South London; in its heyday famous for keeping London's dark side a secret and its Shakespearian sense of debauchery; today the perfect place for a pint in a pub. Becoming known as the new East London because of its unflux of "Bright Young Things" yet retaining its sense of tradition, you can just as easily find a refurbished gastro-pub with eclectic interior design here as you can a good old boozer where you can bring your dog and everyone knows the landlord's name. So jump on the Northern Line and head down South for some of London's best pubs.
Last updated on 6th November 2019
Fronting street food, a sprawling courtyard and some very unique immersive entertainment, Ninth Life is swiftly becoming a Catford mainstay with its multi-level mix of curious spaces, and a 3am license come the weekend.
A jewel in the crown of Putney, there's some clear reasons behind why The Boathouse is one of the best pubs in South London; take for instance their London beer offering, their affordable pub grub roster and their prime Thames-side patio and balcony.
Got a hankering for a brewskie after a long walk in Greenwich Park? Look no further than The Greenwich Tavern which boasts a menu of classic British goodies across three floors of contemporary furnishings. It's the perfect spot to unwind with a beer and plate full of fish and chips.
Looking for a pub with great views in south east London? It's lucky you found us. The Cutty Sark is a mighty impressive boozer, steeped in history and offering a stunning landscape that features the waterfront and the Canary Wharf skyline to boot. Perfect for a couple of chilled drinks after work right the way up to a fully-fledged party in their private dining room, it's time to check out this versatile and friendly local for yourself.
One the best pubs in South London, Gorringe Park Pub not only fronts a delicious menu of food, you'll also find craft beers, two themed rooms compromising of a library with 100s of books and a dining space reminiscent of Hogwarts Potions Room, and a dedicated cinema room. If that doesn't suit, head outside to their boutique-styled beer garden; this South London pub has it all.
One of Wimbledon's finest institutions, the Crooked Billet has fed and watered South London's hungry people since 1881. Nestled on the corner of Wimbledon Common, it offers guests a cosy spot to curl up by the fire or soak up as much sunshine as possible. Crucially, there selection of locally brewed, carefully crafted beers and ales, and food menu composed of fresh fish and succulent meat dishes continues to draw in foodies from all over South London.
Head down to The Honor Oak next time you are in South London and you'll find you next drinking den. A community-minded venue, they serve up a wonderful array of craft beers from local breweries, cask ales and fine wines. For food, they also offer a seasonal menu of British food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so no matter what time you walk in the doors, you are welcome.
Nestled in the heart of Wandsworth, the Alma is a hotel pub that's established a reputation for plating up South London's foodies a stunning culinary experience. The pubs sleek, opulent hotel appearance clashes wonderfully with the traditional vibe given off by the dark brown, mahogany bar. Crucially, their chefs have been busy cooking up a storm and adding a few slight tweaks to an otherwise classic selection of pub food; from their American burgers with peanut butter to their ale-battered cod, expect to be amazed by their delicious, quirky creations.
The White Cross is an historic and legendary pub right on the edge of the Thames. A popular Richmond watering hole since way back in 1869, take in these calming views of the water while you nurse one of their great ales or sit down to some food from their seasonal, regularly rotating menu. Food is served from 10am and throughout the day, all the rugby is shown on the big screen and dogs are more than welcome, so it's a great spot to drop by on your way home from a walk.
Brixton is an unstoppable force of fun come the weekend, but what about those moments where you need to take it down a notch? Join the Trinity Arms for just that as you enjoy casual afternoons of pub grub, fine ales and some of the best pints.
Tucked between the beautiful green spaces of Richmond Park and Putney Heath, The King's Head in Roehampton is an historic pub that dates back to the 17th century. Steeped in history but also offering a contemporary, modern feel, this is a social hub with plenty of cosy vibes come the winter and a spacious garden for a few chilled drinks in the summer. Food is focused on great pub classics with a modern edge and the drinks menu features excellent Young's ales and a superb wine list; go check it out!
A glorious gastropub in the heart of Wimbledon Village, the Dog & Fox is a venue with its finger in many pies. Stop by for some hearty pub grub - the pub serves quintessential British favourites and a killer Sunday Roast - drop in for a swift half of Young's cask ale or hang around and soak in the sunshine in the relaxing beer garden; this one really does have it all.
With a focus on high-quality food and drink, their selection of craft beers, cask ales, and classic dishes makes The Greyhound one of South London's best pubs. Not to mention, they welcome children and friendly dogs to be part of your dining experience.
