London is awash with some of the best real ale you could wish to drink. There are plenty of British sourced real ale beers on the taps of the city's pubs so we have handpicked some of the best places to find the golden, good stuff. Whether you're looking for a traditional pub or a unique restaurant bar, we've found the best in London with the biggest selections of real ales that you'll want to visit them all.
Last updated on 12th September 2019
Complementary Prosecco reception on arrival If you book your Christmas party with us Saturday-Monday
This rather splendid establishment is the home of The Betjeman Arms real ale! And a very comfortable home at that, filled with squishy soft furnishings, grandiose features and a wonderful sun terrace. Pop into this great pub whilst waiting for a train or simply because you fancy it; try their very own real ale and satiate your hungry with an array of great British fodder.
Tucked away in the heart of Mayfair, Iron Duke is a cosy London pub serving up real ales alongside delicious pub grub; making it a lunchtime gem in London's West End for those wanting a quiet break during their retail therapy, or a work treat.
Brixton is famed for many things, but who knew that you could also savour some of the best real ale in the business? Just shy of the main station and one of the most charming pubs in South London, join Trinity Arms for plenty of pints of ale to go around.
Draft House is introducing London to some of the finest craft beers and real ales in the business. Head to their new spot in Tower Hill for a huge selection of beer and ale, alongside delicious burgers.
Made your way round to this charming boozer off Hackney Downs yet? Why not! It quickly becomes a firm favourite, charming punters with an interior that features giant maypoles, wicker masks and brass icons galore. Plonk yourself at a table and prepare for a feast; there's a rotating menu of culinary delights and plenty of 'deadly ciders', craft beers and home-infused gins at the same time.
With Ales like ESB and London Pride centre stage, The Admiralty lives up to its Fullers branding. Reviving the nautical prestige of the HMS Victory from hull to stern, this central London pub recreates the grandeur of the Navy ship from the fitting plot of Trafalgar Square. There's nothing more satisfying that a place where you can people watch with a pint in hand. All aboard the Admiralty.
A historic pub with patrons such as George Orwell and Micheal Powell, The Newman Arms is a real ale pub that's served as a source of inspiration through the ages. Venture to the Soho haunt and you'll get to soak up the traditional decor with a pint of Britain's finest.
With a mixture of craft beer and real ale, The Albany in Fitzrovia is the perfect spot for a pint. The venue has two sides, a traditional dining room that also serves classic British, and hidden away, the basement bar which puts on some seriously hot club nights.
Forming a part of the Grade II listed Whitbread Brewery, The Jugged Hare is the perfect place for a relaxed drink of some delicious real ale in London. Having developed their own pale ale on site, The Jugged Hare gives you a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some homebrewed ale in a friendly and laid back environment.
The Castle, a Farringdon traditional pub, once favoured for its gambling is now a favourite for its sublime selection of beers and stunning function room. They serve four cask marque accredited real ales as well as 20 speciality beers, lagers and ciders on tap. Furnished in the style of an authentic London pub, but also one of the best karaoke spots in London, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Get on the guest list by booking online here to make sure you don't miss out on enjoying this lovely spot.
With a sister venue not too far away, Tank and Paddle Bishopsgate hopes to thrill city revellers with its great comfort food offering, fun games and home brewed pints of beer. Guests can tuck into a stone baked pizza, challenge their mates to a few fun-loving games of shuffleboard or sink deep into one of the venue's real ales, all made in the huge tanks behind the bar.
Boasting fresh, seasonal British dishes, there are many reasons to visit this real ale pub in London. But add in a riverside location and loads of ales to get stuck into to while away the summer days, One Over the Ait is a must should you ever find yourself in Brentford.
The Kings Arms is a bit of a favourite for locals in Mayfair and that's because of their tasty selection of real ales. A great place to kick back and enjoy a beer, they've got tonnes of updated pub classics menu to compliment it too.
Found just yards from the legendary Cutty Sark, The Old Brewery is a historic boozer perfect for a drop of real ale. There's a great choice of locally-brewed craft beers alongside a range of distilled spirits, a lovely atmosphere to welcome both locals and visitors and a stunning outdoor terrace for the warmer months.
Offering a mammoth selection of craft beers and real ales, this cool and quirky London pub also serves up a great range of tasty bar snacks and burgers, and even has a secret cocktail bar hidden in the eaves.
You can expect a range of top-class Young's and guest ales from Winchmore Hill's self-proclaimed “veritable palace of refreshment”. Great regardless of whether you're dropping in for a swift half or hanging around for the entire evening, there's lots of variety on the menu and a decked beer garden if the weather looks good.
Not only does The Riverside offer a range of award-winning cask ales from Young's, it also promises some of the best riverside views in London to enjoy them from. Pick out your favourite tipple and make straight for the terrace, where there's room for up to 200 guests to kick back, relax and enjoy a couple of pints no matter what time of year they're visiting.
Satisfying the physique of a Victorian style lounge and a pubbing parlour of traditional character, The Britannia is a Kensington favourite for laid-back boozing and lovely gastronomy. Surf their bar for a selection of top real ales and sink back into their comfy leather sofas and armchairs for a piece of pubbing pleasure.
