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The 28 best pubs in London

By Euan Ferguson

Along with red phone boxes, rickshaw cycles and pigeons, the pub is a ubiquitous sight in the heart of London – so much so that it's hard to know how to pick one. Unfortunately, they're often less than inspiring, owned by the same faceless brewery chains, selling the same beer, floored with the same tired carpet. In researching my book Drink London , I visited dozens of pubs in the city, and here are 28 of the very finest – worth seeking out whether you're a weekender or a born-and-bred Cockney. Or check out our list of the best pubs with beer gardens in London .

The best pubs in central London

1. The Royal Oak, Marylebone

Best pub in central London for: British produce

Ah, a sunny Sunday afternoon in Marylebone – the song the Kinks never recorded. I’ve been coming to this part of town for over two decades now, usually finding space for a pint at one pub or another. Marylebone’s got increasingly chi-chier during that time, drawing people into the High Street and Chiltern Firehouse, but broad York Street still feels local, part of the neighbourhood scene. There’s the domed tower of St Mary’s for a landmark, and a rare set of bow-fronted shops from the Georgian era. The Royal Oak, which opened in 1807, was rebooted a few years ago but thankfully hasn’t been smartened up too much inside – it’s still a pub, with ceiling panels and large windows for natural light. Downstairs is one big space, with tables outside and stools by the window; upstairs is a dining room, more for private events.

They did a marvellous nduja Scotch egg a few years back, which has now evolved into a pancetta one, equally chomp-able, with roast aioli to dunk it in; the menu is less meaty these days, with crisp tempura broccoli to crunch on, miso-crusted cod and a plant-based burger for mains – though there’s still the roast beef sandwich for lunch, a zingy fried chicken smeared in apricot harissa, and splendid Sunday roasts, with a crumble for afters. It’s one of the few places where you can order a London Particular – that pea and ham soup named after the city’s infamous fogs. This is time-out-of-mind, take-it-slowly London, a place to slip away to for a few hours with a purchase from Daunt’s Books round the corner. There aren’t many other pubs where I’m prepared to wait half an hour for a table, nursing a pint of Two Tribes Metroland and watching the world go by. Rick Jordan

Address : The Royal Oak, 74 York Street, London W1H 1QN Website : theroyaloakmarylebone.co.uk

2. The Harp, Covent Garden

Best pub in Central London for: a tactical retreat from the tourists

A gentle dawdle from the crowds and splashing fountains of Trafalgar Square, you'll find this individual public house – look out for the cascades of colourful hanging baskets of flowers. The beer selection is varied, locally focused and brilliant, thanks to a long-serving landlady, and, in a welcome change to the standard fish and chips pub menu, the Harp serves only butcher's sausages in baps to eat. In the summer, the big stained glass windows are thrown open, making the seats at the front a great place to watch those ceaseless hordes pass by and feel glad you found such a perfect little place.

Address : The Harp, 47 Chandos Place, London WC2N Website : harpcoventgarden.com

3. Audley Public House, Mayfair

Best pub in central London for: light bits and a traditional feel

Audley Public House is one of the newer additions to Mayfair ’s elegant drinking scene – sort of, anyway. Thoughtful restoration and lots of creativity transformed this 200-year-old pub into a traditional space with an oddly modern feel. Artfarm is behind the revival, the hospitality company responsible for The Fife Arms. The restored wood panelling is original, and specially commissioned artworks adorn the walls alongside notable pieces from Hauser & Wirth’s extensive roster of artists. Sunday roasts are served in the pub, although it’s worth trying out the bar snacks like the warming sausage roll, coronation crab on toast, and London rarebit. Upstairs, at Mount Street Restaurant, Jamie Shears’ menu showcases the best produce from his favourite UK suppliers in dishes – expect Orkney scallops, Durslade Farm lamb, and Yorkshire grouse and goose liver pie. CS

Address: The Audley Public House, 41-43 Mount Street, London W1K 2RX Website: theaudleypublichouse.com

4. The Newman Arms, Fitzrovia

Best pub in central London for: unpretentious beer on tap

The Newman Arms is one of London's most storied pubs – it was integral to Fitzrovia ’s fecund 20th-century literary scene, and has been in existence since 1730, so it was a real shame when it closed in 2017. But new operator, the London-based Truman Brewery, itself a revived concern, reopened it in 2018 and it’s just as a pub like this should be – cosy, clubby and unpretentious, with Truman’s great real ales on tap and the reputation for proper handmade pies intact. A happy ending.

Address : The Newman Arms, 23 Rathbone Street, London W1T 1NG Website : thenewmanarms.co.uk

5. The Guinea Grill, Mayfair

Best pub in central London for: carnivores

There are corners of Mayfair that seem insulated from progress: the hedge funds, the specialist gunmakers, the old-school barbers and the discreet hotels . Add to that list, The Guinea, which has been feeding and watering folk around these parts for centuries (although the building’s been replaced a couple of times over the years). In the front is a classic old pub serving Young’s beer; through the back is the reliable Guinea Grill, which serves slabs of top-class Aberdeen Angus beef and not much else. An institution.

Address : The Guinea Grill, 30 Bruton Street, London W1J 6NL Website : theguinea.co.uk

6. Jamaica Wine House, The City

Best pub in central London for: catching up with a wine lover

On the site of this hidden-away City tavern stood London’s first coffee house , ‘at the sign of Pasqua Rosée’s Head’; built in 1652, it’s now a traditional pub a world away from the big, brash chain bars that dominate the Square Mile. It’s in public houses such as this – reached through a maze of ancient alleyways and with dark wood partitions – that business has been done the old-fashioned way for centuries, with a handshake, a nod and a pint. Downstairs is known as Todd’s, which specialises in wine.

Address : Jamaica Wine House, St Michael’s Alley, off Cornhill, London EC3V 9DS Website : jamaicawinehouse.co.uk

7. Ye Old Mitre, Clerkenwell

Best pub in central London for: a lesson in the history of public houses

At one time, this pub stood on land owned by the Bishop of Ely. The story goes that felons on the run could claim refuge from City of London constabulary here as it wasn’t technically part of London. It’s ancient, having originally been built in 1546, although it was rebuilt in 1782 and refitted in 1930, so its colourful history isn’t immediately obvious. The ale is real and the food is comfortingly traditional with toasties and pies. It’s notoriously hard to find; follow the sound of animated cheer down an alley from Hatton Garden to a cosy, characterful hideaway.

Address : Ye Olde Mitre, 1 Ely Court, London EC1N 6SJ Website : yeoldemitreholborn.co.uk

8. Princess Louise, Holborn

Best pub in Central London for: a step back to the golden age of public houses

London isn't short of grand 19th-century gin palaces, but this is the queen of them all. No one could fail to be awed by the sheer effort those Victorians put into their boozers; there's intricate tiling, gold cornicing, etched glass screens, marble pillars, stained windows and polished wood in glorious abundance throughout, all preserved as if the craftsmen who built it only just knocked off. But it's no museum – during the day, it's a fine pub for a quiet pint, and in the evenings, an after-work crowd flock from the offices of Holborn. Drink in the history and marvel at a true London one-off.

Address : Princess Louise, 208 High Holborn, London WC1V

John O'Ceallaigh

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Monisha Rajesh

9. The French House, Soho

Best pub in Central London for: a post-work drink with a difference

Like a pub-shaped Tardis, the French House is a time-travelling glimpse into a boho Soho of years gone by, when the area was an anything-goes playground for actors, artists, playboys, poets, free thinkers and hard drinkers. It looks unchanged since the 1960s, with monochrome portraits of starry patrons lining the wood-panelled walls. These days, it's rarely anything less than packed with a diverse crowd and full of sparkling chatter: the owners keep something of the libertine spirit alive by serving beer only in halves but plenty of Champagnes by the glass. Find something – anything – to celebrate, squeeze into the French House, order some bubbles and forget the world outside for a while.

Address : 49 Dean Street, London W1D Website : frenchhousesoho.com

10. The Grenadier, Belgravia

Best pub in Central London for: a refresher after a day in the park

Only the most ardent wanderers will stumble upon this exceptionally secluded spot – it's halfway down a beautiful but incongruous cobbled mews lane off a grand Belgravia square near Hyde Park and Green Park. So don't leave it to chance – seek it out, and you'll be rewarded with one of London's most singular spots for a drink. The name comes from an age-old military connection (it was built to house an army regiment), and there are numerous apocryphal tales about its history and even hauntings, but forget all that, and you're simply left with an evocative and atmospheric old pub, cosy in the winter and hidden away enough to be peaceful come summer.

Address : The Grenadier, 18 Wilton Row, Belgravia, London SW1X 7NR 1QP Website : grenadierbelgravia.com

The best pubs in South London

11. The King's Arms, Waterloo

Best pub in South London for: the atmosphere

The neat terraced streets of workers’ houses between Waterloo station and the river provide a glimpse into a Georgian London rarely seen; they’re worth a wander on their own, but happily, tucked into the middle of them is this most traditional of city pubs. There’s a reason it’s always packed to overflowing – real ales on tap, a no-nonsense wooden horseshoe bar, a jolly old atmosphere and a sizeable Thai restaurant out the back. The food at such places can often be an uninspiring approximation, but here it’s always vibrant and authentic.

Address : The Kings Arms, 25 Roupell Street, London SE1 8TB Website : thekingsarmslondon.co.uk

12. Skehans, Nunhead

Best pub in South London for: good craic

No one does hospitality like the Irish, and so a proper Irish pub is a joy to find – although too many are old-country approximations. Here’s the real deal, independent and family-owned, in the heart of south London . The exterior is a treat, with hanging baskets and lots of greenery; it has pool and darts, local beer and of course an immaculate Guinness. Chuck in live music every week, sport on television and good Thai food in the garden, and you have everything that makes pubs indispensable.

Address : Skehans, 1 Kitto Road, London SE14 5TW Website : skehans.com

13. The Royal Oak, Southwark

Best pub in South London for: traditionalists

Green glazed bricks on the outside, timeworn wood on the inside, real ales aplenty and net curtains protecting the privacy of the jolly locals... is there a more perfect old pub in London? It’s conveniently close to London Bridge but the backstreet location means that only those in the know end up on one of its seats. It’s a capital outpost of Sussex brewery Harvey’s, so a pint of its Best Bitter is always a fine choice. The Royal Oak is the definition of traditional and all the better for it.

Address : The Royal Oak, 44 Tabard Street, London SE1 4JU Website : royaloaklondon.co.uk

14. The Alma, Crystal Palace

Best pub in South London for: Victorian charm

The Alma is an independent pub close to Crystal Palace, known for its glass frontage and Victorian charm (the building dates back to the 1850s). Craft beer is big business here, so sample the rotating range from breweries like the East London Brewing Company and Brick Brewery. Sundays are for traditional roasts, but the contemporary menu served Monday to Saturday is just as fabulous. Burgers and steaks sit alongside fancier dishes such as khao soi with crispy tofu, sweet potato and jasmine rice. Save room for dessert – it’d be a crime not to dive into the sticky toffee pudding. CS

Address: The Alma Crystal Palace, 95 Church Road, London SE19 2TA Website: thealmapub.com

The best pubs in West London

15. The Harwood Arms, Fulham

Best pub in West London for: a Michelin-starred meal in unpretentious surroundings

This pretty and elegantly scuffed place pushes the boundaries of what can be called a pub. One can indeed sit and just order a drink, but the set tables and attentive waiters leave no doubt that this is a gastropub. And not just any gastropub: Fulhamites flock here for the Michelin-starred food, much of which is game shot in the Home Counties (see the monochrome portraits on the walls of hunting parties and be left in no doubt where your plateful came from). Drinkers can tuck into bar snacks – roe deer and walnut terrine, say. A pack of peanuts will never again suffice.

Address : The Harwood Arms, Walham Grove, London SW6 1QP Website : harwoodarms.com

16. Bricklayers Arms, Putney

Best pub in West London for: real ales

Comfortably detached from the west London riverfront, comfortably detached from the bustle of Putney proper and Wandsworth, comfortably detached from the real world, in fact, this Camra-approved pub has a timeless feel. That’s mainly due to the fact it was built in 1826 and looks unchanged since, with low ceilings and a pleasingly lived-in feel. In winter, a British stout by the coal fire is a rare treat; in summer, the beer garden fills up with ale lovers who know this unpretentious place is somewhere to be celebrated.

Address : The Bricklayers Arms, 32 Waterman Street, London SW15 1DD Website : bricklayers-arms.co.uk

17. The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

Best pub in West London for: losing a whole Sunday afternoon in a cosy, buzzy setting

The Cadogan – a well-known and much-loved Chelsea institution – reopened its doors after a full renovation in July 2021, with a whole new team, look and menu. With Dominic Jacobs (who looks after the Running Horse in Mayfair) and JKS Restaurants at the helm, and Alex Harper (The Ledbury, The Harwood Arms) and James Knappet (Kitchen Table) in the kitchen, hopes of restoring this spot to its former glory were in safe hands. Updated decor manages to feel traditional with a modern twist – chandeliers hang from the freshly painted intricate ceiling in the main bar, while lamps and bright artwork warm the wood-panelled walls in the dining area. Burnt orange velvets, deep green and tan leather chairs are pulled around brass and marble tables, and huge dried flower displays show off the fireplaces. The focus is local and seasonal, with a menu full of British pub classics that stir a sense of nostalgia. Black pudding scotch egg, prawn cocktail and fish and chips are among our faves, while the strawberry sherry trifle is a must. Cancel the rest of your plans for the day, The Cadogan is the kind of place you’ll find it difficult to leave. Sarah Allard

Address : 298 King's Road, London SW3 5UG Website : thecadoganarms.london

18. The Churchill Arms, Kensington

Best pub in West London for: photo opportunities

This Kensington watering hole is arguably the most famous in London – or at least the most photographed as Christmas creeps closer. The building dates back to the mid-18th century, and an earlier incarnation of the pub was a favourite of Winston Churchill’s grandparents. The pub is decked in colourful foliage, pinks, whites and purples cascading over the windows during the spring and summer months. In the winter, dozens of Christmas trees adorn the exterior, and fairy lights illuminate the street. It’s now owned by Fuller’s, so expect a classic British menu and lots of real ales. CS

Address: The Churchill Arms, 119 Kensington Church Street, London W8 7LN Website: churchillarmskensington.co.uk

19. Crooked Billet, Wimbledon

Best pub in West London for: a village feel

Drinking in this Wimbledon Village pub is like being transported to a charming Cotswolds hamlet. Over the warmer months, outside seating takes the form of deckchairs carried out to the green out front, and pints are served in sturdy reusable plastic tumblers to cope with demand. No high-rise buildings around means the sun shines here for much of the day, so afternoons and evenings fly by quickly. Naturally, the Victorian pub is dog-friendly, and seasonal menus draw in locals and other Londoners in the know. Dip crostini in gooey baked camembert, pick at a Cornish ploughman's board, or opt for a classic fish and chip dinner. CS

Address: Crooked Billet, 15 Crooked Billet, London SW19 4RQ Website: thecrookedbilletwimbledon.com

The best pubs in East London

20. Pride of Spitalfields

Best pub in East London for: taking in the sights and sounds of London's hippest area Almost all of the pubs around Brick Lane have followed fashion to cater for the hordes of hipsters who flock to this famous old street every night – but not the Pride. With its net curtains, wood-burning stove, patterned carpet and uninterested cat, it’s a glimpse into an East End largely lost – it’s also a friendly, quirky place to escape the real world. Order something by London brewery Truman’s – its spiritual home, the Black Eagle Brewery, was nearby on Brick Lane.

Address : Pride of Spitalfields, 3 Heneage Street, London E1 5LJ

21. Pembury Tavern

Best pub in East London for: craft beer and perfect pizza

Holding its own against the non-stop traffic that crisscrosses the junction here, the Pembury is a 21st-century update of a traditional pub. Its refurb gave it an austere but handsome look inside and out, and it’s big enough to accommodate the crowds that use it as a handy meeting spot for all occasions. Beer is from Five Points, one of the original Hackney craft breweries that started out just over the road: it’s dependably good (try the barrel-aged Railway Porter on cask). Food is pizza , and mighty fine it is too. After a visit there you’d be tempted to ask: what more do you need from a pub?

Address : The Pembury Tavern, 90 Amhurst Road, London, E8 1JH Website : pemburytavern.co.uk

22. The People's Park Tavern, Victoria Park

Best pub in East London for: late-night antics

Stroll through Victoria Park on a summer afternoon, past picnicking families and frisbee-throwers, and stumble upon Hackney’s liveliest al-fresco hideout. The secret garden space seems a million miles away from the busy streets of East London’s arty neighbourhoods, making it the perfect place to dive into plates of BBQ grub and sip the day away by the pop-up cocktail bar. Committed pubbers stay here until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays when DJs soundtrack nights from 9pm onwards. CS

Address: The People's Park Tavern, 360 Victoria Park Road, London E9 7BX Website: peoplesparktavern.pub

23. Prospect of Whitby, Wapping

Best pub in East London for: riverside drinking

For a city with a massive river running through the middle of it, London has surprisingly few riverside pubs: the prime positions tend to be monopolised by grand buildings in the west, warehouses in the east. However, tucked-away Wapping has three pubs right on the Thames, and this just stands out as the best. It dates back to 1520 – well, the flagstone floor does at least – and has a real sense of history. Head straight for the deck at the back, where you can gaze over the water to the wharves of Rotherhithe and the towers of Canary Wharf. A properly atmospheric London drinking experience.

Address : Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH Website : greeneking-pubs.co.uk

The best pubs in North London

24. The Queen's Head, King's Cross

Best pub in North London for: killing time with a pint

The streets around the great stations can be uninspiring, which makes this friendly free house near King’s Cross St Pancras stand out even more. Preserving many of its original Victorian features, it’s run by a genuine beer and cider devotee who changes the casks and kegs on offer regularly. Food comes on boards: British cheeses , say, or Spanish charcuterie; and what’s more, there’s a piano – and nothing says ‘local’ like a singalong.

Address : The Queen's Head, 66 Acton Street, London WC1X 9NB Website : queensheadlondon.com

25. Holly Bush, Hampstead

Best pub in North London for: a post-ramble pint

There are several fine pubs in Hampstead, but this one edges ahead due to its in-the-know location on a steep lane near the station, and the delightful Grade-II listed building. There’s a real fire for winter, and a few prime seats out the front for when the sun shines; it’s lined with ancient-looking wood panelling and furnished in stately leather. The Holly Bush is a Fuller’s house, so the ale’s always well kept too. Perfect for a Sunday roast and a pint after a blowy trudge across the nearby Heath.

Address : Holly Bush, 22 Holly Mount, London NW3 6SG Website: hollybushhampstead.co.uk

26. The Hawley Arms, Camden

Best pub in North London for: music In these days of craft beer bars with more taps than a Bruce Forsyth routine, or gastropubs that are basically restaurants which happen to serve beer, it’s easy to forget that pubs have another time-honoured function: entertainment. The Hawley Arms could stake a claim to being the most famous music pub in London now, and although it’s only been around in its current incarnation since 2004, it’s a central part of the still thriving Camden scene. Head to one of its low-key gigs or stop by any night for the rock ’n’ roll atmosphere.

Address : The Hawley Arms, 2 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8QU Website : thehawleyarms.co.uk

27. The Harrison Pub, King’s Cross

Best pub in North London for: plant-based Sundays

The Harrison is a traditional pub found slightly south of King’s Cross Station, making it the perfect place for an ice-cold pint and spot of grub when a post-travel pitstop is much needed. There’s an outdoor terrace (heated for chillier evenings) and many events, including live music on Fridays and Saturdays and pub quizzes on Mondays. The pub’s Sunday roasts are a must. Layer slithers of roast beef, lamb, pork belly, chicken, or nut and falafel roasts on top of all the trimmings, and try your best not to drift into a food coma. Looking for a place to stay with easy access to the bar? There are a handful of cosy rooms upstairs! CS

Address: The Harrison Pub & Hotel, 28 Harrison Street, London WC1H 8JF Website: harrisonbar.co.uk

28. The Southampton Arms, Highgate

Best pub in North London for: something simple When it (re)opened in 2010, the Southampton Arms seemed to represent something new in London – no fancy name, no flock wallpaper or ironic taxidermy, no kitchen… But really, it’s the authentic spirit of the pub reborn. Furniture is mainly restricted to penitential pews, and the gas style lamps look somewhat strict, but a happy hubbub of customers warms things up (as do the basic but welcome pub snacks, like pork pies). Everything on the many taps – real ales, craft beer, authentic cider – is all made in the British Isles , which is one reason among many that you should visit.

Address : The Southampton Arms, 139 Highgate Road, London NW5 1LE Website : thesouthamptonarms.co.uk

The Best Must-Visit Pubs in London

The pub is a Great British institution – and London is a testament to that. Some 3,500 pubs line the capital’s streets, from centuries-old watering holes to modern Michelin-starred gastropubs. Planning to visit London and have a pub tour? Here’s our pick of the best from around the city.

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The Auld Shillelagh

London’s most authentic Irish pub – in trendy Stoke Newington, one of north London’s liveliest hubs – prides itself on pouring the best Guinness in the capital. Run by an Irish landlord, the Auld Shillelagh hosts live music every Friday from its resident trad band, who’ve been performing here for more than 15 years. Enjoy sports on multiple big screens, or head out to the suntrap of a beer garden in summer.

Ye Olde Mitre

Ye Olde Mitre , hidden down a tiny alleyway off Hatton Garden, might be a challenge to find – but it’s worth the hunt. This slice of London history dates back to 1546 when it marked the boundary of the Bishop of Ely’s land; note the cherry tree in the small courtyard that Queen Elizabeth I once danced around. Sip on an award-winning beer or a pint of London Pride, accompanied by a pork pie, while soaking up the pub’s old-worldly feel, with oak panelling and stained-glass windows.

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Bradley’s Spanish Bar

There’s nothing pretentious about Bradley’s Spanish Bar , despite its prime location on a cut-through between Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road. Expect a bold red-and-yellow exterior, shabby-chic decor and loyal regulars drinking pints of San Miguel and Estrella Damm. Head down to the basement level for ’70s and ’80s tunes on the retro jukebox, and don’t forget to try Bradley’s signature tequila sangrita – a shot of tequila chased with a shot of spicy tomato juice.

Cask Pub & Kitchen

Craft-beer aficionado? You’ll love Cask Pub & Kitchen , which stocks more than 25 drafts and 300 bottled beers from all over the world. Billed as “London’s permanent beer festival”, the pub and its owners are committed to keeping the cask-ale tradition alive in the UK and are constantly rotating their beer selection. On Sundays, the Pimlico pub is crammed with beer fans who come for the hearty roast dinners and live folk music, featuring acoustic bluegrass and Irish musicians.

The Coach & Horses

This skinny Tudor-style pub, on Mayfair’s prestigious Bruton Street, dates back to the 1770s when horses and carriages ruled the streets of London. The pub is thought to be the area’s oldest surviving tavern. Now run by the Greene King brand, the Grade II-listed Coach and Horses retains its ancient charm with stained-glass windows, original cellars and wooden furnishings. Try one of the rotational cask ales with some proper pub food, be it a pie or bangers and mash.

Mr Fogg’s Tavern

Themed after the fictional Victorian explorer Phileas Fogg, this traditional tavern offers bags of charm. In the heart of Covent Garden, the pub is stuffed with 19th-century artefacts supposedly gathered from Fogg’s 80-day journey around the world. The off-beat decor is complemented by rare gins, tankards of ale and Phileas’s fruity alcoholic punches, which are perfect for summer afternoons in the outdoor seating area. Dishes include sausage rolls or burgers with chips, with vegan alternatives available.

The Churchill Arms

This Kensington institution, named after the famous former prime minister, dates back to 1750; it was even a regular haunt of Winston Churchill’s grandparents in the 1800s. Inside, you’ll find open fires, a selection of ales, Churchill memorabilia and strangely, superb Thai food served in the butterfly-themed conservatory. The historic pub is known for its rowdy annual celebrations that commemorate Churchill’s birthday and its incredible flower displays covering the pub’s exterior, which have won awards at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The French House

The French House, a Soho bastion, is as sophisticated as it sounds, offering fine dining in its wood-panelled upstairs restaurant. Its Michelin-recommended menu is ever-changing, boasting a range of gourmet seafood and meat dishes and an extensive wine list and champagne. It also has a no music, TV or phone policy. It has been a staple for bohemians and creatives over the years, including Dylan Thomas, Francis Bacon and Charles de Gaulle.

The Grenadier

If you like a good ghost story, get yourself down to the Grenadier in swanky Belgravia. Once an officers’ mess, the pub is supposedly haunted by a soldier called Cedric, who was beaten to death after cheating at cards. Today, money from visitors seeking to pay off Cedric’s debt covers the cellar’s ceiling. Aside from its spooky history, the Grenadier is famous for its traditional English pub grub, which includes beef wellington and toffee pudding, along with its wide selection of beers, wines and spirits.

The Pineapple

Built in 1868, the Pineapple is a typical London boozer, complete with Victorian brass decor, fireplaces and a compact-yet-sunny beer garden. The pub is cherished by Kentish Town residents, who successfully campaigned to save the Grade II-listed building from demolition in 2002. There’s a distinct community vibe at the Pineapple, with regular quiz nights, cheese Thursdays and excellent Thai street food. Try a range of organic ciders and beers, real ales and wines.

The Spaniards Inn

A stop-off at the historic Spaniards Inn, mentioned in Dickens’s The Pickwick Papers (1836), is the best way to round-off a walk around Hampstead Heath. While this pub has the feeling of a country inn (and is especially cosy in winter), it’s very much a part of the city. Its selection of cask ales rotates regularly, and you’ll have plenty of options to pair with its gastropub food offerings.

In East London, the Marksman was the first pub in the city to earn the title of Michelin Pub of the Year in 2017. As you might imagine, it’s big on quality food and alcohol, serving classic British fare and knockout Sunday roasts. It boasts a traditional wood-panelled bar area and an upstairs dining room.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Sitting inside a Grade II-listed public house, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is no less than a Fleet Street institution, having stood on its plot since being rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in the 1600s. It’s best known for hosting literary folk such as Dickens. Explore the many nooks and crannies of this historic pub before enjoying a pint or two of Sam Smiths.

Harwood Arms

The Harwood Arms , co-owned by Brett Graham of the Ledbury, holds a Michelin star for its top-notch menu and wines. The pub is known for using the best ingredients from top suppliers, including game when it’s in season, while its wine list is nothing short of extensive.

Lamb and Flag

Given its prime location in Covent Garden, the Lamb and Flag can get very busy – but it’s worth putting up with the crowds because it’s a real gem of a pub. It has a rich history, including a reputation for bare-knuckle brawling in the 19th century. As well as plenty of ales and beers behind the bar, it has a strong whisky collection.

The Mayflower

The Mayflower , the oldest pub on the Thames, is a quintessential English pub. Expect old church pews and a charming interior, complete with a terrace overlooking the river. Meanwhile, you can see where the Mayflower was moored in 1620 before sailing towards the south coast and eventually to America.

Earl of Essex

Head to Islington’s Earl of Essex if you’re serious about beer. This Georgian pub is well stocked with craft beers – whether in bottles, casks or kegs. The day’s brews are listed on the wall, including local and international varieties.

While the Harp may look small from the outside, it has a lot of beer and cider behind its stained-glass windows. In addition to its 10 handpumps, the pub also serves guest brews, ciders and perries from around the country. It does have bar snacks, but the alcohol comes first at this drinker’s pub.

