The pub is affectionately woven into the fabric of British culture as the natural meeting point for jolly good times, so brilliant that they turn drinking beer, wine, spirits and socialising into an art form. This guide shows you the top pubs to visit in London with a selection of traditional pubs, legendary pubs along with a few quirky alternatives along the way.
Situated in the beating heart of Britain's political bubble, the Morpeth Arms acts as a metropolitan sanctuary, offering escape from the constantly bustling world outside. Full of regal decor and vibrant decorations, it's the food and drinks menu that really stands out. The bar showcases the very best that London's brewers have to offer, while the chef dabbles in traditional recipes, plating up delectable catch-of-the-day treats and serving succulent cuts of seasoned meat.
In the world of London pubs, one of the greats has to be the Lewisham gem with a full-on train carriage out back. We're of course talking about the one and only Fox & Firkin; this unique space is home to some of the best music events in South London, as well as top-notch food and drink to be enjoyed inside or within the fairylit beer garden.
Located near Paddington, The Prince Alfred is the ideal watering hole to visit if you're looking to sink pints while enjoying classic British dishes - think sumptuous Sunday roasts, beer battered cod and plant-based burgers.
As one of the top pubs to visit in London, Poplars at the Dickens Inn offers everything a great London pub should: beer gardens, real ale, cultural heritage, amazing views, stunning interior, friendly service and good food.
The Churchill Arms is a beautiful and welcoming pub with all the drinks you wish for and good priced Thai food. Even before you step into the warm and vibrant atmosphere you'll see why this is one of the top pubs in London from its mighty facade.
This stylish twickenham boozer features a lively outdoor terrace and conservatory, as well as TV screens showing all the biggest sporting events. What's more, the Alexander Pope serves fish'n'chips, juicy burgers, Sunday roasts and other classic dishes.
Wondering which pubs to visit in West London? Then head to Wolfpack in Fulham and West Hampstead. This venue offers a tasty range of grub, from buffalo wings to halloumi bites. If you're not in the area, check out the Queen's Park location.
If quirky pubs are your thing, look no further than The King's Arms. From Wednesday art classes and an in-house artisan shop selling unique prints and homeware, you're pretty much guaranteed a not-so-average night. It also doubles up as a romantic date night spot, with candlelit tables and a menu of affordable small plates – plus a killer roast if you're visiting on a Sunday. You could also stop by for Wing Wednesdays, Tapas Fridays and 2-4-1 cocktails until 6pm most weekdays.
Headed over Notting Hill way and looking for a casual London pub to spend the afternoon and evening in? Well there's a sterling recommendation and it's right here. Join the Duke of Wellington for real ales and pints alongside classic dishes the likes of beer battered fish and chips and more.
One of the oldest pubs in London, and the oldest functioning pub in Mayfair, The Running Horse is one of the top pubs to visit in London if you're looking for top-notch British grub and innovative cocktails.
Pizza and beer have never tasted better at Camden Beer Hall. Head to this vibrant North London pub for an epic selection of limited edition and crowd-pleasing craft beers and an Italian menu that's bound to keep you satisfied.
If you wanna bask in the sunshine with stunning views of the river, venture to Boaters in Kingston. This popular boozer flaunts a water-facing terrace, alongside a cosy indoor space for the cooler months. And when you're feeling peckish? The gastro menu is sure to impress.
Looking for cool London pubs to visit? Crown & Anchor is certainly one of the finest. Nestled in Brixton, this bustling boozer is a hubbub of mouthwatering craft beer, scrumptious tacos, epic Sunday roasts and fantastic Tuesday night quizzes.
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. For those wanting a traditional pub to host an intimate gathering, then their 'Boot Room' is the ideal choice for private hire in London. For a great drink with friends in classic surroundings, Iron Duke is one of the top pubs to visit in London. Make sure you book here.
With nearly 300 years of history, The Cat and Mutton in Bethnal Green is a gorgeous old pub a stone's throw from London Fields. Set over two floors, the interiors stay true to its tradition and are great for get-togethers with friends or for an intimate date. The menu features a fare of British hearty classics and the bar has all the best ales in the area.
You can't go into the heart of London without making an appointment at one of its hottest pubs: The Devonshire. Created by a famous group of publicans and restauranteurs (Oisin Rogers, Charlie Carroll and Ashley Palmer-Watts), it's known best for its perfect pints of Guinness. Spread over two floors, you'll find a rustic ground floor serving scrumptious bar snacks, complete with low-hanging lights and white brick walls. Upstairs is a rusted red dining area where you'll find plates comprised of meats from its in-house butchery and fresh bread. Think potted shrimp alongside melba toast, lamb cutlets and Iberico pork chops.
If you're after a no-nonsense boozer in London, The George - Great Portland Street is a firm choice. Boasting laidback interiors, a gorgeous upstairs dining space and an English sparkling wine bar, this Marylebone hotspot is well worth a visit if you're in the area.
Serving up Young's cask ales and an award-winning steak and kidney pie, The Guinea is a friendly, traditional boozer found in the heart of Mayfair. This old-fashioned spot is decked out in wooden furnishings, walls lined with portraits and golden chandeliers, with their famous Grill room attached for dining. Tuck into fresh seafood and British meat dishes, washed down with premium wine or beer.
The Buck's Head is one our the top pubs to visit in Camden, thanks to a sunny rooftop terrace and freshly brewed pints. Plus, the quirky venue offers an array of mouthwatering eats - think tacos, burgers and affordable pizzas.
Named for two of the area's most famous writers, this quirky Holloway Road pub takes inspiration from Edward Lear and The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and serves up craft beer, cocktails and tasty burgers.
Not only is it a recommended pub in London for its cosy style and long history but it's also known to be haunted by the ghost of an officer who was flogged to death for cheating at cards here.
Dating back to the 1700s this is a great pub in London to visit for a beer in their open air courtyard as well as the charming insides.
This City of London pub located on notorious Fleet Street is a traditional pub with roots from the 16th century. A cobbled alleyway leads you to this great pub in London which keeps history alive with wooden beams and classic photographs of London from 16th-19th century. It's a cheap pub in London, owned by an independent brewery, with fantastic real ales and lagers.
