50 Of The Best Pubs In London To Enjoy A Tipple Or Two (2024)

Table of Contents
Best pubs in Central London 1.Cittie of Yorke, Chancery Lane 2. The Coach and Horses, Soho 3. Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden 4. The Dovetail, Farringdon 5. John Snow, Soho 6. Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn 7. The Harp, Covent Garden 8. The French House, Soho 9. The Viaduct Tavern, St Pauls 10. Mr Fogg’s Tavern, Leicester Square Best pubs in North London 11. The World’s End, Finsbury Park 12. The Plimsoll, Finsbury Park 13. The Spaniard’s Inn, Hampstead 14. The Woodbine, Highbury and Islington 15. The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak 16. The Pineapple, Kentish Town 17. The Flask, Highgate 18. The Bull, Highgate 19. The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park 20. The Hawley Arms, Camden Best pubs in East London 21. The Crooked Billet, Clapton 22. The Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green 23. The Ten Bells, Spitalfields 24. People’s Park Tavern, Victoria Park 25. The Marksman, Hackney Road 26. Clissold Park Tavern, Stoke Newington 27. Pub on the Park, London Fields 28. The Royal Oak, Columbia Road 29. The Captain Kidd, Wapping 30. Lord Napier Star, Hackney Wick Best pubs in South London 31. Skehans Free House, Nunhead 32. The Montpellier, Peckham 33. The Dog and Bell, Deptford 34. The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton 35. The Mayflower, Rotherhithe 36. The Market Porter, Borough Market 37. The Alma, Crystal Palace 38. The Sun of Camberwell, Camberwell 39. Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich 40. The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield Best pubs in West London 41. The Pelican, Notting Hill 42. The Windsor Castle, Kensington 43. The Shepherd and Flock, Shepherd’s Bush 44. The Earl of Lonsdale, Notting Hill 45. The Lamb, Chiswick 46. The Aeronaut, Acton 47. The Churchill Arms, Kensington 48. The White Horse, Parsons Green 49. The Eagle, Ravenscourt Park 50. The Old Ship, Hammersmith References

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

Samuel Hopkins - Staff Writer

50 Of The Best Pubs In London To Enjoy A Tipple Or Two (2)
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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

  1. Best pubs in Central London
  2. Best pubs in North London
  3. Best pubs in East London
  4. Best pubs in South London
  5. Best pubs in West London

Best pubs in Central London

1.Cittie of Yorke, Chancery Lane

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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.

Best pubs in North London

11. The World’s End, Finsbury Park

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

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

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This 16th century boozer is one of the oldest pubs in Londonand 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 pondsThe 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

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 co*cktails 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

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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

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

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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

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.

🚇 Nearest station is Highgate.

19. The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

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

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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.

Best pubs in East London

21. The Crooked Billet, Clapton

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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

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 co*cktails 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

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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

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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

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 Marksmanis 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

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

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

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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

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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

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 co*cktails, 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.

Best pubs in South London

31. Skehans Free House, Nunhead

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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

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

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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

Situated just off Garrett Lane in between Earlsfield and Tooting, The Leather Bottle 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.

Best pubs in West London

41. The Pelican, Notting Hill

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In keeping with the pristine and impossibly tasteful Notting Hill aesthetic, The Pelican pub is very easy on the eye, both inside and out. The interiors feel cool, clean and wonderfully light and airy, without forsaking that degree of cosiness that all good pubs should have. At Secret London we always try not to judge books by their covers, but going off first impressions, we were very hopeful about the food and drink here – and we were right to be.

Do not, under any circ*mstances, skip on the starters at The Pelican. The Spider Crab toast and mince on toast are both heaven sent – big, bold and rich in flavour making them perfect for sharing. But the fresh langoustines with some smooth silky aioli are a great alternative if you’re in the mood for something lighter. The mains offer everything you could want from good pub grub, but with an extra sprinkling of pizazz. Staples include succulent, prime cut steaks paired with perfectly crispy triple cooked chips and charred tenderstem as well as an assortment of hearty pies. But you’ll also find an array of seasonal specials – and it goes without saying that everything looks as pretty as a picture.

📍 You’ll find The Pelican at 45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE🚇 Nearest Station is Westbourne Park

42. The Windsor Castle, Kensington

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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.

43. The Shepherd and Flock, Shepherd’s Bush

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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.

44. The Earl of Lonsdale, Notting Hill

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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.

45. The Lamb, Chiswick

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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

50 Of The Best Pubs In London To Enjoy A Tipple Or Two (28)

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

50 Of The Best Pubs In London To Enjoy A Tipple Or Two (29)

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.

🚇 Nearest station is Notting Hill Gate.

48. The White Horse, Parsons Green

50 Of The Best Pubs In London To Enjoy A Tipple Or Two (30)

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

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

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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!

Looking for more pints? Here’s a rundown of 46 sensational riverside pubs for a sunny day in London and the best pub crawls in London.

Tags:beer, cider, craft beer, pub crawl, social drinking, Whiskey, wine

50 Of The Best Pubs In London To Enjoy A Tipple Or Two (2024)

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