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In London, the pub is a lifestyle, a spot the place ice-cold pints and scrumptious British meals come collectively to be loved with family and friends, typically in centuries-old institutions. There’s a pub within the capital for everybody, from historic nook bars and gastropubs to vigorous native taverns that keep open late. Folks come right here for all types of causes, as some like to observe the soccer whereas others merely come for a chat.

What Makes a Nice London Pub?

A correct London pub means nice beer on draught, pleasant folks behind the bar, implausible meals, and that feeling such as you belong. I’ve rounded up my listing of the highest pubs in London, together with a few of my favorites that we go to on my London meals excursions. Prepare for tasty grub and even higher brews!

The Prime Pubs in London (and Why They’re Value Visiting)

The Mayflower Pub

Photograph credit score: The Mayflower Pub

The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is a riverside pub in London that will get quite a lot of consideration amongst locals for its various meals menu with snacks like outdated English sausages and a deck that gives implausible views.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to snag a seat in the outside seating space dealing with the river on the Saturday I visited, because it stuffed up instantly after I arrived. Among the many drinks I sampled, their bitter and malty cask ale stood out. It’s rotated recurrently each few days, so there’s all the time one thing new to attempt.

The Mayflower Pub – London SE16 4NF – Open each Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Lord Wargrave

Photograph credit score: Lord Wargrave

Whiskey lovers must swing by the fashionable Lord Wargrave in Marylebone to attempt one thing from their eclectic choice. Not solely will you discover a good dram right here, however they’re additionally famed for his or her St. Louis pork ribs.

After I dropped by, there was soccer on, so the place was buzzing. I nonetheless managed to discover a desk and take pleasure in one in all their wonderful boulevardier cocktails, stuffed with cacao-flavored notes and a pleasant citrusy twist.

Lord Wargrave – London W1H 5HE – Open each Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

Ye Previous Mitre

Photograph credit score: Ye Previous Mitre

Properly positioned in Ely Courtroom, Ye Previous Mitre is all the pieces you think about a pub in London to be: crimson carpets, stool seating, and an actual hearth. From their award-winning brews to little extras like board video games on request, you would simply spend the night time right here.

Being one of many primary craft beer pubs in London, I needed to attempt a minimum of one, and it was the IVO Pale Ale that caught my eye. It didn’t disappoint with its hops and fruity flavors.

Ye Previous Mitre – London EC1N 6SJ – Open each Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to six:00 pm, and closed each Sunday.

Chosen Gastropubs for Meals Lovers

The evolution of pub meals has remodeled the way in which we eat out in London, mixing custom with fashionable culinary expertise. We select these institutions as a result of they prioritize seasonal components and genuine British recipes over flashy traits. Every location provides a eating expertise that feels each grounded and exceptionally executed. E-book a meals tour with us to be taught extra.

The Albion

Photograph credit score: The Albion

Tucked away in Islington, the Albion is a gastropub set inside a phenomenal Georgian constructing, identified for serving up a cracking Sunday roast. The beer backyard is ideal for just a few drinks when the solar’s out, whereas the stylish indoor house is right when it’s raining. Daytime attracts in households, however come night, issues can get a bit vigorous with a youthful crowd.

After I stopped by, I noticed Guinness on draught and couldn’t resist. To my shock, it was simply as creamy as those I’ve had in Dublin, with a pleasant contact of sweetness.

The Albion – London N1 1HW – Open each Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

The Spaniards Inn

Photograph credit score: The Spaniards Inn

Removed from the bustle of the town middle, the Spaniards Inn in Hampstead is a basic gastro pub with loads of British allure. It’s the best spot to relax and loosen up over the weekend, particularly of their beautiful outside space the place they even hand out blankets when it will get chilly.

Though the ribeye steak smelled wonderful, I stored it easy with drinks and went for a crisp, refreshing glass of Prosecco that was simply the factor for a sizzling day.

The Spaniards Inn – London NW3 7JJ – Open each Monday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, and each Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm.

Our Guides’ Favourite Historic Pubs

We discover that one of the best ways to grasp London’s soul is thru the picket counters of its oldest public homes. These venues have been chosen for his or her architectural preservation and the consistency of their native environment. We get pleasure from these spots as a result of they function communal residing rooms for the neighborhoods they inhabit. E-book a meals tour with us to be taught extra.

