Best Pubs In South London

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 edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 5th March 2024




The White Hart Barnes

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.

Ninth Life

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.

The Old Brewery

In need of a pub with a bit of history and culture? Allow us to introduce The Old Brewery - the quirky Young's boozer located just yards from the legendary Cutty Sark. Housed within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, it's a trusty place where fresh and seasonal British comfort food is expertly matched with a wide choice of locally-brewed craft beers and distilled spirits. Soak in the atmosphere of their impressive dining room or head for the great outdoors; they've also got an expansive outdoor terrace!

Richard The First

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. 

The Depot

This gorgeous hideaway in Blackheath not only boasts chic, modern interiors but also serves up equally as impressive dishes fresh from the kitchen. From brilliant breakfasts to succulent Sunday roasts, this pub's seasonal dishes really are some of the finest pub grub you'll find in the south.

The Crown Tavern

Found in the heart of Lee, The Crown Tavern is well worth the long-ish journey. This is a friendly and welcoming place where you'll feel right at home before you've even had the chance to properly explore the beautiful outdoor terrace. A selection of cask ales, world-class wines and refreshing long drinks offers something for all tastes, and there's a pub grub menu featuring all kinds of crowd-pleasing and inventive modern plates.

The Riverside

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.

Mason's Arms

🃏 Kid's Table Every Saturday 🃏 and 1 other offer

If you find yourself wandering around Battersea Park looking for a cosy boozer to have a crisp pint or two in, then hit up Mason's Arms. This quaint spot is full of charm, thanks to its towering white pillars, old-fashioned paintings and wooden detailing. Its menu features an array of moreish dishes like beer-battered haddock, served with triple-cooked chips, or small plates such as stick brisket or truffled mac 'n' cheese croquettes. The desserts are not to be missed either - the warm chocolate brownie has definitely caught our eye.

The Rosendale

This South London pub features not one, but three outdoor areas for summertime sun lounging and winter snuggling. Offering a mouthwatering menu of classic pub grub and an ample menu of international wines, classic cocktails and quality beer, its a sure win. 

The Four Thieves

The Kids Table

Hosting great comedy nights, acrobatic performances, live music and DJs, The Four Thieves is a wonderfully weird place for a jolly night out. Eccentrically kitted out in taxidermy, masonic symbols and Victorian dance-hall features, there's a bit of everything chucked in for good measure. This place is big on gin and brews its own from lavender it grows on its roof, and serves lovely, hearty food. What can't it do? 

The Dog and Fox

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.

The Devonshire

Steeped in history and boasting one of the best outdoor spaces in south London, The Devonshire is a cracker of a pub on Balham High Road. They've a passion for great drinks and carry an extensive range of ales, craft beers, spirits and wines, while the kitchen team are busy cooking up beautiful pies, roasts at the weekends and BBQ'd treats served in the garden come the summertime.

Crown & Anchor Brixton

Crown & Anchor is the South London pub that you need to discover. Hidden away along Brixton Road, this seriously trendy boozer is killing it in the booze department. Think delicious craft beers from local and micro-breweries, plus lip-smacking British cuisine.

The Alexandra

The heart and soul of sports in Clapham, The Alexandra is the perfect spot to catch all the live action while sippin' on some of London's finest beer. Decorated with wooden features like exposed beams and barrel tables, this traditional and stylish drinking den is perfect for kicking back, enjoying classic pub grub, and playing a game at Clapham Darts Club upstairs.

Half Moon

Since undergoing a huge refurbishment job after a flood of biblical proportions ripped through it in 2013, this South London pub near Brixton has remade itself into one of the loveliest pubs in the area. With a old fashioned main bar and modern dining area, as well as two garden spaces in the front and back, it's got a little something for everyone. 

The Duke's Head Putney

Situated on the banks of the Thames, right beside the starting point of London's famous boat race, there's a gem of a gastropub well worth seeking out. The Duke's Head is based in a Grade II listed Victorian building, with a rich history and stories to tell dating back over 150 years. This versatile boozer puts on an impressive rota of events in the week - we're talking speed-dating, live music and comedy nights - and it's a good place to chill with evening drinks and a hearty roast dinner on Sundays.

Spread Eagle

Get down to Croydon for a true pie and ale experience. Not only are their taps filled with delicious beer, their kitchen supplies some of the finest homemade pies you can get – as well as loads of other dishes, should you not be a fan of pies. The Grade II listed building also plays host to a playhouse that showcases the best in theatre, comedy and film.

