Best Pubs in London to Grab a Pint

The history of Britain’s much-loved modern pub can be traced all the way back to Roman times. But we have the good ol’ Victorians to thank for the word “pub,” which is abbreviated from “Public House.” These days, the humble pub is a British institution. For Brits, they are as culturally important as Shakespeare and fish and chips!

For a proper pint and some hearty bar snacks (scotch egg, anyone?) at a traditional English boozer, head to London, where there is always a great pub within walking distance. Here’s a rundown of the best pubs in London to grab a pint.

Lamb and Flag

• $$-$$$
• Neighborhood: Covent Garden
• Address: 33 Rose Street, Covent Garden, London
• Website: lambandflagcoventgarden.co.uk

Tucked down a cobblestone alley in the iconic Covent Garden, the Lamb and Flag is one of the oldest pubs in West London. Stop at this historic spot for a refreshing pint of ale as a well-deserved break while exploring London’s beautiful West End.

If you like a side of history with your beer, you’ll love this place: the Lamb and Flag dates back 250 years. Back then, it was known as The Coopers Arms — it didn’t become known as the Lamb and Flag until 1833. Bare-knuckle prize fights were held here in the early 19th century, and Charles Dickens was also a regular patron. Thankfully, there’s less bare-knuckle fighting here these days!

Wetherspoons The Knights Templar

• $
• Neighborhood: Chancery Lane
• Address: 95 Chancery Lane, Off Carey Street, Near Fleet Street, London
• Website: jdwetherspoon.com

it’s an unofficial law that you can’t visit England without trying a Wetherspoons chain pub. Known for its cheap drinks and no-frills decor, it’s a great option for tighter budgets. Located on a 12th-century lane near Fleet Street, this historic pub took its current name from the ancient order of warrior monks who hung out here when they weren’t busy crusading.

Unusually, one of the most spectacular features of this pub is the ladies’ toilets! Opulently decorated with sofas and statures, it’s worth having a pint here just so you can use them. You won’t find any warrior monks here these days, but you might spot a barrister or two having a stiff drink after a day at the nearby Royal Courts.

The Grenadier

• $$ – $$$
• Neighborhood: Belgravia
• Address: 18 Wilton Row, London
• Website: grenadierbelgravia.com

Considered one of the best gastropubs in London, visitors to The Grenadier will not only be delighted by the food but also the endless selection of hand-pulled cask ales.

Legend has it that The Grenadier is haunted by a soldier named Cedric, who was killed there after being caught cheating at cards. The ceiling is covered in bills from well-meaning patrons, hoping to pay off what Cedric owed. But don’t let the spooky history put you off — The Grenadier is a welcoming spot serving delicious Sunday roasts and pub grub.

The Newman Arms

• $$ – $$$
• Neighborhood: Fitzrovia
• Address: 23 Rathbone Street, London
• Website: thenewmanarms.co.uk

Thought by many to be the inspiration for George Orwell’s ‘Proles’ pub in his novel 1984, The Newman Arms has been operating since 1730 and was integral to Fitzrovia’s 20th-century literary scene.

After a period of closure, The Newman Arms reopened in 2018, having been purchased by London-based Truman Brewery. These days, this pub is loved by locals for its cozy and unpretentious vibe. Check out the pub’s classic wood-clad basement bar nicknamed ‘The Prole’s Parlour’, where you can wash down a homemade pie with a pint of Truman’s delicious real ale.

The Guinea Grill

• $$ – $$$
• Neighborhood: Mayfair
• Address: 30 Bruton Place, London
• Website: theguinea.co.uk

The Guinea Grill is a Mayfair institution not to be missed. Known for its high-quality meats and ales, patrons can enjoy Young’s beer in the classic old pub in the front and top-class Aberdeen Angus steaks in the grill at the back.

It’s not just locals and tourists in the know about The Guinea Grill; famous faces Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Michael Douglas have dined here. The opulent dining room’s decor hasn’t changed in decades, giving guests a taste of old-school London alongside what may well be the best steak of your life.

Ship and Shovell

• $$ – $$$
• Neighborhood: Charing Cross
• Address: 1-3 Craven Passage, London
• Website: shipandshovell.co.uk

Located just behind Charing Cross, The Ship and Shovel is uniquely split into two halves on either side of Craven Passage. The two parts are linked by an underground tunnel that also houses the kitchen and cellar, and whichever side of the pub you choose, you’ll find that it’s brimming with Victorian character.

