Londoners' love for a pub knows no limits, and as it boasts the most boozers of any UK city, it's clear that the capital knows it. When there's so many places to choose from in the city though, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. But luckily you don't have to, as we've picked out the creme de la creme for you right here.
Whether you're in the mood for a historical boozer in Covent Garden, a lively spot in Soho or a classy joint in Mayfair, there's something for everyone here. So next time you're in the mood for a pint, check out the very best pubs Central London has to offer.
Part pub, part café, part community space, The Duchess of Kensington is a stylish spot for a pint, a hearty breakfast or a dreamy dinner. Whenever you stop by, you can pull up a pew in its stylish bar for a craft beer, crisp wine or creative cocktail.
If you fancy something to soak up the sauce, there's plenty on offer. The menu packs in everything from breakfast classics to small plates and magnificent mains.
The Lamb and Flag is a charming Covent Garden venue with a lot of history to it. Dating back to 1772, this place was frequented by Charles Dickens and once served as a spot for bare-knuckle fighting, but today you only have to fight to get a seat in the popular pub.
Expect traditional interiors and a welcoming atmosphere, in a place that's popular among locals and tourists alike. There's a great range of beers available, which you can pair with mouthwatering meals like slow-braised beef and ale pie or a grilled cheese and caramelised onion toastie.
Found between Tower Hill and Fenchurch Street stations, Cheshire Cheese is a cracking City boozer that's always popular with the after-work crowd. It's also a great choice of pubs in central London to watch football in, thanks to a plethora of TV screens showing all the big games.
There's also a dartboard for some added entertainment, as well as an all-day menu to get stuck into. Dive into plates of loaded jacket potatoes, barbecue mac 'n' cheese burgers or breaded scampi, paired with a top choice of beers, wines or spirits.
Just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The Buckingham Arms is Known for its traditional charm and warm ambience. It offers a classic setting with vintage décor that reflects the rich heritage of the area.
It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to experience a genuine British boozer and tuck into hearty chicken, leek and ham pies, honey glazed gammon, and sausage and mash.
One of the best pubs in London for young adults, The Duke of Sussex is a charming, traditional pub located in the heart of Waterloo, London. Nestled near Waterloo Station, this boozer is known for its welcoming atmosphere, classic British pub décor, and a cosy yet lively setting.
The interior features wooden furnishings and a warm colour scheme, creating a quintessentially English vibe, and its menu is known for whipping up some of the best seasonal produce around into scrumptious plates like pork belly bites and smoky bacon cheeseburgers.
60 minute masterclass - 2 Cocktails (£35PP) and 1 other offer
Located in Farringdon, The Slaughtered Lamb is a trendy gastropub that attracts a wide range of customers from all over London. The stylish space features plush velvet booths and reclaimed wooden floors, with an extra room downstairs that's dedicated to live music and entertainment - showcasing some of the city's best up-and-coming artists.
This buzzing destination serves some of the finest local and international craft beer around, as well as a delicious food menu. We're talking Cumberland sausage and mash, chicken schnitzel and Moving Mountains burgers.
For a classic Central London pub experience, The Marlborough Head ticks all the boxes: hearty British dishes, generous portions, and a bar packed with cask ales, wines, and spirits.
The cosy, welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed meal with friends, a post-work pint, or an informal gathering. Just a short walk from Covent Garden Market and the West End theatres, it's a central city gem where you can enjoy proper pub fare without the fuss.
The Viaduct Tavern is right in the heart of London, surrounded by landmarks like St Paul's Cathedral. You'll find historical artefacts hung around the joint, and a great selection of gins on the menu to satisfy those who are really into their botanicals.
There are some great mezze platters to get stuck into to start, but the real star of the show is their classic cheese toasties, packed with three cheeses and chutney.
The Barley Mow is a historic and inviting pub located in the upscale Mayfair district of London. With a heritage dating back to the 18th century, this spot has retained much of its old-world charm while offering a modern ambience.
It's known for its Sunday feasting menus where you can tuck into three courses for £58, including Costwaold chicken with sage and truffle butter, followed by pear and frangipane tart drizzled in Jersey cream.
Whether you're catching up with friends, grabbing a pint and a bite after work or taking your time over an all day session, Editor's Tap has got what you're looking for.
As well as one of London's finest selections of craft beer, there's the top-notch lagers you know and love, signature cocktails and plenty of weird and wonderful spirits. Need something to soak up the ale? How do hand stretched pizzas, burgers and pies sound?
Making most people's list of the top 10 pubs in London, The Devonshire is notoriously difficult to get a booking at - but it's well worth trying. This sought-after spot is situated on Denman Street in Soho, created by three well-known publicans: Oisin Rogers, Charlie Carroll and Ashley Palmer-Watts.
Stretching across two floors, there's plenty to discover here. Downstairs promises a top-notch choice of beers and brilliant bar snacks, but if you head up to the restaurant area you'll find a menu full of British classics, made with UK-produced ingredients and even using in-house butchery.
