From traditional boozers where the landlord is on hand serving fresh pints in secret beer gardens to food-focused gastro spots with crackin' menus to rival the capital's best chefs, we've rounded up our pick of top-notch haunts to enjoy. Our favourites? Check out this guide to must-visit pubs in London.
Last updated on 22nd September 2023
Inspired by Douglas Adams and Edward Lear, this is definitely one of the coolest boozers in London. This is also a must-visit for Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy fans, as well as those who just really love a nice burger and a craft beer of an afternoon.
After the best Hampstead pubs? The Black Lion is a great choice thanks to its quaint beer garden, modern interiors and grub ranging from sarnies to chicken and leek pot pies or teriyaki pork burgers. Plus, you'll find your favourites sports live on their screens too.
Head to Black Horse in Fitzrovia, and enjoy their cool and classic space downstairs while sipping on a fresh pint of local craft beer. Or if you're feeling fancy, make your way to their speakeasy bar upstairs for some tasty cocktails and bubbly.
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.
If you're on the hunt for a first-class South London boozer, head to Elephant and Castle's: The Huntsman & Hounds. Step inside this laid-back joint for a few hoppy delights from the crackin' menu, followed by a round of darts. Better yet? It's also dog-friendly.
When it comes to locals in Tooting, The Selkirk is definitely a firm choice. Not only boasting craft pints and gastro bites, there are private dining spaces for those that fancy a unique meal in a stunning and traditional location.
One of the best London pubs for food, The Cadogan Arms is a stunning spot in the heart of Chelsea that's boasting dark wooden interiors and hanging chandeliers across its interiors. Plus, the menus here include elevated Sunday lunches, steaks, hot pot and more.
Fronting a garden room, cosy bar and fun terrace space, The Cambria is a great spot to head to if you're in the Camberwell area. Plus, you can wolf down delicious burgers while washing it down with a couple of pints.
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.
There's a lot to love about The Windmill SE1. Not only is it stylish, with a traditional meets contemporary vibe, but it also showcases an epic lineup of craft beers, cocktails and wines. Or if you're just hungry? Get ready for a carefully curated menu of freshly cooked British fare.
Located on Kilburn High Road, The Black Lion is a great boozer for low-key vibes and tasty Indian grub. Take a seat in its glorious Grade II listed dining room for its delightful range of grub. Delve into a kaddu curry with roasted peanuts or a spiced lamb burger, with some tasty bevvies.
One of the best pubs in North London, Rose & Crown is a traditional boozer with bay windows, wood panelling and a real log fire. Better yet, this Grade II listed building is also delving out Sunday roasts and juicy burgers, all washed down by real ale or whisky.
The Market Porter boasts character and charm by the bucketload. Located in the buzzing Southwark area, it's a great spot for after-work pints and drawn-out pub lunches. Expect real ales, friendly service and a menu made of comfort food classics.
When it comes to the best pubs in South London, Eltham GPO is a firm choice. Located on Passey Place, this cosy boozer is the ultimate stop-off for cold brews, alongside chowing down on hearty grub. Fancy testing your knowledge? There's also a quiz night.
With a quaint beer garden and a balcony area that boasts stunning views over the city, the Old Ship in Richmond is fast becoming a favourite spot for those lazy summer weekends. Be sure to tuck into their delicious food menu from burgers to pizzas with a fresh glass of pinot grigio.
The Jugged Hare is a stylish city spot boasting delicious food, a great atmosphere and a huge drinks list. 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.
Shoreditch has something to say for itself when it comes to great places to drink in the city, and the Owl and the Pussycat is no exception. An unrivalled haven of traditional interiors set alongside sports screenings and grub, get them ticked off of your pubbing list, sharpish.
Known for serving up craft beer and their own lager alongside pub meals spanning everything from smash burgers to wings, Wolfpack West Hampstead is quite the location. And if you're elsewhere? Hit up the Fulham and Queen's Park locations.
Thanks to its foosball, pool and cool Voodoo Ranger-themed bar hidden in the basement, Craft House is one of London's best pubs for beer-lovers. Aside from the entertainment, unique pints flow, there's cocktails to sip and plenty of Neapolitan pizza to munch.
When it comes to creating the perfect London haunt, it's important to have all bases covered, and The Victoria do just that. A vintage gem in the heart of Dalston, head on down for the booze and bites but stick around for their regular music roster in the back room.
Leading the charge when it comes to being a unique haunt 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.
Not only does Enderby House boasts seriously stylish interiors, but also gorgeous views of the river. Make your way over to this stunning pub and get to know its extensive selection of liquid libations, from craft beer to wine, with mouthwatering British grub to pair.
Located in Farringdon, The Clerk And Well is whipping up some supreme sips. From freshly pulled pints to vino and signature cocktails, the heavenly haunt also offers bar snacks, lunch, dinner and a cracking Sunday menu. We recommend trying the spiced pineapple mojito - it's sublime.
Suitably one of the most unique pubs in the city, and harbouring a witchy twist, not only is Hand Of Glory the spot for pints, candlelit meals and gin combined, be sure to indulge in their pagan themed interiors and menagerie of independent artwork on the walls.
Fronting exposed brickwork, unique wall art and many a dart board, Hawkins Forge is a cool and quirky pub in Battersea. Pop over for a sunny drink in the secret beer garden or mosey on down for an afternoon playing pool and listening to live music.