The Ship Soho

Photograph credit score: The Ship Soho

Hidden within the hip Soho district, the Ship is one in all London’s historic pubs that all the time has a very good environment, whatever the day of the week. With its heat picket inside and engaging musical historical past, you possibly can all the time rely on some indie or rock tunes enjoying within the background.

My buddies are regulars right here as they all the time come for the Fuller’s beer, which is a correct London brew, so I joined them for a pint just a few months again. Malty and hoppy, each sip was an absolute deal with.

The Ship Soho – London W1F 0TT – Open each Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

The Grenadier

Photograph credit score: The Grenadier

Out in Belgrave Sq. lies the Grenadier, a grand outdated boozer that’s a success with each locals and vacationers. Do because the regulars do and order some grub just like the indulgent beef Wellington, and deal with your self to one in all their well-known Bloody Marys.

I wasn’t ingesting that day, so I got here only for the meals. I went for the briny, battered haddock, paired with fresh-cut chips, and a facet of creamy mushy peas.

The Grenadier – London SW1X 7NR – Open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Pubs by Temper: Which One’s Proper for You?

Essentially the most appropriate pub for you’ll seemingly rely in your temper and journey companions. I’ve added a few of my prime suggestions beneath:

• Foodies have to take a look at the Anchor & Hope and the Bull & Final.
• The Gun and The Mayflower each present unbelievable views to get pleasure from with a chilly one.
• Sip on a collection of beers on the Southampton Arms and The Harp.
• Step into the previous in Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and the George Inn.
• Conceal away with a quiet pint at a comfortable pub in London just like the Spaniards Inn or the French Home.

Pub Etiquette: A Few Ideas for First-Timers

• In most British pubs in London, you’ll should order your drinks and pay on the bar every time you need one other spherical.
• Desk service isn’t actually a factor, except you’re eating out at an upmarket gastropub.
• It’s unusual for purchasers to tip at a bar, however just a few further quid is all the time appreciated.
• Many Londoners wish to order a ‘half pint,’ which is roughly 284 ml.
• Native pubs are identified for his or her vigorous environment, however when visiting, all the time be respectful in the direction of common prospects and keep away from making an excessive amount of noise.
• Sure institutions, just like the French Home, play music and don’t permit prospects to make use of their telephones, so all the time verify the principles earlier than visiting.

The Provenance of British Ale

We take nice pleasure within the range of actual ales and craft beers out there throughout our metropolis’s faucets. Lots of the pubs we function work straight with impartial breweries to make sure the freshness and high quality of each cask. You possibly can style the distinction in a pint that has been dealt with with the care and data of a devoted cellar grasp. Supporting these native provide chains helps hold the standard brewing business thriving in London.

Last Ideas: The Pub Is the Coronary heart of London

Visiting a pub in London is an expertise in itself. Come and discover a good nook, order just a few rounds of pints, and benefit from the buzz. No bar is constructed higher than one other, it’s extra about what you’re after. Whether or not you fancy a hearty roast, a neighborhood ale, or a pleasant drink by the hearth along with your mates, you’ll discover all of it right here in our London pub information.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (2023, October 23). Greatest conventional meals in London. Consuming Europe Weblog. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/london-foods-traditional/ Consuming Europe

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). London meals excursions. Consuming Europe. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/ Consuming Europe

The Mayflower. (n.d.). The Mayflower: London Pub. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.mayflowerpub.co.uk/ The Mayflower

City Pubs & Bars. (n.d.). Lord Wargrave – Marylebone. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.urbanpubsandbars.com/venues/lord-wargrave urbanpubsandbars.com

The Albion. (2025). About The Albion Pub. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.the-albion.co.uk/ The Albion Pub

The Grenadier. (n.d.). Welcome to The Grenadier. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.grenadierbelgravia.com/ The Grenadier

The Spaniards Inn. (n.d.). Welcome to The Spaniards Inn in London. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.thespaniardshampstead.co.uk/ thespaniardshampstead.co.uk

The Ship. (2025). The Ship – Fuller’s Pub and Restaurant in Soho. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.shipsoho.co.uk/ shipsoho.co.uk

Ye Olde Mitre. (n.d.). Ye Olde Mitre – Historic Fuller’s Pub in Hatton Backyard. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.yeoldemitreholborn.co.uk/ yeoldemitreholborn.co.uk