The Boot and Flogger is a distinctive and elegant pub located in central London, nestled in the historic Southwark area. Known as one of the city's oldest wine bars, this establishment exudes a timeless charm with its classic wooden interiors and leather seating.
It feels like a hidden gem, complete with oak-panelled walls, vintage wine memorabilia, and candle-lit tables that add to its cosy ambience. You can expect to delight in an extensive selection of fine wines and port, as well as British and European-inspired dishes, including charcuterie boards, freshly made pies, and seasonal specials.
Finding a central London pub that feels genuinely authentic, independent, and rooted in its neighbourhood can feel like a daunting task, but 26 Furnival Street pulls it off effortlessly. Situated right on the boundary of Holborn and Chancery Lane, it acts as a welcoming oasis of calm and comfort amidst the frantic pace of the capital's core.
The pub succeeds by nailing the fundamentals: excellent drinks, a warm and inclusive atmosphere, and a deep respect for the community it serves.
Nestled in Farringdon, The White Haus is a three-floor pub that transforms a typical night out into a mini city escape. The rustic décor, cosy corners, cuckoo clocks and vintage cable cars make it feel like a quirky Alpine retreat in the heart of London.
Their menu serves classic pub favourites with a twist, freshly prepared daily, from hearty pies to indulgent burgers, paired with carefully curated cocktails and a wide range of beers. It's the perfect spot for post-sightseeing drinks, casual dinners with friends, or winding down after a busy workday, all just a short walk from Barbican, Blackfriars, and St Paul's stations.
One of Central London's best pubs also happens to be the oldest, as Ye Olde Mitre was established in 1546. You'll find this historic spot on Chancery Lane, flaunting a traditional cobbled courtyard and a wooden front to the building. The walls are lined with historic artefacts and memorabilia, creating an authentic old-school atmosphere while you drink.
Choose from seven real ales on tap here, as well as five guest beers that change every week - having earned itself the CAMRA pub of the year award three times in the past. And if you're feeling peckish, there are tasty bar snacks on offer too, alongside tapas with a British twist.
Located close to Fenchurch Street station, The Windsor is a cosy boozer fronting comfy leather booths, patterned carpets and wooden furnishings. You can enjoy a wide range of drinks here, including Cask Mark Accredited real ales and craft bottled beer.
There's also a wide variety of tasty dishes to get stuck into, from steak and ale pie to katsu chicken curry or a plant-based Bombay burger. Plus, sports fans can catch all the biggest games on Sky and TNT.
Rumoured to be the place where the rules of football were decided in 1863, The Bull & Egret is a historic boozer with a modern look. You'll find this place in the heart of Covent Garden, featuring dark wooden furniture, warm lighting and pretty plants.
Not only can you enjoy a wide variety of beers at the bar, but they've also got a menu full of pub classics too. Think fish and chips, Cumberland sausage and mash or a hearty fish pie.
60 minute masterclass - 2 Cocktails (£35PP) and 1 other offer
Looking for a pub in Central London that does it all? The Wren Tavern delivers on flavour, drinks, and atmosphere. Located on Watling Street with stunning views of St Paul's, this modern city pub serves up bold British flavours, an unrivalled whiskey collection, and craft beers.
Feeling fancy? Head downstairs to 5CC for expertly crafted cocktails in a sleek, intimate setting.
This traditional Central London pub sits in the heart of Mayfair, famous for its Grill Room that serves the very best of British fare. You can expect the elegance that normally comes with this classy location, with an old-school approach to decor from the wooden panelled walls to the checked carpet.
Their beef is dry-aged for 28 days, and they take similar care when it comes to their delicious seafood and vegetarian dishes too. Munch your way through a menu of beef carpaccio with black truffle cream, leek and Roquefort risotto or rock oysters, finishing up with their signature chocolate mousse.
Dating back to 1730, The Newman Arms is one of the most historic pubs in the city. You'll find it in the heart of Fitzrovia, flaunting a bright red exterior and traditional wooden furnishings inside, across the main bar dining room and a snug basement space.
Sip fresh pints of ale from the bar, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere. They also serve tasty sharing platters, featuring the likes of ham hock and cheddar quiche, caramelised onion tarts and Scotch eggs.
The Lamb in Holborn is a historic and charming pub, celebrated for its Victorian character and snug atmosphere. With etched glass windows and original mahogany furnishings making it one of the most beautiful pubs in London, this Grade II-listed boozer feels like a step back in time.
It serves a well-curated selection of real ales, craft beers, and wines, along with a menu of hearty British classics like pies, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. Thanks to its Bloomsbury location, it's a popular spot for visitors and city workers alike.
Revived under Aldrich Inns, The Jeremy Bentham is back in Fitzrovia with a refreshed vibe from 2025 onwards. Expect £5 pints, £2 coffees, traditional ales and comforting toasties served in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
From university crowds to neighbourhood regulars and city workers, this spot brings together the people who make London tick.
