The UK is renowned for its pubs and London certainly offers up a good selection... from the traditional English pub where the landlord is on hand serving real ales to food-focused gastro pubs with artisan-brewed beer and a food menu to rival Gordon Ramsay. Our top London pubs have everything from secret beer gardens to large screens perfect for watching sports. Our favourites? You can find 'em below.
Last updated on 18th January 2022
The Colonel Fawcett is a truly unique London pub for a number of reason. Fronting traditional interiors alongside a menu of classic pub grub, it's this place's impressive selection of over 100 gins that makes it a real winner.
A popular pub in Soho, Sun & Thirteen Cantons is an intimate venue near Regents Street and is a great choice for those seeking out real ales as their selection is extensive. Their basement bar is also a cosy space perfect for those wanting a chic, yet traditional party space. This London pub is very popular with the after work drinkers of London and often spills onto the streets of Soho for some alfresco drinking.
It's not hard to find a decent pub in the city of London - there's scores of them - but we've always had a soft spot for the Lamb Tavern. Sitting alongside the iconic Leadenhall Market since 1780, this majestic three-storey boozer is a popular haunt of city workers and is a great choice for private hire, with weddings, birthdays, Christenings and retirement parties all held here.
With a quaint beer garden and a balcony area that boasts stunning views over South London, the Old Ship in Richmond is fast becoming a favourite spot for those lazy summer weekends. Styled as a traditional haunt in South London, the mahogany furniture and the nautical themed antiques spread across the venue gives the pub a rustic, cosy feel. Completing the experience, their flavoursome menu is filled with classic British dishes; think delicious roast dinners, succulent steaks and steaming hot fish and chips.
Once an elegant Victorian townhouse, Three Cranes is now a multi-floor pub, restaurant and guesthouse. Headed up by Douglas Brunen (formerly Harvey Nichols Firth Floor), the menu here is made up of classic dishes from the grill as well as salads and simple seafood. The perfect cosy spot for a rainy day, the sleek interiors feature muted tones and deep mahogany furniture.
Fronting impressive quality right across the board, The Elgin is Maida Vale's homely, personal local. Come early for some breakfast treats, or stop in later where top-quality, locally sourced produce comes from the kitchen. Craft beers are a huge strength, wines are selected to match the food and there's a first floor private room equipped to host functions for up to 120 guests.
A cosy little retreat from the busy streets of Mayfair, The Windmill is a classic British boozer specialising in cask ales and beautiful pies - the steak offering has won no less than three national awards. Come for some lunch or linger into the evening, it's a pub for all occasions and there's a hidden roof terrace to discover to cap things off.
When it comes to a top pub in London, can you think of anything better than a beer garden plotted by the Thames, and some seriously good gastro grub? We thought not, and that's where The Waterside comes in. Head on down for a British pub experience to remember.
A decadent pub with a beautiful beer garden out back, The Devonshire in Balham has it all. It's been here since 1821 and remains at the forefront of south London's boozing scene even today, thanks to a passion for drinks that extends to their choice of ales, craft beers, spirits and wines. Excellent pub grub (don't miss their smoked scotch eggs) is a given, and there's a lovely alfresco space offering a BBQ menu for the summery months.
The White Swan is a popular gastro pub on Fetter Lane. With a traditional bar area and upstairs dining room, it is a lovely pub for having a drink or a meal. Renowned by those in the area for their delicious pub lunches and great drinks selection, it is worth stopping by. If you're looking for a nice pub for a private party it can accommodate up to 140 guests!
The Joker of Penton Street is an N1 favourite for laid-back boozing, cracking entertainment and a kitchen that boasts pop-up residencies from some of London's biggest and best street food patrons. Strong on their burger game, the Burger Bear himself has cooked up a patty storm here. With live music, comedy shows and plenty of craft beers to keep you quiet, this place is a dime.
This superb local pub is located in the heart of Chelsea. The Hollywood Arms is a luxurious bar and restaurant with beautiful interior, serving premium drinks and fresh British food. The Hollywood Arm's premium location makes it ideal for drinks and a delicious evening meal and there's a whole host of entertainment with weekly Adventure Quiz nights, Sunday cinema evenings, cookery & mixology masterclasses as well as cinema and sessions for the local yummy mummies and their families. Definitely one of the best pubs in London.
Leading the charge when it comes to being a unique pub in London, there's nothing that the Aeronaut can't do for you on a night out. From one of the best beer gardens in the city to regular circus events and craft beer that'll make your belly bulge, let them impress.
The Jugged Hare is a stylish city pub boasting delicious food, great atmosphere and a huge drinks list. Attached to a listed brewery they naturally have great ales and craft beers, while the walk-in wine room lets you hand pick your favourite. Sit by the open kitchen and watch a chef prepare your seasonal and fresh dishes, or sit by the bar to just enjoy a drink. The sophisticated interior is sure to impress anyone.
The Hero of Maida is a charming British Victorian pub complete with elegant muted blue interiors and an a la carte menu jam-packed with French classics. Enjoy cocktails in the ground floor bar before heading upstairs to the elegant dining room and enjoying a sumptuous feast of Jersey oysters, bavette steak and dauphinoise potatoes.
