Best Pubs In London

Best for: DJ nights and live events

240 Amhurst Road, E8 2BS

Suitably one of the most unique destinations in the city, harbouring a witchy twist, Hand Of Glory is the place for pints, candlelit meals and trying the Seven Deadly Gins. The pagan-themed venue is owned by the art collective Jaguar Shoes and holds a liquor licence dating back to the 1800s, as well as features giant maypoles and framed displays of British folklore.

Alongside DJ nights and intimate live events, the venue fronts a selection of countryside ciders from the UK's top independent brewers, as well as hot dogs and crispy chicken burgers from Food Fight.

Best for: North Indian-inspired food cooked in charcoal ovens

274 Kilburn High Road, NW6 2BY

Located on Kilburn High Road, The Black Lion is a marvellous, period pub with a rich history and mesmerising interiors. The Grade II-listed establishment has walls featuring mirrors and carvings of ancient figures, then at its helm exists a towering bar with a halo of greens and gold, stocking carefully curated beers like Rothaus Weisse from Germany and Delirium Tremens from Belgium.

You'll find plates inspired by North Indian cuisine here, fresh from charcoal ovens and designed to share, like a whole chicken marinated in yoghurt, cardamom and rosemary. Small plates include ragda patties, soft shell crab served with Chennai slaw and spiced lamb burgers, and its cheesy naan is not to be missed. 

Best for: drinks after Exmouth Market

2 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4PX

A Farringdon favourite since way back in 1876, The Clerkenwell Tavern is the perfect place to hang out. Homely with exposed brick walls paired with pendant lighting, and tucked right next to one of London's buzzing street food markets, it serves a selection of natural and organic wines and craft beers.

And when hunger strikes, take your pick from smoked salmon or classic salt beef sandwiches, a zesty kale Caesar bowl, and heavenly homemade tiramisu.

Best for: an independent London pub

43 Choumert Road, SE15 4AR

Just a short walk from Peckham Rye station, this independent pub certainly has a trick or two up its sleeve, with its Wednesday quiz nights and Balearic Thursdays, featuring DJ sets and 2-for-1 negronis between 5pm and 8pm. The Montpelier doesn't stop there though, with music all through the weekend and jazz Sundays.

And if you're in the South London area searching for a delicious bite to eat? Then you'll want to pull up a chair, surrounded by rich, teal walls and dangling plants, to tuck into its 'Whole Beast' concept menu, which ensures that each element of the animal is used. Expect aged cheeseburgers, crab and pearl barley kedgeree and smoked pigs head black pudding. Wash all of this down with a nice glass of Garnacha red wine, or a Kakhuri No.8 orange beauty.

Best for: Caribbean-inspired dishes from White Men Can't Jerk

1 Clayton Road, SE15 5JA

On Clayton Road stands Prince of Peckham, a very pretty pub that hosts events ranging from comedy nights to neon naked life drawing classes. The main dining area is adorned with hanging flowers, chandeliers, emerald green tiles and earthy brown leather booths, perfect for cosying up in.

Wander upstairs and you'll find a music room equipped with a system made for karaoke parties, as well as art exhibitions and location shoots. A solid spot for an after-work drink, its menu includes espresso rumtinis and Tommy's margaritas, along with food from White Men Can't Jerk. Expect plates of chicken tenders, spiced fries and ice cream sandwiches. 

Best for: a historical location and open fire

33 Rose Street, WC2E 9EB

Lamb and Flag is the 18th-century pub that was an absolute favourite of Charles Dickens back in the day and has been rooted in the heart of Covent Garden since 1722. During the 19th century, it saw bare-knuckle fighting take place within its walls and was left with the nickname 'Bucket Of Blood', but today it sets a much nicer scene, welcoming locals and tourists alike through its doors to its roaring fireplace and dark, wooden interiors.

It's the ideal joint to swing by for a pint or classic cocktail as much as it is a delightful place to dine, with the likes of Marmite roasted potatoes plus slow-braised beef and ale pie on the menu. 

Best For: gastro pub grub made from British ingredients

298 King's Road, SW3 5UG

The Cadogan Arms is a stunning spot in the heart of Chelsea that presents dark wooden interiors and hanging chandeliers across its interiors. It exudes the grandeur of a stately home within its humble walls, thanks to towering pillars and a mosaic back-lit bar.

Focusing on provenance, seasonality and traceability, the menu champions the best of British produce and serves plates like cider Fowey mussels, gardener's pie with aged cheddar and mustard mash, and an elevated take on a cheese toastie, filled with masala ketchup. You'll be able to wash all this down with cocktails such as a mulled New York sour, made using spiced red brandy, and a sticky toffee old fashioned. 

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Bull & Egret is a charming boozer that has a lot of history to it. It's rumoured to have been the place where the rules of football were first written down in 1863, and it retains a lot of traditional elements to this day.