Blythe Hill Tavern

Blythe Hill Tavern , between Forest Hill and Catford, is a traditional Victorian pub loved for its relaxed atmosphere, garden and streaming of sports. With open fires and live traditional Irish music, anticipate a very friendly welcome and a vast cider selection.

The Carpenters Arms

The Carpenters Arms has quite the history – it’s affiliated with notorious East London gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who bought it for their mother in 1967. Today, it boasts a much more relaxing vibe, but it gets busy on the weekends. The beer selection is wonderfully varied, with lots of bottles joining those on tap.

The Holy Tavern

Looking at the interior design, which features centuries-old furnishings, you’d think Clerkenwell’s Holy Tavern has been around for a similar amount of time. However, it’s only been a pub since the 1990s. It’s run by the folks behind St Peter’s Brewery in Suffolk, so you’ll find its range of beers behind the bar, including fruity brews.

Crown & Anchor

Brixton’s Crown & Anchor , sister to the Jolly Butchers in Stoke Newington, prides itself on its beer selection. It features many brewers from across the country, while new beers pop up regularly. Its beers, ciders and ales are also used in the kitchen, cropping up across the classic pub grub food menu.

The Southampton Arms

Come to the Southampton Arms in Highgate if you like old-fashioned pubs. It doesn’t like taking phone calls, reservations or card payments, so you’ll need to bring cash. The beers and ciders come from independent breweries across the UK, including Burning Sky, Howling Hops and Five Points; it also serves delicious charcuterie boards.

People’s Park Tavern

Not only does the People’s Park Tavern look out onto Victoria Park, but it also has a massive beer garden of its own, which is the main pull of the pub. It’s often full on the weekends, and there is always something going on – think crazy golf outside, barbecues, quiz nights and live music.

The Scarsdale Tavern

In a beautiful part of Kensington, the Scarsdale Tavern offers respite from the busy surrounding shopping streets. There’s a brilliant selection of real ales, while fans of modern British fare will enjoy the braised hunks of meat, pies, pickled eggs and scotch eggs.

Cat & Mutton

Cat & Mutton , at the top of Broadway Market, always has a steady flow of people coming in and out, thanks to its great atmosphere. Luckily, there is plenty of space, both upstairs and downstairs, along with benches out on the street. It often has local brews on tap at the copper-topped bar, along with a great cocktail list.

The Sun of Camberwell

The Sun of Camberwell is a real hit with the area’s residents. It boasts drinking areas outside in the front and back, along with a spacious and eclectically designed interior bar. Expect modern British gastropub fare and strong drinks.

The George Inn

The 17th-century George Inn , protected by the National Trust, is the capital’s last surviving galleried coaching inn. It’s possible that Shakespeare drank here – although it has been rebuilt since his time. Take your drinks and sit out in the courtyard during summer evenings.

The Faltering Fullback

The Faltering Fullback , an Irish pub in Stroud Green, is loved for its beer garden, Thai food menu and TVs that broadcast sports. It’s also well known for its eclectic design inspiration, with lots of knick-knacks hanging from the ceiling and adorning the walls.

The Dove , smack bang on the River Thames, has a pretty unbeatable location along with a rich history. Charles II used to frequent the pub with his mistress Nell Gwyn, and James Thompson composed Rule Britannia on the premises. As it’s owned by Fuller’s, you can find many of its cask ales on tap, alongside guest beers and an extensive wine list.

Amy Blyth contributed additional reporting to this article.

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10 Best and Most Historic English Pubs In London in 2024

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: October 30, 2023

London has an amazing history and some of its pubs date back to the 16th century. Using my local knowledge, I can point you toward your first stop for a welcoming atmosphere and memorable drinking experience. Not all of them are historical landmarks, but all are amongst the capital’s best pubs. Check out the best English pubs in London with history.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  best London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

10 Top Pubs In London with History

If you’re visiting London, you have to make a stop at an English pub. And with a history as rich as London’s, you might as well make it a historical pub! However, not all are created equal.

As a local expert, I’ve put together this list of the best and most historic pubs in London. Expect great beer, a warm and inviting atmosphere and, in some cases, tourist attractions close by. Want to see the best of London in a day ? Check out our awesome London tours and day trips.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it .

10. Spaniards Inn

Historic | 16th Century | Great English Poets | Hampstead

This historic pub in leafy Hampstead oozes character. Built in 1585, they’ve tried to retain some of the 16th-century authenticity with antique-looking furnishings and fireplace. It’s not particularly close to a train station, but you’ll enjoy the trek through quiet lanes and greenery to find it. 

Britain’s greatest writers including poets Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, and his wife Frankenstein author Mary Shelley are said to have been pub regulars here. Interestingly, the publicans also claim another great English poet John Keats wrote his classic poem “Ode to A Nightingale” in the beer garden.

Address: Spaniards Rd

9. Brew Dog

€€ | Super-sized | Specialist | Craft Beers | Tower Hill Tourism | Historic Church

If you’ve ever drunk at a highly recommended pub but still believe all beer tastes the same, then this pub is my personal recommendation for an unforgettable drinking experience. It’s easy to find because it is one of London’s biggest pubs and seems to take up a whole block on one end of the street! 

Some of their specialty craft beers are pricey, but you can buy quarter pints to sample their rich variety without going over budget. It’s not too far from attractions in London’s Tower Hill like the Tower of London. Also, All Hallows-by-the-Tower, one of London’s oldest churches and St. Dunstan in the East, the ruins of a gothic church are nearby.

Address: 21 Great Tower St

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8. The Lamb & Flag

Very Small | Covent Garden | West End | Outdoor Drinking | Laid Back

Whether or not this is London’s smallest pub, it certainly has an interesting history. There’s barely room to squeeze past customers and order your drink, yet tourists flock here in spite of, or because of this. Remarkably, there are more people standing outside with their drinks than inside, because they can’t fit in!

In the 1800s, it was notorious for holding illegal bare-knuckle fights and there are vintage fight posters that highlight this historic connection. Also, poet John Dryden was allegedly attacked in the pub’s alley by thugs sent by the Earl of Rochester. The pub’s owners have honoured Dryden by naming one of their upstairs rooms after him.

Address : 33 Rose St

7. Founders Arms

Riverside Pub | Stunning Views | Bankside Tourist Attractions | Tate Modern | Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

You can soak up the unique atmosphere of London’s Bankside and enjoy amazing views along the River Thames. This pub reaps the benefits of such a location with lots of full-length windows and a riverside terrace. Notably, it’s in Southwark’s cultural centre minutes away from the Tate Modern gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. So, explore Bankside!

Attractions such as Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde galleon and the Clink Museum are also along this stretch of the river. But my advice is to get a riverside table and enjoy the magnificent views of St Paul’s Cathedral at night. You’ll agree, few pubs can match the combination of lively tourist location and down-to-earth pub vibe. 

Address: 52 Hopton St

6. The Dove

London’s Smallest Pub | Locals Rather Than Tourists | Laid Back | King Charles II

It’s a peculiar coincidence that London’s smallest pubs also seem to have the most interesting histories. Here again, this pub was once in the Guinness Book of Records for having the UK’s smallest bar.

Locals and publicans alike take pride in the rumours that King Charles II visited with his mistress Nell Gwyn. One might guess that these historic figures sought these small, off-the-beaten-track pubs to get some privacy. Similarly, I recommend you visit if you want somewhere a little quieter. 

Address: 19 Upper Mall

5. The Good Mixer

Traditional | Local Favourite | Britpop | Oasis vs Blur | Amy Winehouse | Live Music | Camden

At first glance, this Camden Town pub doesn’t seem to have that stand out quality as something special. What sets the Good Mixer apart is its connection to British pop history. Camden is where the Britpop independent rock movement of the 1990s took off and most of its stars headed for The Good Mixer. 

There’s a much-repeated story about Liam Gallagher from Oasis and Graham Coxon, the guitarist from Blur, having a light-hearted disagreement in the bar. Bar stool gossip turned it into a Britpop rivalry, which triggered their race to top the music charts first. It still attracts rock musicians and fans but the hardcore customers are locals who have seen new owners and trends come and go over the years.

Address: 30 Inverness St

4. The Rake

€€€ | Small | Non-Traditional | Specialist | International Selection | Craft And Keg Beers

The rather flat and plain-looking exterior tells you this is not a traditional English pub. Most English pubs have an architectural quality that links them with a period in history, such as Tudor, Georgian, or Edwardian.

However, this more modern pub was never made to attract the average drinker but is a must-visit for beer lovers who are true connoisseurs or anyone who wants to sample specialty craft beers.

Interestingly, it was in the national press a few years ago for serving the country’s most expensive beers but it serves reasonably priced pints as well. It’s also one of London’s smallest pubs. All those extras that traditional English customers love such as darts, snooker and Sky TV are not needed here, nor is there space for them. 

Address: Borough Market, 14A Winchester Walk

3. Worlds End

London’s Biggest Pubs | Very Popular | Rock Music Fans | Underworld Club | Live Music | Camden

The Worlds End is a landmark pub in Camden Town and is known throughout the UK for its rock music-loving customers. One of the reasons visitors prefer this pub is because it’s literally across the road from the train station. But more importantly, it has vyed for the position of London’s largest pub over the years and word quickly gets around about the huge crowds inside that spill outside and the buzzing atmosphere.

This North London pub has an equally famous basement club called The Underworld. I’d say, pick the Worlds End to socialise over a beer and the Underworld for rock gigs but don’t expect your conversation to be heard in either.

Address : 174 Camden High St

2. The Crown Tavern

€€ | Quiet | Traditional | Family Pub | Lenin And Stalin

At first glance, there’s nothing remarkable about the look of this pub. However, it’s spotlessly clean, warm and inviting, has polite staff, and is certainly a match for other local pubs. But its appeal has grown around rumours about its historic clientele.

There are unsubstantiated stories about Lenin and Stalin hooking up for a pint here in 1905. This is claimed to be their first meeting in the UK. As a result, the pub attracts a flow of customers because of this story alone.

Address: 43 Clerkenwell Grn

1. Blind Beggar

London’s East End | Quiet | Local Favourite | The Kray Twins | Footballer Bobby Moore

This traditional pub in a working-class area of London’s East End is notorious as the place where 1960s gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray used to drink and also killed a rival gangster. It’s now a landmark in East End history and the gangland connection remains to this day. That said, the current owners are unconnected to that lifestyle.

Many curious visitors seek it out to walk in the footsteps of the Krays. However, it’s a very quiet, traditional pub and no longer has the star attraction which saw celebrities such as actress Barbara Windsor and England football captain Bobby Moore frequenting it in the 1960s. Bobby Moore even owned the pub in 1966, which was the year England won the World Cup.

Address: 337 Whitechapel Rd

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Reader Interactions

Comments (2).

January 6, 2022

Tell me you hate beer without telling me you hate beer… listing a brewdog as your first choice for top London pubs

January 7, 2022

Haha.. its true, we do skew toward wine as an organization. Why don’t you like Brewdog?

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51+ Best Pubs in London: a Visitor’s Guide (2024)

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Pub culture is one of the staples of London life, and the best London pubs are a must-visit.

Whether you meet at the pub with friends for a drink or you have a casual work meeting or you’re there to celebrate a special occasion, it’s been said that a pub is a British person’s living room, meaning that it’s here that they hang out and entertain.

You’ll find a pub on almost every corner in London, and by all means you should explore the ones local to your accommodation and try some out as part of your London bucketlist .

If you want to check out some of the most notable pubs in London, I’ve compiled a list of some of the top pubs in London and some of the most highly rated pubs in London for visitors.

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1. The Churchill Arms

This pub named after Winston Churchill is best known for its floral arrangements that adorn the outside and the fantastically quirky interior.

I recommend it to all visitors to London as a must see London pub, and they’re always glad they went.

You can get drinks here like any normal pub, but the food they serve in the restaurant section is actually Thai food (not uncommon in some pubs), and good Thai food at that!

Address : 119 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 7LN Nearest Tube Station : Notting Hill Gate.

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2. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

If you want to feel like you’re back in olden times, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is for you.

Located on Fleet Street, this pub has been standing since just after the Great Fire of London and serves up pub classics like pie and fish and chips.

Take some time to explore the interior and appreciate the history of all of the historic Londoners who would have walked through its doors.

Address: 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU Nearest Tube Station : St. Paul’s Cathedral

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3. The Mayflower

It’s a bit out of the way of Central London, but this pub is a wonderful place to make an evening trip and enjoy riverside views and great food.

Named for the ship that Christopher Columbus sailed on, there is a pub downstairs and a restaurant upstairs so you can either get just drinks or food and drinks.

The views from the terrace are excellent, and it’s easily accessible from central London without too much headache.

It’s also not right in the middle of tourist central, which means you’ll get a great pub and a more local vibe.

Address: 117 Rotherhithe St, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4NF Nearest Tube Station: Canada Water.

4. Earl of Essex

The name alone is enough to draw visitors in, but the Earl of Essex is particularly known for its beer selection.

The brews offered range from local beers to those from around the world, and the daily offers are on a sign on the wall when you walk in.

Address: 25 Danbury St, Islington, London N1 8LE Nearest Tube Station : Angel

5. The Carpenters Arms

If you’re based in East London, dip into The Carpenters Arms which has a ton of London history.

It used to be owned by the mother of Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who were notorious London criminals and gang members back in the day.

But don’t worry, the pub isn’t as seedy as it’s history would suggest and today is a relaxing place to visit that has the feel of a traditional London pub.

Address: 73 Cheshire St, London E2 6EG Nearest Tube Station: Whitechapel

6. The Volunteer Baker Street

If you’re headed to the Baker Street or Regents Park area, whether for the Sherlock Holmes museum or to explore Regents Park, I would recommend The Volunteer as a nice family friendly pub that offers easy access to both of those attractions and is a great place to hang out for a bit.

Address: 245-247 Baker St, Marylebone, London NW1 6XE Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street

7. The Harp

If you want a traditional pub in the Covent Garden area, this pub has 2 floors and features beautiful interior architecture like stained glass and dark wood.

Try the real ale or get sausages and mash for an authentic London experience. The prices are good and the staff friendly!

Address: 47 Chandos Pl, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4HS

8. The BlackFriar

This pub on Queen Victoria Street has its history as a friary (hence the name) and is lauded by locals as one of the most beautiful pubs inside, as well as having tons of history and a monk statue that sits outside.

Try the cask ales, as well as the afternoon tea in this sophisticated dining location.

Address: 174 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4EG

9. The Holly Tree in Forest Gate

This refurbished pub is a favorite among locals!

The Holly Tree is best known for the beautiful garden in the back.

Since it’s heated, you can enjoy it year-round!

The garden also houses a miniature railway that you can ride around on for fun.

While kids are allowed, there are also kids-free zones for adults to enjoy a relaxing pint.

With 25 rotating craft beers, you can always find something unique and delicious to drink when you visit!

Their menu boasts a variety of unique items so you can try something exciting if you need a bite to eat.

Address: 141 Dames Road, London E7 0DZ England Nearest Tube Station: Wanstead Park Rail Station

10. The Boelyn in Upton Park

The Boelyn Tavern has recently been reopened.

It was restored to best remind us of its former Victorian glory.

When you visit, you may feel as if you stepped back in time!

It’s divided into seven bars so that each area feels cozy.

Each of these bars has something special that sets it apart from the others so you may want to return several times.

The menu at the Boelyn Tavern boasts several vegan and gluten-free options for anyone who follows those diets.

With the extensive drink menu, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone!

Address: 1 Barking Rd, London E6 1PW Nearest Tube Station: Upton Park Underground Station

11. The Punch Tavern on Fleet Street

Named in the 1840s, the Punch Tavern was named for the employees from Punch Magazine who often came here to grab a drink.

Originally a Gin Palace, this tavern has been refurbished to maintain some of its original charms.

If gin is your drink of choice, you will be pleased to know that they still have an extensive gin menu in addition to their many other drinks.

With trivia night on Tuesdays and special deals throughout the week, there are many reasons to visit the Punch Tavern! 

Address: 99 Fleet St, London EC4Y 1DE Nearest Tube Station: Bus stop, City Thameslink Rail Station

12. The Eagle in Shepherd’s Bush

The Eagle in Shepherd’s Bush has a cozy atmosphere that encourages guests to stay awhile.

The beautiful outdoor garden is heated so you can enjoy it year-round.

They also have canopies so it won’t rain on your parade!

They host many events, some weekly and some seasonally.

You can even host your own event if you book one of their huts.

They have an impressive menu but are best known for their burger shack.

If you love a good burger, you will not leave hungry.

Address: 215 Askew Rd, London W12 9AZ Nearest Tube Station : Stamford Brook Underground Station

13. Famous Three Kings in West Kensington

Voted Sports Pub of the Year five years running, Famous Three Kings is a popular pub.

This family-friendly pub is a great place to watch sports.

You can even play a game of pool while you visit.

Book a bottomless brunch on the weekend to ensure that you have the best brunch experience imaginable!

In addition to brunch foods, the menu is quite extensive.

Most of the foods are popular pub foods that would go great with your drink.

They also have a lot of drinks to choose from! If you like gin, you can experiment with a different drink by trying the “Gin Lab Experience.”

Address: 171 North End Rd, London W14 9AE Nearest Tube Station: West Kensington Underground Station

14. Porterhouse in Covent Garden

One of the biggest bars in London, the Porterhouse has a lot to offer.

If you prefer an intimate setting, just find a seat in one of the mezzanine areas!

With dozens of beers to choose from, you don’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll have something you like.

If you really don’t want beer, they also have spirits and cocktails.

You can almost always catch live music on the weekends.

They even have live music on weeknights sometimes, too.

The Porterhouse has a simple menu that boasts classic pub foods.

Address: 21-22 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7NA Nearest Tube Station: Charing Cross Underground Station

15. The White Horse on Parson’s Green

Sometimes called the Sloaney Pony, the White Horse is one of London’s finest pubs.

This iconic pub is located on the edge of Parson’s Green. 

The classy pub has combined both Victorian and modern decor to make the dining room appealing to visitors. 

The upscale menu boasts delicious food items that utilize high-quality ingredients.

This is a great place for a celebration!

Come on Fizz Friday to share a discounted bottle of Veuve Clicquot with your friends.

Address: 1-3 Parsons Grn, London SW6 4UL Nearest Tube Station: Parsons Green

16. The Jackalope

Originally founded in 1777, the Jackalope is a classic London mews pub.

Its most distinguishing feature is the “secret” noodle bar downstairs.

Chongqing noodles are spicy noodles made fresh at the Jackalope daily.

With 4 casks and 14 kegs, you can also choose from a variety of beers.

The Jackalope also offers outdoor seating which creates a relaxing atmosphere.

Address: 43 Weymouth Mews, London W1G 7EQ Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

17. The Windsor Castle

The Windsor Castle Pub is located within walking distance of Windsor Castle.

If you find yourself visiting Windsor Castle, this will be a great place to grab a drink and some food.

This gastropub is a traditional English pub that even the locals enjoy!

When you eat here you will feel like royalty.

This is because of the service and the impressive menu. No matter what you order, you can expect it to be delicious.

Address: 98 Kings Rd, Windsor SL4 2AP Nearest Tube Station: St. James’s Park

18. The Mitre at Lancaster Gate

While the Mitre at Lancaster Gate is a great place to catch a game, it’s also a classy joint.

You can enjoy a nice meal while watching your favorite sports team. 

The best part about this restaurant is that it’s home to Old Mary’s Cocktail Bar.

Located below the pub in the Dickensian basement is a bar named for the resident ghost.

Supposedly Mary was found murdered here and still haunts the place.

Address: 24 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate, London W2 3QH Nearest Tube Station: Lancaster Gate

19. The Victoria in Paddington

The Victoria is a historic pub that is both family and dog friendly!

Their menu is full of hearty yet sophisticated food items.

You’ll be excited to try something new when you visit!

When you walk in, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

The gorgeous interior resembles a past time. Guests also agree that it is quite cozy.

Trivia fans will want to visit on a Tuesday night.

Every Tuesday, Victoria hosts a quiz night.

Address: 10A Strathearn Pl, Tyburnia, London W2 2NH Nearest Tube Station: Lancaster Gate

20. The John Snow

Named for John Snow, this public house commemorates history.

John Snow was a doctor who noticed a pattern in cholera outbreaks.

He found a few water pumps that had supposedly been contaminated–one was by this pub.

John Snow also noticed that pub workers weren’t dying of cholera.

He suspected that this was because they drank beer instead of contaminated water. 

If you’ve ever needed a reason to grab a pint, that sounds like a good one!

Visit this bar with a historic ambiance to enjoy a drink and learn some history.

Address: 39 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QJ Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

21. The Crown & Two Chairman

The Crown and Two Chairmen is a cozy pub with a quirky vibe.

Many locals visit regularly!

They offer traditional British pub food.

They also have an extensive drinks list.

Whether you prefer beer, wine, soda, or a cocktail, you’ll find something you love.

This pub focuses on sustainability.

Only 4% of their waste goes to a landfill and all their energy sources are renewable.

They also distribute extra food to those in need!

Address: 31-32 Dean St, Greater, London W1D 3SB Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

22. The Coach & Horses in Soho

The Coach and Horses is a historic pub in Soho.

Many people frequent this pub to have meaningful conversations with other creative thinkers. 

Order a beer or a classic drink and dive into a deep conversation with an old friend or a new one! Head upstairs to grab a bite at the vegan restaurant.

One downside of this restaurant is that it’s always busy.

But that means people love it! 

Address: 29 Greek St, London W1D 5DH Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

23. The Builder’s Arms

Located in the heart of Kensington, The Builder’s Arms is an innovative British pub that you’ll love!

Their seasonal menu is always changing.

That means you can try something new and delicious every time you visit!

They pride themselves on serving authentic British food to everyone who walks through the door.

They also have an extensive drink menu.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it here.

Since the Builder’s Arms dates back to the 1800s, you’ll find period influences throughout the restaurant.

This is the perfect way to end a day in Kensington.

Address: 1 Kensington Ct Pl, Greater, London W8 5BJ Nearest Tube Station: Gloucester Road

24. The Anglesea Arms

Originally a garden and nursery from the early 18th century, the Anglesea Arms has a rich history. 

Their culinary excellence earned them a 1 AA Rosette.

You’ll definitely want to try one of the traditional British menu items they offer!

With special events for many holidays, a lot of guests come here for special occasions.

The classy and cozy atmosphere is perfect for celebrating with a few close friends.

Address: 15 Selwood Terrace, South Kensington, London SW7 3QG Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington

25. The Queen’s Arms in Kensington

This hidden gem is one of the prettiest mews pubs in the region.

The Queens Arms in Kensington is a great place to meet with your friends and family.

This restaurant dates to the 1800s and still features Georgian architecture from its original building. 

Serving classic pub food, the Queens Arms has many options for people with different diets.

This is another reason why it’s a great place for a group dinner!

Address: 30 Queen’s Gate Mews, Greater, South Kensington, London SW7 5QL Nearest Tube Station: Gloucester Road

26. Doggett’s Coat and Bridge

Named for Thomas Doggett, Doggett’s Coat and Badge is located on the River Thames. Doggett organized the London Bridge to Chelsea rowing race.

This sporting event is supposedly London’s oldest.

This leads to interesting history and gorgeous views at Dogget’s Coat and Badge.

This pub is especially known for its pies and its gin palace.

Stop here for a drink or some food while enjoying a view of the River Thames.

Address: 1 Blackfriars Bridge, London SE1 9UD Nearest Tube Station: Blackfriars

27. The Black Dog

The Black Dog Freehouse is especially known for using fresh seasonal ingredients in its kitchen.

Their ingredients are so fresh that the menu changes daily!

You can expect to find a wide variety of traditional British foods that feature local ingredients.

The restaurant has a vibe as fresh as its food.

When you visit here, the staff and the atmosphere will help to refresh your mood.

Address: 112 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5ER Nearest Tube Station: Vauxhall

28. The White Hart on New Cross Road

In 2017, the White Hart was restored to its former glory.

It’s a great place to enjoy a local brew and some live music.

They also have options to buy food and drink online.

This is great if you want to support a local business without actually sitting in a restaurant!

They serve typical pub grub as well as popular Mexican foods.

On Sundays, you can enjoy a traditional Sunday roast meal.

Address: 184 New Cross Road, SE14 5AA Nearest Tube Station: New Cross Gate

29. The Alexandra Wimbledon

The Alexandra Wimbledon is a great place to watch sports.

However, if you don’t love the loud atmosphere of a sports bar, you can head up to the Lounge Bar.

This is a cozy area where you can grab a drink in a more relaxing environment.

They also have the Green Bar which allows you to soak in the sunshine.

Or you could sit in the Loft which allows you access to fresh air.

There’s an environment for everyone!

They serve the typical British pub food, but their menu changes as their ingredients do.

This is because they use fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Address: 33 Wimbledon Hill Rd, London SW19 7NE Nearest Tube Station: Wimbledon

30. The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden

The Lamb and Flag was a favorite of Charles Dickens.

Both tourists and locals love to visit!

If you stop by, you can learn about some of the scandalous history that took place at this address.

You can enjoy live jazz on the last Sunday of each month.

You can also bring your family or your dog!

The menu boasts traditional British foods that will surely fill your belly and soul.

Their rotating drinks include a wide variety of options.

Address: 33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

31. The Hand and Shears

The Hand and Shears is located in the heart of Smithfield.

There are many things to do in the are to work up an appetite!

It has been around for over 500 years, making it one of the oldest pubs in the UK.

The current building was built in 1852 and has hardly changed since then.

As you can imagine, a pub of this age is full of interesting history.

Today, you can get an award-winning pork pie, exclusive beer, and traditional bar snacks.

Address: 1 Middle St, Barbican, London EC1A 7JA Nearest Tube Station: Barbican

32. The Lord Clyde

Rebuilt in 1913, the Lord Clyde is a gastropub with a courtyard garden.

The atmosphere draws in repeat customers.

It was named for a field marshall who won many awards during the 19th century.

You can find bits about Lord Clyde’s life here.

You can also learn some other historic trivia while visiting.

When you visit, you’ll want to try one of their pies.

Don’t forget to look at their drink list to find something new! 

This is a great place to catch the game, as well.

Address: 340-342 Essex Rd, London N1 3PB Nearest Tube Station: Canonbury

33. The George (near Borough High Street)

The George offers a wide variety of menu items.

You’ll find some classic pub food.

You’ll also find some delicious options that aren’t at many other pubs.

They also have a great wine list.

Wine lovers will love trying some of the options here.

This pub dates back to the 17th century and has been mentioned by Charles Dickens.

It has a charm that has been present for over 300 years!

The George has DJs come fairly regularly.

It’s a great place to listen to fun music with your friends!

Address: 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge

34. Cittie of Yorke

Often voted as one of the best ‘ye old pubs’ in London, the Citte of York is a charming pub from the 1920s with a noticeable old world feel.

Walking in, you’ll notice a quiet brooding vibe thanks to the lack of music, but you’ll soon find that it adds to the atmosphere of this stately venue.

With its arched cavernous roof and traditional Tudor English decor, you’ll half expect a knight to waltz through the door and join you for a pale ale.

If you like your beers with a side of history, this is a pub worth adding to your London itinerary.

35. The Holy Tavern

Set in a 1720s building, this pub has been serving up ales and fruit beers to locals and eager travelers since the mid-1990s.

With its intimate booths and cozy seating arrangements, this pub is much loved for a quiet place to enjoy a refreshing beverage or light meal.

During your visit, keep an eye out for the blue and white painted tiles, the artwork of the changing seasons and delightfully warm fireplace.

If you happen to visit on a Tuesday, you’ll enjoy a candlelit experience with a bottle of wine and cheese and charcuterie board for a very reasonable price.

