style bar down blue-lit steps. Order either one of the classic expertly mixed cocktails, beautifully presented, or a tropical, refreshing Porter House Punch.
Place
Iris at the Gherkin • City of London
Many sky bars exist in London, but the perspective from the 40th floor of The Gherkin is difficult to surpass. The cocktails are beautiful and divided based on London’s geographical areas. Try Jack the Ripper (a twist on the Bloody Mary), or the Brixton Pound, with rum, tonka bean molasses, and chocolate bitters. The bar snacks and the British cheese platter are as satisfying as the drinks.
Place • +44 20 7407 2056
Lyaness • South Bank
Dress formally prior to sampling some of London’s most unusual cocktails at the recently-acclaimed Best Bar globally. All creations are ground-breaking originals by award-wining mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan. Try the Strange Things Old Fashioned (Jim Beam, valerian, chamomile bitters, habanero).
Place • +44 330 107 0816
Mr Fogg’s Residence • Mayfair
One can easily picture Jules Verne`s fictional world explorer Phileas Fogg relaxing here in a velvet chair amongst mismatched furniture and Victorian decor. The original cocktails draw inspiration from Mr Fogg`s journeys, with favorites like the nutty Night Train and Saved From Sacrifice.
Area • +44 20 7036 0608
Oriole Bar • Clerkenwell
The flashy younger sibling of the legendary Nightjar jazz club has an underground feel, a decor blending leather, fur and tropical influences, and an inventive drinks list organized under Old World, New World, and The Orient – where the namesake bird resides. Nightly live jazz (no cover on Mondays and Tuesdays); reservations essential.
The location details and phone number +44 20 3457 8099 are provided.
Best London Craft Beer & Breweries
Cask Pub & Kitchen • Westminster
The original pub from the group behind the Craft Beer Co chain typically features a constantly changing selection of 25 beers available from the taps. 300 more bottled brews are available – German-style, Belgian-style, lambic, and stouts, plus IPAs by the likes of Siren and Evil Twin.
Area • +44 20 7630 7225
Camden Town Brewery • Camden
A popular London brewery renowned for three lager varieties as well as pale ale, ink stout and rotating seasonal styles. Brewery tours bookable online; tastings on site.
Area • +44 20 7485 1671
The White Horse • Parson’s Green
Known to its regulars as The Sloaney Pony, this west London institution typically has eight rotating brews on tap from brands like Lagunitas, Lost & Grounded, Fyne Ales, and other London brewers. Over 130 imported brews from Belgium, Germany, and the USA. Excellent pub grub.
The location details and phone number +44 20 7437 5745 are provided.
The Porterhouse • Covent Garden
Irish pub offering some locally crafted brews from Dublin. This sizable bar with gleaming copper piping is split into various sections, with cozy nooks and private areas and live musical performances in the basement in the evenings. Enormous selection of beers, ales, and stouts from worldwide.
Area • +44 20 7379 7917
Earl of Essex • Islington
Particularly appealing to committed beer aficionados, this pub emphasizes local London brews from brands like Redemption and Loka Polly. Complimenting snacks pair with individual craft selections amid an outdoor garden.
Area • +44 20 7424 5828
