Best London Pubs

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. 

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.

Easily one of the best pubs in London, this fantastic venue hosts live music nights every week and have been graced recently by the highly-acclaimed up-and-coming singer/songwriter Michael Kiwanuka as well as by well-known British bands The Kooks, Bombay Bicycle Club and Foals, just a show of what's on offer at The Old Queen's Head. On top of this they also host occasional comedy nights, with legendary comic Lenny Henry one of the names to have made an appearance.

Shoreditch has something to say for itself when it comes to some of the best pubs in the city, and it's saying it in the shape of the Owl and the Pussycat. An unrivaled haven of traditional interiors set alongside sport screenings and grub, get them ticked off of your pubbing list, sharpish. 

The CCC is a trusted local based in a grand old building at the centre of the Catford community. The venue has made a name for itself when it comes to the drinks menu, which features everything from wines to spirits and liqueurs, as well as an exhaustive and constantly rotating list of ale and craft beer. There’s comfort food for good measure, and a hotly contested quiz night every week.

Churning out some of the finest food an drink in Fulham, The Rose have earned themselves a place on this list of the best pubs in London. Not only boasting one of the prettiest beer gardens, gorge on a roster of gastro plates and ales that are set to impress.

When it comes to a pub in Tooting, The Selkirk has nearly all bases covered. Not only boasting craft pints and gastro bites, there's private dining spaces for those that fancy a unique meal in a stunning and traditional location.

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!

Suitably one of the most unique pubs in London, 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. 

As Londoners, it's our city given right to indulge in some of the best pubs, and this hidden Wandsworth gem just so happens to be one of them. Head on down to the Brewer's Inn for contemporary pub innards set alongside some of the best beers in the business.

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. 

When it comes to London pubs, 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. 

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.   

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.

With quality beers, a secret beer garden, an eclectic entertainment programme and tasty bar snacks The Chelsea Pensioner is everything you could want from a pub and much more. Offering high quality yet affordable drink, be sure to take advantage of their happy hour on any weekday, offering bottles of lager and spirits and mixers for £2.90, a bottle of wine for a tenner and Prosecco for just £15!

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.

Few pubs can offer a grander, more opulent setting to enjoy a crisp pint and a hearty pie than The Old Bank. Steeped in history and retaining many of the features from the nineteenth century, this stately boozer serves up melt in the mouth pies alongside their splendid range of ales and international wines.

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. 

When it comes to creating the perfect London pub, 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. 

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 some of the greatest pubs 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 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.

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.