Drinking a traditional English ale in a London pub is a must for every traveler. However, your impression depends on the establishment you decide to visit. For a taste of the original English atmosphere, head to one of our selection of historic pubs in London, where Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, and even Elizabeth I enjoyed their time!
Introduction: Why London Pubs Are Unique
Ancient haunted castles, London fog, legendary pubs – all this is located in the vicinity of the zero meridian, which passes through the international time zone in Greenwich. Only here you will ride an omnibus, see real gentlemen, hear the purest English, and feel the atmosphere of the best pubs in London.
Top Pubs in Central London
Our list of the best pubs London include places for different preferences and tastes in beer. You can either choose to have a more-or-less calm or even romantic evening or party all night listening to… who knows? The Muse or U2, huh?
Historic Pubs You Must Visit
Below you can find the oldest pubs London that are still active.
The French House
The French House is a bustling place that has been operating in the bohemian center of London for decades. Dylan Thomas, Sylvia Plath, Lucien Freud, Suggs, and other creative personalities used to order an aperitif or an evening drink here. During World War II, Charles de Gaulle and the patriotic movement “France at War” used this pub as their base. Still, beer here is served only by the half-pint. Continental flavor guaranteed!
If you want to drink in a location where the history is as important as the alcohol list, the French House, a protected architectural object, should be on your list. of England Francis Bacon himself sometimes came here for a drink. The list of celebrities from different eras who visited the French House is endless. Old London pubs like this one are a real story of everyday life against the backdrop of high-profile events.
The interior of the pub demonstrates both the connection with France and the long stay in the most exciting area of London. The French House is relatively small, filled with memorabilia, and overcrowded during the busiest hours.
You can join visitors standing outside, but this is only part of the experience. Keep in mind that the kitchen is open only during the daytime.
The George Inn
Almost every historic pub in London mentions its connection to Charles Dickens (old Boz must have been a bit of a bugger), but few pubs can boast of such a visitor as William Shakespeare. Imagine that – the bard loved this bar and supported it in every way possible. Shakespeare’s brilliant plays were performed directly in the courtyard, while the audience watched the plot development from the balconies. These balconies have survived intact to this day, and everyone can imagine themselves as a contemporary of Shakespeare and even his critic.
London’s old pubs like this one boast no less rich history than its theaters. The George Inn also shared a courtyard with the now-lost Tabard pub, which would have been a real place of pilgrimage for literary historians, as it was in this pub that the “father of English poetry” Geoffrey Chaucer gave birth to his “Canterbury Tales.”
Ye Olde Mitre Tavern
Try to shake the folklore out of your pint at Ye Olde Mitre. The history of this low-ceilinged tavern dates back to 1546 and centers on the courtyard where Queen Elizabeth I is said to have once danced. Paradoxically, the pub was originally legalized by Bishop Ely in Cambridgeshire and guarded by employees in formal suits.
Built by Bishop Goodrich, this traditional tavern, with entrances from alleys on two different streets, consists of three cramped rooms with high tables that open onto a closed courtyard. The menu includes ale and history; the customers are mostly urban types and enthusiastic tourists who can sip ales of the following types under the portraits of Henry VIII and other famous people:
- George Gale Seafarers
- Caledonian 80
- Fuller’s Honeydew
- Adnams Broadside
- Deuchars IPA
A small selection of wines is represented by La Lumière pinot noir and Veneto pinot grigio, which are sold at low prices of £15. The selection of old-school food is much wider and is represented by a rich assortment – from toasted sandwiches, Scotch eggs, pork pies and other fillings (£2) to hearty and rich dishes.
Modern and Trendy Pubs
These pubs in London were not opened centuries ago but have already obtained fame and recognition.
Karaoke Box Mayfair
There are always plenty of tourists looking for a good karaoke bar, and London is rich in such establishments. Karaoke Box Mayfair, located in a prestigious area near the Sotheby’s auction house, is the most famous and probably the best London bar of this category.
Guests are welcomed in seven rooms with a capacity from 4-12 people. The constantly updated song list includes 12 thousand songs, ranging from ABBA and Backstreet Boys to Blur and Phil Collins. Even those of us who aren’t perfectly fluent in English are sure to recognize familiar tunes and lyrics.
For a snack, you can order a pizza (£10.00-£16.50), followed by a cocktail for £12.50 or an English beer for £4.50-£6.50.
The Coral Room
Among the best bars in London, where the atmosphere does not resemble typical English pubs, there are a few interesting places for tourists. First of all, it is The Coral Room.
High walls of bright red color immediately immerse guests in the atmosphere of relaxed communication. The bar is famous for original cocktails, English breakfast, strong coffee, and hot chocolate. The advantage of The Coral Room is its close location to the British Museum. You can dine here for £23.50-£31.50.