36. The Old Bank of England

Housed in the old Bank of England Law Courts, this ornate pub is set in one of the most stunning and architecturally splendid buildings in London.

Due to its historical significance, this is a popular place for locals to bring visitors.

Stop in for a beer or fish and chips and you’ll see why.

Before heading out, take a quick detour to the back of the building where you’ll find a whole double decker bus, complete with additional seating, making for a classic London experience.

37. The Cross Keys in Chelsea

For a gastropub experience where the focus is shared equally between the food and beer, you’ll want to consider The Cross Keys in Chelsea.

Serving up a unique take on European and British cuisine, the menu includes fresh and delicious fare, an impressive range of beers and cider, all served up amongst elegant historic surroundings.

If you’re feeling full after the meal, you’re only a hop away from the Thames riverside.

A stroll along the river can be an ideal way to top off the afternoon.

38. The Ship & Shovell

Centrally located but still tucked away, just a few minutes away from Trafalgar Square is where you’ll find this traditional London pub.

With a full pub menu, including steak, burgers and fish and chips, the Ship & Shovell makes for a wholesome stop before the theatre or after a busy day exploring the streets of central London.

There are also a number of vegetarian options available.

A fun fact about this pub is that it spans both sides of the street and is joined by an underground passage, which houses both the kitchen and cellar.

39. The Clarence

If you’ve spent the morning walking around Westminster or trying to get a glimpse of 10 Downing Street, you’ve definitely earnt a stop at the classic London pub, the Clarence.

This light and airy pub is a testament to all things British, with its London themed wallpaper, tartan decor and traditional British menu.

The Ploughman’s Lunch is a hearty meal that makes for a great way to sample several of the house specialties and the fish and chips are highly rated amongst visitors.

It’s also a dog friendly pub, so keep an eye out for a thirsty pooch.

40. The Grenadier

Tucked away behind the glamourous high end designer stores of Knightsbridge is a compact former officers’ mess with grenadier-themed décor and delicious pub meals.

This pub might be small in space but it makes up for its cosy size with its abundantly warm and friendly service.

A common stomping ground for locals and students thanks to its laid back atmosphere, this is a great way to sample London’s iconic cozy pub scene.

As you tuck into your meal, flick an eye up to the paper money covered ceiling and to the military themed artwork peppered around the walls.

41. Spread Eagle

A classic British pub so close to Oxford Circus?

Oxford Street may have its own charm, but it’s not the locale most people would expect to find a traditional Victorian pub that is genuinely homely and comforting.

Spread Eagle also shows a number of sporting matches, so if you’re looking for a central spot to grab a pint whilst watching the football, there’s likely to be no better place for a lively atmosphere in the heart of London’s busiest shopping district.

42. The Three Tuns

Tucked away in the quiet yet centrally located Portman Mews is where you’ll find a splendid local favourite, the Three Tuns.

Serving up all the traditional hits from fish and chips, to bangers and mash, this is the place to come when you’re looking for a genuine British pub experience.

The dimly lit interiors and cozy seating all add to an intimate atmosphere and it’s the perfect place to while away a few hours with a friend or even by yourself, before stumbling back out onto the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.

43. The Iron Duke

The Iron Duke may be located in swish Mayfair, but it’s still got a charming and family-friendly atmosphere that gives it a place on this list of best pubs in London.

The pub can get busy, especially when a game is showing, so it’s best suited to smaller groups.

The walls are also decorated with boots and other memorabilia related to the duke, making for interesting and quirky décor.

Just a note that the pub doesn’t serve food, so best to get a dinner nearby and pop in to The Iron Duke for a drink afterwards.

44. The Guinea Grill

Alternatively, if you’re looking for another Mayfair pub that is known for serving up excellent and hearty meals, you’ll want to consider The Guinea Grill.

Whilst the venue might technically be considered a pub, it’s well known amongst locals for specializing in premium grass-fed Scotch beef steaks and top quality service.

The sides also come highly rated, so be sure to save some space for them. The Guinness is also worth a try at this classy establishment.

It might be a pub but it does serve some well-heeled locals, so consider this as an option when you feel like dressing up a little.

45. The Footman

Another Mayfair institution is the spacious and elegant pub known as The Footman.

Spread over three floors, with the ground floor being the most laid back whilst the two dining rooms upstairs offer a more formal dining atmosphere.

The building itself is built in a traditional style of bare brick and is located down a quiet alley, all adding to its quiet elegance.

With leather coated booths and top quality service, this is a pub you’ll want to visit when you’re in a celebratory mood or for an intimate dinner.

From the menu, the Sunday roast is highly rated by visitors and the Guinness is a popular choice of beverage.

46. The Sussex Arms

For a buzzy and vibrant pub experience that feels a world away from the classic wood paneling and pale ales, you’ll want to check out The Sussex Arms.

Recently renovated to don an aviation theme, this is a great pub to try in the heart of Paddington for a fun night out.

Don’t be scared off by the neon lights, the splashings of colour or modern art, this pub is still known for serving up classic pub food, with fish and chips and burgers featuring prominently on the menu.

The Sussex Arms also shows a number of live matches, so check the schedule if you’re hoping to catch a game in the midst of a buzzing atmosphere.

47. Duke of York Gastro Pub

Somewhat hidden away behind mysterious Marylebone lies the relaxed yet charming Duke of York Gastro Pub.

This pub is known for its traditional style of food and drinks and the easy outdoor sitting area, which makes it perfect for a sunny afternoon lunch or tipple.

The menu has bar snacks along with burgers and a traditional Sunday roast.

The drinks menu also has a full cocktail list, along with soft drinks and mocktails.

If you’re visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds or The Regent’s Park, you’ll find the Duke of York to be just a short (and worthwhile) stroll away.

48. Duke of Kendal

The Duke of Kendal is a more modern style of pub compared to many of the others on this list, with dark wood furnishings and a more minimal layout.

But despite the modern setting, the menu is traditional and delicious, with a classic roast plus gourmet bar snacks such as baked camembert.

Despite its proximity to Marble Arch and Hyde Park, the pub is still a bit of a hidden gem, meaning you can likely get a table upon walking in.

The pub does show live sports on its large screen, so if your visit happens to coincide with a popular game, you might have to wait a few minutes for a seat and service. 

49. Devonshire Arms

The Devonshire Arms is a quaint pub, just a few blocks away from the buzz of Oxford Street.

The pub prides itself on having an independent wine list, so it can be a great way to sample some drops from top independent winemakers.

There are also four cask ales, cold beer and a lunchtime pie menu.

There are also options available for vegetarians and vegans.

For a compact pub not too far from the chaos of London’s busiest shopping street, this small but mighty pub packs a punch.

50. The Grazing Goat Marylebone

The Grazing Goat is a boutique hotel with a pub that has an excellent, sharing style feasting menu.

Whether you’re staying in one of the cozy hotel rooms upstairs or simply stopping in for a dinner, the restaurant serves up delicious, homely cuisine including fish and chips, steak and roast.

For dessert, there’s a delectable menu of hot chocolate pudding, baked cheesecake or a cheese platter of British cheese and quince.

If you are staying at the hotel, it’s also reputed to serve an excellent full English breakfast.

51. Marlborough Arms

This traditional pub is located a short distance from the British Museum, straddling the trendy suburb of Fitzrovia with classically cool Bloomsbury.

This central location makes this pub a popular place for visitors, giving it a year-round buzzing atmosphere.

The busy atmosphere can mean service takes a few minutes longer than you’d expect, but there are also board games, cards and books that can be borrowed, meaning you’ll hardly notice the time spent waiting.

The pub has a full menu, with some of the most popular menu items being the sharing platter of nachos and chicken wings.

For drinks, there is also a wide selection of craft beer and the pub hosts the occasional gin tasting.

52. Allsop Arms

Just a few minutes away from Madame Tussauds museum in Marylebone is where you’ll find a local favourite, the Allsop Arms.

This is a traditional style pub with dark paneling, exposed brick walls and Victorian era décor.

The pub has an extensive food menu, so it makes for a great dinner spot on a casual evening, feasting on some of the most popular items, including burgers, pies and mash.

Dessert changes seasonally, but you’ll likely see traditional favorites including apple pie and chocolate fudge cake.

The service is speedy and there’s a friendly pub dog and cat, so keep an eye out for the local residents.

53. King’s Head Theatre Pub

The King’s Head Theatre Pub is an intimate venue that sits below an actual working theatre.

With its old world décor and traditional service, walking in here feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

The vintage gold furnishings combined with the classic artwork on the sage green walls will truly make you feel like you’re in a traditional British pub.

There’s a roaring fireplace and a generous wine list, so grabbing a toastie from the kitchen menu, a glass of delicious red wine and cozying up by the fireplace makes for a wonderful way to spend an evening in London.

54. Lord Wargrave

The Lord Wargrave is a Victorian style pub with a fully stocked bar and a first rate malt whisky list.

Priding itself on its top class barbeque, beers and whiskey, this pub is a great option if you’re in the mood for a hearty meal and strong liquor. 

The food menu is varied and extensive, although the specialties include barbeque ribs and dirty chips, which come topped with pulled pork and pickles.

If you’re not sure what to order, ask for the Chef’s Platter which includes a variety of the house favorites.

Plan to finish the meal with a glass of whiskey and you’ll have a thoroughly enjoyable evening out in Marylebone.

55. The Old Bell Pub

The Old Bell Tavern is a truly historical pub, built by Christopher Wren (the architect best known for designing St Paul’s Cathedral) for housing his masons in the 17th century.

The stained glass windows, leather booths and rich colors add to the classic vibe and are all complemented by an excellent traditional food and drinks menu.

From lighter bar snacks to a full and hearty meal of burgers, pies and fish and chips, you’ll find a range of menu items to nibble on.

If you have limited time in London but want to experience a traditional English pub with history, a classic British menu and warm and friendly hospitality, the Old Bell is an ideal place to visit.

Want more helpful London guides? Check these out!

• 45 Things to Do in London at Night
• 53 Things to Do in London for Couples
• 57 Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in London
• 11 Tourist Traps to Avoid in London
• 23 Best London Tours
• 41 Best Things to Do in London with Kids
• 21 Best Castles Near London
• 15 Best London Hotels
• 17 Best Street Food Markets in London
• 15 Best Areas to Stay in London
• 23 Best Afternoon Teas in London
• 25 Best London Museums
• 33 Free Things to Do in London
• 21 Best London Markets
• 21 Best London Apps
• 35 Best Restaurants in London
• 21 Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• 35 Things to Do in London in the Rain
• 25 Best Art Museums in London
• 17 Famous London Filming Locations
• 25 Best Places to Shop in London
• 35 Best Day Trips from London
• 31 Best Parks in London
• 41 Most Instagrammable Places in London
• 27 Best Views in London
• 27 Best Birthday Ideas in London
• 29 Best London Cinemas
• 29 Best Things to Buy in London
• 41 Things to Do in London Alone
• 16 Best London AirBnbs

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

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Thirteen Cool & Quirky Pubs in London to Enjoy A Pint At

Last updated on June 20th, 2023 at 10:12 pm

If there’s one thing that London excels at, it’s pub drinks. Whether it’s a modern bar, after work watering hole or a cosy corner for a Sunday roast, you can barely turn a corner in London without coming across another good old Public House. There are over 3,540 pubs in the capital, but these quirky pubs in London will make sure you’re never short of ideas for somewhere unique to visit. Whether it’s one of the oldest pubs in London or the pub that birthed Madness, your London bucket list will be expanding in no time with these unusual London pubs.

This post contains affiliate links – for more info please see our  disclaimer .

Thirteen Quirky Pubs in London: A-Z

The Anchor Bankside

34 Park St, London SE1 9EF

Steeped in history, The Anchor is Bankside’s oldest surviving tavern, with a drinking establishment standing on that site for over 800 years. Clientele of The Anchor were varied, from actors working at then-neighbouring The Globe theatre, to Samuel Pepys who watched the Great Fire of London from “a little alehouse on Bankside” in 1666. The pub remained untouched by the Great Fire of London, however was rebuilt after another fire in 1676. Further renovations in the nineteenth century revealed numerous hiding places for contraband, adding pirates and smugglers to the list of previous punters. Today this quirky London pub is owned by Greene King and provides a beautiful sunny drinking spot overlooking Tower Bridge and the Thames.

Brewdog Outpost Tower Hill 

21 Great Tower St, Billingsgate, London EC3R 5AR

The first ‘Brew Pub’ in the BrewDog family, the Brewdog Outpost in Tower Hill has to be one of the coolest pubs in London. Boasting over 25 craft beer taps, at least one of the beers is brewed on site at any one time, with the in-house tanks giving a New York-esque industrial vibe. It’s not just the amount of taps giving Brewdog Outpost ‘cool London pub’ status, but the addition of three shuffleboard tables, arcade games, a weekly pub quiz and a merchandise shop means there’s never a dull day. Want one for the road? Their takeaway beer fridge is an adults’ vending machine heaven.

The Churchill Arms 

119 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 7LN

Ok, so the Churchill Arms may not be one of the most quirky pubs in London on the inside, but hear me out here. Have you seen this Kensington pub from the outside? Costing around an incredible £25,000 per year to furnish with florals, The Churchill Arms are one of few pubs to win at the Chelsea Flower Show. And deservedly so, it’s a pretty sight to see indeed. Inside, expect to find Winston Churchill memorabilia aplenty (his grandparents were regular visitors) and Thai on the menu; The Churchill Arms was the first pub in London to serve Thai food.

De Hems 

11 Macclesfield St, West End, London W1D 5BW

Proudly sporting the title of ‘London’s only Dutch pub’, if you’re fancying trying something other than your standard lager, De Hems is your place. Stocking over seventy bottled beers, and upwards of ten limited edition tipples on tap, you may need a bit longer than usual to pick your drink. Popular with Dutch sailors and the unofficial HQ of the Dutch WWII resistance in the twentieth century, today De Hems is frequented by beer loving tourists and Londoners alike.

The Dickens Inn

Marble Quay, St Katharine’s Way, Tower Hill, London E1W 1UH

Nestled in St Katharine’s Dock in the shadow of The Shard is The Dickens Inn, an original warehouse building dating back to the eighteenth century. Back then, the pub featured a sawdust floor and beer was only served from tanks or kegs, with no bottled or canned beer stocked. Today The Dickens is a beautiful pit stop when exploring London, with stripped wooden floors and beamed ceilings as well as a proper pub grub food menu. The expanse of The Dickens pub floor means that there’s always something different going on, and it’s always fun. Expect a group of lads pre-drinking for a night out in one corner, a family having a meal in another, and a birthday party in another. Eclectic London at its finest. If you can nab a table on the terraces overlooking the dock and Tower Bridge, I can guarantee you won’t want to move from your seat all afternoon.

The Dublin Castle 

94 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7AN

One of my personal favourite quirky pubs in London, The Dublin Castle is legendary in the British music scene. Arguably most well-known for launching Madness’ career in the late seventies by giving the band a weekly residency in their adjoining music venue, The Dublin Castle pays homage to the bands that have frequented the pub with signed memorabilia lining the walls. The big names don’t stop there; Blur, Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys and The Killers have all graced The Dublin Castle stage, and it wasn’t an unusual sight to see Amy Winehouse behind the bar. Music and beer lovers, this unusual London pub is for you.

Interested in more of London’s pubs? Check out this Great Pubs of London book .

Four Thieves 

51 Lavender Gardens, London SW11 1DJ

Four Thieves is a pub like no other. A games room, weekly comedians, over 350 variations of gin and tonic and beer brewed on-site pit this as one of the more unusual pubs in London. Despite being adamant that they are a pub first and foremost, we can’t gloss over the fact that Four Thieves has a whole floor dedicated to games. There’s no naff air hockey and fruit machines here; the Moonshine Raceway lets you race up to ten other people on a remote-controlled track, whilst the Virtual Reality station hosts an escape room alongside other games. If a quiet drink is more your thing, you can settle down in the brand new taproom serving craft beers brewed on-site.

The Marquis 

51-52 Chandos Pl, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HS

Another of my personal favourite quirky pubs in London, alongside The Dublin Castle. The Marquis is a family run pub in the heart of Central London, but there’s nothing touristy about this boozer. With a record player cranking out indie tunes, you never know if you’ll be greeted by Chas & Dave or Oasis’ entire back catalogue, but it’s always fun. Inside is cosy and intimate (complete with Norwich football club inflatable Canary mascot behind the bar), however if you would rather stand outside, The Marquis’ standing area out the back holds the accolade of the smallest street in London.

Mr Fogg’s 

Choose from six locations around the city; details here

A collection of six truly unique venues around the city, Mr Fogg’s are adventurous and immersive bars based on the world of Phileas J. Fogg and inspired by the novel Around the World in 80 Days. Expect beautiful botanical decor in all locations, however Mr Fogg’s Tavern feels most like a traditional pub rather than a bar. With eccentric Victorian memorabilia covering the walls and ceilings, don’t be alarmed to spot taxidermy behind the bar!

Tattershall Castle

Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2HR

If you easily feel motion sick, then this one may not be for you. However, the Tattershall Castle is easily one of the most unusual pubs in London, as it’s on a boat! Moored at Victoria Embankment on the Thames, with beautiful views of the London Eye and Westminster, this is one of the cooler pints you’ll have in the city. Just imagine standing on that open deck with a cold one on a sunny London afternoon. But no fear if London is exhibiting its finest grey drizzly weather (much more likely), there is an indoor restaurant and bar as well as the open air ‘terrace’.

The Old Bank of England

194 Fleet St, Holborn, London EC4A 2LT

Swooping in to take the accolade of most magnificent of these unusual pubs in London, is The Old Bank of England on Fleet Street. Located inside the old Law Court’s branch of the old Bank of England which was operational until 1975, the interior decor is grand as hell. How many times can you have a drink above vaults that once contained bullion and the Crown Jewels?!

The Prospect of Whitby

57 Wapping Wall, Wapping, London E1W 3SH

How many pubs can say they have a beach and a noose in their back garden? Well when you’re rumoured to be the oldest Thameside pub, anything goes. One of London’s most famous pubs due to its rich history, The Prospect of Whitby dates back to 1520 when it was frequented by sailors and smugglers. These ex clientele are represented today by the noose standing on the beach behind the pub, symbolising the old execution dock used for sea crimes in times gone by. It’s always a fight for a seat on the terrace on a sunny day, not just thanks to the beach behind but the beautiful views of London over the Thames.

Waxy O’Connors

14-16 Rupert St, West End, London W1D 6DD

In case you hadn’t guessed by the name, Waxy O’Connors (or Waxy’s as it’s referred to by regulars) is the biggest Irish pub in London. Centred around the trunk of a preserved beech tree, Waxy’s boasts four bars across six floors, interlinked by wonky little staircases. With tables and seats nestled in nooks and crannies and mezzanines overlooking floors below, be sure to make a mental note of your table; even if you’ve not had a few Guinness’ it can be confusing to navigate! Showing major sports on TV screens and with regular live music nights (pre-Covid) there’s always a good evening to be had at Waxy’s.

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17 comments.

Melanie Cloak

can you recommend any puts near Earls Court London? For a group of 14 on a friday night. Need space but also nice atmosphere.

A Capone Connection

This list is INCREDIBLE! It’s exactly the type of thing I would love to see and London is on my bucket list. I’m saving it for later and I will share it with my travel friends. Thanks so much for sharing!

~ Andrea https://acaponeconnection.com

The LDN Lifestyle

Thank you so much for a lovely comment Andrea! Guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you visit London 🙂

Thanks for sharing this list. I can’t WAIT to explore all of these places when we’re allowed to go out again!!

Goodness me neither, it can’t come quick enough!

I’ve always wanted to visit London. This was a great post and makes me want to visit even more.

Wow, these all look amazing! I have to say, it has nothing to do with the drinks, I just really want to visit The Churchill Arms to see all the pretty flowers! Can’t wait until travel is safe again.

I don’t blame you, The Churchill Arms is beautiful! Me neither, cannot wait x

LaRena’s Corner

Love all these quaint pubs. Can’t wait to travel again.

I miss traveling so much. London is on my bucket list, and all these pubs look amazing! I’ll have to check some of these out when I go.

If you’ve not been before these are definitely the kind of places that you want to check out, proper British pubs that Londoners drink in!

Chris Travels

I wish I would have known about these places before I made my trip to London! They all seem really cool, thanks for sharing!

Such a great list! Will try to check them out when I’ll visit London

Great list! Cant wait to get back to London! ❤

Cool list! Thanks for sharing! xoxo Lovely http://www.mynameislovely.com

Glad you enjoyed! x

Ryan K Biddulph

De Hems looks so neat Becca. I love the design. I am a teetotaller but my web developer from Birmingham hits the pubs here and there for a pint. I see the appeal for sure; relaxation in an inviting environment.

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10 Of The Most Legendary London Pubs You Should Get Pint Happy In

Heidi Lauth Beasley

August 27, 2021

The phrase ‘if the walls could talk’ is a little hit or miss in London. If you were to have a natter with 90% of the walls in London, they’d probably only be able to offer up depressing anecdotes like ‘two graphic design students once shagged on that aging Ikea sofa bed’. But, being one of the greatest cities in the world, there are some London walls that hold stories we would pay our life savings to listen to and that applies to every single pub on this list.

These are the old school boozers and drinking dens that have witnessed everything from Charles Dickens writing Oliver Twist (probably), to Amy Winehouse pulling pints for her rock ‘n’ roll mates. They are the places that are as quintessentially London as an advertising executive drinking a Stella on an electric scooter, as famous as their notorious celebrity guests, and have gone from serving legends to becoming legends in their own right. These are the great London pubs that should be at the top of your agenda when you want your pints with a side of history.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

The French House

Famed for: half-pints, the no phone screen rule, and being The French House.

The French House is a Soho icon. In many ways it needs no introduction, just a complimentary bow of respect, which it will probably ignore because it is quite literally The French House. Charles de Gaulle drank here. Dylan Thomas once got so pissed he left an entire manuscript under his chair. Francis Bacon was a regular. Basically, it is a big deal. This legendary boozer has not only stood the test of time but very much refuses to drag itself into the 21st century and we bloody love it for it. Discarding their commitment to serving half-pints and the serious no-screens rule would be like watching Dame Maggie Smith become TikTok famous for iPhone hacks. A tragedy. Come here for a round of half-pints when the thought of the latest ‘interactive wine vending experience’ spot makes you want to dry-heave, or just to do some proper people-watching whenever you forget that you’re very much in love with London and always will be.

The Hawley Arms

Famed for: noughties rock ‘n’ roll fans, Amy Winehouse

If you’re not a certified expert in the Great Britannia Rock ‘n’ Roll Movement - please see, The Braless Kate Moss Years - then you might wrongly presume that this Camden pub is home to a somewhat self-absorbed graffiti artist called Amy. The downstairs bathrooms are packed full of scribbles like ‘Amy was here’ and ‘Amy Forever’ that have in fact been lovingly written in Sharpie by Amy Winehouse fans that have come on a heartfelt pilgrimage to this pub where she notably used to pull pints behind the bar, despite never actually working there. Truly a woman after our own hearts. These days, you’ll still find gigs upstairs, that distinctive rustic noughties look, and a loud soundtrack of indie anthems. They’ve also got an upstairs roof terrace and signed band pics from the days when Liam Gallagher and Pete Doherty were regulars. Service can be slow, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s rock ‘n’ roll, baby.

The Coach & Horses

Famed for: Jeffrey Bernard, Private Eye lunches, and hot political gossip.

Long before millennials were claiming to be hardcore for downing six flaming sambuca shots whilst on a Magaluf trip their mums paid for, there was the 70s Soho crowd whose weekly alcohol units presumably hit the high thousands. If you too wish to channel the debauchery of Soho’s heyday, then get yourself to The Coach and Horses, the setting of some of history’s booziest ‘working lunches’. These days it’s a Fuller’s pub and although some of its original charm has left along with those infamous regulars and unsuspecting politicos who merrily spilled their secrets (not to mention the £1 sandwiches and £2 doubles), it’s still very much a Soho classic. When the sun is out, opt for a casual lean against one of its outdoor standing tables and pretend your gossip is illicit enough for someone to overhear and put it in print.

The George Tavern

Whitechapel

Famed for: Artists, a big literary history, and a good old fashion knees-up.

The George Tavern is a grade II listed pub on Commercial Road that is effectively a boozy safe space for artists, eccentrics, and anyone who doesn’t want to get into an argument with Trevor down the local who thinks it’s his business that you’re discussing feminism over a pint. This Stepney boozer has also been the setting of countless big-deal gigs over the years and is mentioned in the works of both Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens. Its modern day reputation for being the go-to spot for secret (and not-so-secret) bohemians is mostly down to the direction of landlady, artist, and certified hun, Pauline Forster, who has tirelessly battled with developers for years to ‘Save The George’. Thanks to its 3am weekend opening hours, loud late-night music, and endless assortment of gigs, The George is hands down our favourite pub for a proper feelgood birthday or a Friday night blowing off steam and sinking pints in their back garden.

The Prospect of Whitby

Famed for: smugglers, pirates, and importantly, Del Boy.

Calling all fans of Poldark and anyone who enjoys reading Wikipedia entries about notable pirates, this pub on the Thames is really going to get the old nautical juices flowing. The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping has been a pub in one form of another since 1520 and over the past 500 years it was rebuilt following a fire, got an oh-so casual visit from everyone’s favourite cig-packing party gal, Princess Margaret, and most profoundly of all, had a cameo in an episode of Only Fools And Horses . Outside of Del Boy, this riverside pub has also served other deeply respected British legends like Charles Dickens and J.M.W. Turner, who even sketched the views of local ships from the pub’s windows. Flash forward to the 21st century and it’s now a great spot for a pint with your history-loving parents or for a lowkey date out on their beer garden with river views.

The Faltering Fullback

Famed for: Irish charm, that garden, steps. So many steps.

Some become famous for their enchanting vocals. Others become famous for their ability to crush the tender self-esteem of an innocent air stewardess on national TV. And then there are those who become famous for a more unique talent, having so many steps that they are single-handedly keeping podiatrists of N4 afloat with a steady stream of twisted ankles. The Faltering Fullback is all about the latter, with a near-vertical garden that is legendary for its sunny afternoons packed with Londoners, young, old, and gloriously sunburnt, taking full advantage of their walk-in only policy. Eternally lively and one of the few Irish pubs in this city that manages to encapsulate Guinness glory without ever feeling like you’re trapped in Ed Sheeran’s brain on that fateful day he decided to write Galway Girl .

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Famed for: Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, and being really, really old.

Most old school London boozers will claim to have been the setting where Charles Dickens wrote something that is now very famous. This leads us to believe two things: one, pubs know that a literary history is always a selling point, and two, Mr. Dickens really loved the sesh. Good for him. Work hard, play hard my man. Dickens, along with lots of other Very Important Writer People regularly frequented this pub - and in the case of Agatha Christie, actually mentions it in a Poirot story. It’s casually been open for almost 500 years and we love it for a Saturday pint, where the low, beam ceilings will trick you into thinking you’ve escaped London for the afternoon.

The Golden Heart

Famed for: Tracey Emin artwork, famous regulars, and an iconic landlady.

These days every new brunch spot or bar opens with a neon light wall hanging that says something like ‘Sex, Drugs, and Avocado Babes!’. But the neon signs in The Golden Heart are the work of Tracey Emin, who regularly hit up this small corner pub along with the rest of the young, cool Brit crowd in the 90s. Thanks to its Spitalfields location, you’ll still find this place packed full of art students who won’t publicly admit that they’re partly here for the pints, but mostly here because Pete Doherty used to be a regular. Whether you’re coming here to sip a pint on the buzzing patch of pavement outside after a day in the office or need a sit-down after scouring Brick Lane for vintage goods, be sure to be polite to the landlady who has become as famous as the pub itself. Do not fuck with Sandra, we repeat, do not fuck with Sandra.