There are modern touches in the decor too, from the warm lighting and pretty plants to the tiled floors. On the menu? All sorts of pub classics, including wholetail scampi and chips, Cumberland sausage and mash or wild mushroom pithivier.

Best for: dog roasts

39 Balham High Road, SW12 9AN

A decadent building 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.

Its interiors are charming, with tall stained glass windows, oil paintings surrounding the main bar and a cosy open fireplace, giving a more homely feel. Food-wise, you're in for a treat with the likes of bavette steak, harissa onion artisan baguette sandwiches and small plates, featuring pork and bacon sausage rolls served with a tangy plum ketchup. 

Best for: 19 beers on draft and 100 gins

1 Randolph Street, NW1 0SS

The Colonel Fawcett is a gem that's been running since 2011, building a great reputation for itself. It fronts traditional interiors such as chandeliers, dark wooden furnishings, a pool table and social dart boards, plus offers an extensive selection of drinks with 19 beer lines and 100 gins.

You'll be pleased to peruse a cocktail menu that includes house classics like espresso martinis and pisco sours, along with bespoke concoctions using gin, like a Lonewolf Bramble. Food-wise, you can devour a corker of a roast, as well as plates of potato gnocchi with roasted pumpkin and cashew butter, plus house Lincolnshire sausages throughout the week. 

Best for: fried chicken from Coqfighter

21 Great Pulteney Street, W1F 9NG

This eclectic watering hole in Central is Parisian-inspired and adorned with post-war pop culture decorations making it quite the character. Dangling above the bar at The Sun & Thirteen Cantons you'll find elegant, warm lamps opposite emerald green tiled booths sporting plush leather sofas and glossy tables.

Check out upstairs for some delicious ales, beers and tempting food (think laksa butter wings and vegan burgers) from fried chicken connoisseurs Coqfighter, then head downstairs to pay a visit to the moody basement bar, where you can expect live DJs.

Best for: maritime history

48 Greenwich Church Street, SE10 9BL

Spanish Galleon is a traditional Greenwich pub situated in a historic 19th-century building, complete with wooden furnishings and low lighting. Designed and built by Joseph Kay in 1834 during the reign of William IV, it features ancient oil paintings on the wall, taxidermy and velvet drop curtains across large windows.

It's within close proximity to the iconic Cutty Sark and delivers an exceptional range of lagers, ales, wines and classic cocktails. If you're visiting the Maritime Museum, stop by for a bit of lunch and get stuck into a Bang Bang Blue burger, topped with blue cheese and crispy bacon, or a chicken schnitzel Caesar.

Best for: drinks at a popular filming location

73 Columbia Road, E2 7RG

Royal Oak in Bethnal Green is a Grade II-listed pub that dates back to 1923 and has been the filming location for several films and TV series, like the 90s sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart. You'll find it in the middle of Columbia Road offering a homely interior in the form of modern prints, candles on windowsills and rich, navy walls.

The downstairs is perfect for gathering with friends to enjoy a pint or Aperol spritz, while the upstairs is home to an exquisite Sunday roast among other delectable dishes done well, like confit chicken and chorizo mac 'n' cheese, courgette babaganush, and double smashed cheeseburgers with pickled onions and fries. 

Best for: a speakeasy bar upstairs

6 Rathbone Place, W1T 1HL

Black Horse in Fitzrovia has it all: a cool and classic space downstairs, fronting fresh local beers, and a speakeasy bar upstairs, adorned with neon signage, distressed brick walls and cosy leather booths. If you can't make your mind up on what type of night you're in the market for, this gorgeous space hands you the best of both worlds on a platter.

Dating back to 1809, it's somewhat of a Central London institution, where you'll find tipples like a blood orange margarita (£12.50) and the innovative Tomato/Sourdough (£13), made with 'pod' pea vodka and sherry, topped with an olive. 

Best for: Churchill memorabilia and a 25-year history serving top Thai food

119 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN

Easily among the most beautiful pubs in London, The Churchill Arms is instantly recognisable from the onset, thanks to its masses of flowers crawling up walls and flags waving in the wind. Once inside, this famous drinking den continues to impress with plenty more foliage and walls decorated with quirky British memorabilia as well as a butterfly-themed conservatory.

If your tummy's rumbling, then you'll be thrilled as the kitchen has been serving scrumptious Thai food for over 25 years. Dishes feature the likes of pad siew noodles and the hot and spicy kaeng par curry, plus drinks that include rich merlots, crisp glasses of white or cool bottles of Crabbie's ginger beer, Brooklyn lager and Singha Thai lager.

Best for: board games and watercolour painting

251 Tooley Street, SE1 2JX

Add The King's Arms to your list of quality boozers that are only a moment's walk from London Bridge. Located on Tooley Street, this family-run joint embraces maximalist decoration, with dangling chandeliers, wooden sculptures, plenty of fairy lights and potted plants.