Nestled 5 minutes away from Tooting Broadway is The Trafalgar, a wonderfully inviting home-from-home with grand proportions but welcoming vibes. The kitchen team use the finest local ingredients to prepare fresh and artisanal plates, perfectly complemented by a bar staff who work with delicious wines, exquisite cocktails and the best beers around. The venue is a private party specialist, and The Hut is an alfresco space in the front garden that's perfect for the summertime.
The Regent takes pride in South London's mixed bag of history. Balham in particular has faced both periods of idyllic calm and trials of strength, and so this joyous British pub revels in the fact that the thing us Londoners have always had in common is that sometimes 'you just need get together, lock the doors, grab a drink and allow revelry to prevail'.
Dating back to the early 1600s, The Rose and Crown is the oldest member of the Young's family of pubs. Doubling up as a cosy hotel, the bar is stocked full of real ales and craft beers, the kitchen uses the finest British ingredients to offer a range of seasonal gastro pub dishes. Dog friendly and perfect for those lazy weekends with the family, this South London pub is sure to please.
The Riverside is an oasis of calm on the edges of the Thames, hidden away as part of the St. George Wharf complex in Vauxhall. The outside terrace is an absolute winner, with room for up to 200 to soak in the views and enjoy a few drinks all year round. The bar comes stocked with continental lagers, Young's award-winning cask ales, an extensive wine choice and luscious cocktails, and there's lots of interesting and tasty food choices if you fancy sticking around to eat out.
The Mere Scribbler in South London has quickly established itself as a bit hitter in Streatham with its great drinks and food offering. Targeting that 'local boozer' vibe, the team behind the venue have gone beyond the mark in collecting a range of international wines, craft beers and local ales behind the bar. With bartenders on hand to mix together a classic cocktail and a menu of burgers, bar snacks and sharing platters, this pub is one of those rare spots that has it all.
The Mayflower is cosy English pub inspired by the 17th-century ship that took English pilgrims to the New World. Based in Rotherhithe in South East London, the pub is based next to the famous ship's original mooring point and offers Londoners a warming, traditional pub experience. Serving a variety of craft beers, real ales and a selection of delicious gastropub classic dishes, this pub is perfect for those lazy Sundays with the family.
Eager to knock back a pint in Earlsfield? Then we've just the pub favourite for you. A haven for sunshine pints and gastro food aplenty, this top South London pub promises a beer garden, casual interiors and plenty more.
The Black Dog is a charming, cosy pub in the heart of Vauxhall. Based in the former residence of a glass factory, the venue is now a family-friendly pub that boasts a stunning selections of craft beers, real ales and fine wines. Head down on the weekend and enjoy a belly-filling Sunday roast created by the expert chefs in the kitchen, served with honey-glazed vegetables and thick gravy.
WGT is a mighty impressive boozer catering for the people of SE22. With a huge selection of constantly rotating craft beers on tap it's the place to be for a decent pint, and the vinyl-only music policy offers something a little different to your typical playlist. There's a lovely array of pub grub spanning everything from vegan-friendly bites to chorizo burgers, and a stunning and spacious beer garden which keeps the sun for most of the day.
Prince Albert is Battersea Park's charming neighbourhood local. Pop over to check out the vast choice of guest ales (often locally brewed) and a bite to eat; there's a medley of filling British classics for you to consider. There's a spacious outdoor area for when you want to go to alfresco, a stunning private hire room and dogs are very welcome too.
Sitting pretty alongside the Thames is Greenwich good'un, The Sail Loft. A South London pub brimming with affordable gastro inspired plates, a regular roster of draught beers and stunning riverside sites to boot, The Sail Loft is a must for those simply after a chilled afternoon just shy of the heart of the city.
If you're looking for a smashing pub in Barnes you'll have plenty of choice, but one of our tips is the White Hart. For starters there are great views to be had of the river in their outside terrace, but there's also bags of Tudor charm inside and staff that always make your stay a pleasure. Check out their world-class wine list or unique cask ale taps, or head upstairs to their dining room where three-course feasts and traditional British comfort food is served.
With a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful furnishings, the Richard I is a tranquil pub in South London that offers locals and visitors in Greenwich a spot to recharge and relax. The bar is stocked full of an amazing range of craft beers and real ales, while the venue's chefs have worked tirelessly to offer a hearty menu of traditional gastro pub treats. Think delicious burgers, seasoned steaks and warming roast dinners.