The Grenadier

Famed for: being an old officers’ mess, its traditional vibe, and being haunted.

We’ve watched enough Spielberg films to know that officers’ messes tend to look like a lot of fun. You know, cards on the table, beers in hand, some young dirt-smeared ‘chappy’ discussing whether his sweetheart Betty will marry him even though he is a lowly foot soldier from Brecon. It’s a vibe. This old school Belgravia pub that’s on a little cobbled street, started life as a classic officers’ mess for soldiers who lived in the local barracks and the interiors have that moody drinking den feel that’s perfect for a bev on a winter’s night. Some say it’s haunted by a man who was killed after cheating at cards, but we’ll take a side of spooky with our cold tankards if it means we can be cheap and merry in one of London’s boujiest areas.

The Pride of Spitalfields

Famed for: Jack the Ripper suspects and a loveable but truly hideous carpet.

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, as gloriously British as the pub carpet. The Pride of Spitalfields is home to the kind of shambolic pub interiors that will make you feel patriotic - bizarre knick-knacks that no one seems to question, 800 old decorative bottles that presumably didn’t fit in the recycling, an elderly gent who hasn’t moved from his red stool since the 80s, and a criss-cross carpet that is so ugly, it might actually be beautiful. Once known as the The Romford Arms, this place is believed to be the drinking den of choice of a couple notable Jack the Ripper suspects. Nice and cheerful. That being said, we’re also very into the fact that David Grey (remember David Grey?), once filmed a super ‘edgy’ music video here and that to this day, the pints remain very reasonable for its location, and that it’s open until 1am on weekends.

16 Cool and Quirky Bars and Pubs to Visit in London

Jul 23, 2022

London boasts many exciting things to do . If you’re looking for an unusual and exciting bar experience while in London, you’ll want to check out some of the city’s quirkiest bars to add to your London at night activities . From themed venues that will take you back in time, to trendy spots with outrageous décor, there’s a little something for everyone when it comes to nightlife in London. So get ready to drink in style at one of these unconventional watering holes!

1- Escapologist, London

Looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of London? Look no further than the Escapologist bar. This hidden gem is tucked away in a basement near Leicester Square, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed drink or two. The decor is inspired by vintage escape rooms, with eclectic furnishings and retro games.

The menu boasts an impressive selection of cocktails, all of which are named after famous escape artists. And if you’re looking for something to nibble on, there’s a tempting range of small plates to choose from. So whether you’re looking to escape the heatwave or the daily grind, the Escapologist bar is the perfect place to do it.

2- Alcotraz Shoreditch: Cell Block Two-One-Two

Alcotraz Shoreditch: Cell Block Two-One-Two is a unique bar located in London’s East End. The brainchild of two former prison guards, the bar is designed to resemble a typical prison cell block. Guests are “arrested” upon arrival and placed in one of the cells, where they can enjoy a variety of cocktails and wines. 

The bar’s drinks menu is inspired by classic jailhouse recipes, and the bartenders are experts at crafting perfect drinks. The atmosphere at Alcotraz Shoreditch is electric, and the experience is unlike any other. If you’re looking for a truly unique night out, Cell Block Two-One-Two is the place for you.

3- Ballie Ballerson Shoreditch

Shoreditch has always been known for its vibrant nightlife, and in recent years, it has become even more of a hot spot for clubbers and party-goers. One of the newest additions to the Shoreditch nightlife scene is Ballie Ballerson , a unique venue that combines a nightclub with a ball pit. 

The brainchild of entertainment entrepreneur Steve Bence, Ballie Ballerson opened its doors in 2017 and has quickly become one of the most popular clubs in London. Located in an old warehouse on Curtain Road, the club is spread across two floors and features a giant ball pit filled with over 1 million balls. 

The balls are made from biodegradable material and are illuminated with UV lighting, making them glow in the dark. Guests can purchase tickets for one-hour sessions, during which they can enjoy music from DJs, take part in games, and socialise with other guests. With its fun atmosphere and unique concept, Ballie Ballerson is sure to keep Shoreditch swinging long into the night.

4- Otherworld VR

If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, you need to check out Otherworld VR Bar in London. There’s nothing quite like being transported to another world, and with virtual reality technology, that’s exactly what you can do. Whether you want to explore a haunted house or battle aliens, there’s a VR experience for you. 

And if you get hungry while you’re playing, no problem! The bar has a full menu of food and drink for you to enjoy. Just be careful not to spill your drink while you’re fighting off zombies! Otherworld VR Bar is the perfect place to escape the mundane world and have some fun. So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and head on over!

5- Waxy’s Little Sister

Waxy’s Little Sister is a pub in London that is known for its quirky decor and delicious food. The walls are covered in wax candles, and the menu features traditional British dishes with a twist. The pub is also known for its friendly staff and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a pint or a meal, Waxy’s Little Sister is the perfect spot.

6- Cahoots 

Cahoots is a bar in Soho, London, that is inspired by the underground clubs of the 1940s. It is a housed in a converted air raid shelter that protected Londoners during the blitz. The décor is authentically vintage, and the menu features classic cocktails like the gin rickey and the daiquiri. But what really sets Cahoots apart is its commitment to immersive entertainment. The staff are all decked out in period dress, and the music and dancing are strictly from the era. 

Even the restrooms are designed to transport guests back in time, with old-fashioned urinals and washbasins. In a city that is constantly changing, Cahoots offers a unique chance to step back in time and experience a bygone era.

7- The Last Tuesday Society

The Last Tuesday Society is a quirky little club in the heart of London that’s just the thing for anyone with a taste for the unusual. Founded by artist and author Viktor Wynd, the Society is dedicated to celebrating all things weird and wonderful, from taxidermy and entomology to natural history and curiosities. 

Every Tuesday night, members and guests are treated to a selection of oddities on display, along with lectures, films, and other entertainments. With its unique blend of the macabre and the absurd, the Last Tuesday Society is the perfect place for anyone who likes to step off the beaten path.

8- Burlock Rum Room

Burlock Rum Room is a haven for rum lovers in the heart of London. This cosy bar is decked out with dark wood furnishings and Cuban-themed decor, and it stocks an impressive selection of rums from around the world. Whether you’re a tropical cocktail enthusiast or a sucker for a classic daiquiri, there’s something on the menu for you. 

The bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate about their spirits, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. And if you’re feeling peckish, Burlock also offers a delicious selection of small plates inspired by Caribbean cuisine. So whether you’re looking to try something new or simply enjoy a taste of the tropics, Burlock Rum Room is the perfect spot.

9- Callooh Callay

Callooh Callay , one of the most unique bars in London. Housed in an old Victorian building, the bar is spread across two floors with Alice in Wonderland-themed decor. Downstairs you’ll find the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, complete with mismatched furniture and ticking clocks, while upstairs you’ll find a more traditional bar area serving up delicious cocktails. 

Whether you’re looking for a quirky night out or just a great place to enjoy a drink, Callooh Callay is the perfect spot. So what are you waiting for? Head over there and show yourself a good time!

10- The Lucky Pig Cocktail Bar

The Lucky Pig is a magical place, where the cocktails flow like wine and the patrons dance the night away. But what makes this bar so special? Is it the intimate setting, with its low lighting and velvet chairs? Is it the impeccable service, or the fact that they serve up some of the best cocktails in London? Whatever the reason, The Lucky Pig is definitely worth a visit. Located in the heart of London’s West End, this hidden gem is perfect for a night out on the town. 

And with a menu that features classics like the Negroni and the Old Fashioned, as well as creative new concoctions, there’s something for everyone at The Lucky Pig. So next time you’re looking for a night of fun and drinks, be sure to check out The Lucky Pig Cocktail Bar. You won’t be disappointed.

11- Churchill Arms

The Churchill Arms in London is one of the most iconic pubs in the city. The pub dates back to 1750, and is now named after Winston Churchill, who was born in 1874 in a nearby townhouse. The pub is known for its beautiful floral displays, which are created by the talented team of gardeners who work there. The pub also has a large collection of Churchill memorabilia, including paintings and photos. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, the Churchill Arms is also a local favorite, thanks to its delicious food and friendly staff. If you’re looking for a traditional British pub experience, then the Churchill Arms is the perfect place to visit.

12- TT Liquor

TT Liquor is a hidden gem in the heart of London. This small cocktail bar in a converted old police station is tucked away behind an unassuming door on a busy street, but inside, it’s a whole different world. The walls are lined with bottles of rare and vintage spirits, and the bartenders know how to make a mean cocktail. If you’re looking for a truly unique drinking experience, TT Liquor is the place to go. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance – this place is always packed!

13- Cellar Door

Aldwych might be best known for its appearances in a number of films and TV shows, but it also has a more unusual claim to fame: it used to be home to a public toilet built in 1894 and served as a public toilet until it was closed in 2007. However, it was given new life in 2017 when it was transformed into a cocktail bar called Cellar Door. The Cellar Door is now a popular spot for pre-theatre drinks, and its unique history adds to its charm. So next time you’re looking for a place to have a drink near Aldwych station, don’t be afraid to venture down into the cellar.

14- Little Nan’s

Little Nan’s is a bar in London that bills itself as a “nostalgia den.” The décor is inspired by the kitschy, over-the-top interiors of 1970s British pubs, and the menu features classic English comfort foods like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. The real star of the show, however, is the drinks menu. In addition to an impressive selection of beers and wines, Little Nan’s also offers a range of “fancy pants cocktails” made with everything from gin to crème de menthe. Whether you’re looking for a cozy place to enjoy a pint or a festive spot to celebrate a special occasion, Little Nan’s is sure to please.

15- Evans & Peel Detective Agency

London is a city of many mysteries, and there’s no better place to solve them than at the Evans & Peel Detective Agency . This top-secret bar is hidden behind a bookcase in an unassuming shopfront door and has a gangster-style speakeasy vibe.

In order to enter, guests must first prove themselves worthy by answering a series on questions. They will actually question you, make some notes, and may be, if you are lucky, they will show you a secret door. Don’t expect to get there without a reservation.

The Evans & Peel Detective Agency is the perfect place for those who are looking for an immersive and unique experience. So next time you’re in London, be sure to stop by and see if you can solve the case.

16- Ladies and Gents Bar

Tucked away in a secluded corner of London is the Ladies and Gents Bar. This small, unassuming establishment is easy to miss, but those who find it are in for a treat. The bar is decorated with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, and the walls are lined with bookshelves crammed with books. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate about their drinks. The menu features a wide selection of unique cocktails, as well as an impressive selection of wine and beer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening out or a night of adventure, the Ladies and Gents Bar is the perfect place to be.

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50 Of The Best Pubs In London To Enjoy A Tipple Or Two

With well over 3,500 boozers to choose from, we're pretty well-stocked with pubs in our beloved capital city London.

But how to whittle down where is best to go to whet your whistle hey? Well, luckily we’ve done all that hard work for you! Central, North, East, South and West – here’s the Secret London lowdown of 50 of the best pubs in London. Don’t say we’re not kind to you!

Table Of Contents

Best pubs in Central London

Best pubs in north london, best pubs in east london, best pubs in south london, best pubs in west london, 1. cittie of yorke, chancery lane.

Starting off this list of the best pubs in London is the Cittie of Yorke , a Grade II-listed spot that has been knocking about since the Tudor period. Characterised by a wooden beam ceiling, cosy booths and an enormous iron fireplace, it’s an atmospheric spot situated just off High Holborn. Perfect for an after-work pint we say. 

📍You’ll find the Cittie of Yorke at  22 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6BN.

🚇 Nearest station is Chancery Lane. 

2. The Coach and Horses, Soho

A traditional pub right in the heart of Soho , The Coach and Horses is also Grade II-listed and is a firm favourite among locals, city workers, tourists and shoppers alike. It’s a great spot for a nice cold pint and a chinwag post-work, or if you’re needing to rest your feet after a day of rifling through Oxford Street’s shops.

📍You’ll find The Coach and Horses at 29 Greek Street, London, W1D 5DH.

🚇 Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road. 

3. Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden

This traditional Georgian pub was once the haunt of the famous writer Charles Dickens, and it’s easy to see why. Dating back to the early 18th century, it was once nicknamed – *ahem* – ‘The Bucket of Blood’, and was the site of many a bare-knuckle boxing fight. Ever since, the Lamb and Flag has become a very popular spot in Covent Garden to grab a pint or some traditional English pub grub.

📍You’ll find the Lamb and Flag at  33 Rose Street, London, WC2E 9EB.

🚇 Nearest stations are Covent Garden and Leicester Square. 

4. The Dovetail, Farringdon

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The sister pub of The Dove on Hackney’s beloved Broadway Market, The Dovetail is the place to come in Central London if you’re looking for Belgian beers – including Dubbel and Blonde Seasonal. The owner Paul has a range of experience within the Belgian beer trade, and he runs regular beer tasting sessions. Book ahead though, as spaces are limited and it often sells out!

📍You’ll find The Dovetail at  9-10 Jerusalem Passage, London, EC1V 4JP.

🚇 Nearest stations are Barbican and Farringdon. 

5. John Snow, Soho

A Soho institution, the John Snow isn’t named after a certain shaggy-haired Northerner from Game of Thrones . Or indeed a salt-and-pepper haired newsreader. Instead, it’s named after a doctor who discovered that cholera spread through contaminated water. A Sam Smith pub, you won’t find yourself contaminated here, and there are a range of great ales and lagers on offer – all at a cheap price to boot.

📍You’ll find the John Snow at 39 Broadwick Street, Carnaby, London, W1F 9QJ.

🚇 Nearest stations are Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. 

6. Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn

Tucked down a tiny little alleyway, Ye Old Mitre may not be the easiest place to find. But it’s well worth a visit – it dates all the way back to 1547 when it marked the boundary of the Bishop of Ely’s land. Rumour has it that Queen Elizabeth I herself danced around a cherry tree here with Sir Christopher Hatton – one to replicate after a few pints perhaps?

📍You’ll find Ye Olde Mitre at 1 Ely Court, Ely Place, London, EC1N 6SJ.

🚇 Nearest stations are Farringdon and Chancery Lane. 

7. The Harp, Covent Garden

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Just round the corner from Trafalgar Square in Covent Garden lies this gem, which regularly tops numerous ‘best pubs in London’ lists. A traditional ale house, The Harp is all about a cosy atmosphere and classic ales. The flower-adorned exterior and stain-glass windows wouldn’t look amiss on the old ‘gram, and they rustle up some of the best sausages, baguettes and bar snacks in town.

📍You’ll find The Harp at 47 Chandos Place, London, WC2N 4HS.

🚇 Nearest station is Charing Cross. 

8. The French House, Soho

Slap-bang right in the middle of Soho, The French House is a compact spot with a ‘no-technology’ rule, which means that no phones are allowed. Did you hear that correctly? No phones! It all means that you actually have to talk in this place, which can only be a good thing right? Attracting a bohemian, literary crowd, it’s one of Central London’s most iconic watering holes and is well worth a visit if you’re ever in town.

📍You’ll find The French House at 49 Dean Street, London, W1D 5BG.

🚇 Nearest station is Leicester Square. 

9. The Viaduct Tavern, St Pauls

Often billed as one of the most haunted pubs in London, The Viaduct Tavern opened back in 1839 and was named after the Holborn Viaduct, which opened in the same year. It’s the only remaining example of a so-called ‘Gin Palace’ left in the city, and is built on the site of the old Newgate Prison, where hundreds of prisoners were put to death. So who knows – maybe you’ll share a pint or two with a ghost while you’re here!

📍You’ll find The Viaduct Tavern at 126 Newgate Street, London, EC1A 7AA.

🚇 Nearest station is St Paul’s. 

10. Mr Fogg’s Tavern, Leicester Square

Situated right in the heart of ‘Theatreland’ on the corner of St Martin’s Lane and New Row, the eccentric Mr Fogg’s Tavern is inspired by the story of Phileas Fogg – the protagonist in the Jules Verne novel Around the World in Eighty Days. With its wood panelling, traditional decor and plethora of artefacts and antiquities dotting the walls, it oozes a Victorian ambience and can’t help but transport you back to the 1870s.

📍You’ll find Mr Fogg’s Tavern at 58 St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4EA.

🚇 Nearest station is Leicester Square . 

11. The World’s End, Finsbury Park

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Starting off the best pubs in London to the north of the city is The World’s End , a cavernous spot located just two minutes’ walk from Finsbury Park station. Famous for their big screen sports and live music, this lively pub is a great place to meet friends and watch the latest fixture or challenge each other to a board game or two. They also have DJs spinning decks on the weekends. 

📍You’ll find The World’s End at 21-23 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3EF.

🚇 Nearest station is Finsbury Park. 

12. The Plimsoll, Finsbury Park

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Named after the maritime hero and socialist Samuel Plimsoll, The Plimsoll is a neighbourhood spot which only just swung open its doors last year due to a Kickstarter campaign. Previously known as The Auld Triangle – an Irish boozer which was heavily utilised pre- or post- an Arsenal match – it’s had a bit of a revamp and now serves some pretty great grub. Perhaps best of all is the shellfish – go for the mussels with a fiery, unami-filled sauce.

📍You’ll find The Plimsoll at 52 St Thomas’s Rod, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2QW.

🚇 Nearest station is Finsbury Park.

13. The Spaniard’s Inn, Hampstead

This 16th century boozer is one of the oldest pubs in London  and was yet another haunt of Charles Dickens, as well as other literary legends Keats and Byron. Set at the northern end of Hampstead Heath – 800 acres of undulating meadows, ancient woodland and natural swimming ponds – The Spaniard’s Inn is also another one of the city’s most haunted spots and is rumoured to be spooked by none other than Dick Turpin.

📍You’ll find The Spaniard’s Inn at Spaniards Road, London, NW3 7JJ.

🚇 Nearest station is Golders Green. 

14. The Woodbine, Highbury and Islington

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A strong entry onto this list of the best pubs in London, The Woodbine is a warm and welcoming Irish-owned pub with regular live music , quizzes and – most importantly – great craic. Nestled in the upper end of Highbury, this quaint spot lets loose at the weekends, with plentiful cocktails and pints of Guinness on tap.

📍You’ll find The Woodbine at  215 Blackstock Road, London, N5 2LL.

🚇 Nearest station is Arsenal. 

15. The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak

This lovely spot is the only ale and cider house in London to sell beer and cider which is sourced solely from small independent breweries . The Southampton Arms also has the feel of an old-fashioned boozer, and has remained a local, relaxed and friendly feel.

📍You’ll find The Southampton Arms at 139 Highgate Road, London, NW5 1LE.

🚇 Nearest station is Gospel Oak.

16. The Pineapple, Kentish Town

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Tucked down a little side street in charming Kentish Town, The Pineapple is a neighbourhood favourite and something of an institution in this neck of the woods. Brimming with character, they offer a lovely selection of Thai food and have a real sun spot of a garden in the back. Pooch-friendly, they also have an array of board games which are perfect for challenging your mates.

📍You’ll find The Pineapple at 51 Leverton Street, London, NW5 2NX.

🚇 Nearest station is Kentish Town. 

17. The Flask, Highgate

If you’re milling about North London, The Flask in Highgate is a firm favourite – it’s also considered another one of London’s most haunted pubs  – so who knows, you may be joined by a resident spook while you’re sipping on a bevvie out in the garden! It’s also full of nooks and crannies and has a roaring fire – a nice spot for a cold winter’s evening we’d argue.

📍You’ll find The Flask at 77 Highgate West Hill, London, N6 6BU.

🚇 Nearest station is Highgate. 

18. The Bull, Highgate

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This popular independent Highgate pub has its own on-site brewery – winner – and a very lovely heated back garden. Dog-friendly, there’s also a delicious seasonal menu and The Bull , and they do a mean roast on Sundays – well worth making the trek to N6. Trust us. 

📍You’ll find The Bull at 13 North Hill, London, N6 4AB.

19. The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

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This Finsbury Park fave – regularly topping lists of the best pubs in London – may have come from over the Irish Sea, but it clearly had a gap year on the way, given the Thai-heavy, cash-only menu. No need to worry about buckets of SangSom – the very thought is making us shudder – or ‘finding yourself’, as The Faltering Fullback still pulls pints of Guinness and shows Gaelic football on the big screen. Sláinte!

📍You’ll find The Faltering Fullback at 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3HB. 

🚇  Nearest station is Finsbury Park. 

20. The Hawley Arms, Camden

The one-time favourite haunt of London icon Amy Winehouse, The Hawley Arms also happens to be Secret London’s local boozer. One of the best Camden pubs , they’ve got a banging roof garden and host regular live music and pub quizzes. With a great selection of ales and lagers on tap, as well actual pints of chips, this is the place to be if you’re hanging about Camden Town .

📍You’ll find The Hawley Arms at 2 Castlehaven Road, London, NW1 8QU.

🚇 Nearest stations are Camden Town or Camden Road. 

21. The Crooked Billet, Clapton

If your quest to discover Lower Clapton Road’s finest watering holes doesn’t end at the Lea Bridge Roundabout, you’re in for a real treat with The Crooked Billet . With one of the largest beer gardens in the area, the Billet has deck chairs, bowls, and even a ping-pong table! They also show sports on the big screen and have plenty of events throughout the calendar year.

📍You’ll find The Crooked Billet at 84 Upper Clapton Road, London, E5 9JP.

🚇 Nearest station is Clapton. 

22. The Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green

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Another strong contender for topping this list of the best pubs in London, The Sun Tavern is all about fine ales, live music, classically-inspired cocktails and great craic with both staff and punters alike. They also claim to have London’s largest selection of Irish whiskey and ‘the world’s largest collection of Poitín’. For those not in the know, that’s ‘Irish moonshine’ – better order a pint of water while you’re at it!

📍You’ll find The Sun Tavern at 441 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 0AN.

🚇 Nearest station is Bethnal Green. 

23. The Ten Bells, Spitalfields

Right in the centre of Spitalfields and overlooked by the looming spire of Christ Church Spitalfields, The Ten Bells has been a pub since the mid 1800s and it is full to the brim of intriguing history. Set over three floors, this atmospheric candle-lit spot is rumoured to be the spot where Jack the Ripper met Annie Chapman and Mary Jane Kelly – two of his victims – and it’s rumoured that Annie still haunts the corridors. Spooky stuff!

📍You’ll find The Ten Bells at 84 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LY.

🚇 Nearest station is Liverpool Street.

24. People’s Park Tavern, Victoria Park

Another one of east London’s biggest and best beer gardens, The People’s Park Tavern has a lot to offer to those that venture out this way. Featuring both indoor and outdoor bars – plus a whole myriad of pop-ups throughout the year – it’s a lively spot with excellent craft beers, hearty roasts, regular barbecues and much, much more. If the sun is shining and you’d rather sit in Victoria Park, you can also grab a takeaway pint. What more could you ask for?

📍You’ll find the People’s Park Tavern at 360 Victoria Park Road, London, E9 7BT.

🚇 Nearest stations are Homerton or Hackney Wick. 

25. The Marksman, Hackney Road

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This one was always a guaranteed addition to this roundup of the best pubs in London. Just a stone’s throw from Hackney City Farm and Broadway Market, The Marksman  is a Michelin Pub of the Year-winning local which is a real neighbourhood favourite. The real star of the show here are the roasts –  go for the roast mallard, the baked Dover sole or the pressed celeriac with green sauce and spenwood and you wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else in London on a Sunday afternoon.

📍You’ll find The Marksman at 254 Hackney Road, London, E2 7SJ.

🚇 Nearest station is Hoxton.

26. Clissold Park Tavern, Stoke Newington

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Overlooking its leafy namesake, this lively spot is one of the places to come when the sun is shining. With a brilliant beer garden, a whole host of craft lagers on tap and some of the best beers in town, the Clissold Park Tavern is good whatever time of day or night you arrive. They also show all major football games and Premier League fixtures, as well as regular live music.

📍You’ll find the Clissold Park Tavern at 177 Green Lanes, London, N16 9DB.

🚇 Nearest stations are Canonbury and Arsenal.  

27. Pub on the Park, London Fields

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This vibey place is pretty famous for its massive terrace-come-beer garden. It can get pretty lively during weekends when DJs spin the decks, and it’s also a good spot to watch live sporting events. As the name ‘ Pub on the Park ’ suggests, it’s well-placed for a pint after lazing about in London Fields or a dip in the lido.

📍 You’ll find Pub on the Park at 19 Martello Street, London, E8 3PE.

🚇  Nearest station is London Fields. 

28. The Royal Oak, Columbia Road

Another worthy addition to this list of the best pubs in London, The Royal Oak is a real East London gem. Used as a setting for the Tom Hardy-starring film Legend and the sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart , it’s a popular, wood-panelled spot set right in the heart of the ever-popular Columbia Road . Post-flower shop on a Sunday, why not grab a pint or two in its courtyard or tuck into a tasty roast? They’re even better than your grans – promise!

📍You’ll find The Royal Oak at 73 Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG.

🚇 Nearest stations are Hoxton and Cambridge Heath. 

29. The Captain Kidd, Wapping

Another Sam Smiths institution, The Captain Kidd takes its name from a noted rogue and pirate who was hanged at Execution Dock just down the river in 1701. It offers fantastic views of the River Thames and the gleaming skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, as well as cheap-as-chips bevvies. Well – for London anyway.  

📍You’ll find The Captain Kidd at 108 Wapping High Street, London, E1W 2NE.

🚇 Nearest station is Wapping. 

 30. Lord Napier Star, Hackney Wick

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26 years ago, the legendary Lord Napier pub served its final (legal) drink inside its infamous graffiti building. In the latter half of 2021, the unmistakable  building reopened under the moniker the Lord Napier Star . And thank god it has. With an excellent rooftop offering panoramic vistas over Hackney Wick, regular DJs, fine food and cocktails, it’s a cracking spot to be.

📍You’ll find the Lord Napier Star at 25 White Post Lane, London, E9 5EN.

🚇 Nearest station is Hackney Wick. 

31. Skehans Free House, Nunhead

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A real South London institution, Skehans Free House call themselves the ‘purveyors of craic’, and you can’t really argue with them if we’re honest. Easygoing and affordable, this gem attracts all manner of patrons, and they are one of the few remaining independent, family-run pubs left in South London. With regular live music, a Thai restaurant and a hidden garden out back, we couldn’t not feature this on our roundup of the best pubs in London. 

📍You’ll find Skehans Free House at 1 Kitto Road, London, SE14 5TW.

🚇 Nearest station is Nunhead. 

32. The Montpellier, Peckham

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This fine pub tucked away on the leafy Choumert Road in Peckham is a real standout when it comes to South London pubs. Serving excellent craft beers, cask ales and fine wines, The Montpellier – or ‘The Monty’ as it is affectionately known by those daaaannn saaathhh – is a fantastic place to park yourself for a few hours. The kitchen staff also whip up some damn good grub, all made from locally-sourced, organic ingredients.

📍You’ll find The Montpellier at 43 Choumert Road, London, SE15 4AR.

🚇 Nearest station is Peckham Rye. 

33. The Dog and Bell, Deptford

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Winner of the coveted ‘SE London Pub of the Year’ in 2020, The Dog and Bell is one of those spots that you’ll go to once and then will then keep going religiously – probably on an almost daily basis. Another Irish boozer, the atmosphere found here is incredibly welcoming, and they have regular live music and pub quizzes if you’re looking for more than just a pint. It’s set just off the Thames Path , so is a great pitstop if you’re doing the Greenwich to London Bridge walk/run/cycle/pub crawl. Cheers!