It makes for a great date night destination, thanks to its collection of board games as well as its free Watercolour Wednesdays, where you can grab art materials from the bar and create a masterpiece, guided by Bob Ross on TV. In addition to being craft-driven, it also champions delicious food, whipping up the likes of harissa roasted cauliflower and racks of baby back ribs.

The White Haus stands out as one of London's most memorable pubs, combining rustic charm with quirky design touches like cuckoo clocks, vintage cable cars, and cosy corners.

Its central Farringdon location makes it perfect for a drink after work, a casual dinner, or an evening exploring nearby sights. The menu of classic pub dishes with a twist is matched by a carefully curated cocktail menu and rotating specials, while the space's three floors make it ideal for groups, private hire, or intimate gatherings.

Best for: a French restaurant and British pub in one

19 Great James St, WC1N 3ES

Not only is The Rugby Tavern a charming boozer, but it also boasts the stunning French restaurant Bistro Bleu upstairs. Situated in Holborn, this stylish space is filled with chequered floors, red leather booth seating and a well-stocked bar serving draught beer, handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits.

You can also munch on tasty plates like moules mariniere or chickpea falafel burgers, with even more culinary delights to be found in the basement.

Best for: an expansive pub garden

84 Upper Clapton Road, E5 9JP

The Crooked Billet E5 is one of Clapton's gems, a go-to for sports screenings and is deceptively large considering its modest exterior. Upon entry, you're immediately welcomed by a front-facing bar serving local brews and global favourites.

Venture through to the back you'll discover an expansive beer garden laced with fairy lights, featuring table tennis alongside a selection of cosy benches - an ideal spot for friends to gather and enjoy a couple of Elderflower Elexirs or Bramble G&Ts. The warm atmosphere lends it to being a fabulous joint to inhale an epic Sunday roast, consisting of pork belly, beef or a moresih veggie Wellington. 

Best for: award-winning pub grub and taxidermy for decor

49 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SA

The Jugged Hare is a stylish hangout in the capital and one of the best pubs in London for food thanks to its top game menu. It forms part of the Grade II-listed Whitbread Brewery on the corner of Chiswell Street and features striking decor such as taxidermy in glass cabinets and on the walls.

Sit by the open kitchen and watch a chef prepare award-winning grub, or pull up a red leather stool by the bar to enjoy a drink. Sustainability and rare game varieties are at the heart of this eclectic establishment's menu. Check out its famous stew made from wild hare cooked in a stone pot or get your chops around a venison scotch egg.

Best for: a venue from some of London's best publicans and restauranteurs

17 Denman St, W1D 7HW

Out of all the pubs in London, The Devonshire is one of the most popular. Instantly noticeable thanks to flocks of people gathering around outside, nursing pints of Guinness, it stands proud on Denman Street over the space of two modern floors. The masterminds behind its creation are Oisin Rogers, Charlie Carroll and Ashley Palmer-Watts who together make up a group of well-known publicans and restaurateurs.

You'll be in for a culinary treat here, as it provides quality dishes made using UK-sourced ingredients, butchered and baked in-house. Take a seat among brick walls and dangling orbs of light to inhale scallops with bacon and malt vinegar (£16) to start, followed by a half lobster (£34) or Iberico pork chops (£24).

Best for: traditional pub vibes with a top-notch menu

10A Strathearn Place, W2 2NH

Built in 1838, with a history that touched the lives of both Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, The Victoria's warm, dark wood interiors make you feel like little has changed since. Looking exactly like a local should, with a line of pumps across the bar, rich velvet curtains and old curiosity shop artworks and ornaments, it serves up a fine selection of English ales and ciders, along with all the worldly wines and spirits you would expect. 

Like any traditional British pub worth its salt, its Sunday roast is a force to be reckoned with. The daily menu packs a punch too, with rump steak, miso glazed chicken and venison bolognese to tempt your tastebuds. It's not hard to see why this place recently featured in the Evening Standard's best pubs list, among various other accolades.

Best for: Guinness, Irish coffees and classic, quality food

55 Great Portland St, W1W 7LQ

The George on Great Portland Street undoubtedly trumps our list. Housed in an 18th-century, Grade II-listed building, it was home to writers and poets in the 20th century and has seen many political and cultural movements sweep through its doors. Marvel upon entry at its ruby red and rich green walls, chandeliers and velvet drop curtains before making your way over to a plush booth to devour its talked-about food offering.

Up for the munching is a black pudding scotch egg with Oxford sauce, buttermilk fried chicken alongside blue cheese and Bubbledogs hot sauce, plus a hearty beef and Guinness pie. And to drink? Delight in a tomato and basil martini, a bartender favourite, or enjoy one of its signature Irish coffees. 

Best for: a meal in a famous, Grade II-listed market

10-12 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR

Sitting alongside the iconic Leadenhall Market, Lamb Tavern has seen its fair share of pub-goers after work as its City location makes it the ideal location for a pint or two before the commute home. Adorned with black leather seats and large windows, it offers a view of the 17th-century Dutch-style hall from its tables.