Watson's General Telegraph

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.

Old Ship Richmond

Richmond is fast becoming London's beer garden capital; bolstering this reputation further is the work of the Old Ship. Beautifully decorated as a classic British pub, their deep mahogany furnishings and quaint antiques spread across the venue adds a distinct rustic feel to things here. Despite a bar stock full of all your favourite drinks, and menu bursting with flavour and flair, the real gem is the beer garden. It boasts a number of flat screen TVs, serene furniture and a terrace that offers stunning views of the entire town of Richmond. 

The Manor Walworth

Whether you fancy cosy pints in stylish surrounds or a refreshing glass of vino in a sun-soaked garden, The Manor Walworth has got you sorted. Get on down to this poppin' pub for a fabulous range of tipples alongside mouthwatering South American grub.

St John’s Tavern

If you're looking for a South London boozer with oodles of character and craft pints to boot, St John's Tavern has you covered. Fronting bottomless pizza every Monday and £1 wings on Wednesdays, you know you'll leave fed and watered without breaking the bank.

The White Cross

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.

Balham Bowls Club

This South London pub is a favourite hangout for after-work socialising and weekend lounging as it looks like a retro living room fresh out of the 80s. With a big love for character, Balham Bowls Club is full of vintage furnishings and contemporary finishes as well as top notch food and drink.

Lord Northbrook

Warm and cosy yet undeniably stylish, Lord Northbrook is a fantastic place to drink in Lee. Make your way over to watch all of the major sports events, as well as tuck into a stellar selection of elevated British bites and tasty tipples.

Catford Bridge Tavern

One of the best pubs in South London, this cosy spot on Catford Bridge offers a little something for everyon. From weekly pub quiz nights, open mic events, a working fireplace and some delicious British-Caribbean eats, there's a reason the locals love it so much.

The Mayflower

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. 

The Crooked Billet

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. 

Market Tavern Croydon

On the hunt for a South London boozer? You'll certainly want to check out Market Tavern Croydon. This Surrey House drinking den boasts a delicious food menu, including chicken katsu plus a steak and ale pie. You can also take part in its weekly quiz.

The Alma Wandsworth

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 Cutty Sark

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.

The Trafalgar Arms

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.

King's Head Roehampton

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!

Prince of Wales

Searching for traditional pubs in South London? Prince of Wales should be firmly on your radar for its cosy interiors, heated terrace and modern approach to cooking. Serving a menu of gastro goodies to local punters, this Putney staple is a must, whatever the weather. 

The Green Man

Despite having been a favourite for London's Highwaymen in centuries gone by, the Green Man in Putney Heath is now a warm, welcoming venue in South London. The pub serves a range of hearty gastro pub food, including grilled British steaks, catch of the day specials and homely roast dinners come Sunday. The bar is stocked full with everything you'd expect to find in a traditional British pub; some of the city's most famous breweries have their finest craft beers and flavoursome real ales on show.

The Althorp

One of the best hidden gems in London, The Althorp is not a name to be missed for those looking to hunt down a place for a pint in Wandsworth. Join them not only for humble interiors, that classic pub glow, gastro classics and afternoons spent lapping up beer on their terrace.

Roundhouse Wandsworth

A South London beauty, The Roundhouse in Wandsworth is a quintessential pubbers delight where you can dine on home made gastro style nosh made of only seasonally and locally sourced, where possible, ingredients. Dressed in Victorian heritage, The Roundhouse is made up of old style wooden furnishings and a charming atmosphere perfect for slumming it with mates weekdays or weekends. 

The Mere Scribbler

Midday Marys

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 East Hill

Sitting just south of the river, The East Hill pub offers South London's weary locals a quaint spot to relax, unwind and recharge in. Styled as a cosy home away from home, their soft armchairs and vintage sofas seem to have a force of attraction on all who walk through their doors. Amplifying the homely atmosphere, the team of chefs have created a menu of hearty British recipes, composed using only the finest ingredients available. Think seasoned steaks, fresh fish & chips and piping hot pipes that explode with flavour as soon as they touch the tongue.

The Honor Oak

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.

The Woodman

A quint country-style pub in the heart of Battersea, the Woodman has made a name for itself in South London for its hearty British foods, real ale and cosy setting. Whether you're craving a pint and plate of fish and chips or a full-blown Sunday roast, this is a cute hideaway that's sure to cater.