📍You’ll find The Dog and Bell at 116 Prince Street London, SE8 3JD.

🚇 Nearest station is Deptford.

34. The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton

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Hidden right in the depths of Brixton , The Duke of Edinburgh may not look like much from the outside, but head out back to the beer garden and you’re in for a surprise – a massive space filled with people, outdoor bars, street food and a lively atmosphere. Come winter time, it’s decked out in an array of fairy lights, which only add to the secret garden-esque atmosphere.

📍You’ll find the Duke of Edinburgh at 204 Ferndale Road, London SW9 8AG.

🚇 Nearest station is Brixton.

35. The Mayflower, Rotherhithe

If you’ve ever fallen asleep on the bus after a big session at the pub and woken up in Penge – or, like this author, actual Kent – spare a thought for the Mayflower Pilgrims who set off from here one night and ended up settling in America. The Mayflower remains a truly beautiful boozer with a riverside terrace; although at the highest tides water splashes up dramatically through the rickety floorboards (no joke)!

📍You’ll find The Mayflower at 117 Rotherhithe Street, London, SE16 4NF.

🚇 Nearest station is Rotherhithe.

36. The Market Porter, Borough Market

We couldn’t not include this one in this roundup of the best pubs in London. Not only is it right by Borough Market , but it’s also right opposite actual Bridget Jones’ house. Ok, it’s not as if two-time Oscar winner Renée Zellweger actually lives there, but still. The Market Porter also has some pretty great craft beers, some great pub grub and twelve award-winning ales on tap. It can get pretty busy, but there’s plenty of space out front too.

📍You’ll find The Market Porter at 9 Stoney Street, London, SE1 9AA.

🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge. 

37. The Alma, Crystal Palace

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Set right in the heart of the ‘ Crystal Palace Triangle’, The Alma is all about quality food, perfectly-poured pints and wine and a friendly, feel-at-ease atmosphere. They’ve got loads of craft beers on tap, are dog-friendly , and the food is bloody good. Sorry if we’re repeating ourselves, but as the famous restaurant critic Grace Dent herself says, ‘ this is literally the pub of my dreams ’. Go figure.

📍You’ll find The Alma at 95 Church Road, London, SE19 2TA.

🚇 Nearest station is Crystal Palace. 

38. The Sun of Camberwell, Camberwell

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Another worthy addition to this list of the best pubs in London, The Sun of Camberwell is a charming spot just a few minutes’ walk from the hustle and bustle of Camberwell Green . There’s regular live music and pub quizzes, DJs spin the decks at weekends and a gorgeous, sun–dappled beer garden at the back means you’ll find it easy to while away the hours here. Another pint? Well… don’t mind if we do.

📍You’ll find The Sun of Camberwell at 61-63 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NS.

🚇 Nearest station is Loughborough Junction.

39. Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich

Make sure you grab a window seat in the beautiful Trafalgar Tavern for sweeping riverside views – they’re some of the best you can find anywhere in London. The pints aren’t exactly cheap at this Grade II-listed spot, but you’re paying for the views, remember, and the food is pretty damn good too. You’re also just across the road from the UNESCO-listed Greenwich Park and just a few hundred metres from the famous Cutty Sark.

📍You’ll find the Trafalgar Tavern at Park Row, Royal Greenwich, London, SE10 9NW.

🚇 Nearest stations are Maze Hill or the Cutty Sark.

40. The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield

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Situated just off Garrett Lane in between Earlsfield and Tooting, The Leather Bottl e is a popular spot with a ginormooooous beer garden, a fully-heated, chalet-esque terrace and a burger shack out back. They also whip up some mouthwatering food – including a mean roast dinner – and have a roaring fire which comes in handy when the temperatures are Baltic outside. 

📍You’ll find The Leather Bottle at 538 Garratt Lane, London, SW17 0NY.

🚇 Nearest station is Earlsfield. 

41. The Windsor Castle, Kensington

Tucked away between Holland Park , Kensington and Notting Hill, this picturesque spot boasts a delightful  menu of mouth-watering options to accompany your pints in a toasty setting. There’s a lovely outside space at The Windsor Castle if the weather is playing ball – if not there’s a roaring woodburner inside.

📍You’ll find The Windsor Castle at 114 Campden Hill Road, Kensington, London, Greater London, W8 7AR.

🚇  Nearest station is Notting Hill Gate. 

42. The Shepherd and Flock, Shepherd’s Bush

Just down the road from Goldhawk Road tube station, The Shepherd and Flock is the place to go if you’re looking for a casual pint. Small in stature, it’s a cosy place that attracts a whole host of friendly regulars – they also show Sky Sports if you’re wanting to catch the latest game.

📍 You’ll find The Shepherd and Flock at 84 Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8HA.

🚇  Nearest stations are Goldhawk Road and Shepherd’s Bush. 

43. The Earl of Lonsdale, Notting Hill

Set right on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road, The Earl of Lonsdale is named after the enormously wealthy fifth Earl of Lonsdale, who was the founder and first president of the Automobile Association – or the AA as it’s better known. Now a Sam Smith pub, it’s got great beer and cosy spots for drinking it in. What more could you ask for?

📍You’ll find The Earl of Lonsdale at 277-281 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2QA.

🚇 Nearest station is Notting Hill Gate.

44. The Prince Albert, Notting Hill

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A short walk from both Portobello Market and Kensington Gardens, The Prince Albert is the perfect place to cosy up with a pint in the heated garden. Venture upstairs and you’ll find a 75-seater theatre, where many up-and-coming actors, directors and scriptwriters tread the boards.

📍You’ll find The Prince Albert at 11 Pembridge Road, London, W11 3HQ.

🚇 Nearest station is Notting Hill Gate. 

45. The Lamb, Chiswick

A top spot for seasonal food, real ales and craft beers—oh, and a particularly lovely garden. Located just off Chiswick High Road, The Lamb is the perfect spot for a lazy lunch or for a couple of chill pints. They play regular live sports and whip up an extensive array of flavoursome food. 

📍You’ll find The Lamb at  9 Barley Mow Passage, Chiswick, London, W4 4PH.

🚇 Nearest station is Chiswick Park.

46. The Aeronaut, Acton

Billing itself as the ‘ best night out in West London ’, The Aeronaut doesn’t exactly hold back when it comes to bigging itself up. But then why would it? It’s got two sunny beer gardens, an outside bar, firepits, a coconut shy, a hook-a-duck – you name it, it’s here. However, the jewel in this spot’s crown is the indoor arena, which is the setting for a whole range of events, including acrobatics, gymnastics and circus show classics.

📍You’ll find The Aeronaut at 264 High Street, London, W3 9BH.

🚇 Nearest stations are Acton Town and Acton Central. 

47. The Churchill Arms, Kensington

It’s not exactly hard to spot The Churchill Arms  – it’s decked out in 100 flower pots, 48 window boxes, and 42 hanging baskets. Or, to put it another way, an actual metric tonne of brilliantly-coloured flowers. Imagine being the poor fool who has to water all of those! Come Christmas time, the flowers are replaced with Christmas trees, so if you’re looking to feel festive, you know where to come!

📍You’ll find The Churchill Arms at 119 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 7LN.

48. The White Horse, Parsons Green

Perched right on the edge of the verdant Parson’s Green, The White Horse is a popular and busy spot nicknamed ‘The Sloaney Pony’ due to the ‘Sloane Rangers’ that frequent it. It’s a historic place – a coaching inn was first established here in 1688 – and the decor is typically Victorian. They’ve got a great range of beers and some good food to boot.

📍You’ll find The White Horse at 1-3 Parsons Green, London SW6 4UL.

🚇 Nearest station is Parsons Green.  

49. The Eagle, Ravenscourt Park

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Situated right in the heart of Ravenscourt Park, this stylish spot is all about the beer garden. There’s a stretch tent, blankets, hot water bottles and heaters throughout. Oh and don’t forget the speakers pumping the tunes all night long – no wonder The Eagle is often called the best pub garden in West London.

📍You’ll find The Eagle at 215 Askew Road, London, W12 9AZ.

🚇 Nearest station is Goldhawk Road.

50. The Old Ship, Hammersmith

Hammersmith really does have an embarrassment of riches in the riverside drinking stakes. The Old Ship has enjoyed a recent refurb and also rocks a decently-sized beer garden right by the River Thames. For having a ‘ Dogs Of The Old Ship ‘ Instagram account, they get 8 million bonus points from us. What a nice way to round off this list of the best pubs in London hey?!

📍You’ll find The Old Ship at 25 Upper Mall, London W6 9TD.

🚇 Nearest station is Ravenscourt Park. 

So there you have it – 50 of the best pubs in London. Whether you’re in the centre of town or North, South, East or West, you’re bound to stumble upon one of these for a pint or two. Cheers!

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53 Best Bars in London

By Sarah James

London has some of the best bars in the world. The capital’s bartenders are increasingly using innovative ingredients, local produce and a sustainable approach when crafting their menus, while the old school hotel haunts are still mixing classics with aplomb. There’s a spate of forward-thinking wine bars showcasing natural wine and craft breweries serving artisan pints. So whether you want a cosy London cocktail bar, a progressive wine bar, a rooftop bar, or just an under-the-radar place for a quiet drink, there are plenty of places to raise a glass or two. Here are our favourite bars in London right now, in no particular order.

Paradise: After Dark, Soho

Meticulous is the word that comes to mind when I think of the cocktails at Paradise: After Dark. The team values detail, and their passion is evident as each mixture (singing with the flavors of Dom Fernando's childhood in Sri Lanka) is concocted with the utmost care. I ordered three cocktails throughout the evening, each as unique and exciting as the last. The first: Cardamom Espresso Martini. The smokey flavor of the cardamom paired perfectly with the coffee, creating a more interesting take on a classic cocktail while ensuring it didn’t cross into the too-sweet territory it so often does. Next: Rambutan and Curry Leaf Daquiri, a drink that tasted as good as it looked with hints of curry leaf and paired perfectly with the fruity sweetness of Rambutan. And lastly, the bartender offered us an off-the-menu Ghee Martin - the most interesting of the three. The nutty Ghee flavour complimented the gin beautifully, making for a distinctive taste. Not a cocktail person? Not to worry, the Paradise: After Dark team provided the perfect list of dry whites and light reds to accompany the spices of the menu.

La Goccia, Covent Garden

In the heart of Covent Garden , this cozy drinking den is the latest venture from the Boglione family, founders of Petersham Nurseries. Enter through a red velvet curtain for interiors inspired by the horticulture roots of the family. Francesco Boglione’s art collection of contemporary botanical paintings lines the walls, the sleek bar is made up of hundreds of hand-dipped bronze leaves, and there are dried flower displays and foliage on almost every surface. Take a seat on a leopard-print bar stool with gnarled metal legs inspired by tree branches, or in an alcove lined with velvet sofas and distressed leather chairs. Printed menus hand-tied with string contain carefully crafted cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as plenty of wines and beer. It's the cocktails that steal the show— ingredients change depending on the season, and the mixologists use lots of fresh spices, fruits and edible flowers. The Apple Star was our favorite: a refreshing, sweet-but-sour short drink containing JJ Whitley Gin, apple cordial, lime and Amaretto.

Swift, Soho

This sleek Soho bar has long been a favorite on best bars lists – not just in London but across the globe. In fact, it made the World's 50 Best Bars in 2022, placing at number 30 as the second-highest-ranking bar in the capital. If you're organized enough, make a reservation in advance—the downstairs seating area is bookings-only and while you can walk in upstairs, this little spot is usually packed to the brim. The summer 2023 menu had a sweet travel theme; our favorite was The Old Compton, inspired by Swift's home in Soho; a punchy little number made with Rémy Martin 1738 cognac, Swift Jamaican rum, strawberry, rhubarb amaro, lemon and bitters. You can order wines by the glass and beer, but you're really here for the superior mixology.

Viajante87 , Notting Hill

Notting Hill is not shy of new openings —and it hasn’t taken long for developers to notice the potential of Hillgate Village as a new culinary hub. After the successful launch of Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant Los Mochis in 2021, restauranter Markus Thesleff quickly set his sights on a new project. In January 2023, sustainable bar Viajante 87 opened its doors on Notting Hill Gate.

Taking inspiration from the same pan-Pacific countries as its sister restaurant, the vibe here is an Agaveria-come-Izakaya. Squirrelled away down a dark staircase, this intimate hideout is a creative haven: low-mood lighting, a back-lit bar made of recycled glass and an undulating feature wall made entirely out of cork. The bar has a 2 a.m. music license, so expect plenty of bass-heavy tracks run by DJs.

Stacey Lastoe

Tonya Russell

Steph Koyfman

Emily Pennington

The Painter's Room, Claridge's, Mayfair

Turn left through the lobby, turn right when you meet the rocking zebra then turn left when you see Kristin Scott Thomas. The directions will make sense when you visit Claridge’s elegant new drinking den, anyway.  It’s an Art Deco lozenge of a space, carved out between the ballroom and the Talking Heads gallery of portraits (hence Kristin’s appearance) and means you can now bar-hop your way around the Mayfair hotel , from its original drinking hole to the Fumoir and then here. The Painter's is a lovely place to while away an hour or so, the pale pink onyx of the counter as luminous as Venus in her scallop shell, with cornetto wall lights and the metal Paris Metro-like skylight above holding an intricately rolled Deco chandelier. It was was designed by Irish-born Bryan O’Sullivan—a name to watch; other commissions include the Berkeley Bar and The Park Hotel in Kenmare, along with new bedrooms upstairs at this hotel – who referenced archive photos of a Thirties Claridge’s bar of the same name for inspiration. He collaborated with artist Annie Morris, whose stack sculptures can currently be seen at Yorkshire Sculpture Park but here has doodled animals on the white wall in light grey and created a stained-glass window in wrapping-paper-bright colours. There’s something of the Matisse Chapel about this space, but also something a little Accidentally Wes Anderson (although is anything accidental these days?). Easy to imagine Jean Harlow draped in white mink here, blowing smoke rings from a cigarette holder and waiting for her close-up. 

Cave Cuvee, Bethnal Green

Brodie Meah and Max Venning are rare examples of restaurateurs who really hit their stride during the pandemic. Before 2020, the story of their mini empire was successful, but following a fairly standard path. The two Mancunians opened Top Cuvée, a Finsbury Park wine bar, in 2019. When it was forced to close during lockdown, the boys pivoted and took the business online, launching nationwide delivery of their funky, all-natural wine list under the clever moniker Shop Cuvée. Business boomed, as locked-down would-be boozers tried to recreate the feeling of visiting an east London bar, in their own kitchens. Now, Meah and Venning have opened a Bethnal Green bottle shop - a souped-up offy upstairs selling the brand’s trademark organic drinks, and a tiny, Paris -inspired bar downstairs for sampling wines in-house, with a banging playlist and disco ball.

Bar Crispin, Soho

When Dominic Hamdy and Oliver Hiam (also behind Lundenwic on Aldwych) opened Crispin , an all-day eatery serving speciality coffee and pastries from The Dusty Knuckle in the morning and wines and seasonal plates in the evening, it was an instant hit. Then lockdown came, and the team quickly started selling natural wines via the Crispin Wine Club. Now they’ve brought their Spitalfields vibe and knowledge of interesting, fresh and funky bottles from old-world and small indie producers to Kingly Street. Inspired by Eighties Soho , the team collaborated with interior designer Jermaine Gallacher (whose South London studio also encompasses the very hip Lant Street Wine Bar) to shape a distinctly retro space. There's a chunky silver-zinc bar, jewel-toned triangle mirrors and fun zig-zag designs, plus a chilled playlist from DJs Peaches, Eliza Rose and Flo Dill.

Atrium Bar, Nomad London, Covent Garden

There aren’t that many bars with their own cocktail books. The Savoy has one, of course, written in 1930 and awash with flips and rickeys and slings of all shades; so has the Café Royal, published a few years later and championing novel creations such as the Old Fashioned. But a favorite recent one is The NoMad Cocktail Book , a green-tinged tome written by the hotel group’s bar guru Leo Robitschek. When it opened in 2012, the NoMad New York ’s Elephant Bar quickly became one of those era-defining places that everyone wanted to be seen at – had Instagram been the force it is now, the bar’s Dirty Martinis would have gone viral. So there’s been a helluva lot of excitement over the arrival of NoMad London , right opposite the Royal Opera House.

It’s a properly New York-style hotel in the heart of the city, with a sense of theatre, and the bars to match. The pubby, leather-clad Side Hustle has its own street entrance and works as a standalone space for tacos, beers and cocktails that lean heavily into Mexican spirits, just the place for an after-work pick-me-up – or sharing the infamous two-foot-tall punch jars. And drinks are served amid the bookcases of The Library off the lobby. The Atrium bar, though, is tucked away below the spiral staircase, a curvaceous Deco-glam creation with pink tasseled bar stools, which looks out onto the restaurant and its three-story atrium. Of course, many people will stop by here on their way to their tables, but this is a destination in its own right.

Scarfes Bar , Rosewood London, Covent Garden

Honoring the British political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, whose designs line the walls and cocktail menu, this central bar is the Rosewood’s bona fide anchor in the city – a reason to visit for those not hunkering down in one of its marble-clad rooms. It's sexy. Moody Victorian parlour meets gentlemen’s club, with a fresh lacquered lick of modern cool. A dim amber glow envelops dark wood, antique hardbacks and deep velvet chairs, as well as the glamorous, animated guests at the bar, Martini glass in one hand, gesticulating with the other to a jazz soundtrack—just like Scarfe’s own caricatures.

As the meeting point of painting and potions, the cocktail menu riffs on the globally recognized Enneagram personality test, in the form of a moveable board: 18 different drinks have been skilfully created and paired up to match the two poles of each individual’s personality. What may sound complex in fact removes the agony of indecision too often caused by extensive menus. I reluctantly accepted The Individualist character level (self-absorbed, expressive, temperamental—key travel writer credentials), and the Grey Goose with fermented green pepper and hay-vermouth concoction hit the spot, perhaps exposing me further should this taste and character-trait nexus prove legitimate. As with star signs and horoscopes, intrigue always triumphs over suspicion. The reassuring Meditator can look forward to a Copalli rum cocktail with italicus guanabana, matcha and aloe vera, and the workaholic Achiever to Roku with fermented lychee and linden-honey citra hops. Those uneasy with this level of personality scrutiny on a Thursday evening can choose from a compact but comfortingly traditional wine list featuring Burgundys, Malbecs and Riojas, as well as a dizzying array of aperitifs, vodkas, gins and whiskys, all of which flank the glamorously lit bar and confirm Scarfes’ status as a serious drinking hole.

Spiritland , King's Cross

After years of ambitious regeneration, King’s Cross, and specifically Coal Drops Yard , is London’s buzziest creative hub—work on Google’s HQ is in full swing, and Facebook are said to be eyeing up a nearby plot too. Spiritland captures the zeitgeist perfectly: part of a new breed of ‘listening cafés’ (a concept imported from Japan 's jazz kissatens —tea-rooms boasting state-of-the-art audio equipment), it’s raising the bar for London’s most committed music fans. The idea is to put music on a pedestal—to provide a comfortable space for people to listen to top-quality music, without needing to step foot into a sticky-floored super-club. By day, it’s a casual café, workspace and recording studio; by night a bar, restaurant and venue for label launches and DJ residencies. You can even take a piece of Spiritland home—vinyl, headphones and audio equipment lining the back of the bar are all up for sale. Each night, a different DJ takes to the decks of its world-class sound system and towering speakers (the whole set-up clocks in at just under half a million pounds), while guests sink into wonderfully retro green felt chairs to enjoy what the bar's founders describe as a ‘deep listening experience’. And although things do get darker and louder at night, this is categorically not a club: there’s no dancefloor, and thanks to the table service policy, there’s no jostling for space at the bar either.

Pamela , Dalston

For anyone who's ever dreamed of a bar inspired by Nineties icon Pamela Anderson (we know you're out there), the wait is over. Launched by a gang of six founders whose combined experience covers some of Dalston 's most infamous after-dark haunts – Alibi, Birthdays, Rita's – Pamela opened last May and is carving a very specific niche on the upper reaches of Kingsland Road. Yet while the Baywatch star is namechecked on the menu and festooned across the wall, Pamela the bar has its own, easy-going personality thanks to the surf-rock playlists, engaging staff, outdoor seats and recent addition of Decatur's soul-food kitchen.

The characterful menu showcases the team's in-house infusions. Negroni fans should try the Mitch Buchannon (£8.50), a blend of mint-tinged brandy, Campari and citrus, while in-the-know locals demand ‘the green one’—aka the vivid Des Barres (£8.50)—made with jalapeno-spiked vodka, kiwi juice and coconut ice cubes. Elsewhere, picklebacks, snakebite-and-blacks and Pammy limoncellos stand out among more standard choices.

Crossroads , Camden

As London’s hospitality industry slowed to a stop during lockdown, husband-and-wife team Bart and Monika Miedeksza put their heads together to create something different. Having worked for years at venues such as Dalston ’s High Water, Typing Room and Vagabond Wines, the pair wanted to match their experience with a passion for sustainability and community-led initiatives. A few months and a serious refurb project later, the aptly named Crossroads bar opened at the junction under Camden Town bridge.

Out on the pavement, signs (hand-painted by Monika) alert passers-by to £6 Espresso Martinis, directing inquisitive guests down a staircase encased in iron-wrought railings. Inside, former Victorian loos have been transformed into an underground, speakeasy-style bar. Industrial ceilings give way to midnight-blue walls and hand-hewn wooden tables, and light seeps in through the original glass roof. Hoping to bring a renewed sense of community to the neighborhood, the Crossroads ethos is based on zero-waste: using what is already available, working with local produce and sticking to a closed-loop philosophy.

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, Seven Dials

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels (or CVS for short) is one of those bars you’ve probably popped into while waiting for a spot at Barbary’s tiny countertop or a 20-inch pizza at Homeslice, but it was unlikely your final destination. It should be. Just like the original Parisian wine bar tucked behind the Marché Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement, the Neal’s Yard outpost—which goes by the same outlandish name—acts as a cozy respite from the tourist-filled cobbled streets of Covent Garden. The concept, from the team behind the Experimental Cocktail Club, a speakeasy in Chinatown notorious for its selective bouncer guarding the door, is a more relaxed affair. As long as you like wine, that is. This is not the place to ask for a glass of house red, but you won’t face a man wearing an earpiece like he’s guarding No.10, either. Instead, the charcoal-paletted space is designed for long, grown-up evenings sitting on the plump seats with a bottle of wine. The low-lit room is filled with chatter and candles ambiently flickering from their cut-crystal holders.

Diogenes the Dog, Elephant and Castle

Diogenes the Dog ’s owner Sunny Hodge has recently returned from a road trip through Texas on the back of a Harley-Davidson, visiting vineyards that produce wines which have drawn a comparison to those from Portugal . It’s not the first time he has taken a journey like this to find offbeat winemakers and regions that he can add to his esoteric menu—and it certainly won’t be the last. Hodge opened the wine bar on a quiet street near Elephant and Castle station at the end of 2018. Flooded with light in the day and moodily lit by low-hanging lamps and candles in the evening, the two-storey space (which regularly hosts jazz nights in the basement) has exposed-brick walls neatly stacked with bottles and rustic wooden floors filled with bountiful foliage that gives it a simultaneously snug yet stylish atmosphere. It’s a vibe that is fitting for somewhere named after the Greek philosopher Diogenes the Cynic, who believed that all the artificial elements of society—money, power, fame and possessions—were incompatible with happiness. It was better instead, he thought, to live simply, in the present moment, and embrace what the natural world has to offer.

Moto , Covent Garden

Two thousand years since sake was first brewed in Japan , the country seems to be falling out of love with its national drink, its breweries closing and sales slipping. But new interest has been piqued in the West, along with all things Japanese from matcha to Marie Kondo-style minimalism, which has resulted in exports of the fermented-rice beverage doubling over the past 10 years. In London, sake has floated onto some of the city’s hottest menus, selected by sommeliers for its umami quality that makes it naturally flavour-enhancing. Instead of the traditional ceramic ochoko , it’s served in wine glasses with fish and chips, cheese and oysters, as well as a range of Japanese dishes. Yet sake remains largely misunderstood by the masses, which Tokyo -born Erika Haigh hopes to change. Her new bar Moto (meaning ‘origin’ in Japanese) is entirely devoted to drinks from Japan, with sake sourced from small producers—some of which have never been exported before—taking center stage. Well-versed in the language of wine, she has used her training as a sommelier to demystify what she sells, creating beautiful hand-printed cards that include tasting notes, food pairings, flavour intensity and sweetness levels. She ranks each bottle on shelves above the blue-and-white bar, going across from light, fresh and aromatic to rich, earthy and umami , then down from mild to medium and dry—it’s the focal point in a diminutive blonde-wood space that inspires humility.

Diddy's , Hackney

‘Where are all the bars named after female owners?’ Diddy Varley, co-founder of her beloved namesake, exclaims as she cheerfully takes our drinks order. Warm, energetic, colourful and cool, she is the personification of Diddy’s. After working for years in TV, she opened her dream place on a neglected stretch of Mare Street with her architect boyfriend Jayden Ali back in 2016. Now she’s neighbours with Mare Street Market, Bright and NT’s bar. The stylish corner spot full of plants, pops of bright colour and food-based artwork has since built up a loyal local following that you’ll immediately want to be part of. An airy relaxed café by day full of freelancers and coffee catch-ups moves easily into a casual drinking spot once night falls. There are only four tables and a bar perch (with a couple of extra tables downstairs), which means that with just a few couples on dates, a cluster of friends and the resident dog napping on the floor, the bar feels lively and inviting.

T he Berkeley Bar & Terrace , Knightsbridge

When David Collins unveiled his jewel-box Blue Bar at The Berkeley in 2004, it quickly became one of the most stylish bars in London. The local drinking scene has changed a lot since then, preferring subterranean speakeasies and craft-ale pop-ups to stiff-collared hotel haunts. But now The Berkeley is mixing things up again with its newest addition, hidden away at the back of the building with possibly the most secret terrace in Knightsbridge. It is the first London hotel project for young-gun interior architect Bryan O’Sullivan of Bos Studio (in a fitting twist, he trained with Collins). And he has very much put his own stamp on it by designing every aspect of the space, from the half-moon, columned marble bar and chubby pumpkin pouffes to the walnut panels carved out of wood salvaged from a fallen tree on Lincolnshire’s Fulbeck Estate. A combination of the slick restraint of northern Italian design and the eye-for-detail of Deco, this beautiful space already feels like a modern classic, with a clubby atmosphere of popping corks.

Coupette, Bethnal Green

A Calvados bar, you might think, can only be found in a Normandy village, your glass topped by a demure Manon des Sources type while the occasional donkey ambles past sporting a pair of denim-blue culottes. To which, a Gallic shrug of indifference is needed. This bar opened in 2017 on the mean streets of Bethnal Green and is really the only place in London that takes Calvados and cider seriously, along with a line-up of other classic French serves. It's the project of Chris Moore, the dashing former head barman at the Savoy's excellent Beaufort Bar , who fancied a change of scene—a place to slip out of the jacket, put his favourite tracks on. Since opening, it’s carved out a reputation as one of the East End’s most idiosyncratic hangouts, with reliably assured cocktails. On a typical evening at Coupette (the name means 'a cheeky one' in French) you'll find a roll call of young chefs and bar staff from all around town at the counter, which is lined with hundreds of 10-centime coins (gathered together, they may just about buy you a drink at the Beaufort).

