Cosy London Pubs

It takes a lot to be a proper cosy pub in London: you want a fireplace, little nooks and crannies to hide away in, and a kitchen delivering a range of delicious gastropub dishes. Luckily, The Gipsy Queen delivers all that with a friendly atmosphere welcoming families, pooches and the community alike.

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 and craft spirits, with a menu of seasonal British food on offer for those easily tempted to dine out.

With carefully sourced ingredients and a cracking wine list, this City-based bar is an ideal spot for drinking and dining. The wine menu has been curated by Davy's Wine Merchants, while the interior is a treasure trove of antique wine artifacts.

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.

So you've got a penchant for fine London craft beer, but you're looking for a cosy Islington pub that's got the goods? Then we've got the pub for you. From their own microbrewery to board games and candlelight a-plenty, this North London nook is a great way to waste away the evening in the city. 

Continually rated as one of the finest pubs in the city, The Gun sets a cosy vibe with its roaring open fires, inviting armchairs and Grade II-listed grandeur. Tuck into some fine gastro delights on the menu and marvel at views that look out across the river towards Canary Wharf.

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 inspect a menu of signature shorty cocktails to die for. Small but perfectly formed, drinks at this east London gem are devised by the celebrated bartender, Jerome Slesinski.

Pubs in London which can offer something unique are always a huge draw, which probably explains why The Narrow Boat is one of Islington's most prized hidden gems. 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 and world 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; there's a real fire, 5 cask ales on tap and a great menu of freshly produced and seasonal British grub on the menu.

Offering lovely hospitality and front-row views of the river, The Old Ship has been keeping Hammersmith locals well fed and watered since way back in 1722. Come by today and you'll find a contemporary and welcoming pub at the top of its game, with hearty pub grub cooked up in the kitchen and an extensive drinks menu featuring a good range of Young's ales.

A gorgeous local pub close to The Thames, this is a great spot for lazy lunches or get togethers with friends where you can hire the private barn for your own party. Brimming with traditionalism, a great selection of cask ales, exposed brick work in abundance and a fire, The Cross is a dapper den for all sorts of Sunday evening schmoozing. 

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. The pub is based in a Grade II listed Victorian building, with 150 years of stories to tell. Cosy up in the Coxswain dining room - with its unrivalled views of the river - and settle in, there's a rota of live music, comedy shows and movie nights to look forward to at this serene Putney favourite.

The Colton Arms is the perfect place to relax and while the hours away. The intimate little pub lets the conversation flow, and the pints are free-flowing from the friendly bar staff. And should you feel a bit peckish, their kitchen can supply you with a number of hearty, seasonal British dishes.

Somewhere between a classic pub and a contemporary boozer, the Joker of Penton Street is a cosy Angel hangout where you'll find a kitchen ruled by pop-up street food residencies and plenty of craft beers behind the bar. With a rosta of live entertainment in the form of comedy, music and DJs, there's always something going down here. 

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 it's cherished homely vibe isn't ever compromised. Head to the heated gin yard and linger a little while.

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 street food swell can take to the Owl and Pussycat for more laid-back tidings. From draught beer to cosy sofas and vintage interiors, chill out and enjoy the boozy ride. 

The Catford Constitutional Club brings vintage charm to a grand old building at the centre of the community. It's a beloved local with a unique character; interiors feature vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and - legend has it - haunted toilets. Retire to CCC to sample their sumptuous mix of ciders and ales or come for some traditional British comfort food, with a popular roast dinner served on Sundays.

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 haste to Dalston. From pop-up kitchen residencies to a mighty selection of board games, you're going to want to stay bolted to the table for 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 in the city.

Grandly proportioned - but with the warm and welcoming feel of a trusted gastropub - 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, with boozy options in the form of delicious wines and exquisite cocktails if you're just stopping in for a quick one after work.

Located outside Streatham Common, this charming pub is a jewel of SW16. Expect seasonal dishes served throughout the week, a tea room serving brunch and a fabulous selection of cask ales, as well as, a spacious beer garden; perfect for those balmy days.

Whether you're feeling the pinch of a hangover or the blistering British weather, there's one boozer in Fulham that does cosy pubbing just right. Join Duke on the Green in the leafy Parsons Green suburbs for a charming and cosy afternoon down the pub. 

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.

Full to the brim with rustic charm, it's The Old Queen's Head 'Sunday Socials' that earn it a place on the hotlist. Ease into a relaxing afternoon of roast dinners, Bloody Marys, board games and a good ole browse of the papers. Take in some live music or even have a go yourself with free use of the karaoke room.

This cool and cosy London pub is one of the top spots in the City for great beers and good grub. Just a short walk from Cannon Street, this friendly bar in one of London's busiest hubs offers calm interiors perfect to escape from the world outside.

Located down a quiet(ish) side street in the heart of Chelsea, we challenge you not to fall in love with The Surprise from the moment you step inside. Here lies a bright and airy boozer fitted with sofas, fireplaces and lots of quirky artworks, where you'll likely find yourself whiling away the hours with a good quality pint of real ale or something from their ever-changing, constantly-updated menu of comfort food.

A delightful drinking space, The Union Tavern is the ideal spot at which to hide from the elements in the winter months. Serving an ever-so-tempting variety of craft beers, alongside a rich and flavoursome menu of classic pub dishes, The Union Tavern ticks every box of winter pubs in London.

Nestled in the heart of the city's Leadenhall Market, Old Tom's caters for craft beer lovers in a snug space fitted with 19th century wall tiles and bundles of charm. Find yourself a corner and watch the stresses of a long day melt away here, with that excellent choice of craft beer matched with a strong range of gin and whisky as well as some tasty cheese and charcuterie sharing board options.

With an impressive menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional dishes, this Peckham pub is a top choice for cosy meals. As if that wasn't enough, there's even lively pub quizzes each week, as well as, DJs and events.

Stately opulence is the name of the game at this firm favourite. Located on the site of the former Law Courts of the Bank of England, this is your place for melt in the mouth pies and a solid pint of ale, and the setting? It doesn't get much cosier.

This classic boozer in Kensal Green boasts gorgeous Victorian features such as wood burning fireplaces, arched doorways and stained glass windows. To add even more charm, the menu of classic pub grub is truly heartwarming. 

Sitting pretty between Clapham South and Balham tube stations, The Grove is about as classic as London boozers come. Steeped in Victorian architecture, The Grove is a charming pub where you can tuck into hearty British gastronomy, sink into rustic chesterfield sofas and even knock back some bespoke tipples at their well kept secret dedicated Cox bar.