A modern escape from the everyday grind of the city, The Tokenhouse is a mixture of industrial-inspired décor and cosy gastro-pub corners. For a great selection of real ale in London, this is the pub to head to after work. They have an extensive selection of cask ales and craft beers. The Cellar Bar is a hidden gem; with a speakeasy feel.
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. One of the top London pubs to visit for as well as its friendly and buzzing atmosphere it is also a great choice for private gatherings, as their basement bar is a cosy space perfect for those wanting a chic, yet traditional party space.
An historic boozer that dates back to the 17th century, you can count on an exciting and diverse menu of some of the best craft beers and guest ales from the King's Head in Roehampton. It's a haven for locals and visitors to the big open spaces at the nearby Richmond Park and Putney Heath, and there's a lovely garden ideal for kicking back and chilling with a pint or two.
With so many ale options, sometimes it can become hard to decipher between it all. For some real ale London pub vibes, look no further than South London's Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen. With over ten different brews on the menu, there is no room to go wrong with your ale choice of the night. You can always just order another with your hearty meal if you can't make a decision.
A regular fixture on the south London boozing scene since way back in 1821, The Devonshire is one of the best pubs in Balham for a top quality drop of ale. Serving an extensive range and focusing on local producers, there's also a range of great bar snacks and gastro fare as well as a cracker of a beer garden if the weather's playing ball.
Nothing hits the spot like a good pin o' ale come the work fall out or the weekend. Finding a boozer in London that has a faithful spread of crafty beers and real ale isn't always easy. But, take it from us, The Steam Engine in Waterloo have it all stocked behind their bar. Sit back, have a pint pulled and glug to your hearts content.
Where better to imbibe some amazing real ale than cosy, English heritage inspired gastro pub The Bull? Boasting some wonderful real ales, this is the ideal location for a warming drinking session with friends. The many seating areas invite you in becomingly, the sofas seeming impossibly squashy. If you get a bit peckish, there is a selection of pub grub with a contemporary twist on offer.
Heralded for their beer selection and their plight to feed Londoners some of the finest in British gastro dishes, The Duke of Clarence also harbour another secret, and that's their bid for real ale. Join them for a fine selection to share amongst friends and family.
There's not exactly a shortage of great pubs in Hampstead, but right up there among our favourites is The Flask. A Victorian gem with plenty of character and a lovely conservatory space, it's absolutely worth the 15-minute walk from Hampstead Heath. Pull up a stool and work your way through their collection of locally brewed drinks and signature Young's bitter, with fantastic seasonal guest ales always on tap.
The Grafton in Kentish Town has drawn in ale lovers from across London with its wide selection of award-winning ales. With 8 taps all circulation the best ales in London, the roof terrace has proven to be a massive hit with the crowds, particularly in the summer months. Grab your mates, grab a pint of delicious ale and unwind at this pub in North London.
As well as some of the loveliest views in the city, The Dickens Inn is a renowned real ale pub near Tower Bridge. The traditional pub is spread across three floors and has an impressive list of real ale and beers, served alongside hearty Italian dishes.
A short walk from Mansion House, this unique London pub offers the perfect place to get your post-work pints in. Offering up an impressive selection of cask ales and local craft beers, alongside a delicious menu of pub grub and bar snacks, it's a comfortable, welcoming and relaxing joint to find yourself in.
There's 8 cask ales on tap at The Windmill, with great coverage of Young's beer and a regularly rotating selection of guest ales likely to feature upon your visit. Grab a pint of the good stuff before heading home or stay for some dinner; the pub boasts one of the most impressive pie menus in London with their steak offering having won 3 national awards.
Something of a jack-of-all-trades pub in London, not only do The Sun of Camberwell pull of pub quizzin', Sunday roasts and private parties in their parlour room, the roster of real ales and draft beers are a delicious force to most definitely, be messed with.
They're pretty darn serious about their ale contingent at The Northcote. Crowd-pleasers like the Sharp's Doombar, Adnams and Hogs Back are on the pumps, and they're frequently mixing it up with their own ale and cider festivals that are well worth checking out!
Real ale in London, it's delicious and it's well worth hunting out, but we're here to make things a little easier for you; simply head to the Marquess in Covent Garden for your dose of honest ales, London beers and relaxed pub drinking.
A friendly pub in the middle of the city, The Hoop And Grapes offers the perfect post-work watering hole. Offering up a great range of real ales and local craft brews, you can chill out with a fresh pint, and even tuck into some of their delicious food.
With fresh tanks the dispense lager to Londoners, not only are The Castle forward minded when it comes to beer in the city, their real ale roster is promising to boot. Head on down to this quaint English pub for a dose of some of the best ale in the business.
A traditional and welcoming East End pub that serves top real ales; The Artillery Arms offers tasty, classic pub food, perfect for those wanting something to line the stomach before a big night this pub is perfectly placed as a jumping point for a night out in Shoreditch. This pub is a perfect place to sample some real ale in London and chill with mates.