This majestic three-storey boozer is one of the oldest pubs in London and has gained quite a reputation for its selection of real ale and traditional plates of food. The menu is inspired by the surrounding Grade II-listed markets' history of meat, poultry and game, with the ingredients being sourced locally and seasonally; devour plates of braised Oxford lamb shank pie, cyder-battered haddock and wild mushroom gnocchi. 

Best for: BBQ food

360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT

One of the best pubs in London, England, The People's Park Tavern can be found within Victoria Park and is home to rows of picnic benches that get packed on sunny days, a pretty woodland greenhouse and an expansive beer garden. It embodies everything about a Hackney boozer, from its BBQ kitchen to its pop-up cocktail bar, and of course, all its super cool frequenters dressed head-to-toe in flowy skirts, beanies and three-quarter lengths.

You'll find live music on Fridays and Saturdays, plus plenty of sip and paint classes. Food-wise, you can expect tempting small plates such as chargrilled chilli broccoli or crispy falafel balls with sriracha and tahini, and mains of teriyaki salmon or chargrilled boneless chicken thighs.

Best for: seasonal fare

60 Selkirk Road, SW17 0ES

When it comes to locals in Tooting, The Selkirk is a firm choice for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat. Housed in a charming Victorian building, it oozes heaps of character within its walls, from large, golden mirrors hovering above brick fireplaces to dangling light fixtures and chalkboards featuring today's specials scrawled across them.

The food is made in-house with seasonal, British produce to create a menu packing a lot of flavour: think plates like sticky chicken thighs or hand-cut nachos to share. Not only does it boast craft pints and gastro fare, but it also has private dining spaces for those who fancy a unique meal in a stunning and traditional location, as well as an expansive beer garden which is perfect for unwinding in during summer. 

Best for: a historical feel and an open fire

199 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 9ES

Rose & Crown is a traditional boozer with bay windows, wood panelling and a real log fire, and is one of the best London pubs. You'll find it tucked away on the cusp of Stoke Newington's Clissold Park and welcoming hungry revellers as they finish a morning browsing the independent shops of Church Street.

This Grade II-listed building doubles up as a guest house and also delves out Sunday roasts and sharing plates of fried halloumi or hot chicken wings, all washed down by real ale or whisky. In the summer, you'll find its shop Peggy Loves Ice Cream open next door, dishing out delectable milkshakes and soft serves. 

Best for: voted the 5th best Sunday roast in Britain in 2024

255 Elgin Avenue, W9 1NJ

Fronting impressive quality right across the board, The Elgin is Maida Vale's homely, personal local. Its decor of tall, exposed brick walls, a white tiled bar and a rustic-looking log fire give it the feel of a modern barn, except one that serves over 40 different types of beer from across the globe (including favourites like Two Tribes Wildfire Hazy IPAs and Wild Card FOMO Session IPAs) - there's also an extensive international wine list to get your lips around.

Throughout the week the boozer hosts quiz nights, live music and has a mussels Monday offer where you can enjoy some with fries for a tenner. If you're hungry for some sharing plates in the evening, then stop by later when top-quality, locally sourced produce takes the shape of chicken and leek pie, cauliflower and Barber's cheddar croquettes, and burrata with marinated tomatoes.

Best for: live music

451 Queensbridge Road, E8 3AS

When it comes to creating the perfect London haunt, it's important to have all bases covered, and The Victoria does just that. A vintage gem in the heart of Dalston, it has a well-established heritage, being a part of the community for over 100 years. The venue is owned by art collective Jaguar Shoes, and boasts a gorgeous 1950s-era bar that can be located in the centre of the pretty haunt.

Expect to find the perfect combination of booze and bites, with a focus on premium rum and moreish grub, like make-your-own pizzas plus bacon and blue cheese burgers. It's also been famed for its entertainment since the 80s, with a roster of live music in the back room worth sticking around for. 

Best for: CAMRA pub of the year on three occasions

1 Ely Court, EC1N 6SJ

When it comes to the top 10 pubs in London, Ye Olde Mitre undoubtedly always features. The historical boozer can be found in Ely Court, tucked away off the main road and surrounded by crowds of people with cask ales in hand after a long day at work.

Its Chancery Lane location makes it the ideal watering hole for a rendezvous and its homemade bar snacks offer a more than satisfying bite to eat. Make your way inside past the scattered barrels to find walls lined with artefacts and antiques, then grab a pint of craft beer followed by a signature toastie filled with cheese, Black Cab ham, olives and pickled gherkins. 

Best for: literary inspiration and eclectic decor

471 Holloway Road, N7 6LE

Inspired by Douglas Adams and Edward Lear, this is one of the most creatively labelled boozers about town as its name is a hybrid of the two men's famous books. It's no wonder it's a must-visit for Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy fans, as the motto 'don't panic' is scrawled and hung at the mezzanine level. Interiors-wise, the literary theme is prevalent thanks to carvings of owls paired with futuristic contraptions.

