Best Pubs In South London

Hope & Anchor is total fun. And these guys don't take that word lightly. A far cry from the kind of stuffy, drowsy pub that you imagine all the proper adults inhabit in Central London, the Hope & Anchor team deliver the kind of party where you can really let loose and return to a childlike state of inhibition (but with cocktails). Where else can you hire a private tree hut?

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.

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!

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.

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. 

You don't need to go out of your way to find a great pub in South London, not with The Bull on the horizon. Head on down to their Streatham plot for beers in the garden, burger bites and gin aplenty. 

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'.

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.

A Wandsworth favourite and one of the best pubs in South London, Brewer's Inn is primed for those that want to keep their pubs traditional with a contemporary edge. Head on down for impeccable service alongside some of the best beers in the business. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

A gem on the South London pub scene, The Selkirk is a destination in Tooting with tradition and classic dining to its name. Head on down for London pints, British gastro dining, stunning private rooms and plenty more. 

Octoberfest Pub in Fulham differs from the rest; it doesn't have the quirky eccentric style that you would expect from such a thoroughly British institution. This Bavarian drinking house delivers thigh-slappingly good fun every night of the week, with the best German beers around. If you're in Fulham, like fun, games and cheering loudly, then don't miss your friendly soulmate embodied in this jovial pub.

Prime pub pickings in the Putney area, The Half Moon is an ample dose of both live music and boozing combined. Not only host to a regular roster of live gigs in their own music space, The Half Moon also come up trumps in the British drinking and dining department.

Ever wandered down to the suburban heart and soul of Forest Hill? Now we're giving you that chance to. Coming at you with family friendly dining, pub grub and a top roster of craft pints and ale, The Signal is a charming boozing with classic British style on its side.

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.

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. 

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.

Situated equidistant between Clapham South and Balham, The Grove couldn't be more of a blushing South London pub coming brushed with Victorian charm. Head here for a taste of traditional British gastronomy as well as a dedicated bar well versed in the art of special liquors and global craft beers. 

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.

When it comes to boozin' in South London, no trip would be complete without a visit to the ever charming Sun of Camberwell. A stunning spot for laid back bevvies, Sunday roasts and quiz nights, this jack of all trades pub promises a fun and casual night all round. 

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!

The Candlemaker is a great little find; a quirky, characterful pub with great food, great vibes and an emphasis on community. Enticing customers in with its glorious psychedelic décor, this awesome place is inspired by a nearby candle factory! Serving a selection of worldly food, the menu skips from America to France to Asia with serious panache! Try Beer Butter Shrimps (£5.50), Tricolor Salad (£4.50/£7) or Coconut and Ground Fish Curry (£8.50)

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.

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.

Boozing in Battersea this weekend and looking for a comfortable pub in South London to do so in? Then head on down to the Lighthouse. Not only a haven for gastro grub, their beer garden makes for a tasty space to tuck into that all important pint. 

A charming and quintessential boozer in the heart of Wandsworth, The County Arms is prime for an afternoon spent in the pub thanks to their roster of London beers, a top notch beer garden and a gastro orientated dining room. 

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. 

Brixton epitomises South London's mix of influences in its abundance of cool kids mixed in with Afro-Caribbean communities, and basically everything inbetween. It comes as no surprise then that this Brixton pub leaves a lasting impression of eclectic vibrancy in its musical offerings and clientele. 

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? 

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. 

Perched on the boarder to the river, The Steam Engine is just your average British boozer with an intimate yet airy interior made for winter snugs with a pint or summer chilling. Sink in to leather chesterfield sofas and try your hand at some pool for a quintessentially British pubbing experience. There's even gastro foods to be had. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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 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. 

One of the most noted suburbs in London, Wimbledon is also known for their top selection of pubs. If you're looking for a South London pub with affordable grub, drinks deals, a rooftop garden and sports screenings, we reckon The Alexandra could be the place for you. 

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 Park Tavern is a cute South London pub that is steeped in history. Formerly a Coaching Inn (and the rendezvous of highwaymen and footpads in the early 1800s), the interiors are largely traditional and they serve up a wonderful range of seasonal food, 50 craft beers and 100 spirits.

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.

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.

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. 

Out of Office is Battersea’s must-try, multi space venue ideal for work and play. Designed as a hot-desk hub during working hours, head this way to meet those deadlines and complete those projects while sipping at specialty coffees and other refreshing beverages. Post 5pm? There’s a different vibe entirely, as Battersea locals let their hair down and the bar team serve up to 50 independent beers, artisan spirits and wines.

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. 

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.

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. 

Oozing a cool, country-kitchen interior that takes chic decor to crisp yet homely heights, The Fentiman Arms in Oval is a South London pubbing delight. Pleasing punters with a traditional spread of hearty pub grub and a wild country beer garden, which boasts a blazing BBQ come summertime, this Geronimo Inn satisfies the classic British boozer to your hearts content.  

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.

A cutesy pub in the heart of Battersea, not only is The Duke Cambridge a lush name on the lips of pub group Young's, they're a top and humble location for pub bites, casual London pints and lazy afternoons aplenty. 

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.