Best Pubs in London

When it comes to British culture, one thing that immediately comes to mind is the pub. Pubs are an integral part of British life and have been for centuries. They are social hubs where people come together to enjoy good company, good food, and of course, good drinks. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best pubs in London and explore why pubs are so culturally important to British life. There are over 3,500 pubs in Lonon!

What makes pubs so important to the British is the role they play in bringing people together. Pubs provide a place where people can meet, socialize and connect over a pint or two. They are a hub for local communities and often become the center of social life in a neighborhood or village. Pubs also play a significant role in British history and culture. Many of the oldest pubs in London have a rich history and have been frequented by famous figures such as Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, or William Shakespeare! They offer a glimpse into the country’s past and provide a sense of continuity with its traditions.

For many, a trip to London isn’t complete without visiting a traditional English pub. The warm, welcoming atmosphere, complete with wooden floors, exposed beams and cozy fireplaces, provides a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Traditional pubs often serve classic British dishes such as fish & chips and bangers and mash, providing a taste of the country’s culinary heritage!

However, the pub scene in London is not just limited to traditional pubs. In recent years, gastropubs have become increasingly popular. These pubs offer a more contemporary experience, with a focus on high-quality food and drinks. Many gastropubs have elevated the humble pub meal to new heights, with Michelin-starred chefs creating inventive dishes that fuse traditional British flavors with modern techniques.

Pubs also provide a sense of community and belonging. They offer a place where people can come together to celebrate special occasions or simply unwind after a long day at work. Pubs often host events such as quiz nights, live music, and comedy shows, providing a variety of entertainment options for locals and visitors alike.

Beyond their social function, pubs also have an economic impact. They are an important source of employment and contribute to the local economy. Many pubs also support local breweries and distilleries, helping to promote the country’s thriving beer and spirits industry.

West London: 

• *The Pelican (Notting Hill) – Airy modern rethinking of a Victorian pub with locally brewed beer and a classic British menu. Love this spot!
• *The Audley Public House (Mayfair) – Historical neighborhood pub serving elevated cocktails and English fare.
• The Punchbowl (Mayfair) A fun, busy and noisy historic pub in a lovely part of Mayfair. It’s also one of Mayfair’s oldest pubs!
• The Anglesea Arms (South Kensington) – Traditional alehouse with gastropub menu and bar snacks, plus outdoor seating on the front terrace.
• Lamb & Flag (Covent Garden) – Traditional Georgian pub, former haunt of Charles Dickens, once known for bare-knuckle fights. Great pub to grab drinks before a show in the West End!
• *Churchill Arms (Kensington) – Flower-bedecked real ale boozer, filled with Churchill memorabilia, serving Thai noodles and curry.
• *The Alfred Tennyson (Belgravia) – A smartly laid-out pub with a more formal upstairs dining room serving Modern European cuisine. This was one of our favorite pubs for an afternoon hang!
• The Cow (Notting Hill) – Gastropub with a compact upstairs dining room for oysters, seafood, and seasonal British cuisine.
•  The Harp (Covent Garden) – Traditional pub on 2 floors with stained-glass windows, hand-pulled real ale, cider, and sausages.
• Star Tavern  (Fitzrovia) – Elegant pub with bookcases and chandeliers, famous for notorious 1960s criminal/showbiz clientele.
• The Barley Mow (Mayfair) – Refined pub with sophisticated decor featuring an a la carte restaurant menu & bar snacks.
• *Coach and Horses (Mayfair) – Narrow mock Tudor pub with real ales on tap and a typical British comfort food menu.
• *The Blue Posts (Soho) – Traditional, dark wood corner pub with an upstairs dining room, serving craft ales and pub grub.
• Mr. Frog  (Soho) – Wood-panelled, old-style tavern themed around explorer Phileus Fogg, and serving English pub grub
• The Phene (Chelsea) – A converted pub with a purple-velvet lounge bar, library-themed dining room, and beach bar-style terrace.
• The Surprise (Chelsea) – Local, seasonal dishes in a charming, warm pub featuring an expansive list of wine, beer & spirits.
• The Harwood Arms (Fulham) – Laid-back gastropub with an upscale, Modern British menu, including handmade scotch eggs and game.
• The French House (Soho) – Compact bar hung with photos, where the literary crowd prefers wine to beer and embraces the no-tech rule.
• The Grenadier (Belgravia) – Tiny former officers’ mess with grenadier-themed decor and unique pewter bar, serving ales and food.
• Cross Keys (Covent Garden) – Classic pub with a plant-decorated exterior & eclectic, memorabilia-filled interior.
• Lore of the Land (Fitzrovia) – Seasonal sharing plates, pints, and premium spirits in a classic setting housing a pub since 1829.
• The Wigmore (Fitzrovia) – Elevated pub food & drinks in a stylish, retro-inspired space attached to the Langham Hotel.
• Golden Lion (Soho)  – Traditional corner pub with dark wood interior and carved ceiling, for real ales and British food. One of Oscar Wilde’s old hangouts!
• St. Stephens Tavern (Westminister) – Traditional pub with craft ales, serving pints to politicians from the Houses of Parliament opposite
• Cadogan Arms (Chelsea) – Modern British gastropub with dark wood interior and mounted stag antlers, plus upstairs pool room.
• Clarette (Marylebone) – A Francophile wine list accompanies a similarly-influenced food menu at this Art Deco-esque bar.
• The Mall Tavern (Notting Hill) – Victorian gastropub with a garden and a contemporary interior, flooded with light from a huge window.