Lady of the Grapes , Covent Garden

Parisian Carole Bryon opened this dinky pillar-box-red wine bar on one of Covent Garden’s quieter streets in 2018. Growing up in a foodie family, she took a series of sommelier courses in her thirties and soon noticed the gender inequality in the industry, from the prevalence of male winemakers and suppliers to the tendency of customers to gravitate towards male sommeliers rather than women. Opening Lady of the Grapes, she made a commitment to showcasing wines predominantly from women makers, producers and sellers. Inside all is deep wood and exposed brick, candlelit, with floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked full of bottles. Grab a window seat at the narrow bench table – the windows are often thrown open to let in hits of fresh air, and the charming European waiters hop outside to take your order through the window rather than squeezing between the crammed-together tables inside.

Little Bat , Islington

This bar fluttered by last winter as a pop-up but has now settled at this off-Upper Street address. Cocktail adventurers will no doubt be familiar with its fancy-dress-loving sibling Callooh Callay in Shoreditch, which is accessed through a wardrobe and has Panini-style sticker albums for menus. This also sports a Lewis Carroll-inspired name but is little more reined in—Shrewd Hatter rather than mad, although watch out for the rubber ducks. Set behind a sombre, white-curtained front, it's a long, narrow space with a sweeping, wooden-topped bar, comfy Chesterfields, pineapple lamps, vintage tomes on floating shelves, a line-up of neon-bright Pure Evil artwork and a Photomat booth at the back. Islington already has the endlessly inventive 69 Colebrooke Row, of course, and the Dead Dolls House, but Little Bat is the swing-by, neighbourhood cocktail hangout the area really needed, with most drinks around the £9 mark.

Sager + Wilde Paradise Row, Bethnal Green

Sager-Wilde has become an oenological empire in London's E2 postcode. The original and much-loved Sager + Wilde wine bar on Hackney Road was followed up with California-inspired Mission on Bethnal Green's hippest strip, Paradise Row, in 2014. Now Mission has been transformed and renamed Sager + Wilde Paradise Row. The cavernous railway arch comes complete with exposed brickwork, vintage decor and the rumbling of passing trains, with a summer-friendly terrace out front and a low-lit, conspiratorial cocktail lounge hidden up above the restaurant. Keep it in mind for any upcoming date ideas—we think it's one of the most romantic bars in London.

The emphasis has shifted from Californian wine to cocktails. Bartender Marcis Dzelzainis pairs Waning Moon saké with vodka, caraway liqueur and a caperberry in The Tokyo Bullet, a shimmering take on a martini. A list of milk cocktails, far from channelling The Big Lebowski , use clarified milk to add a subtle, lactic balance to big-hitting flavours while a separate Old-Fashioned menu starring toasted coconut and olive oil is worthy of serious attention.

Behind This Wall , Hackney

This secret little spot at the top of Mare Street is not really behind a wall, but rather down a narrow staircase in a space previously occupied by a Turkish social club. Now the vibe is more hip-meets-zen with minimalist, Japanese-inspired styling in the pale-wood booths, white-tiled counter, black ceiling and vases of eucalyptus sprigs. The team behind this place are known for their vinyl-loving club nights and last summer's residency at the Oval Space arts venue down the road, so the stonking Tannoy Gold sound-system of the late Joy Division producer Martin Hannett is the talking point in this, their first permanent bar, pumping out classic disco and Afro-funk.

Bar Termini , London

Bar Termini is the brainchild of cocktail king Tony Conigliaro ( Untitled , 69 Colebrook Row ) and Illy coffee's Marco Arrigo. And so, what they've created is an authentic Italian pit stop, named after Rome's main train station, that draws on-the-go city folk from first thing in the morning to late at night. Grab an espresso and pastry on your way to work, then come back in the evening and pull up a stool at the marble-topped bar and let dapper waiters in white jackets and black ties mix up some of the best cocktails in town.

Conigliario's famous Negronis are pre-made, aged and served (chilled, but without ice) in tiny custom glasses—making it all the easier to get through the extensive list of them. As well as the super-smooth Classico, there's a pink-peppercorn-infused Superiore, a rose-petal Rosato and a caramel-y Robusto. And the bottles, beautifully illustrated by tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta, are available to take home too. Those looking for something a little lighter should try the Spritz Termini, made with rhubarb cordial, gin, Aperol and prosecco, or a delicate and delightful Bellini with peach puree and almond blossom.

Heads + Tails , West Hampstead

Everyone knows, if you want to go to London’s coolest bars you need to head East—to Shoreditch or Dalston , or even concrete monstrosity Old Street. If you can’t face the trek, there are cute bars and kitsch bars and edgy bars in central London, and even a handful in South and North London. But west? West London could be seen as somewhat bereft of bars to hunker down with a drink. And yet, a new crop of places are inching out on the Tube map, opening up a world beyond Mayfair. In Paddington, The Pilgrm hotel ’s first-floor lounge offers classic cocktails, and Darcie & May Green serves Prosecco on the roof of a canal boat. Soho House ’s White City House , in the old BBC Television Centre, is a Seventies-retro hotspot, and in Queen’s Park, Milk Beach (one of our new favorite brunch spots) entices a local crowd with their organic wine and small plates. And now, on West Hampstead’s West End Lane, Heads + Tails is serving brilliant cocktails in its two-floor bar.

The space is headed up by partners Will Partridge and Chris Dennis (previously at Kilburn Ironworks and Soho spot Disrepute, respectively), with two very distinct bars squeezed into one. On the ground floor, a dreamy colour palette of eggshell blues, rich turquoises and satisfyingly shiny gold make the long room feel light and frothy—this is Heads cocktail bar. Downstairs is Tails, a sophisticated, sultry basement area packed with wooden features and dark colors—a grown-up take on a dive bar.

Three Sheets , Haggerston

The Venning Brothers are on a roll right now. Manchester -born Noel and Max, unlike Noel and Liam, get on rather well together. Max spent six years honing his craft at Tony Conigliaro ’s genre-busting 69 Colebrooke Row, while Noel had fun juggling frozen Margaritas at Manchester’s good-times Crazy Pedro's. Now they’re making quite a commotion in London, having recently created the menus for Mayfair’s Gridiron restaurant (go for their update of a Harvey Wallbanger) and Crouch End’s Little Mercies bar, and opening their Bar Three joint below Blixen in Spitalfields. Coming soon, the Top Cuvée bistro and bar in Finsbury Park. They’ve even written a book, Batched and Bottled , on the art of muddling drinks ahead so you’re not muddling bottles when your friends arrive. Three Sheets is their London HQ though, their first project together: a minimalist slip of a bar on Kingsland Road with Black Keys, William Onyeabor, LCD Soundsystem and New Order on the playlist, and just 10 cocktails on the menu. ‘We didn’t want a big concept or sitting space only,’ says Max, ‘which many people were doing when we opened in 2016. Just a fun place for good drinks, made quickly.’

Little Mercies, Crouch End

Crouch End, sometimes pronounced in a French accent, is one of those London villages that quite enjoys being apart from the rest of the city with no tube station, thank you very much, and while it was fine for drinking flat whites at one of many, many coffee shops and buying Moomin mugs and Tatty Devine pineapple earrings, followed by a pint at the Queens, it was a place that rarely rang in cocktail hour. But then Bar Esteban opened for excellent tapas and Irvin for Italian plates, and later, cosy little Nickel for well-mixed concoctions – though with Altered Images’s Clare Grogan behind Esteban, and the drummer from Lloyd Cole & The Commotions behind Irvin, there was always the niggling suspicion that you had to be part of an Eighties pop band to make it big here. But Alan Sherwood is far too young for that, and the Little Mercies bar he opened late in 2018 is doing something completely different for the neighbourhood. His track record takes in Scout and Peg + Patriot bars, and the drinks list here has been developed with help from Max and Noel Venning, the sharp-shooting brothers in arms behind Three Sheets. The name, in case you were wondering, comes partly from the song by hip-hop crew Doomtree, which you may hear through the speakers.

Hacha , Dalston

Anyone who loves cocktails should read Kingsley Amis’s highly entertaining Every Day Drinking , written in the 1960s and 70s; not least for its recipe for a Lucky Jim (12 to 15 parts vodka to one part vermouth and two parts cucumber juice. Don’t forget the cucumber). But Amis does get one thing totally, utterly wrong: he describes mezcal as the nastiest thing he ever drank. Which is nonsense. This is a drink every bit about the terroir as wine and whisky, which can be fruity and floral and soft and elegant, as silkily smoky as ‘ The Tracks of My Tears ’ rather than as chokingly in-yer-face as a bonfire. Mezcal has been drifting onto some of the best London bar menus over the past few years—some may have fond memories of Quiquirqui, hidden below a kebab joint on the Hackney Road, or are familiar with the ones at El Pastor, Temper and old favourite Café Pacifico. But here’s a new bar entirely devoted to mezcal and tequila, just along from Three Sheets, with 25 bottles numbered and racked up on the shelf by Deano Moncrieffe—a Diegeo brand ambassador who fell in love with the spirit 15 years ago and has been exploring its flavours ever since. Now you can too, in a leafy, bright, café-like space that avoids any skull-bashing Day of the Dead schtick and looks as if it pours nothing stronger than a cactus juice.

Tayer + Elementary , Old Street

The London cocktail scene has been all aflutter ahead of this new arrival: the first solo bar project for Czech-born Alex Kratena, who helmed the Artesian bar at the Langham when it was named the World’s Best Bar for four years in a row, and his partner Monica Berg, formerly of Oslo ’s next-gen speakeasy Himkok. Out front is Elementary, an industrial space of exposed vents where light tumbles in through floor-to-ceiling windows and the action is centred around a single, long wooden bar. This is also where Alex keenly points out the seasonal wall: hanging wooden cards that show the fruit, herbs and other ingredients that he’s currently using in his cocktails. Behind a concrete wall imprinted with jars and glasses to look like bamboo is more dimly lit and boundary-pushing Tayer (from the Spanish word taller, or workshop). This seems to be Monica’s domain; she coolly mixes drinks behind the sleek, horseshoe wooden counter where bottles are stored in a stainless-steel, hip-level bar station she and Alex designed in line with the minimalist decor. The cleverly textured water glasses seem to be carved out of tree bark, giving a sense of nature although you’re surrounded by concrete and steel.

Lyaness , South Bank

When mixology magnate Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) announced that Dandelyan bar (one of the best bars in London) would close to make way for a new project, everyone was shocked. How could he possibly improve on a place that topped the The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2018, alongside a clutch of other accolades which it accumulated during its four short years in operation? ‘The landscape and the conversation has shifted,’ he announced on Instagram. ‘It makes sense to start afresh.’ And so he has, beginning with the interiors: swapping Dandelyan’s jewel tones for a more soothing palette of blue and grey, and using electric-blue velvet banquettes to add a contemporary touch to the room’s Art Deco feel. But most importantly, he’s challenging our approach to drinking – again. At Lyaness, not sticking to the menu is encouraged. Trying something new is practically compulsory.

The Fumoir, Claridge's, Mayfair

Someone asked me the other day whether there was anything about Claridge’s that I would change. Nothing sprang to mind. Wanting to be a sport, however, I thought about it for a minute and said I would bring back smoking in The Fumoir. If that proved impossible or, as I suppose must be the case these days, illegal, then I would consider changing its name to The Fauxmoir. Still, the fact that you can no longer fume in the Fumoir is a loss in some ways but a gain in others. It is much easier now to make out the gorgeous little design flourishes, such as the elaborately etched Basil Ionides mirrors, that make The Fumoir one of the prettiest bars in the world as well as one of the best. In any case, successive cocktails—and you would be mad to stop at one – will supply a haze of a different and even more agreeable kind.

The Library at The Ned, Bank

The Ned is one of those London hotspots you feel you should know about, even if you’ve never been. It crashed onto the capital’s hotel scene in 2017, and just about everyone who visits agrees that it’s a game-changer, with nine restaurants, more bars than you could hope to visit in a long weekend (16) and 252 bedrooms, all grand in their Edwardian pomp and glamour. Built in the 1920s under the helm of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the hotel lobby (once the banking hall of Midland Bank HQ) is a vast space where waiters twirl and dodge around the chaos to a soundtrack of live jazz. To find the latest addition, The Library Bar, you have to know that it’s there in the first place. Squirreled away in the right-hand corner of the lobby, this space is pocket-sized and intimate, yet with all the buzz carrying through from next door. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases are packed with old copies of all the classics, towering over plump armchairs and low-slung sofas. We visited on a Tuesday and, thankfully, we had reserved, as our table was the only free spot.

Fitz's, Bloomsbury

Hotel bars rarely live up to the hype—or the elevated prices. But the one at the recently rebranded Kimpton Fitzroy London (previously The Principal), on Russell Square is an exception. As soon as you saunter into the grand marble lobby, you know you’re set for a smart night out. The atmospheric main room serves serious Oscar Wilde-at- Soho House vibes, with impressively high ceilings, low lighting, velvet sofas, leather-panelled pillars and a central plume of ostrich feathers underneath a huge disco ball. A small stage to one side hosts occasional jazz and cabaret performers. And there’s a secret second room which feels more like a cosy members’ club, with lots of dark corners to hide away in.

Skip the wine and beer—it’s got them, of course, but they’re not even mentioned on the menu. The cocktails are the only thing to sip in such an opulent setting. But in contrast to the old-school decor, there are no classics here. Nearly all of the 16 playful signature drinks use at least one ingredient you definitely won’t have heard of before. The closest to a classic is the white Vesca Negroni, served with a comically large, pink ice cube which gradually adds a tang of strawberry sweetness as it melts. The Broken Window combines smooth 12-year Scotch with spicy Ancho Reyes, sherry, aniseedy sweet cicely and celery bitters for a crisp, sweet, piquant drink. For something lighter, try the Hive Mind: Sweetdram Escubac (like gin, but juniper-free), tequila and more sherry, mixed with tart white balsamic vinegar, soda and honey-fragrant propolis (the bartenders call it ‘bee spit’). In other cocktails you’ll taste pink- peppercorn tonic, bay-leaf syrup, toasted sesame and pimento bitters. Some intensive flavour research has gone into these drinks, but they are never over-powering. And don’t worry if you are feeling lost: affable, unpretentious and ultra-knowledgeable floral-shirted barmen are on hand to help you navigate the beautifully illustrated menu.

The American Bar, Savoy Hotel, Covent Garden

Somebody once asked Harry Craddock, the genius who presided over the American Bar at the Savoy throughout the 1920s and 30s, what he thought was the best way to drink a cocktail. ‘Quickly,’ said Harry. ‘While it’s laughing at you.’ How dear departed Harry’s shade must have laughed when in late 2017 the American Bar was finally named Best Bar in the World. Not that standards have slipped and it didn’t deserve it. On the contrary. It’s almost certainly deserved it every year since it opened in 1904. The Savoy is a gorgeous bundle of stylistic contradictions—high Victorian, plush Edwardian, flapper-tastic Art Deco and various points in between—that somehow manages to be more than the sum of its delicious parts. At the American Bar, which wouldn’t look out of place either on a Cunard liner or in an episode of The Jetsons, service is lively and liveried, friendly but not fawning, attentive and expert—in short, as polished, pleasing and fit for purpose as the unobtrusively beautiful glassware in which your drinks will shortly arrive.

Smokey Kudu, Peckham

When young South African chef Patrick Williams and his partner, Amy Corbin, opened their first restaurant together in 2018, Queen’s Road was still the (relatively) dodgy end of Peckham. Yes, Corbin’s father is the Corbin behind restaurant group Corbin & King (The Wolseley, Soutine), but even so, in less than a year they received indisputable approval from the Michelin panel with a Bib Gourmand confirming the quality of the food, and the affordable prices, too. Just over a year later Giles Coren was finally coaxed south-east and, after only a short grumble, agreed with the rest of us, that Kudu is an ‘example of perfect restaurant making in a nutshell’. Less than two years on and the Kudu Collective is expanding fast. First up is cocktail bar Smokey Kudu. Two minutes’ walk from the original restaurant—under the arches at Queen’s Road Peckham station—the space is small, but cleverly conceived so it doesn’t feel it. There’s a pink marble horseshoe bar backed with vintage mirrors and an enormous original blown-glass chandelier from Venice, which had to be quickly reinforced on opening week to stop it swinging as the trains passed overhead.

Satan's Whiskers, Bethnal Green

Satan's Whiskers is one of those bars that bartenders at the world's top bars speak of. Despite its less-than-lovely location on Cambridge Heath Road, the bar serves some of the best cocktails not just in London, but the world. Marked only by a red neon sign above the door, the bar is stuffed with tongue-in-cheek taxidermy (look out for the smoking monkey and cocktail-shaking raccoon) and vintage spirits posters, and there are little devils cut into the bar top. The cocktail bar's namesake has a gin-and-juice base and the stereo plays banger after banger by Golden Age greats such as Biggie Smalls, Q-Tip and, of course, Snoop—the only complaint is that you can't get up and dance.

The cocktail menu always has a few new surprises but you can count on classics such as the French 75 and Satan's Manhattan (with Knob Creek rye whisky) to be there. You may also have the chance to try the Negroni with prosecco and a Salty Dog with vodka, pink grapefruit and pink salt. Hurricanes are served with blown-inside-out brollies and the East 8 Hold Up (vodka, Aperol, fresh pineapple and lime) is super-summery.

Homeboy, Islington

If you’ve ever wondered what Islington’s Upper Street was like 30 years ago, it’s simple: just walk across to Essex Road. It’s one of London’s great under-rated thoroughfares, a mile-long arrow pointing straight to Essex and originally known as Lower Street. Not nearly as smart as Upper, of course – if you were on your uppers, you’d probably be on Lower—but full of characters. Some of whom will be found in Homeboy. It’s an Irish bar, though not in the way you’re probably thinking. This is a little Lower East Side. Bowery-black signage, green leather and two-tone bar; Guinness but no foam shamrocks; arm ink and French bulldogs; Nineties hip-hop instead of fiddles and The Dubliners.

Although there are Dubliners here: Aaron Wall and Ciarán Smith, who run the joint, bringing a deft hand learnt from Callooh Callay in Shoreditch and The Dorchester. The two are keen to share their sense of Irish hospitality—the same urge that made Father Ted ’s Mrs Doyle ask ‘Would you like a nice cup of tea? Go on, go on, go on…’—and which goes back to historic civil laws that insisted on providing for strangers. At the back, through a small door, is the smallest Irish pub in London, opened for the Six Nations championship and decorated with uncovered punk-era posters and Guinness ads.

The Coral Room, Bloomsbury

Human babies are not, as is commonly supposed, born colour-blind. Science shows that they will spend more time gazing at brightly colored things than at dull ones. As they get older and learn to speak, they tend to take longer to learn the names of the drearier colours, suggesting they are susceptible to a ‘preferential learning mechanism’ that favours the perkier end of the Pantone chart. Nor is this something we ever grow out of. And maybe it is one of the reasons why people of all ages are so keen on the Coral Room at The Bloomsbury hotel . A year or so ago the Doyle family, proprietors of the Bloomsbury, had the excellent idea of transforming what had for decades been the lobby into a bar. Martin Brudnizki , the designer they employed to make this happen, had one or two excellent ideas of his own, including that of painting the walls, which are enormous, a particularly beguiling, rich, vivid and opulent shade of coral pink. The result is one of the most beautiful bars in London.

The Donovan Bar, Mayfair

Look carefully at the multitude of black-and-white portraits that line the walls here – for the Donovan the bar is named after isn’t Jason, of course, but the late Terence, whose photographs framed the 1960s—and you may spot one of comic genius Tony Hancock. He’s clutching a cup of coffee and wearing a trademark hangdog expression. Grumpiness personified. Were he clutching one of the cocktails here, though, he’d be all smiles; a broad grin would spread across his face. The Brown’s Hotel bar has always been one of the best bars in Mayfair, but has a new gleam in its eye, a certain swagger, since being rebooted in 2018. The room was redeveloped in photographic blacks, greys and whites, with racing green and burnished gold for extra dazzle. It was given its own street entrance, and its rather tight bar counter swivelled around and stretched out, its shimmery swimming-pool -blue glass top reflecting light from the spirit shelves behind, with the stained-glass St George window at one end—part of the building’s original 1885 incarnation. And after a pop-up appearance in 2017, Salvatore Calabrese was enticed over to take charge of the drinks menu here—the Amalfi -born bartender has been jiggling his jigger for four decades, perfecting his Martinis first at Dukes then going on to work at The Lanesborough and Fifty St James’s.

Black Rock and Black Rock Tavern, Finsbury

Whisky used to be the golf of the drinks world, with a reputation for stuffiness and peaty snobbery. But it’s changing fast: not just with sales booming, but with cool distilleries in Melbourne, Taiwan and the Cotswolds turning out experimental New World drams for a fresh audience. Black Rock, in the hinterland between the City and Shoreditch, is a temple for this more inclusive, hedonistic brand of whisky quaffing. Previously a dark basement bar built around an almost 200-year-old oak tree holding two troughs of the stuff, it expanded this summer to include the Black Rock Tavern at street level – a neighbourhood bistro that’s more Copenhagen -airy than Ginza-reverential. Owners Tom Aske and Tristan Stephenson, cocktail veterans who launched the lauded Worship Street Whistling Shop in 2011, are also set to open a blending room and a three-room hotel upstairs. As well as running Whisky Me, which delivers pouches of Scotch and rye to subscribers every month, Aske and Stephenson are bringing a Black Rock outpost to Bristol later this year, with plans for another London brach in the works, too. Having previously run whimsical sherry spot Sack Bar in the space that’s now Black Rock Tavern, the pair have officially gone all in on the amber stuff.

Hackney Church Co., Hackney

A few years ago, had someone asked for a pint of Wu Gang Chops The Tree, or Fearless Spreadsheet Ninja, one would assume they’d either been a bit too liberal with the magic mushrooms or were quoting an ancient Monty Python sketch. But as anyone who’s recently dawdled at the taprooms of Tottenham’s Beavertown brewery or in switched-on pubs such as The Wigmore will know, craft ale in London is big—foamingly big, with almost every postcode having its own craft brewer, feverishly designing manga-style labels for limited-edition saisons and porters and pale ales. Now there’s a new ale champion, Hackney Church Brew Co. (previously St John at Hackney Brewery, no relation to Fergus Henderson’s joint), which has set up its gleaming fermentation tanks under the railway arches on the aptly named Bohemia Place, Hackney’s latest hot destination (pop-up Night Tales opens full-time nearby in July, with Japanese bites and a mezcal bar). The warehouse-sized space has real character, with smoke-blackened brickwork, steel-framed windows, a lovely lattice of bare timber in the architrave above, and reclaimed church pews along the walls. At the back is a sprawling beer garden with long tables from where you can watch trains spark and rumble on the tracks above the brewery. The pews are a little design pun, as the Rector of nearby St John at Hackney, one of London’s most credible churches—it's hosted gigs by Florence and the Machine and Coldplay—has been a key driving force behind getting the project off the ground.

Dukes Bar, St James's

When they arrive—on a cute little trolley that’s wheeled right up alongside your table – the cocktails look cute and little too. Don’t be fooled. Proceed with the utmost caution. The first one’s fine, the second one’s even finer, but the third one will knock you into the middle of next week and steal your shoes. The bar is beautiful at any time of the day or night. There’s something about the look and feel of the place—cushy and country-housey, impeccably proper and ever so slightly louche—that’s just right.

Ian Fleming was a regular and came up with James Bond’s famous ‘shaken not stirred’ directive here. Martini freaks worship the current head bartender, Alessandro Palazzi, as a god among men. I know it’s heresy to say so, but I don’t really care for martinis. Never have. Though it’s highly entertaining to watch Alessandro fling vermouth across the room, as he does whenever he makes a martini, I’d much rather ask him to surprise me with something less familiar. At the time of my most recent visit, earlier this week, he’d come up with a new cocktail to mark the hotel’s 110th birthday. The 1908 contains vodka infused with verbena from Alessandro’s garden, a Queen Motherly slosh of Dubonnet, a drop of crème de cacao and a twist of Amalfi lemon. Absolute dynamite. And it’s as much fun listening to Alessandro talk about it as it is to drink. (You might get the conversation started by asking him what he thinks about people who order herbal tea in bars, as the old biddies used to do when he worked at The Ritz in Paris.)

Nine Lives, Bermondsey

East London has pioneered the sustainable drinking movement in the city, with bars like Scout and Super Lyan championing local produce, repurposed ingredients and up-cycled materials. Now, London Bridge is having a go with the opening of Nine Lives. Here, disused speakers have been repurposed as planting boxes for staff to grow their own ingredients in, and leftover citrus scraps from cocktail-making (not usually suitable for composting) are PH-balanced to help them grow. Aside from mindful mixology, you'll find a fantastic atmosphere, groovy music and the friendliest staff. The sound system is impressive - and perfect on Saturday nights when the bar hosts guest DJs. Note, there are plenty of nooks and corners to chill out in if you're not looking for a party. Plus, there's a shuffleboard in the back which is utterly addictive.

The Vault, Soho

Everyone knows that you get to Hogwarts via Platform 9 3/4 and Narnia is only accessible by a wardrobe full of fur coats. But back in reality, locals know you get to the one of the best secret bars in London in the capital through a heavy bookcase at number 3, Greek Street. Also known as Milroy’s, the oldest whiskey bar in London, number 3 is also home to The Vault, a beloved underground Soho bar with a steep staircase and a neon-lit sign. On entry, after you adjust to the low-lit space and smell of incense, you’re ushered through to a tiny candle-lit table. In the main bar, there’s only space for around 20 people, and it’s no surprise that you can detect date nights on at least half the tables (there’s also another room at the back, which feels like being on the inside of a whisky barrel). The brick walls are decorated with local art by ‘our friend Luke’ and by contemporary urban artist Anna Laurini, whose street art is prolific in London; you might recognize variations of her bold abstracts from around town (a red-lipped lady called 'the face' is her signature). There’s background jazz music but it’s unobtrusive and doesn’t drown out a lively hum of chatter or an easy banter between staff. You leave wanting to be friends with all of them; they’re kind, easygoing and on-the-ball.

Murder Inc, Fitzrovia

Shoreditch’s The Cocktail Trading Co—which finally landed a permanent Brick Lane home in 2016 after a wildly successful pop-up on Carnaby Street—made its name for its witty, over-the-top creative tipples. Drinks—served in giant seashells, a hot air balloon, or even a Chinese takeaway carton – came with golf balls as ice cubes, a set of dentures as a garnish or a portion of chips as a bizarre topping. Founders Andy Mil, Olly Brading and Elliot Ball quickly racked up a string of awards for their no-limits ingenuity, and now the boys have opened a second venture—a gritty, gangster-themed drinking den in a dark and moody basement on a Fitzrovia backstreet. And although the place takes its cocktails seriously, the earnestness stops there. Donald Trump greets guests at the door (in the form of a life-size, grinning photograph, with ‘Old Douche Lane’ emblazoned across his chest…); inside, walls are lined with tongue-in-cheek, black-and-white photographs of hustlers and bad boys. Some of the decor is downright random (look out for the signed picture of Charlie Sheen in the loos), but the exposed brickwork and red neon lights give the place a sultry New York speakeasy feel. There’s live music some nights of the week too – but it’s a tiny space, so get here early if you want a seat.

The Bar at The Dorchester, Mayfair

Some years ago, I became intrigued by a story told by Pliny the Elder concerning a wager Cleopatra made with Mark Antony that she could blow 10-million sesterces on one dinner. Apparently 10-million sesterces is worth about £400,000 in today’s money. She won the bet when she removed one of the pearl earrings she was wearing and dropped it into a goblet of wine (or vinegar). Pearls, in those days, were valued more highly than any other type of jewellery. The pearl dissolved; Cleopatra necked the contents; an astonished Antony conceded defeat.