Situated on Holloway Road, the quirky pub serves homemade food alongside craft beers, wines and spirits. You'll find Caribbean specials on the menu like curry goat, jerk chicken and fried plantain, as well as British classics come Sunday (we have our eye on the roast beef).

Best for: a south-facing riverbank terrace

The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf, SW6 2SU

Can you think of anything better than a beer garden located by the Thames and some seriously good gastro grub? We thought not, and that's where The Waterside comes in. Fronting high ceilings with dangling lights, floral furnishings and a massive, wooden-panelled bar at its core, this pub is both a stunner in the looks department as well as location.

Set off from Imperial Wharf Station and you'll be soaking up the sunset in no time, then munching on a gooey Somerset camembert topped with basil pesto and white truffle oil to share, plus classic cocktails like mojitos and passion fruit martinis to wash it down. 

Venture down to Peckham to discover The Old Nun's Head, a family boozer that's steeped in history. This spacious venue is filled with cosy, traditional interiors, from the wood panelled walls to the working fireplaces, with outdoor seating to boot.

They host a rotating range of street food pop-ups in the kitchen, as well as serving a cracking Sunday roast. As for the drinks, expect a wide range of local ales and wines from all over the world.

Best for: period Georgian features

Enderby Wharf, SE10 0TH

Not only does Enderby House sport seriously stylish interiors, but it also has gorgeous views of the river. Make your way over to this stunning Georgian building in Greenwich and get to know its extensive selection of liquid libations, from craft beer to wine, with mouthwatering British grub to pair.

Soak up an eclectic mix of modern and period furnishings, among glass dome ceilings and chandeliers, before inhaling a dreamy Sunday roast or a charcuterie board to share, featuring Cornish yarg, Shropshire blue, chorizo, toasted sourdough and onion chutney. 

Best for: bottomless Yorkshire puddings and gravy with Sunday roasts

34 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP

Shoreditch has something to say for itself when it comes to its selection of great watering holes ideal for a crawl, and The Owl and Pussycat is no exception. Head down the famous Redchurch Street and you'll be able to recognise this celebrated haunt a mile off, if not for its eye-catching, glossy emerald tiles then for the crowds of chattering punters gathering around outside, Neck Oil in hand.

It presents an unrivalled haven of traditional interiors and a pretty beer garden set alongside sports screenings and hearty grub. Book its Sunday Experience for a roast featuring bottomless Yorkshire puddings, free-flowing gravy and a crumble that's the talk of the town. 

Best for: an AA Rosette award for culinary excellence and a traditional feel

22 Hollymount, NW3 6SG

A historical pub built in the 1970s with bucketloads of personality, Holly Bush is the Hampstead hangout you need to check out after you've completed your midday day stroll across North London's expansive green space. Wander uphill to the Grade II-listed public house where you'll find cosy, traditional interiors (think dark wood furnishings and open fires) and an elevated British menu that's won the establishment an AA Rosette award for culinary excellence.

Get comfy and order the likes of marinated lamb rack with roasted red onions, pine nut pesto gnocchi and pan-roasted loin of hake, before washing it down with a refreshing pint or glass of wine.

Best for: Southern US-style food

246 Brixton Road, SW9 6AQ

Sometimes you come across pubs that are just total all-rounders and Crown & Anchor in Brixton is one of those. It prides itself on being the first boozer to bring decent craft beer to SW9, and is now renowned for its selection both locally and globally. Surrounding an open-plan kitchen are exposed brick walls, bursts of foliage and wooden tables providing a laid-back setting for a catch-up with friends.

You'll be able to gobble up some very decent food here too, like chunky Yorkshire puddings as part of its epic Sunday roasts, beef hotdogs plus steak, ale and mushroom pie.

Best for: traditional British pub grub

30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL

One of the best pubs in London, UK, has to be The Guinea Grill in Mayfair - it's been around for at least 600 years, having stood through many historical moments and seeing the city evolve around it. It's the place to go if you're looking for quality steak, as it uses grass-fed British beef to create prime cuts cooked to your liking, as well as superior steak and kidney pies for which it's won many awards.

Hunker down in an ox-blood-red dining room and get your lips around wines picked by sommelier Vladimir, or some of the best Guinness around. Then, tuck into delights whipped up by head chef Thiago, like duck, rabbit and pork pâté en croute, leek and Roquefort risotto, and grilled lamb cutlets. 

Best for: playing games over ice cold pints

In the glass-fronted former home of East London landmark, Cooke's Pie & Mash Shop, The Black Eel catches your eye long before you walk in the door. Once inside, its red leather booths, stained glass ceilings and warm wooden walls make it very hard to leave.

Along with the kinds of craft beers, much-loved lagers, wines and spirits that you want from a traditional pub, it kicks out a cracking Mediterranean menu. That's not all. In the games room and garden you'll all kinds of fun, from a pétanque court and dart boards to fussball, shuffleboard and karaoke.

