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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, usually in centuries-old institutions. There’s a pub within the capital for everybody, from historic nook bars and gastropubs to full of life native taverns that keep open late. Folks come right here for all kinds of causes, as some like to look at 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 individuals behind the bar, unbelievable meals, and that feeling such as you belong. I’ve rounded up my record of the most effective 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 Finest Pubs in London (and Why They’re Price Visiting)

The Mayflower Pub

Picture credit score: The Mayflower Pub

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

I used to be fortunate sufficient to snag a seat in the out of doors seating space going through the river on the Saturday I visited, because it crammed 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 at all times one thing new to strive.

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

Picture credit score: Lord Wargrave

Whiskey lovers have to swing by the fashionable Lord Wargrave in Marylebone to strive 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.

Once I dropped by, there was soccer on, so the place was buzzing. I nonetheless managed to discover a desk and bask 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.

The Albion

Picture credit score: The Albion

Tucked away in Islington, the Albion is a gastropub set inside a good looking 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 area is right when it’s raining. Daytime attracts in households, however come night, issues can get a bit full of life with a youthful crowd.

Once 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 Grenadier

Picture credit score: The Grenadier

Out in Belgrave Sq. lies the Grenadier, a grand previous 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 consuming 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 each day from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

The Spaniards Inn

Picture credit score: The Spaniards Inn

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

Though the ribeye steak smelled wonderful, I saved 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.

The Ship Soho

Picture credit score: The Ship Soho

Hidden within the hip Soho district, the Ship is one in all London’s historic pubs that at all times has a great ambiance, whatever the day of the week. With its heat picket inside and interesting musical historical past, you’ll be able to at all times depend on some indie or rock tunes taking part in within the background.

My mates are regulars right here as they at all times 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.

Ye Outdated Mitre

Picture credit score: Ye Outdated Mitre

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

Being one of many essential craft beer pubs in London, I needed to strive no less than one, and it was the IVO Pale Ale that caught my eye. It didn’t disappoint with its hops and fruity flavors.

Ye Outdated 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.

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

Probably the most appropriate pub for you’ll probably rely in your temper and journey companions. I’ve added a few of my high suggestions under:

• Foodies have to take a look at the Anchor & Hope and the Bull & Final.
• The Gun and The Mayflower each present unimaginable 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.
• Cover 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 need to order your drinks and pay on the bar every time you need one other spherical.
• Desk service isn’t actually a factor, until 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 at all times appreciated.
• Many Londoners wish to order a ‘half pint,’ which is roughly 284 ml.
• Native pubs are identified for his or her full of life ambiance, however when visiting, at all times be respectful in 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 at all times examine the principles earlier than visiting.

Closing 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 fireside along with your mates, you’ll discover all of it right here in our London pub information.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (2023, October 23). Finest 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