When it comes to some of the greatest haunts in London, it's important to remember that it's not all foodie charm and booze that wins it. Not only whipping up gastro bites, this Clapham gem promises bottomless brunches, a games room, a beer garden and events aplenty.
A historical pub with bucketloads of personality, Holly Bush is the Hampstead hangout you need to check out. From the cosy, traditional interiors (think dark wood furnishings and open fires) to the elevated British menu and cracking selection of drinks, there's a lot to love.
The Spark House is what we call a bit of an all-rounder. It's a cool and collected boozer in the day, slinging out banging brunches, plus boasting a beautiful garden and rooftop terrace. But by night? The digital light artwork comes to life and the cracking lineup of electronic DJs start spinning.
Sitting alongside the iconic Leadenhall Market, Lamb Tavern has seen its fair share of pub-goers. This majestic three-storey boozer is one of the oldest pubs in London and has gained quite the reputation among city workers and those seeking private hire for weddings.
A decadent spot 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.
A haven for craft beer lovers, The Union Tavern is a renowned North London watering hole. Offering a wide selection of craft beers, served alongside a menu of fresh food and an all round great atmosphere, The Union Tavern is a delightful drinking space, whatever the weather.
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 boozer experience to remember.
Just a short walk from Peckham Rye station, this quirky pub certainly has a trick or two up its sleeve. Boasting tasty British seafood plates, a great beer selection and even a quirky hidden cinema room, it's one of South London's finest watering holes.
When it comes to traditional pubs in London, one place that's surely a notch above the rest is Mad Bishop & Bear. Boasting eye-catching interiors, with chandeliers and detailed cornices, it's a bit of a beaut. Plus, it boasts British classics and tasty tipples.
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 really a haunt for all occasions.
The Hollywood Arms oozes luxury, it's no wonder why it's one of the best pubs in London for food. With a beautiful interior, adorned with low hanging lights this is a great place to enjoy fresh British dishes along with fine wine and cocktails.
Searching for a top-notch Notting Hill boozer? Then look no further than The Churchill Arms. Easily among the most beautiful pubs in London, this famous drinking den touts an epic food menu, cosy corners and one hell of an Instagrmamable exterior from summer to winter.
Boasting beautiful decor and leather booths, The Macbeth is a quirky boozer to check out for casual date nights, non-stop entertainment and catch-ups with friends. Sip on yuzu margaritas or espresso martinis or tuck into their delicious bar bites.
Looking for a Kentish town boozer? Then head on over to Junction Tavern. Not only do they have a cosy space with a fireplace for the cooler months and a chic garden space for the warmer weather, but they also have a mouthwatering food menu.
Good London pubs are hard to come by sometimes, but if you head south of the river then a visit to Balham Bowls Club is a must. Something of a retro outfit, this boozer comes with bags of tradition and vintage furnishings to create a really social and laid-back atmosphere.
Pavilion End is one of the best pubs in the City of London, thanks to its trendy interiors, epic sports screenings and friendly vibes. But that's not all, as this joint will also sort you out with some of the top pints in the biz, alongside seriously delish pub grub.
Boasting many of its original features, including huge, detailed ceilings and a vault-laden maze, Barrowboy & Banker is a bit of an icon. Make your way over to the famed Westminster pub for hearty British classics accompanied by boozy bevvies aplenty.
Check out Grand Junction Arms in Acton for some top-notch pub grub and gorgeous interiors. Fronting a fabulous indoor space, balcony and garden, this is the ideal location for alfresco meals with friends and date nights alike.
As Londoners, it's our city given right to indulge in great food and drink, and this hidden Wandsworth gem just so happens to be serving some of the best. Head on down to the Brewer's Inn for contemporary pub innards set alongside for some tasty beers.
Check out the Sun & Thirteen Cantons in Soho for some top-notch ales and beer. Along with a basement bar and alfresco space, you can also expect live DJs and plenty of vegan options on the menu.
The George - Great Portland Street is a firm choice for boozers in the city. Located in Marylebone, this awesome venue is home to a range of laidback vibes, alongside a crackin' menu filled with pub classics. Thirsty? They have a boatload of craft bevvies for that.
When it comes to London boozers, Young's is a name that will always have you covered, and their Woolwich offering is one of the prettiest yet. Heralded for its charming interiors, gastro food and pretty prints, head on down to one of the best South London pubs in the business.
If you're in need of a cool space to hangout with friends, then be sure to check out the Tower Bridge Arms. Welcoming everyone from office workers to tourists, this is a top-notch spot for those who fancy a pint and some good quality grub.
Once an elegant Victorian townhouse, Three Cranes is now a multi-floor boozer, restaurant and guesthouse. One of the best pubs in central London for food, the menu here is made up of classic dishes from the grill as well as salads and simple seafood.
One of the best South London pubs, White Hart is found just shy of the Thames and has lively, welcoming atmosphere. Not only that, but there's live sport, Sunday roasts and a range of classic grub, from chicken schnitzel to huge buckets of wings.
The Hero of Maida should be on your list of the top 10 pubs in London, with elegant muted blue interiors and food by chef patron Henry Harris. Enjoy cocktails in the ground floor bar before heading upstairs to the dining room and enjoying a sumptuous feast of Jersey oysters, bavette steak and dauphinoise potatoes.