Best for: a stylish, designer look inspired by English country estates

45 Hollywood Road, SW10 9H

The Hollywood Arms oozes luxury, so it's no wonder that its interior is inspired by English country estates, from the sparkling chandeliers and velvet sofas to the scenic wallpaper featuring trees and nature. Only a short walk from the iconic Kings Road, this pretty gastro pub is the ideal destination for a fun Friday night as well as a laid-back, lazy Sunday filled with bloody marys.

Come for the aesthetic and stay for marvellous roasts, small plates like baked scallops in 'nduja butter and mains such as a cauliflower Kiev, sprinkled with toasted almonds. Drinks-wise, you'll be torn between a selection of wines.

• Location: 51 Lavender Gardens, Clapham, SW11 1JW
• Price: ££
• Best for: playful vibes and proper pub hospitality
• Why we recommend: in a city full of great pubs, The Thieves stands out by doing it all, and doing it with flair

Spread over several floors, this enormous venue combines the best of traditional London pub life with an all-new sense of adventure. Upstairs is the Thieves Gambit - an arcade wonderland for grown-ups with racing, gaming, and all-out competition.

Downstairs, there's live music, cabaret, and a bar pouring inventive cocktails and craft beers. With Balans' globally inspired comfort food to the mix, you've got one of London's most dynamic, joy-filled drinking spots.

Best for: being Five Points Brewing Company-owned

90 Amhurst Road, E8 1JH

A legend among Hackney locals and operated by The Five Points Brewery Company, you'll find The Pembury Tavern standing proud on the cusp of Amhurst Road. It's a spacious joint featuring pool tables and wooden benches where revellers can gather around and enjoy slices of ACE pizza, which has a residency seven days a week.

After you inhale toppings of roasted aubergine or the spicy signature, The Wipe Out, you'll be thrilled to discover that there are 22 lines of beer to wash it down with, as well as an expansive selection of spritzes: think Aperol, Americano and Eldeflower to name a few. What's more, on Sundays this buzzing spot offers 2-for-£12 on all spritzes, so you can bag an Aperol or an Americano for less.

Best for: a country feel 

14-15 Crooked Billet, SW19 4RQ

There's so much to love about The Crooked Billet in Wimbledon. A Young's pub perched in the heart of Wimbledon Common, it offers the expansive lawn as a place for you to grab a deck chair and settle down with friends (and your dog). Nab a slice of the country life in the capital, with red sofas, tree murals, golden lighting and blood-red sofas on the inside, beckoning you to come sit and enjoy a hearty, seasonal menu.

Begin by sipping on a Passion Fruit Kiss or Rhubarb Mule from an impressive spritz list, then devour the likes of ox cheek croquettes, camembert to share and cyder-battered haddock served alongside chips and crushed peas.

Best for: its own pilsner called Moose Juice

38 Kenton Road, E9 7AB

A strong contender for the best pub in London has to be The Kenton, and not only for the fact it serves Moose Juice, AKA its own pilsner, brewed in Belgium. It boasts 17 draft beers, including Paulaner Helles, Five Points Pale Ale and Sxollie Cider as well as four taps featuring local breweries on rotation.

It has a Norwegian twist that extends to the decor, where you'll find flags hanging from the bar and Vikings dotted about. Take a seat on a dark green, leather stool or out back in its buzzing beer garden and order a pizza straight to your table from its friends at Yard Sale, or visit for live DJ sets and its weekly quiz night.

Best for: Grand Union Canal views

Acton Lane, NW10 7AD

Check out the Young's pub Grand Junction Arms in Acton for some top-notch grub and gorgeous interiors. Situated on the Grand Union Canal, it overlooks tranquil ripples of water and sports large windows, perfect for people-watching. Inside the stunning Victorian boozer, you'll find golden orbs of light dangling from the ceiling, rich, red booths and potted plants scattered about.

Dig into patties with Louisiana hot sauce from the burger shack or chomp on beer-battered fish and chips from the main menu. What's more, there's a balcony and huge beer garden suited to lazy afternoons in the sun with a pint of Camden Hells in tow, as well as outside huts equipped with personal fireplaces and cosy sofas for when the weather isn't playing ball. 

Best for: live music

70 Hoxton Street, N1 6LP

Boasting beautiful decor and leather booths, The Macbeth has been at the forefront of the music and arts scene in Shoreditch for over 100 years, surviving two World Wars. It's played host to a range of acts from Bombay Bicycle Club to Florence and the Machine, and back in the day Charles Dickens used to frequent the bar.

On the inside, you'll find an intimately lit space featuring red lampshades, knights in armour and ancient tiled walls, alongside some seriously scrumptious cocktails. Signature tipples include the Magna Carta, made with Havana 7, honey-saffron water and orange bitters, plus the Letter Of Indulgence, which involves jalapeño-infused Jose Cuervo and mango purée.