Best Pubs for Different Occasions
Looking for extraordinary London pubs to celebrate a special occasion like birthday, wedding, corporate party, New Year, or whatever? Here we go!
Best Pubs for a Cozy Atmosphere
If you hate noise or just need to spend a romantic night with your beloved one, London has quite a few options for you. It also has some places that might scare your buddies – whatever you please!
The Ten Bells
It’s one of London’s most colorful pubs. At first glance, this is just another 18th-century pub with old-fashioned decor and great beer. However, it’s actually a creepy place with a Jack the Ripper connection. It is said that this is where the famous maniac met the second and fifth of his victims: Annie Chapman and Mary Janet. This story has given the establishment a sinister yet appealing reputation. That’s why fans of scary stories are frequent guests.
In 1976, the pub was renamed Jack the Ripper. However, 12 years later, the city authorities decided that it was too much and returned the former name. By the way, The Ten Bells can be seen in the movie From Hell starring Johnny Depp.
The Library Bar
It might not be the best pub in London but still a cozy place for bookworms. A chance to experience the atmosphere of a true British salon is presented by The Library Bar, whose historic drinks menu reproduces its pedigree through rare whiskies, armagnacs and cognacs.
Step into this quintessential British library of bygone times, where the excellent staff are at your service while you relax in deep leather armchairs surrounded by leather bound books, low lighting, a fire in the fireplace and views of Hyde Park. The bar does resemble the library of a country estate, but the most interesting of the books is the extensive menu, which is particularly impressive for vintage cognacs (up to £1,200 for a sip of a 1789 collector’s brandy). The appetizers chapter is much more concise, with the lobster club sandwich as a must-try.
Pubs with Great Food and Drink Selection
Some people come to pubs not only for alcohol beverages and beer snacks but culinary masterpieces. Below, we’ll tell you about a couple of places for gourmets.
The Old Bell Tavern
The Old Bell Tavern is a part of Nicholson’s Pubs chain and is a traditional English pub with all its necessary components: excellent ale, appetizing snacks, hospitable staff and most importantly – a long and interesting history. The pub was built according to the project of the famous English architect Christopher Wren for masons who were rebuilding St. Bride’s Church after the Great Fire.
Although The Old Bell Tavern has changed a lot over the years – from the owner to the name (it was originally called The Swan) – the original English atmosphere and old stained glass windows of this pub London remain unchanged.
Lamb & Flag
This small pub in Covent Garden was once known by Londoners as the ‘Bucket of Blood’ because of the amount of blood spilled. Many visitors liked to have fist fights at the pub. In 1679, the poet John Dryden was beaten up in the alley by order of Earl John Wilmot. Today, Lamb & Flag has a more convivial atmosphere and is considered an authentic pub with its own special history and, of course, different types of meat stakes: from pork to lamb.
Stop by on a Sunday for a whisky collection and a jazz night, which Lamb & Flag has been hosting since 1993.
Pubs with Live Music and Events
A British pub absolutely has to be a loud place. That is why you can find many music places around.
The Old Blue Last
The Old Blue Last was built in 1700 on the site of Britain’s first theater, which dates back to Roman times. Throughout the Victorian era, it was a working-class pub, and in the early 20th century, it became a brothel and one of the most notorious places in Shoreditch.
In 2004, the pub was bought out by The Vice UK, the British division of Lifestyle magazine about youth and subcultures. It allowed The Old Blue Last to become a music venue for various artists and bands.
In the early years, Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons, Lily Allen, Arctic Monkeys, the Horrors, and many others performed here. Today, up-and-coming bands still play here – who knows, maybe real fame and success await them at The Old Blue Last.
The George Tavern
The legendary pub The George Tavern is located in the heart of London’s East End, on the site of the Halfway House, which was built here in the mid-seventeenth century. The place was mentioned in texts by Geoffrey Chofer, Samuel Pips and Charles Dickens. The current building was built between 1820-1825, and became a pub as early as 1862.
Today the landlady of The George Tavern is the English artist Pauline Forster. In 2002, she bought the pub at an auction and turned it into a center of attraction for musicians from all over the world. The Magic Numbers, Kodaline, John Cooper Clarke, Nick Cave, Anna Calvi and Sir Roger Penrose have all performed on The George Tavern stage. By the way, in 2008 The George Tavern took the second place in the list of the most favorite pubs of Londoners.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Pubs in London
Wish to visit the best pub London that is not that famous? We know some underground places for you, friend!
East London Gems
East London allows its residents and guests to enjoy picturesque landscapes by the Thames.
The Anglers
The Anglers is a pleasant and very spacious place, famous for having a large kid’s playground. The thing is, in London, there are not so many restaurants and pubs with children’s playgrounds.