I wondered whether this sort of stunt was really possible and started doing a bit of research. To cut a long story short: it is. Coleman Douglas Pearls, a specialist jeweller, supplied a pearl which they crushed into powder at my request. Giuliano Morandin, manager of The Bar at The Dorchester , supplied a cocktail into which I stirred the powder.

The result was a waste of a pearl and a Gimlet. But that little experiment provided a powerful reminder not only of the way in which anecdotes like Pliny’s are an essential part of what makes jewels magical, but also of the way in which guys like Giuliano are an essential part of what makes the best cocktail bars magical. The unflappable brio, the inexhaustible curiosity, the willingness to go the extra mile to create a memorable drink.

Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, Covent Garden

The Savoy's vintage American Bar is the one you draw up a stool at, order a classic Martini and try to out-do the white-jacketed bartender with cocktail anecdotes (he'll win). It's also the one that gets the queues. The Beaufort, tucked away down the stairs and round the corner is more elusive, more rakish and far more tantalizing—a gold-and-black Deco salon with a real sense of drama. It's a place for snappy one-liners, lacquered talons and raised, severely pencilled eyebrows. If Gypsy Rose Lee had flounced off the stage of Sondheim's legendary Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre, it's here she would have headed to order a Showgirl cocktail, doubtless followed by the current troupe of Dreamgirls. Unlike the American Bar (born 1904), it opened only in 2010, in the space formerly occupied by a cabaret stage known to George Gershwin and generations of vaudeville hoofers. The tradition endures, with regular performances and monthly burlesque nights.

Silverleaf, Liverpool Street

Liverpool Street isn’t perhaps the obvious location for a ‘sultry, sophisticated drinking spot’. But this is where you’ll find Silverleaf, the Pan Pacific London hotel’s cocktail bar from the team behind Soho stalwart Milroy’s and Shoreditch favorite Callooh Callay. Tucked between towering glass buildings, a whitewashed brick wall with a simple scripted sign sits beside a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it doorway. Inside, a lift whisks you away from the bustle of Bishopsgate to a slick Tom Dixon-designed bar on the top floor of Devonshire House.

The emphasis here is on sensory experiences, which begin with an impressively creative cocktail list. The menu sets out core flavor profiles (each drink has four) that have been translated into symbols which appear throughout to help guide your selection. But if that seems like hard work, each drink has also been reimagined as an abstract illustration, the idea being that you can choose your drink by opting for the image that speaks to you—a method that becomes even more appealing the more drinks you try.

Soho has always done speakeasy bars exceptionally well. The winding network of narrow streets seems built for people to dip into basement drinking dens or behind unmarked doors. In the past few years, it’s all but lost its nefarious nature and is now better known for smart restaurants than sex shops and all-nighters. Indian-spiced Soma, from the team behind Kricket, next door, somehow manages to tap into both the area’s seedy past and its smart-as-a-button present. An unmarked, unremarkable door set next to the Soho outpost of Will Bowlby’s British-Indian spot leads down to a narrow, dimly-lit room dominated by a 30-foot steel bar, with sexy alcoves carved into the walls.

A Mumbai -meets-London drinks list using ingredients made in-house includes helpful similarities between the drinks (given one-word names that highlight the predominant tasting notes) and cocktails we all recognize—Oak is compared to a Negroni, but made with cardamom, while the Margarita-like Chaat uses the Indian spice blend Chaat Masala and kumquat as well as more traditional mezcal. Our stand-out was the Almond—compared to a Highball, it uses almond soda and plum umeshu for an autumnal flavor that my plus-one boldly stated was the best cocktail she’d ever had (it was her first drink of the night, so this was in no way an alcohol-fuelled superlative).

Seed Library, One Hundred Shoreditch

In the basement of the city’s most exciting new hotel opening, One Hundred Shoreditch, sits a secret drinking den. Seed Library is the latest venture from cocktail connoisseur Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan), marking a return to his East London roots—Hoxton is where he opened his first bar, White Lyan, in 2013. A pioneer in low-waste mixology, Mr Lyan has single-handedly sparked a sustainability revolution in London’s cocktail scene, opening restaurant Cub and then Lyaness (formerly Dandelyan) at the Sea Containers in London, before launching Super Lyan in Amsterdam and Silver Lyan in Washington D.C.

Aesthetically, the bar sits somewhere between an underground speakeasy and laidback living room. From the hotel lobby, follow the splodges of orange paint directing you down the staircase to find a seductive, dimly lit space, where chairs and sofas are covered in shades of ruby and wine and the bar has an amber glow. Poured concrete floors are offset by walls covered in tapestries (an easily identified artistic touch from the hotel’s creative director, Jacu Strauss, who placed tapestries in all the rooms and corridors in the upstairs hotel). On Fridays and Saturdays there is a changing roster of local DJs, playing in front of a wall lined with vinyl, and mixologists work away behind a bar of exposed brick and back-lit shelves.

Not many people know that the most sought-after myrrh (of gold, frankincense and myrrh fame) comes from Yemen. Or that Ethiopian Korekima spice is similar to cardamom but with a slightly peppery twist. Tony Pescatori—the former manager at Shoreditch speakeasy Nightja—is setting out to change this at Alma, a new Soho bar where such forgotten flavors and exotic ingredients are centre stage. From the same team behind Argentinian restaurant Sucre, and located just downstairs on Great Marlborough Street, Alma follows a similar worldly flair with a drinks menu that takes you around the world and sharing plates prepared by the open-fire cooking restaurant. The vibe is relaxed by way of seventies cool, with bronze mirrored walls, exposed brick and dim lighting. Settle into a section of the curved tobacco velvet booth and linger till late – evenings begin with a playlist of Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac and end with a live band serenading the Fugees’ ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’.

Le Magritte, The Beaumont, Mayfair

We live in exciting times. And right now, London’s hotel scene is very exciting; in fact, not since the time when the Spice Girls filmed Wannabe at the St Pancras Renaissance have things been this exciting. During and after lockdown, hotels have been dusting off the family heirlooms, playing musical chairs, reshuffling the pack, with Claridge’s digging deep into its basement and opening a new bar; ditto the Connaught. At the Beaumont, famously built in an Art Deco car park and opened in 2014—though you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s been around since the days when Evelyn Waugh screeched around Mayfair in a Model T Ford—where was once Le Magritte bar is now Gatsby’s Room, where serves are mainly of the infused-leaf variety. So this is a new Magritte, a clubbable, polished nook of a bar with alabaster columns, cherrywood panels and a lovely, leather-edged granite counter, over which bartenders polish glasses and time slows down. Outside is a new terrace overlooking Brown Hart Gardens, while a 1950s painting by the eponymous artist hangs in pride of place—a man in a bowler hat facing backwards with a crescent moon just above him.

Red Room is the first bar to open at The Connaught in over 10 years, a move made even more exciting when you consider that the hotel’s main bar has been named the best bar in Europe twice as well as winning the World’s Best Bar 2021. Bryan O’Sullivan—whose past projects include The Painter’s Room at Claridge’s and The Berkeley Bar— is the man behind the striking interiors. He aimed to create a space that feels like you’re relaxing in the living room of an art collector; with plump sofas, curved walls and a soft color palette of pastel pinks, creamy neutrals and greens lending the perfect canvas to the pieces on display.

As for the art, you’ll find an all-female lineup—Louise Bourgeois’ ‘I Am Rouge’ sits proudly above the marble fireplace, alongside works from Jenny Holzer, Trina McKillen and young Vietnamese artist Ti-a Thuy Nguyen.

Booking Office 1869, King's Cross

Now here’s one of London’s truly great spaces. Once the—you’ve guessed it—ticket hall for the original St Pancras train station , this was first unveiled as a bar in 2011, part of Harry Handelsman’s hugely ambitious (and very welcome: it might have been demolished) transformation of George Gilbert Scott’s red-brick Victorian masterpiece into the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The gothic revival architecture reels and rolls all around, with cathedral-sized windows, corniced ceilings, brick arches and enough oak panelling to supply a decade of BBC period dramas. But once you’d ogled the surroundings, it never really engaged you as a bar – it felt a little transient, as if trying to be all things to all people. So, a decade after the Booking Office’s rebirth, Handelsman invited French-Mexican designer Hugo Toro to redress the interiors as a Victorian-style Winter Garden. The result is incredibly lush, almost an ecosystem of a space, midway between 19th-century London and tropical Havana, with a little contemporary chutzpah. There are giraffe-high palm trees, banquettes covered in a lovely mottled blue-and-crimson material, a new fabric ceiling, clusters of white 3D-printed lamps blooming like snowdrops and two showcase pendant lights each made of 267 brass leaves. It’s more intimate and glowing than before, more romantic—perhaps the perfect spot to rendezvous before eloping to Paris on the Eurostar outside—and has one of the best cocktail lists around.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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The best historic and famous pubs in London

Salty sailors, dodgy smugglers and famous regulars – every one of these pubs has a great story to tell

London is packed with beautiful old pubs, perfect for a cosy pint. But it’s not just beer on offer at these historic inns: there are countless stories worth digging for too. 

Some of London’s pubs date back as far as the 1500s or earlier (the jury’s still out over London’s oldest pub ) and they’ve gathered a few tales to tell along the way. Over hundreds of years they’ve seen all sorts, from pirates and smugglers at The Prospect of Whitby to Shakespeare himself at The George Inn . Look beyond the cosy fireplaces and wonky timber beams – there are some truly weird and wonderful backstories to London’s historic boozers.

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1.  The Dove

• Bars and pubs
• Hammersmith
• price 1 of 4

A handbill at the door announces the history of this charming riverside inn (surely the best on this stretch in Hammersmith), featuring the comings and goings of Charles II and Nell Gwyn at the pub. All the authors have paid it a visit – Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway, Dylan Thomas – and William Morris lived next door. Take it all in beneath the exposed ceiling beams or by the roaring fire.

2.  The French House

‘The French’, as its regulars call it, has been a buzzing part of the bohemian heart of London for decades. Dylan Thomas, Sylvia Plath, Lucian Freud and, er, Suggs have all drunk here. During World War II, Charles De Gaulle and the Free French used the pub as their base. And so The French House still only serves its beer in halves. Très continental .

3.  The Lamb & Flag

• Covent Garden

This Covent Garden legend occupies the backstreets away from the tourists. Its courtyard setting is probably how it attracted such a rough-around-the-edges crowd in the nineteenth century, when it hosted bare-knuckle prize fights. Earlier, back in 1679, poet John Dryden took a beating by thugs hired by poet John Wilmot down this back alley. Don’t worry, it’s all very convivial these days.

4.  The Mayflower

• Rotherhithe
• price 2 of 4

Rotherhithe’s riverside beauty of a boozer claims to be the place from which the Mayflower set out to Southampton before sailing off to the Americas. If the old oak beams and nooks and crannies don’t do it for you, the pub has had a licence to sell American stamps since the 1800s thanks to its historic connections, making it a pretty unique proposition.

5.  The Prospect of Whitby

If it’s the pirate’s life for you, get along to Wapping’s Prospect of Whitby. Smugglers, sailors and other dubious sorts were said to frequent the pub (although, all that remains from those swashbuckling days is the old flagstone floor). Now it makes for quite a peaceful retreat, if you can handle the replica gallows on the foreshore outside, a reference to the fearsome revolution-suppressing ‘Hanging’ Judge Jeffreys, who was a regular patron of the place.

6.  The Spaniards Inn

• Hampstead Heath

One of the oldest pubs in London is also one of the most charming, perched on a hilltop by Hampstead Heath. It’s been around since 1585 and has had a rollcall of literary Londoners through the doors – think Byron, Keats and Dickens. It even gets a shout-out in Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. For more spookiness, ask bar staff for ghost stories that include an otherworldly appearance from highwayman Dick Turpin.

7.  The Star Tavern

Belgravia’s Star attracted some stellar names through its doors in the swinging ’60s, from Peter O’Toole to Diana Dors. Perhaps they were drawn by the dazzle of the less salubrious clientele that cemented its name as a pub with a story. The tale goes that the gang that pulled off the Great Train Robbery in 1963 planned their attack here. Do some plotting of your own over a pint or two.

8.  The Ten Bells

• Spitalfields

Been on any Ripper tours lately? They’re sure to have taken you down to The Ten Bells, a regular haunt for the Victorian prostitutes of the Spitalfields area who became the victims of Jack the Ripper (whoever the hell he/she was). The faded décor and candlelight play into the hands of tourists who’ve heard tales of hauntings.

9.  Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

• Fleet Street

Ah, the Cheese. This pub is so renowned for its history that we’ve been stopped right outside it by tourists looking for the entrance. It’s down a side alley, you guys. And it’s totally worth getting lost in the pub’s many atmospheric crannies, restored after the Great Fire of London and frequented by PG Wodehouse and Dickens (obvs).

10.  Ye Olde Mitre Tavern

Try shaking the folklore from your pint in Ye Olde Mitre. This low-ceilinged inn dates back to 1546 and backs on to the courtyard in which Queen Elizabeth I is once said to have danced. Oddly enough, the pub was originally licensed to the Bishop of Ely in Cambridgeshire and used to be guarded by his frock-coated officials.

11.  The George Inn

Every historic pub in London claims a connection with Charles Dickens, but not many can big up William Shakespeare as a fan. The Bard propped up the bar here and his plays were performed in the courtyard to the balconies of watchers (the galleries remain intact to this day). The George also shared a courtyard with lost pub The Tabard, where Chaucer set the beginning of ‘The Canterbury Tales’.

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The most stylish London pubs

Five of our favourite public houses in the capital

Nothing beats a good old fashioned boozer. Whether it is a languorous Sunday lunch with friends or a cosy candlelit dinner for two, nestled in a wood-panelled booth in the corner of a 19th-century watering hole, the pub is always a good idea.

But far from sticky floors, grubby carpets and blinking arcade games, the pub can be as stylish an option as any upscale bar. As the bank holiday weekend approaches, we round up five of the capital's chicest offerings for casual dining, romantic moments and family gatherings, from old favourites and historic institutions to the hottest new tables in town.

The Walmer Castle, Notting Hill

West London design studio Isabella Worsley reimagined this Notting Hill institution late last year, breathing some ineffable, understated glamour into an already well-regarded watering hole. Established in 1845, The Walmer Castle has undergone several reinventions (as well as brief celebrity ownership by a certain footballer) and has settled into its new era – under the stewardship of revered publican Jack Greenall – with unflappable charm and an easy sense of cool. The atmosphere is buzzy and warm and the interiors lean heavily on tradition, with a sprinkling of modern irreverence and a fair few iconic pieces of British art, by Yinka Shonibare and Cornelia Parker. The delicious menu is spearheaded by Ondrej Hula and champions British seasonal produce; the chef works closely with cult butchers The Ginger Pig and seafood suppliers Flying Fish. A dreamier pub date one could not imagine.

The Holly Bush, Hampstead

Quite possibly the cosiest pub in London, what The Holly Bush lacks in size it makes up for in charm. The place is brimming with history, having operated since the 18th century, and it wears its history on its sleeve, with quirky crooked stairs, low ceilings and improbable layouts, walls plastered with oil paintings and a roaring fire crackling in the background during the winter months. The menu is a classy but simple take on pub classics, and the upstairs dining room feels airy and elegant, while the ground floor is firmly a warm hug in pub form.

The Holly Bush , 22 Holly Mount, London NW3 6SG

The Devonshire, Soho

Who knew a pub could attract so much buzz? Since the grand reimagining of this Soho landmark in 2023, The Devonshire has become one of the hottest tables in town. Practically fully booked for weeks in advance, it is a testament to the venue's new ownership: Charlie Carroll, the mastermind behind the Flat Iron restaurant business, Ashley Palmer-Watts (a Heston Blumenthal protégé) and one of London's most well regarded publicans, Oisín Rogers. They have shrewdly returned a sense of old-school grandeur to the place, as well as a revitalised menu of Great British classics (with a heavy emphasis on meat) done exceptionally well. Head here for the very definition of an upmarket night out at the pub.

The Devonshire , 17 Denman St, London W1D 7HW

The Harwood Arms, Fulham

Frequently lauded as the best Sunday roast in all of London, The Harwood Arms is the ideal choice for the aforementioned weekend treat. The hype is to be believed – they are the only pub in the capital to hold a Michelin star, after all – and the menu has been imaginatively deployed by head chef Josh Cutress, with a heavy emphasis on game. An elevated elegance pervades the décor and the crowd is always lively. The perfect Sunday afternoon.

The Harwood Arms , Walham Grove, London SW6 1QJ

The Prince Arthur, London Fields

This East-London neighbourhood pub is bursting with character. The convivial spirit matches the relaxed-yet-cool trappings and the menu is an inventive blend of modern European and traditional pub fare; roasted tomato risotto and pan-fried veal sweetbreads alike served on prettily-patterned plates accompanied by lashings of expertly-poured Guinness. The interiors are a refined take on the classic pub, with pared-back wooden floors, Victorian oil paintings, marble fireplaces and comfy leather armchairs you can melt into on one of The Prince Arthur's live jazz evenings.

The Prince Arthur, 95 Forest Rd, London E8 3BH

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Top 10 Pubs in London

The traditional British pub a hallmark of London life, bringing people of all backgrounds together under one roof. Over time, as London has changed so have some of its best pubs, and whilst many have swapped the fruity   for froie gras on toast there's no comfort quite like a pint in your favourite boozer. Whatever your mood, you'll love working your way through this recommended list of the top 10 pubs in London . We promise.

Last edited by katie kirwan

Last updated on 1st March 2024

The Cadogan Arms

Talk about a looker. The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea isn't just bringing you stunning interiors that take London pubs up a notched, they've been serving up food and drink to the local communities for over 200 years now, celebrating a menu of bespoke beers, seasonal ingredients and that all important Sunday roast.

• Chelsea ⋅ Kensington
• Pub ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar

The Windmill Clapham

A pretty pub in the top 10? We had to make it The Windmill. Not only littered with crushed blue velvet and celebrating that new interior experience that plenty of pubs are now adopting, there's an excellent beer garden (newly designed), over 35 gins on offer, plus hotel rooms and sharing steaks from notorious butchers, The Ginger Pig. 

• Clapham ⋅ Clapham
• Pub ⋅ Event Space ⋅ Restaurant

The Churchill Arms

When it comes down to the top pubs in London, Notting Hill gem, The Churchill Arms is a firm choice. Not only is this boozer touting col exteriors (think flags and flowers, and an epic display of Christmas trees come winter), but the inside is also just as good, giving you a true experience of a classic pub. Be sure to check out the cool memorabilia, all while tucking into Thai food.

• Notting Hill
• Pub ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Gastro Pub

Lamb and Flag

Tucked away in Covent Garden, The Lamb and Flag has earned its place at the top thanks to a seriously long history. Tucked away down an unassuming alley, the story of this pub is rumoured to date back to 1638, and the 18th-century frame of an old house. With stories of bare knuckle fighting, it's almost known as 'The Bucket Of Blood'. Food-wise? Expect serious pub classics, like toad in the hole and roasts beloved by all city folk.

• Covent Garden ⋅ West End
• Pub ⋅ Restaurant

The Fox & Firkin

Serving as a casual drinkers' den and upbeat music venue, The Fox & Firkin really can do it all. With DJ events in their backyard tent, a sprawling beer garden and homemade wood-fired pizzas, this is a social hub to suit everyone's needs. 

• South London ⋅ Lewisham
• Pub ⋅ Event Space ⋅ Nightclub

The Princess Royal Notting Hill

Seated Meal and 6 other offers

Another good lo9okin' pub has made it to our top 10 list, and this time it's coming at you from Notting Hill. Recently refurbished and promising a British menu with a Med twist courtesy of acclaimed chef Ben Tish, The Princess Royal promises an elevation on your pub experience, with Champagne, oysters, hotel rooms and elegant interiors. 

The George - Great Portland St

Fitzrovia has plenty going on when it comes to day to day dining and places to drink, but the way it really secures its status? With a pub the likes of The George. On Great Portland Street, this pub is a truly unique take on the British pub, with traditional interiors matching new styles and fabrics. The best part? Dining like no other, from dressed crab to Scottish langoustine, seafood lovers can find safe haven here.

• Marylebone ⋅ Fitzrovia
• Pub ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Event Space

The Duke of Edinburgh

View of the Football and 2 other offers

A Ferndale Road favourite, Duke Of Edinburgh has earned notoriety as one of the best pubs in London to catch a match. Both epic beer garden and big screens inside are supplying a regular calendar of football and rugby matches, while Bodeans BBQ are keeping the people fed with their Kansas-inspired menu. 

• Brixton ⋅ Clapham
• Pub ⋅ Sports Bar

The Black Lion

Dating back to 1898 plus boasting a beaut Grade II-listed bar and dining room, The Black Lion is one of the city's most iconic pubs. On top of its stunning features? It also has a lip-smacking menu inspired by North India that goes all too well with the thirst-quenching tipples on offer.

Trafalgar Tavern

Pubs are history, and this traditional Greenwich pub is a true embodiment of time on its side. A remodelling of a tavern that once stood in its place. The Trafalgar Tavern has been opened since 1837, famed for its views of the water, beer garden and British dishes, that will have you chowing down on bangers and mash in no time at all. It's also a top spot for weddings, and yes, you have seen it on Top Chef. 

• Restaurant Bar ⋅ Pub ⋅ Event Space

The Hero of Maida

No top 10 London pub is complete without an excellent dining menu on side. Leaning into food, The Hero of Maida is a two-floor celebration of British cuisine, complete with private banquet rooms, and a Sunday roast that people go out of their way to book for. And yep, it's another great place to put your head down, complete with hotel rooms too. 

• Pub ⋅ Restaurant ⋅ Gastro Pub

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35 Cool Things to Do in London (Ultimate Bucket List)

A re you ready for the most comprehensive guide to the best things to do in London? Get yourself a cup of breakfast tea and a biscuit, because I’ve got a lot to show you.

I’ve not only visited London several times, but I lived there for 2.5 years. I’ve explored every nook and cranny, as the British would say, and selected some of the most unmissable London attractions that you need to make sure you check out.

If you want to see the best of London, I would recommend you spend at least a couple of weeks there. We did 10 days of intense exploring from early morning to late at night, and I still feel like we could have seen more.

But, from a tourist perspective, and you’ll most likely only have a short visit to London . If that’s the case, you’ll need to be selective about which of these attractions in London you see first.

If you are moving to live in London or intending to experience London for longer and on a deeper dive into local experiences, then we challenge you to see all of this list.

London is a top tourist destination for a reason!

1. Discover the Magic at Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios, London

2. do a beefeater tour in the tower of london, 3. experience extraordinary views from the london eye, 4. visit a royal park, 5. shop and eat at borough market, 6. experience a traditional afternoon tea, 7. see the changing of the guard at buckingham palace, 8. eat a traditional sunday roast, 9. see the iconic big ben, 10. tour westminster abbey, 11. tour kensington palace and gardens, 12. explore covent garden, 13. see a theater show at the west end, 14. explore the murals in shoreditch, 15. drink a pimm’s & lemonade, 16. have a london ale + a traditional pub lunch, 17. do the southbank walk, 18. straddle the prime meridian in greenwich, 19. visit trafalgar square, 20. take in the best view of london from the shard, 21. explore regents canal (cruise or walk), 22. explore camden town and camden market, 23. visit the london museums + art galleries, 24. take a walking tour through london’s history, 25. walk across millennium bridge, 26. walk across tower bridge (and see it open), 27. take a thames river sightseeing cruise, 28. tour st paul’s cathedral, 29. get your photo at platform 9¾ kings cross station, 30. visit leadenhall markets, 31. follow the harry potter film locations trail, 32. watch a football match, 33. get your selfie at piccadilly circus, 34. shopping on oxford street, 35. take a day trip from london, tips for visiting london.

London is jam packed with top attractions, cultural experiences, cool neighborhoods, and surprises and hidden gems on every street, corner, and cobblestoned alley.

Before we get started with what to do in London, I have just a few words of advice for you…

We walked on average 10 miles a day to see and do as much as we could. London is one of our favorite cities in the world and has been our favorite family trip so far!

But it’s pretty big, so you’re going to need comfortable walking shoes when exploring.

I also recommend you get yourself an Oyster Card . This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to use London’s public transportation. You can pick up an Oyster Card from any major underground station.

You should also pack an umbrella and be prepared for rain . It’s no exaggeration what they say about England, it really does rain a lot.

Read more: There are a lot of things you should know before visiting London, so check out our London travel tips guide for some essential information you must know before you go. And here is a 3 day London Itinerary guide to help you with your planning!

The Top Things to Do in London

Now I’ve given you a few tips to help you plan your trip, it’s time to take a look at the top London attractions. These are the most unmissable things to do in London as well as some hidden gems.

Many of the paid attractions are on the  London Pass by Go City , which is a great money-saving discount tourist card for a select number of days or attractions.

Depending on what you want to do in London, you could either use it for all the attractions , OR use the card for the most expensive attraction and then purchase separate tickets for the cheaper attractions individually.

The London Sightseeing Pass and The London Pass are also favorite tourist discount cards that offer flexibility and diversity of top London attractions, plus quirky local tours, and discounts on shopping and eating out. But we didn’t try these passes.

High on the list of many visitors to London is the Harry Potter tour at the Warner Bros Studios. It was one of our favorite things to do in London with kids.

Located about one hour northwest of London , this backlot tour will take you through sets, props, and interactive exhibits of the real movie settings of the Harry Potter film series.

You’ll be amazed at how they created magical scenes from such small, intimate settings. We all loved this magical deep dive into the Wizarding World.

Allow for 3-4 hours for the self-guided tour. That will give you enough time to read the stories, ride a broomstick, walk through the forbidden forest and those scary spiders, and drink butterbeer.

You must book in advance for timed entry tickets, otherwise, you will wait for hours.

• Hours: 9.30am – 8.00pm
• Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR

READ MORE : Guide to the Harry Potter Studios tour in London !

A visit to the Tower of London would not be as good without doing the free 45 minute beefeater tour. 

Nicknamed Beefeaters, Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor time when Henry VIII decided that the Tower should be protected by part of the royal bodyguard.

They were originally part of the Yeoman of the Guard – the monarch’s personal, crack bodyguard who traveled with him everywhere.

The Yeoman Body of 32 men and women are all drawn from the Armed Forces , and must have an impeccable record of service and high ranks.

They share entertaining and gruesome stories of its macabre history from its former years (and I mean centuries) as a Royal residence, armory, treasury, and zoo (thank goodness they stopped that!)

The Tower of London is actually a castle comprising twenty-two towers but sitting in the middle is the original White Tower built in the 1070s by William the Conqueror . The walls, towers, and moat surrounding it came in the 1200s and have been there ever since.

There is a lot to see and do here, including seeing the Crown Jewels.

• Hours: dependent on tour. General opening hours 9.00am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday
• Address: London EC3N 4AB

Top tip: Get there for doors opening and buy a skip the line ticket. The Tower of London is notorious for its long lines, which can extend into hours. Tickets will also be cheaper online. It’s also part of the  London Pass by Go City .

One of the most famous attractions in London, with some of the best views of the city, is the London Eye on the River Thames.

It is the tallest observation wheel in Europe and a great way to see different viewpoints of the famous buildings in London, like the Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. 

The capsule you sit in moves slowly enough (30-minutes to do a full revolution) that you get time to enjoy the experience and get great photos.