Best for: a gorgeous rooftop

40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP

A cute date destination if we ever did see one, The Culpepper is a four-storey pub located on Commercial Street. It boasts one of the prettiest rooftops in the East has to offer which also happens to act as a working farm while offering incredible views of London landmarks like The Gherkin.

On the ground floor, you'll find the main boozer, bright and airy with modern fixtures and hanging plants, then on the first you'll discover the restaurant, both of which offer herby cocktails and hearty food, such as XO mussels with sake, pesto and burrata pan-fried gnocchi, and a glazed coffee custard tart topped by chantilly cream and blood orange.

Best for: drinks at a multi-winning Real Ale National Pub of the Year venue

47 Chandos Place, WC2N 4HS

There's a reason why The Harp is considered one of the best and that's because it's traditional to its core, serving authentic ciders and perries from across the country. It's adorned with hanging baskets from the onset, sprouting with multi-coloured flowers where below you'll find a window seat perfect for people watching.

It's proceeded to win the Campaign for Real Ale National Pub of the Year every year it's been eligible to enter, and with around ten hand-pumps delivering classic brews, it's not hard to see why.

Best for: original features

208 High Holborn, WC1V 7BW

The Princess Louise pub in London has seen a lot since its construction in 1872. Today it's one of the only Victorian boozers that's been restored to its original layout, with six separate drinking areas and walls etched with frosted glass, mirrors and panelling.

The Grade II-listed haunt can be found in Holborn's heart, welcoming city workers for a fresh pint of beer or a quality gin from its well-stocked bar. Hunker down in the ground-floor saloon alongside an open fire or look out one of the expansive windows on a bright, sunny day with a Guinness in hand. 

Best for: food awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide

45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE

Known for its buzz, celebrity clientele and having won a Bib Gourmand, The Pelican is the haunt you need to visit serving up the best pub food in London. On the corner of All Saints Road, at its core, it's a community boozer that focuses on local producers and sustainable methods.

Among elegant interiors of dropped flowers across the back of the bar, low-hanging lamps and earthy walls will always be bundles of guests packing the Victorian building out, so it's best to book in advance if you fancy trying its quality British cuisine. Think bone marrow and parsley, butterhead lettuce, black bream with lemon and more.

Best for: fantastic food in an unfussy pub

52 St Thomas's Road, Finsbury Park, N4 2QQ

Perfectly riding the line between traditional local boozer and gastropub gloriousness, you wouldn't blame the Finsbury Park locals for wanting to keep this place to themselves. With Matt Breeden at the helm, The Plimsoll serves up Michelin Bib Gourmand-acclaimed food with minimal fuss or fanfare. 

Think gut-busting burgers, hearty pastas, perfectly prepared seafood and delicious deserts. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, wood-fired cooking and top-quality British produce, every dish is special without being showy.

Best for: a paranormal presence 

18 Wilton Row, SW1X 7NR

Whether you believe in paranormal activity or not, The Grenadier certainly has an air of spookiness about it due to the fact it's supposedly haunted by the ghost of an officer who was killed on-site after cheating at a game of cards. Inside you'll find rooms lined with bayonets and sabres, which nod to its military past, alongside dark, rustic interiors.

The Belgravia beauty serves a delicious selection of British food such as a grilled octopus, chorizo and potato hash, its famous beef Wellington and a slap-up Sunday roast paired with Yorkshire puddings, all washed down with craft beers, wine and soft drinks. 

Best for: Michelin star meals

27 Walham Grove, SW6 1QP

This Michelin star boozer has caught our eye thanks to its award-winning food and homely decor. The Hardwood Arms focuses on provenance, sourcing ingredients from the best suppliers as well as growing vegetables in its rooftop garden. Behind this wonderful establishment is director Brett Graham, who also happens to be the owner of three Michelin-starred The Ledbury, and head chef Josh Cutress of The Square.

Pinned to the walls are antlers, nodding to its enthusiasm for including game in its menus. Opt for two or three courses (£55 and £70) featuring plates like a venison scotch egg, lasagne of rabbit shoulder or Wareham Dorset Sika deer.

Best for: Michelin Guide-mentioned food and a literary past

49 Dean Street, W1D 5BG

The French House is one of our favourite joints that also happens to be Michelin-mentioned, thanks to its traditional menu of thoughtful dishes. It's famed for its Bohemian clientele and what it lacks in music and television, it makes up for in quirkiness thanks to its refusal to serve beer in pint glasses (only half).

Once the favourite of writers and artists such as Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon, it continues to welcome the curious through its doors to its ox-blood dining area, embellished with mirrors and old photographs. The menu is ever-changing, but previous plates have consisted of lemon sole and spinach (£32), date, prunes and sourdough (£10), then Grenada chocolate and rum mousse (£10) to finish.

Best for: London's finest Guinness

105 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0UD

You only have to wander up Stoke Newington's Church Street to find one of the best Irish pubs in London: The Auld Shillelagh. Punters claim you can find the top Guinness in the capital at this eclectic haunt that's been around for over 20 years. After splitting the G with your friends and whipping away your frothy moustache, it'll be easy to understand why this narrow haunt receives so much praise.