Dating back to 1847, The Three Greyhounds is a historic Soho gem that's welcomed everyone from Wolfgang Mozart to legends like The Sex Pistols. Now a favourite for weekend crowds, it offers a warm, energetic atmosphere with acoustic music and classic pub fare.
Think comforting pies, expertly poured Guinness, and a standout range of cask ales and spirits. Its charming décor and photogenic façade make it a must-visit for those seeking a traditional pub with a vibrant twist.
Make your way to Holborn to discover The Princess Louise, a Victorian pub that's been lovingly restored to its original layout. Dating back to 1872, this Grade II-listed building feels like stepping back in time with its etched glass, mirrors and panelling - split into six separate drinking areas.
Settle down by the open fire for a wide variety of affordable beers and gins, or head upstairs to enjoy a hearty British meal. This one can be little bit divisive though, due to its no swearing and mobile phone policy.
One of the most famous pubs in Central London, the Coach & Horses is a staple of Soho's Greek Street. It's been voted as the Evening Standard's number one pub to visit in London in the past, and their piano sing-a-long nights are notorious around the city.
They're all about good times and old-school vibes here, with affordable beer at the front and centre of what they do. Whether you're heading there for a quiet afternoon pint or soaking up the atmosphere on a Friday evening, you'll always be met with a smile. Even better? They're dog-friendly too.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of London's most historic pubs, nestled on Fleet Street and dating back to the 17th century. This iconic establishment boasts dark, winding staircases, low-beamed ceilings, and cosy nooks that exude a timeless, old-world charm.
Known for its literary connections, with past patrons including Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, the pub offers a selection of traditional ales, beers, and classic British fare.
This Belgravia pick is just a stone's throw from Hyde Park, and there's a long, fascinating military history to be discovered here. You can see original bayonets, sabres and even a bear skin lining the walls, and there are some who even claim that the pub is haunted by an officer who was flogged to death for cheating at cards here.
Gory history aside, this is an intimate, cosy joint offering top-quality food and drink, and there's even a beer garden for the summer months. Their menu features the likes of monkfish curry, wild mushroom tagliatelle and their famous beef Wellington, as well as sumptuous Sunday roasts.
The Royal Oak is everything you want from a London pub. Minutes from the station, its all leather-bound booths, cosy corners, dark wood finishes and warm, welcoming lighting.
Over on the drinks list, you've got local ales, well-known lagers and craft beers from breweries across the land. The menu doesn't mess about either, packing in the likes of truffle arancini, lamb loin chops and lobster tagliatelle.
Located close to Covent Garden and Charing Cross, The Harp is a relaxed pub that specialises in real ale and cider. There are eight hand pumps on the bar serving a selection of beers from top breweries, and you can expect a social atmosphere at all times.
The lively bar downstairs is filled with Victorian portraits and colourful decor, but if you head upstairs you'll find a more laid-back space boasting comfy chairs and a more intimate atmosphere.
Step into the Cheshire Cheese, a quintessentially British pub in the City of London. With features from the 1920s, this historic venue oozes charm with its rustic interiors and welcoming atmosphere.
Perfect for after-work drinks or casual get-togethers, you'll find a menu full of hearty classics like burgers and traditional lamb hot pot, complemented by fresh pints and excellent service. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it's a must-visit for an authentic pub experience.
Channeling its history as a Victorian tavern, The Marlborough in Mayfair is all dark wood arches, polished mahogany, rich burgundy ceilings and warm antique-style chandeliers. With the team from The Devonshire at the helm, every tipple here is expertly cared for, from the regularly changing guest ales and perfectly poured pints of Guinness to the worldly wine list.
Downstairs is a different space altogether. Award-winning chef Carl McCluskey's Crisp Pizza serves up New York and New Haven-style thin-crust pies in a charming pizzeria, complete with exposed brick arches, candlelit booths and deep red banquettes. Pizza and pints - this place has truly got the lot.
The French House is perfect if you're after something a little more sophisticated, thanks to its lack of music, machines, mobile phones and television. The quirky spot only serves beer by half pint, and there's an extensive wine list to order from as well. The ground floor hosts an intimate bar area that's perfect for a laid-back pint or two, while the upstairs is a restaurant area that serves lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.
This place has also earned itself a spot in the history books, thanks to writers like Brendan Behan and Dylan Thomas having written some of their most famous works there - the latter once left a manuscript of Under Milk Wood there by accident.
Located in Mayfair, The Audley Public House is a classy pub that's been around since 1888. It maintains a lot of its traditional Victorian features, from the high windows to the wooden panelling along the walls and bar. Take a seat on one of their comfy leather stools and enjoy one of the many different pints on offer.
They've got a cracking menu of British favourites to choose from as well. Think fish finger sandwiches dipped in tartare sauce, mushroom and beetroot sausages with mash and sticky toffee pudding for dessert, of course.