Central London: 

• Ye Old Mitre (Farringdon) – A traditional 1547 real ale pub, tucked away in a small alleyway, with framed historical pictures.
• The Queen’s Head (King’s Cross) – Small traditional pub with a regularly changing beer menu, British food, and live entertainment.
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (City of London) – Historic gathering place doling out carefully sourced pub grub, wine & draught beer.
• The Windmill (Waterloo) – Lively pub with theatrical decor & clientele, serving classic English food, cask ale & craft beer!
• Princess Louise (Holborn) – Real ale and pub grub in an ornate Victorian bar with tiling, oak furnishings, and etched glass panels.
• The Albion (Angel) – Modern British comfort food at an elegant family-friendly Georgian pub with an extensive garden!

East London: 

• The Spurstowe Arms (Hackney) – Classically decorated pub offering a modern menu and selection of aperitifs and cocktails.
• Pride of Spitalfields (Spitalfields) – Cosy unchanging boozer with piano and pavement terrace in a cobbled backstreet.
• Owl and Pussycat (Shoreditch) –  Bustling traditional venue with a small outside terrace, pub games, and an upstairs dining room. Best for their Sunday roasts!
• The Culpeper (Spitafields) – Cute boutique hotel and corner pub with a rooftop garden!
• Marksman Public House (Hackney) – Classic British fare in a former Victorian pub with original mahogany paneling and modern updates.
• Spurstowe Arms (Hackney)- Classically decorated pub offering a modern menu and selection of aperitifs and cocktails.
• The Talbot (Dalston) – Gastropub with a European beer menu, streetside tables, and a bookable upstairs room with a terrace.
• The Scolt Head (Dalston) – Pub with a bright bar and wooden floors, serving British food prepared from carefully sourced produce.
• The De Beauvoir Arms (Dalston)- Food-centric pub with no music or TV, an adventurous Mediterranean menu and an extensive wine list.

So why are pubs so culturally important to British life? For starters, they are a place where people can come together to socialize and connect with others. They provide a sense of community and are often the heart of a neighborhood or village. Pubs are also an important part of British history and have played a significant role in shaping the country’s culture and traditions. Pubs are an integral part of British life and culture. They provide a place where people can come together to socialize, connect, and enjoy good food and drinks. Whether you’re looking for a cozy traditional pub or a more modern take, London has heaps to offer! What’s your favorite pub in London?

Stay Risky,

– John