As the season of layers and log fires creeps up on us, so too does our desire for a stiff drink. Lucky for you? These cosy London pubs are offering you that and so much more. Read our round-up of some of the city's best winter bars, featuring all your cold-weather cures, from snuggly sofas and Sunday roasts, to fresh pints of ale and warming cocktails.
Last updated on 4th January 2021
One of the prettiest pubs in London, The Lost Hours is a Fulham gem that's got more than just looks going for it. Settle in amongst quirky decor and cosy sofas and enjoy an afternoon or evening sipping of craft brews, cocktails and fine wines, complete delicious food and even a few board games.
Nestled in the heart of Leadenhall Market, Old Tom's caters for craft brew lovers in a snug space fitted with 19th-century wall tiles and bundles of charm. Find yourself a corner and let the stresses of the day melt away, with an excellent choice of beer matched with a strong range of gin and whisky and some tasty cheese and charcuterie options.
You probably wouldn't go looking for a cosy pub slap bang in the middle of Mayfair, but that's exactly where The Windmill lies. A snug, friendly boozer where award-winning pies and a beautiful range of cask ales and wines are a speciality, there's even a hidden rooftop terrace to escape to when the sun is shining.
Sitting pretty between Clapham South and Balham tube stations, The Grove is about as classic as London boozers come. Steeped in Victorian architecture, it's a charming pub where you can tuck into hearty British gastro bites, sink into rustic chesterfield sofas and even knock back some bespoke tipples and warming winter ales.
Occupying a prized location that overlooks the starting point of the Oxford - Cambridge boat race, you'll struggle to find a more idyllic gastropub than The Duke's Head of Putney. Cosy up in the Coxswain dining room with its unrivalled views of the river, or there's a rota of live music, comedy shows and movie nights to look forward to.
Located down a quiet(ish) side street in the heart of Chelsea, we challenge you not to fall in love with The Surprise. A bright and airy boozer fitted with sofas, fireplaces and lots of quirky artworks, this spot offers you the chance to while away the hours with a good quality pint of real ale or something from their menu of quality comfort food.
Found directly on the fringes of Regent's Canal, this is one serene and welcoming riverside retreat made for drinks with friends or dinner with family. Grab a chair overlooking the water and pick out something from their extensive cask ale selection or their international wine list.
It's hard to think of a more perfectly placed pub than The Queen's, situated just a few yards away from Primrose Hill. There's a terrace space where you can drink and dine, while inside the focus is on setting up a cosy ambience with lots of charisma; enjoy a real fire, cask ales on tap and a great menu of freshly produced and seasonal British grub.
Offering lovely hospitality and front-row views of the river, The Old Ship has been keeping Hammersmith locals well fed and watered since 1722. Come by today and you'll find a contemporary and welcoming pub at the top of its game, with hearty grub cooked up in the kitchen and an extensive drinks menu featuring a range of Young's ales.
Pining for a pub in London with board games? An ideal location that doesn't ask too much from you, only that you chill out and have a top ol' time? Then you'd better make a move to Dalston. From pop-up kitchen residencies to a mighty selection of activities, you're going to want to stay bolted to the table for the night.
The Trafalgar Arms is a home-from-home in the heart of Tooting. With a focus on the finer things and plenty of inviting spaces to enjoy them in, the kitchen team use the finest local ingredients to prepare fresh and artisanal food, while boozy options come in the form of delicious wines and exquisite cocktails if you're just stopping in for a quick one after work.
Fitted out with giant maypoles, wicker masks, brass icons and straw bears, the Hand of Glory is a colourful tribute to the fabric of British folk culture. It's a must if you're big on cider; independent brewers are to thank for the mulled and spiced pints on offer here. There's bloody marys, a list of Seven Deadly Gins and hearty comfort food from an award-winning chef too.
This classic boozer in Kensal Green boasts gorgeous Victorian features such as wood burning fireplaces, arched doorways and stained glass windows. Adding to that is their menu of classic pub grub and variety cask ales and warming wines, which will keep conversation flowing until late into the night.
Channel your inner Chiswick at this darling of a boozer. Infamous for its gastro fare and kitsch innards, this cosy London pub is a gem for those simply looking to hunker down for the evening. Whether you're enjoying one of their board games or lapping up an ale by candlelight, The George IV is a real treat.
The term 'all-encompassing' is over-used, but not in these quarters. A pub, entertainment space, ale brewery and gin distillery wrapped up in one inviting package, The Four Thieves strives to ensure that its cherished homely vibe isn't ever compromised. Head to the heated gin yard and linger a little while.
The Ten Bells is a Spitalfields legend, but less is perhaps known about its secretive cocktail bar upstairs. Cosy and inviting from the get-go, sit yourself down at one of their vintage Chesterfields and dip in to a menu of signature cocktails. And for the peckish? Their range of tasty pizzas should suffice.
Fox & Anchor whisks you back to the late-Victorian era with its grand mahogany, etched glass and heavy brass furnishings. Historic and cosy, it's the ideal spot to chew the fat with a couple of mates while you get to grips with the fantastic choice of good quality cask ales, craft spirits, and a menu of seasonal British bites.
You can't get much cosier than your classic, East End boozer. A fond favourite in the heart of Shoreditch hipsters, those looking to ignore the neon lights of the local clubs can take to The Owl and Pussycat for more laid-back surroundings. From draught beer to cosy sofas and vintage interiors, it's a chilled-out but boozy ride.