Its aesthetic sings to its traditional roots as walls are embellished with Irish letters and elements of folklore. Outback you'll uncover a lengthy beer garden that floods with people come summertime, enjoying live music and a pint of the good stuff. 

Best for: Irish saloon bar vibes

89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH

The Cow is an Irish tavern by restauranteur Tom Conran found between Notting Hill and Westbourne Park. Famous for its pints of Guinness and oysters, it whips up dishes that combine pub fare with Northern European influences, while specialising in meat and seafood.

Inside its interiors scream shabby-chic, with upstairs donning large windows, oil paintings, crisp white tablecloths and pastel yellow walls. Often you can catch the odd celebrity through its doors as the pull of its Deluxe Seafood Platter can't be resisted, along with saffron steamed mussels, the house fish stew and a whole cracked chilli and garlic crab. 

On the border of Hackney and Islington, The Baring gives you all the best bits of a traditional local boozer with a kitchen that seriously knows what it's doing. Pop in for a pint here and you can work your way through 11 draught beers, four cask ales, two ciders and all kinds of spirits and wine. 

If you're sticking around for a bite to eat, it gets even better. Expect pub grub classics and fancy fare, from sirloin of beef and Cornish monkfish to quail shish and squid and marjoram ragu.

Best for: live music heritage

2 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8QU

Unsurprisingly, The Hawley Arms is one of the most fun London pubs in the North, with a fruitful live music heritage consisting of being a favourite watering hole of Amy Winehouse among other rock and roll icons. Sat in the middle of Camden and known affectionately as 'The Hawly' to locals, it spans multiple levels with a fairy-lit terrace, a pretty walled garden and rooms laced with iconic memorabilia from NME cutouts to awards.

It's an atmospheric place to come for a drink if you're looking to pair your pint of Neck Oil with a bit of celebrity spotting, and the food's pretty tasty too: check out its signature burger and chicken wings. 

Best for: traditional pub charm and exceptionally well-kept ales

116 Prince St, Deptford, SE8 3JD

The Dog & Bell in Deptford gives you all the best bits of a traditional local booze. Think walls lined with vintage beers posters and memorabilia, cosy nooks and crannies and a crackling fire.

There's more to love behind the bar too, with all kinds of hand-pulled cask ales, keg taps and perfectly poured pints of Guinness up for grabs. Excellent yet unpretentious, there's a reason this place bagged CAMRA's Lewisham District Pub of the Year title in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Best for: fine dining and old school pub charm

256 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, NW5 2AA

On an unassuming street in Kentish Town, The Parakeet serves up Michelin Bib Gourmand-level dishes in an authentic, unfussy pub. Whether you stop by for its legendary Sunday roast or the prime cuts and sensational seafood that grace the menu every day, you're sure of fresh British produce in every bite.

Drinks are taken just as seriously here, with everything from hand-pulled cask ales and well-loved lagers to handpicked wines and understated cocktails up for grabs. Warm, charming and unpretentious, this is the kind of place you stop by for a pint but stick around for dinner.

Best for: Irish music six nights a week

1 Kitto Road, SE14 5TW

After a great London pub? Check out Skehans, a little Irish beauty tucked away in Nunhead and owned by Bryan Fitzsimons from Foynes. Co. Limerick. It prides itself on plenty of 'good craic', offering live music six nights a week. Laced with foliage on the outside and plenty of quirky trinkets from guitars, bookshelves and wooden clocks on the inside, it's fair to say this boozer is far from short on character.

Inside, you'll find Chai's Garden Thai whipping up fragrant plates of food like dim sum and beef with oyster sauce to be enjoyed on the terrace, then on Sunday's it's Yorkshire pudding o'clock thanks to Chico's. Oh, and it would be a crime if we failed to mention you can also find one of the best pints of Guinness in the capital here too.

Best for: beer from Sambrook's Brewery and a gorgeous ceiling mural

41 Mount Street, W1K 2RX

The Audley Public House can be found elegantly situated on Mount Street in Mayfair, bringing art and history together. Housed in a Victorian building, it was done up by design and architecture studio Laplace while maintaining its original charm, courtesy of Thomas Verity (of the pavilion at Lord's Cricket Ground fame) who curated it in 1888. On the ceiling, you'll find the vibrant brush strokes of London-based artist Phyllida Barlow, who looked to the concept of collages to inspire her work.

Wander upstairs where you'll discover Mount St. Restaurant & Rooms, an elegant spot decorated with site-specific artists' commissions, or pull up a chair downstairs to tuck into some moreish snacks. Food and drinks-wise, there's beer from Sambrook's Brewery in Battersea, plus draught Guinness and a selection of bar snacks (think cheesy chips with curry sauce and jalapeños), plus pub favourites like chicken and Marmite pie.