• Hours: 11.00am – 6.00pm daily
• Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
• We have a  full review of the London Eye and Thames River Cruise here . 
• You can see more in our  London Eye Reel .
• Get your tickets here.
• 15 of the Best Views in London  

Londoners love their Royal Parks. These 5000 acres of quality green spaces provide a beautiful respite from a busy day exploring the city  There are eight royal parks in London, many of which are in the central tourist area, and all are free to visit.

They’ll have beautiful gardens, fields for picnics and sports, lakes with boat rides, tree-lined paths, beautiful views, wild life, and many will have public events, concerts, and festivals.

My favorites are St James’s Park , Regent’s Park , Kensington Gardens , Greenwich Park , and Hyde Park .

As you are probably on a short visit to London, these are the London parks you’ll visit the most. But, London is full of delightful parks, gardens, and squares all over the city!

One of the best places to eat in London is the popular Borough Market on the south side of the River Thames, a collection of stalls and vendors selling fresh produce.

Whether you’re hungry for strawberries dipped in chocolate, soft local cheeses, bowls of Vietnamese pho, sausage rolls or a refreshingly sweet peach prosecco, you’ll find it here.

On the periphery you’ll find pubs, cafes, restaurants, murals and a few Harry Potter filming locations, including the Leaky Cauldron Pub.

I’ll warn you; weekends are shoulder-to-shoulder busy. During the week it is a much quieter experience.

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm Saturday, 10.00am – 3.00pm Sunday

Don’t Miss: Coffee from Monmouth and the sweet peach prosecco.

It is alleged that afternoon tea began in England in 1840 , by Anna Stanhope, the Duchess of Bedford. As dinner was served late in the evening, this was a way of satisfying her hunger pains mid-afternoon.

It became a fashionable form of entertainment and over the years it became an experience for more than just the wealthy. 

Some also say the French started it. But, let’s not get involved in that battle.

For now, we’ll celebrate the English tradition of high tea, named so for the high tables it’s served on. They come in layers of savory and sweet items such as scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches, macaroons, and pastries.

While you might think you’re required to drink copious amounts of tea with it, you can choose to have coffee , and many will now come served with flutes of champagne or cocktails. Now we’re talking! 

High Tea at the Ritz is the most famous for setting the standard for afternoon tea. The Savoy is another old-school favorite for traditional pomp. We had many recommendations for high tea at Fortnum & Mason.

The Lanesborough is going to give you that vibrant floral Bridgerton afternoon tea flair. Equally aesthetically pleasing – in a bright and modern way is the Ampersand Hotel where we experienced our science-themed high tea, which made Kalyra’s London for teens list !)

There’s even a quirky experience like afternoon tea on a London bus or on a Thames River cruise

First-time visitors will want to add a high tea experience to their list of things to do in London. 

Click to read more about our science themed afternoon tea at the Ampersand Hotel in Kensington. And if you’re planning to visit other parts of the UK, we also had an amazing afternoon tea in Oxford .

Ok, so technically we didn’t see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace on this recent London trip – but I did see it when I lived in London.

We had planned for it on the day it doesn’t happen, so, check the schedule!

This is how you make Buckingham Palace a little more than just a sticky beak through the gates and a few “I was here” photos.

The Changing of the Guards is the ceremony where The Queen’s Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to the New Guard .

The pomp and ceremony of the precision drill and bands playing stirring music make it one of the most popular London attractions – and it’s free!

Buckingham Palace has been the official London Residence of the Royal Family since 1837. If the Royal Standard flag is flying it means Queen Elizabeth II is in residence, and if the Union flag is flying it means she’s out of town.

As the Queen has chosen of late to reside more at Windsor Castle, her favorite of all her palaces, the odds are you’ll see the Union flag.

Don’t miss the changing of the guards. Here are the times:

• June – July: Daily
• August – May: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Starts at 11am and goes on for about 45 mins.

Address: London SW1A 1AA

You will see them all across London and the UK – traditional Sunday Roast. It is a British cultural experience not to miss.

It’s said to have started during the reign of King Henry VII in 1485. The royal guards would eat roast beef every Sunday after church , which is claimed to have given them the name ‘beefeaters.’ (they now run the tours at the Tower of London).

On Sundays throughout the U.K., pubs and restaurants are packed full for the roast dinner; it’s considered the time for families or friends to get together and share great food.

Although Roast Dinners began with beef, modern times make room for chicken, pork, lamb, or even vegetarian. Many places will offer a traditional pub roast or one with a little more of a modern flair.

Typically included are roasted potatoes and root vegetables, green vegetables like cabbage and spring greens, cauliflower cheese, and lots of gravy. It’s traditional to serve it with a Yorkshire pudding , which is a savory eggy batter poured over beef drippings.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday Roast at the Edinboro Castle Pub in Camden. They have a lovely beer garden and gluten-free beer to match!

• Hours: 12.00pm – 11.00pm Monday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 10.30pm Sunday
• Address: 57 Mornington Terrace, London NW1 7RU

Read more: If you need more inspiration on pubs in London, check out our complete guide to 16 pubs we loved in London!

Big Ben is to London, what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It’s one of London’s landmarks that cannot be missed off any itinerary. 

Big Ben is the 13.5 tonne iconic clock tower at the Houses of Parliament . Officially, it’s the Elizabeth Tower, but everyone calls it Big Ben after Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works when it was finished in 1858.

You can see it from many viewpoints in London, including the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, cruising along the river, and our favorite, Parliament Square.

Parliament Square is next to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. It has statues of well-known political leaders including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela.

One of our favorite iconic London photos we captured on our trip – that even local Londoners didn’t know about – was that of Winston Churchill looking out upon Big Ben.

The Houses of Parliament is where all the important business in running the country happens. You can tour inside on select days and times . I was fortunate to have a friend working there when I lived in London who invited me in for a drink at one of the pubs inside. It was a cool experience!

If you’re interested in British Politics, Number 10 Downing Street is a five-minute walk from Big Ben and is known for being the home of the Prime Minister. Nowadays the Prime Minister doesn’t live there, but still uses it to hold meetings.

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
• Address: London SW1A 0AA

Since you’re at Parliament Square, let’s cross the road and tour Westminster Abbey, the Royal Church of England. Every monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned here and many have been married in the abbey as well.

I enjoyed our self-guided audio tour of Westminster Abbey more than I thought I would, as did our kids (14 & 10).

You’ll walk through the beautiful, tiled sanctuary where weddings happen; the elaborate quire; visit the tombs of many royals and important people; pay your respects at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and see the bland Coronation Chair.

Don’t miss the Poets Corner where you’ll find the resting places of some of England’s finest: Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling, and Hardy.

I also enjoyed seeing the perspective of the abbey from walking around the cloisters and gardens. This tour is part of the  London Pass by Go City .

• Hours: 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 2.00pm Saturday, Sundays for services only.
• Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA

Kensington is known as the home of the Young Royals . It’s the official residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (i.e. Prince William and Kate) and their children. Harry and Meghan lived here for a time, and most famously, it was beloved Princess Diana’s home.

This is also where the legendary Queen Victoria was born . You can follow her Royal footsteps on a tour through her re-imagined childhood rooms and the King and Queen State Apartments, and the magnificent King’s State Apartments and Queen’s State Apartments.

I loved the  Life Through a Royal Lens exhibition sharing the Royal Family through photography, the views from the windows, the elaborate Kings Staircase, and King’s Gallery.

And the most beautiful Kensington Gardens with their memorial to Diana and the legacy of her work doing good for the world. We really enjoyed this London experience.

• Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm, Closed Sunday and Monday
• Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX

Book a tour here, or use your London Pass by GoCity

One of the most well-known places to visit in London is Covent Garden. 

Wander the cobblestoned areas surrounding the central marketplace, which had its beginnings as a convent garden in the 1500s. It served different purposes from then, but by the 1800s it had developed into the largest produce market in the world. Its overwhelming size prompted its relocation in 1974. 

It is also next to other tourist attractions in London, like Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, Leicester Square, Soho, and the West End theater district. 

There are endless restaurants and bars and local stores. Performers rotate all day long on the street just below the balcony of the famous Punch and Judy pub (good luck trying to get on it!).

Don’t forget to spread out across the central Covent Garden marketplace area to explore the surrounding cobblestone streets and side alleys for other secret gems!

When you need a break, head to Lamb & Flag for a family pub lunch in the oldest pub in Covent Garden. (this was one of our favorite London pubs).

Click here for more tips for what to do in Covent Garden.

London is renowned as one of the best places in the world for theater. There are  over 40 theater venues in the West End  performing to over 14 million every year.

There is a large variety of musicals on offer, some of the most popular ones being the Lion King, Wicked, Les Misérables, and Hamilton. (I saw Les Misérables and Saigon when living in London)

On this family vacation to London, Kalyra, Savannah and I went to see  Matilda in the Cambridge Theater in Covent Garden , while Craig caught up with his old Rugby teammates from Sydney in Chelsea.

Matilda the Musical is  based on the Roald Dahl book and movie . Most of the cast are young children, who are very talented. We laughed the entire time!

I’m glad we added this it to our London itinerary at the last minute as our teen said it was one of her favorite London experiences.

If you want to have a unique experience and see something quintessentially English, you can catch a Shakespeare production at The Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames.

Fair warning; this theater is a standing theater so maybe think about that if there’s a production of Hamlet or King Lear.

READ MORE: Tips for getting West End theater tickets

If you are short on time and want to experience more traditional London attractions, then save Shoreditch as a thing to do on your next London trip. 

Those with longer than three days in London and love exploring modern culture, you will want to do a mural tour of the Hip Shoreditch in East London. 

Street art in the UK is still technically illegal and considered a criminal activity, which means street art can pop up quickly, but be taken down just as fast.

Shoreditch is the anomaly and is the epicenter of London’s street art scene as they fight back on the vandalism label. The most well-known secret street artist of all time – Banksy has left his mark in Shoreditch several times.

Shoreditch Street Art tour – this came so highly recommended to us, but we could not make it work with our schedule. Definitely a thing to do in London when we return. Check out this Shoreditch tour here .

If you are coming to England and intend on experiencing a high tea, you cannot pass on drinking a Pimm’s & Lemonade . It’s somewhat of an unofficial drink of London, especially on a hot summer’s day. (What? You mean that’s a thing?)

James Pimm invented and marketed the very first “Pimm’s’ as a health tonic in the 1840s. It was a gin-based drink mixed with a secret mix of herbs and other liquids and was used to aid digestion. It was served in a small tankard-style cup which was known as the ‘No.1 Cup’

It’s a great drink to have with friends as it’s often served by the Pitcher, ice-cold and filled with fresh fruits. It has a mildly sweet and spiced flavor and is refreshing . I can’t believe I never drank it when I lived in London. I liked it a lot!

Choose a bar, any bar, but if you want to follow our advice: When it hits Pimm’s o’clock on a sunny day in London enjoy yours with a view at the Founder’s Arms on the River Thames at Southwark .

Hours: 10.00am – 11.00pm, Monday – Thursday, 10.00am – 12.00am Friday, 9.00am – 12.00am Saturday, 9.00am – 11.00pm Sunday

Address: 52 Hopton St, London SE1 9JH

As we mentioned in our best pubs in the London post, we absolutely love the English pub experience, and had lunch in one almost every day. Well, at least we stopped in for a pint of ale!

Almost any pub in London will have a cozy, warm ambiance with an incredible historical tale to tell. You’ll find low ceilings, creaky stairs, live music, beer gardens, and beautiful London views.  

Most will offer a menu of traditionally English pub meals . We already mentioned the unmissable Sunday roast, but other English favorites to try are the fish and chips, bangers and mash and gravy, and pie with mash and gravy. You may even find some mushy peas – another English favorite.

And I was thrilled to find a couple of pubs that had gluten free fish and chips.

Alongside your pub lunch, be sure to taste a traditional English ale pulled into the glass by a hand pump. As a previous bartender in London, I can tell you pulling a few of these pints of an evening can give you sore arms!

This is a uniquely British dispensing device that is specifically appropriate for traditional cask-conditioned ales . It allows the casks to be kept in a cooler cellar below the bar and the beer to be pulled or drawn up to the bar and gives a lower carbonation beer.

The English will tell you it’s a far better tasting beer. Craig agrees and drank plenty of them to arrive at that conclusion.

We took any chance we could to walk along Southbank to get from A to B.

This South Bank to Southwark walk along the Thames starts at Westminster Bridge , looking towards the Houses of Parliament all the way to Tower Bridge. Or vice versa. It’s approximately  2.5 miles / 4km in total. 

There are stunning views all around and you’ll pass iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, London Eye , and Tate Modern all under the omnipresent watch of St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Along the way, you’ll find some popular and famous pubs like our favorites The Anchor and The Founders Arms . Plus, the sunsets from here are beautiful.

Head to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the Place of Time, located about 40 minutes southeast of Central London along the Thames. This is definitely one of the more unique things to do in London.

Here you can learn the fascinating history of how the Royal astronomers experimented and studied the stars to come up with today’s modern version of time.

Its measurement (GMT) all starts at the Prime Meridian . You can check off your bucket list that you have stood with one foot in the West and one foot in the Eastern hemisphere.

Putting the icing on the cake is the view behind the glittering modern skyscrapers forming the Canary Wharf skyline in front of the Thames.

It’s the perfect encapsulation of the modern and ancient worlds that London has evolved through to become this incredible city we love so much.

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm
• Address: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
• The Royal Observatory is also an included attraction on the Go City Pass.
• You can buy separate tickets here
• A great way to combine views is to arrive in Greenwich via a sightseeing river cruise.

Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous places in London. Everybody who visits loves to have their photos with the huge lions, which represent the courage of Britain. Kids will love climbing them!

The  52-m high statue of Lord Nelson  dominates the square and the National Gallery is the stunning building in the background.

It’s really the center of London and has always been a place for Londoners to gather, whether that is to bring in the New Year together, or protest, rally, or march for important rights and causes.

One of my favorite things about Trafalgar Square is the pedestrian lights surrounding it. They are  LGBTQ traffic lights  that include two men and two women holding hands and forming a heart, and various gender symbols including a transgender sign.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Address: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN

Piercing the sky above London is the needle-like structure of the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe.

It’s quickly becoming a London icon and a popular place to visit, especially for the incredible views from its  72 nd  floor open-air platform . There is an enclosed viewing platform on level 69 as well.

The Shard View is an expensive thing to do in London, but the 244m high sweeping London views make it worthwhile. I absolutely loved the fantastic perspective of the River Thames snaking through the city east to west.

It was particularly moving for me as I lived in London for two years and never saw it from this angle. I LOVE this city so much!

Aim for about an hour before sunset so you can experience the dusk golden light views, sunset panoramic views, and nighttime views when those London lights sparkle.

You must reserve your tickets in advance . (It will also save you money). This attraction is included in the  Go City Card.  This would be the star event of the pass!

• Hours: 10.00am – 10.00pm Thursday – Saturday (access until 8:30pm). 10.00am – 7.00pm Sunday – Wednesday (access until 5:30pm)
• Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG

Want to experience 5-star luxury with these views?  The Shangri La Hotel is located on Level 34 of the Shard. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views of the city, and maintains the theme of Oriental elegance found throughout the hotel.  Check availability and book your stay here.

One of the best things to do in London that we haven’t done before was a canal boat cruise from Little Venice to Camden Market in North London. 

Regent’s Canal is a nine-mile ribbon of water that runs from Little Venice to the where it spills into the Thames at Limehouse.

It offers visitors a chance to experience a quieter side of London . What was once a busy cargo transportation route has become leisurely waterways through London offering people a tranquil place to walk, paddle, or boat ride.

The relaxing and picturesque 40-minute canal ride will take you along Regents Canal, through the 248m Maida Hill tunnel, and past the exclusive neighborhoods of Maida Vale and Primrose Hill, with homes of celebrities, and expansive and landscaped back gardens of grand houses.

We also walked along here from Camden to Regents Park. We have more information in our full guide on a day out in Camden Town.

While you’re exploring Regent’s Canal, you must incorporate a stop off in Camden Town. It’s one of our favorite places in London for its eclectic, grungy, alternative style. 

It’s a London neighborhood known for the Camden Markets and its live music scene. Many famous artists from around the world have played here or got their start here, or sadly, died here.

Click the following link for our guide on things to do in Camden Markets which includes the canal boat ride, a Sunday pub roast, Regent’s Park, and some top pubs for live music!

• Hours: Camden Market is open 10.00am – 6.00pm daily
• Address: 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF

We’re not big museum people, so we didn’t visit many for this London trip. We travel so much and have visited so many museums that we tend to run the other way now. 

However, on my next visit to London, I will plan to visit more as London has exceptional museums. And, as a bonus, the permanent collections at London’s museums are FREE. If you love museums, I have no doubt they would be one of the best things to do in London.

You can find a museum of any size and suit any interest. We even came across the Vagina Museum in Camden!

Most notable are the National Gallery and the British Museum. We did spend an hour in the British Museum and it was fantastic and I do wish it was longer.

For those traveling with kids, you can’t miss the Natural History Museum which features a life-size blue whale skeleton and a huge robot T-Rex. Right next door is the interactive Science Museum, where children can learn about science through play.

Across the road from the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum is the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts – if you like statues, this is a museum to check out.

The Tate Modern was another London gallery attraction we dedicated some time to and thoroughly enjoyed the art on display. It’s well worth adding this to your London itinerary, if not for the views alone!

Some other museums in London that visitors love are the British War Museum, The National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark (a retired navy ship), and National Portrait Gallery. As you can see, you could use at least two days to just explore the museums of London!

Every street and cobblestone alleyway in London has a fascinating historical story to tell. One of our favorite ways to experience the culture and history of a destination is to take a walking tour. 

What do you want to learn? There’ll be a walking tour for it. 

As we were visiting London with kids on this trip, we did not do the Jack the Ripper walking tour. But that was one of the first things I did when I moved to London. I LOVED it! Yes. It will freak you out. 

What freaked me out even more was I often had to walk past one of his killing alleyways on an evening after my shift at the pub to get home. The chills in my spine doubled the pace of my legs!

The Millennium Bridge is one of the coolest, more recent additions to London city. Opened in 2000, it has a warped, futuristic look with magnificent views all around.

I loved the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral growing in front of your eyes with each step. And look behind for views of Tate Modern, and to the right for Tower Bridge views, and views of life on both banks of the river.

It’s also known as the Wobbly Bridge as when it was first opened an engineering defect caused it to shake and wobble when people walked across it. They had to close it down for two years to fix it.

Be sure to look down. An unknown artist frequently comes by and secretly creates artwork out of the dried-up gum. Gross but cool.

Harry Potter Fans:  London Boys School (on the left as you approach the north side) was where Daniel Radcliffe went to school. Remember when the Death Eaters attack London in the scenes from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? They were filmed on the Millennium Bridge.

Another bridge you’ll want to walk across is Tower Bridge, another famous landmark of London. Almost anyone coming to London is already familiar with the elegant beauty of its neo-Gothic turrets and blue suspension cables.

Walk across Tower Bridge for free and get great views overlooking the Thames and back over the Tower of London.

You can head up into the north tower to the (paid) Tower Bridge Exhibition for higher views and to learn more about the architecture, engineering, and history. It is a paid attraction and is included in your London attraction pass .

Check for times when the Tower Bridge will raise up its bridge arms so boats underneath can pass by. They do have to book it 24 hours in advance so you can plan ahead for this cool experience.

On average, Tower Bridge opens its bascules around 800 times a year, that’s around twice a day. Check opening times here.

Take a river cruise to see it from underneath as well.

There is nothing like seeing London from the perspective of its snaking River Thames.

The  Lastminute.com London Eye River cruise  is a  40-minute circular tour of the Thames  on a small open-top ferry with guided commentary. The departure landing dock is right under the London Eye.

I loved the commentary that taught us a lot about the history of the Thames and the role it’s played in London life.

The cruise will take you past Big Bend and the Houses of Parliament before turning around to head east passing under many of London’s bridges spanning the river – each with its own name and story.

You’ll learn many stories about the iconic Landmarks you’ll pass like Big Bend, London Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Shard, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, which you’ll get to sail under before turning around to cruise back.

You can see more in our  Reel of the River Thames cruise . (Follow us over there for more fun travel adventures and tips!)

Click on the links below to learn more about these river cruises on the Thames and to book your trip.

• Evening River Cruise with canapes and bubbles
• Westminster to Greenwich river cruise with commentary
• London eye, River Cruise and Big Bus combo ticket
• London Go City Pass has River Thames cruises included

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world and one of London’s most magnificent buildings.

There is a rule that St Paul’s must be visible from eight separate places throughout London which is why so many of the modern skyscrapers are unusual shapes. They are making room for that line of sight!

Now that you’ve seen that impressive dome from around the city, it’s time to see it from the inside and learn about this architectural masterpiece from Sir Christopher Wren , built after the Great Fire of London between 1675 and 1710.

We visited on a guided tour with Independence by Globus , but standard admission includes an audio guide. Visit the crypt to see memorials of hundreds of well-known and great people, including the bodies of Wellington and Nelson lying directly under the dome.

Sadly, the whispering gallery around the base of the dome was closed when we visited, but this is one of the best things to do in St Paul’s as well as the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery, both at the top of the dome offering incredible views of London.

Ask the attendants if they can take you to the spiraling Harry Potter staircase . This staircase in St Paul’s was used as the “Divination Stairwell” located in the North Tower of Hogwarts Castle for the Harry Potter films.

• Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday and Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday. 10.00am – 4.30pm Wednesday, 8.30am – 6.00pm Sunday
• Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

Top tip: Book your entrance in advance, as the lines can get incredibly long.

• St Paul’s Cathedral is also included on the Go City Card
• You can purchase separate tickets here

Even if you don’t follow the Harry Potter filming trail across London, I recommend you plan for getting your photo running the cart into the wall at Platform 9¾  at Kings Cross. 

That is of course if you are a Harry Potter fan, otherwise, it might not float your boat. 

I was the only one in our family who did it and I had a load of fun. The Head Wizard was so cool in showing each person different witchy poses. As this was a once in a lifetime, I was not going to hold back!

We were lucky to only have a 10 minute wait. Lines here can be up to two hours. Get there as early as you can, or later close to finish time. Good luck muggles. 

Just so you know, Kings Cross Station is real. Platform 9¾ is not. They have a designated space at the station (not even on the platforms) for your photos with the cart going into the wall. 

There is a Harry Potter store here as well where you can buy your fan favorites.

If you want to see the platforms (where many scenes were filmed) either catch a train somewhere or ask the guards if they can let you on the platform to take a photo.  Across the road is St Pancreas which is the background setting for the flying car scene in the second movie.

Kings Cross was my arrival point in London when I first arrived in 1997 as a broke backpacker with an infected foot and not knowing a soul. I was overwhelmed and scared.

I got quite emotional coming back here as it reminded me of my journey from there to here and how much I’ve grown! You can read more about that story here. 

• Address: Euston Rd, London N1 9AL

If you’re heading east towards Liverpool Street then I recommend you visit the stunning Leadenhall Markets in Central London.

These beautiful covered markets were  originally established in 1321  as a market for butchers and fishmongers (However history says it was the center of Roman London as a bazaar area in the 1st Century!)

Much of the ornately decorated interior and cobbled laneways that you see preserved today are from a redesign in 1881.

It’s now a shopping precinct with trendy bars, cute cafes, boutique stores, and a couple of taverns. One of the reasons tourists come here is that it was used as the exterior for Diagon Alley in the first couple of Harry Potter films.

The Lamb Tavern is a great pub here, in operation since 1790.

• Address: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT

There are quite a few locations in London where scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed. If you’re a fan, this might be one of your favorite things to do in London. It is certainly one of the best things to do in London with kids.

We didn’t specifically follow a trail or do it all in one day. But we knew where a lot of the locations were and, if it was in the area we were visiting, we made a side step to go and see it. 

One of the best ways to experience Harry Potter locations in London is through a walking tour. I wish we did this just so we could have heard more stories and felt more connected to each location. Doing it ourselves didn’t have quite the same magic and was more just a “well this is it,” snap a photo and then leave. 

I’ve mentioned a couple in this post already (and I’ll write a separate post on each one soon)

Some of the major spots are:

• Kings Cross Station & St Pancreas
• The Leaky Cauldron at Borough Markets
• Cecil’s Court and Godwin’s Court, Covent Garden
• Leadenhall Markets
• Millennium Bridge

Book your post on the Harry Potter walking tour here.

If you can time it right, I highly recommend incorporating a football match into your London itinerary. 

You can either see a live match at one of the many football stadiums around the city, or simply from within a pub, or outdoor big screen when big matches are on. 

It is an electric experience with much fever and excitement with the English chanting, singing, and celebrating long into the night … if they win. God help London if they don’t!

As I lived in a house with Australians, Kiwis, South Africans, Irish, and Brits, you can imagine the fun we had at the pub nearly every weekend watching cricket, rugby, or football.

Don’t forget London is home to Wimbledon, the iconic tennis stadium. Cricket fans may also want to visit Lords (my dad’s favorite thing to do in London. He even played on it.) Rugby fans at Twickenham, and football fans, Wembley (there are a lot more!)

Piccadilly Circus is like a mini Times Square in New York. Full of neon lights, massive flashing advertising billboards, and people getting selfies. It’s overrated, but many tourists love it so I’m adding it here for you. 

It’s just a road junction with a circular space in the middle with a statue of Eros on it. 

From here you can easily walk to Piccadilly, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue, the curving Regent Street, and Covent Garden.

Read this useful guide with 55 tips for getting around London. You can also make a copy of our London map with all attractions pinned.

Surprisingly high on many visitors’ list of things to do in London is to visit Oxford St, the world’s biggest high street (that’s Main Street for non-UK people).

Maybe it has no allure for me as I walked along it scores of times while living in London to get from A to B.

Oxford Street is one of the busiest streets in London, especially on a weekend, so be prepared for shoulder rubbing. It just gets too intense for me. 

It stretches 1.5 miles from the corner of Hyde Park all the way down to Tottenham Court Road and is filled with stores selling fashion, beauty, tech, and homeware. You’ll find brands and department stores such as Gap, River Island, Primark, Selfridges, House of Fraser, and Marks & Spencer.

There are also more than 500 restaurants along the street and side streets.

Need a break from the intensity of London? There are many fantastic UK destinations that are easy day trips from London.

We recommend going by train as  it’s easier than a car rental , and depending on where you’re going, cheaper too. You could also do the  National Express  bus service which is the most affordable way to reach the major cities in the UK.

We caught the train to  Bath  from London for two nights, and then Oxford  for two nights in the middle of our London trip. Both were fantastic.

You can also hire a car from Oxford (way cheaper than hiring in London) and take a trip out to the iconic Cotswolds villages for a chance to see rural England and its quaint medieval villages.

Instead of a day trip, we recommend an overnight stay, so it’s not as rushed.

Other  top places to visit in England  close to London include Windsor, Stonehenge, Brighton, Cambridge, and the South Downs (where the White Cliffs of Dover are located).

You can find a selection of day trip tours from Get Your Guide here.

Book your London Accommodation

In need of a hotel or apartment rental when visiting London?

• We have a list of vetted  London accommodation options , including a short review of the three we stayed at in  Kensington ,  Shepherds Bush , and  Camden .
• Check Booking.com for hotels in London
• See what home and apartment rentals are available on VRBO

FREE London Bucket List Printable PDF

We’ve created a simple one-page checklist of all the top things to do in London, UK and Printable PDF itinearay outlines for you! Pop your name in the form below to access it.

What are some of your favorite things to do in London? Please share in the comments below. This is your chance to let us know some of those more local experiences.