It’s a pleasant resident pub for the locals of this quiet (and rather expensive) neighborhood. Tourists didn’t come here even in the days when they weren’t afraid of the COVID-19. The perpetually rushing city dwellers who cross paths with colleagues for a pint are not here either, because there are no offices.
Still, there is a picturesque footbridge over the Thames, the other end of which goes straight into the park. A great place to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family. One of the best London pubs in the East, for sure.
The Mayflower Pub
This is where a lot of American tourists chill. They say that in 1620, a ship with the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the overseas voyage and founded the first European settlement in the United States (now the town of Plymouth in Massachusetts). For the British it is nothing more than a curious fact, but for Americans, it’s a sacred history: they know the ship’s name and the story beyond it by heart since their early days at school.
This construction was rebuilt several times and changed its signboards. Under its present name, it has existed only since the middle of the XX century, when it suffered from German bombings. Then, it was repaired and reopened to visitors.
Inside, it’s a cozy rough-hewn ebony space. A place like this is especially comfortable when it’s raining outside. Behind the bar, they sell British and US postage stamps – also nothing more than a curious fact, but it also adds to the charm. Once upon a time, passing sailors had too little time to run to the post office, and some pubs had rights to sell postage stamps right on the spot. So a sailor could have a pint, send a letter to his sweetheart or fellows, and get back to the ship in time.
Today, there are no sailors in the Thames and The Mayflower Pub selling stamps to tourists.
West London Hideaways
The best pubs in central London or in the West are ready to open their doors to tourists!
The Spaniards Inn
West London’s Hammersmith neighborhood has been brewing classic ales since at least 1585. Charles Dickens, who sought inspiration here between beers, mentioned this pub in his first novel, The Posthumous Notes of the Pickwick Club. The oak tables in the shade of the English garden have historically attracted not only great writers, but also popular outlaws – the road was perfectly visible from here. By the way, the reputation of an old establishment does not contradict the seasonal dishes on the menu and a huge selection of fresh beer.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
This is where all British literature bohemia used to chill out and drink. Mark Twain, Dickens, Conan Doyle, Chesterton, and Woodhouse liked to spend an evening in a pub full of dark charm. Dickens wasted no time: he wrote off several characters from the regulars and mentioned the pub in his Tale of Two Cities.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has been in existence since 1538, but after the Great Fire of London, it was rebuilt in 1667. Interestingly, the cellar of the historic pub was once part of a monastery, and the upper floor was a brothel. In the middle of the last century the tiles with erotic drawings were given to the Museum of London.
Tips for Visiting London Pubs
Finding the best pubs central London is only half the battle. You also have to master the local etiquette and traditions based on different seasons.
Pub Etiquette
Most tourists wonder about the tips for waiters in British pubs. How should you know if the selected restaurant charges a service charge? No worries! The extra fee will show up on the invoice, and in this case, the service will be checked as included. In the event that it appears on the bill, you will not need to leave a separate tip.
However, this is not a mandatory fee, so it is possible to request its cancellation if you were not satisfied with the service and/or treatment received. In pubs, it is not obligatory to leave a tip, and the same is true in chain cafeterias or fast food restaurants.
The opening hours of pubs are strictly regulated: from 11 am to 3 pm and from 6 pm to 11 pm. It is allowed to buy and consume alcohol in pubs from the age of 18. Children under 14 are allowed only in pubs that have a children’s certificate, and only when accompanied by adults in the special kids’ rooms.
Last orders are accepted five minutes before closing time. Once the closing time is announced, guests can stay for 10 more minutes maximum. A bell above the bartender’s counter announces that it’s time to leave.
A pub may have a public bar and a bar-saloon. Sometimes, there is also a private bar and a “lounge.”
Seasonal Tips: Winter & Summer Visits
Visiting destinations during winter or summer offers unique experiences, but proper planning is key to making the most of your trip.
- Winter Visits
Whether you’re heading to a ski resort or exploring winter festivals, dressing appropriately is crucial. Layering is your best friend—start with thermal undergarments, add insulating layers, and finish with waterproof outerwear. Accessories like gloves, scarves, and thermal socks are equally important to keep warm. When driving to the chosen pub or bar, ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires and emergency supplies.
- Summer Visits
Summer is perfect for outdoor adventures and beach vacations. Prioritize staying hydrated and wearing breathable clothing to combat the heat. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are must-haves to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. Beer is the best option when it gets too hot, but still don’t forget about water!
- General Tips
Regardless of the season, always check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak holiday times, to avoid last-minute stress. Thus, we suggest that you reserve a table in any pub from the list ahead.
Winter or summer, every season has its own unique allure in London. With proper preparation, your visit to this magnificent city with its outstanding pubs will be unforgettable!
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