The Ship and Shovel is a great pub to incorporate into your West End theater plans, and there’s a great menu on offer for light lunches and hearty dinners. We recommend sampling the award-winning Badger Beers Best Bitter and Tangle Footm, but there is also a wide range of spirits, wines, and soft drinks on offer.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

• $$ – $$$
• Neighborhood: Fleet Street
• Address: 145 Fleet Street, London
• Website: ye-olde-cheshire-cheese.co.uk

The famous and historic Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is hidden down an alley in the heart of London’s publishing district. Rebuilt following the great fire of London in 1667, this Sam Smith’s pub is known for its affordable beer, firelit bar, and split-level drinking dens that seem to go on forever. The cellars have plenty of seating for larger groups, too.

Dating back to the 1500s, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese was frequented by prominent literary figures, including Dr. Samuel Johnson and George Orwell. Charles Dickens even featured this pub in A Tale of Two Cities. And if it’s good enough for Dickens, it’s good enough for us!

The French House

• $$ – $$$
• Neighborhood: Soho
• Address: 49 Dean Street, London
• Website: frenchhousesoho.com

The French House has a no music, television, or mobile phones policy, which makes it a great place for low-tech lovers and quiet conversationalists. It’s also the perfect spot for wine enthusiasts, with a choice of 30 wines and champagnes by the glass. Beer only comes in half pints, too, so you can try twice as many!

This pub has a fascinating history: Charles de Gaulle used it as his office during the Second World War, and artist Francis Bacon was a frequent patron. There is never a dull day in The French House. Pop in for a pint during the afternoon and see if you can spot anyone you recognize.

Pride of Spitalfields

• $
• Neighborhood: Spitalfields
• Address: 3 Heneage Street, London

The Pride has resisted following other pubs around hyper-trendy Brick Lane and Shoreditch, which increasingly cater to the hipster crowd for which the area is known. Instead, this well-loved institution provides a glimpse into the old-school East End, with its net curtains, patterned carpet, and resident cat.

This lively ‘local’ pub offers patrons a big welcome from behind the tiny bar, where you can order a beautifully kept, hand-pulled real ale. You could describe the Pride of Spitalfields as a ‘proper boozer,’ which makes it a great place for visitors in London to experience real pub culture.

Prospect of Whitby

• $$-$$$
• Neighborhood: Wapping
• Address: 57 Wapping Wall, London
• Website: greeneking-pubs.co.uk

The Prospect of Whitby in East London is one of London’s few riverside pubs and has spectacular views of the River Thames. If you’re lucky enough to be in London on a sunny day, head straight to the spacious beer garden where you can watch the waters over to Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.

The Prospect of Whitby’s flagstone floor dates all the way back to 1520 and adds a real sense of historic charm to this pub. Back in the 16th century, it was known as the Devil’s Tavern because of the unsavory antics of the sailors who drank there. The customers are slightly better behaved these days, so you can grab a pint of Greene King’s finest beer and soak up the atmosphere in peace.

Holly Bush

• $$-$$$
• Neighborhood: Hampstead
• Address: 22 Holly Mount, London
• Website: hollybushhampstead.co.uk

Hampstead isn’t short of fine pubs, but the stunning Grade-II listed building and desirable location near the tube station put the Holly Bush at the front of the pack. This pub belongs to Fuller’s, a popular English brewery, so you know that the beer will be well-kept and totally delicious.

Standing proudly at the top of Holly Mount, the Holly Bush is a short walk from Hampstead Heath. The interiors are cozy and perfect for dark evenings, but there is also outside seating available for drinks in warmer weather. Treat yourself to a pint of Fuller’s finest after a summer stroll on the heath, or hunker down with a Sunday roast by the fire on a wintery afternoon.

The Auld Shillelagh

• $$
• Neighborhood: Stoke Newington
• Address: 105 Stoke Newington Church Street, London
• Website: theauldshillelagh.co.uk

Looking for an authentic Irish pub in the heart of London? Look no further than The Auld Shillelagh in trendy Stoke Newington, one of North London’s liveliest neighborhoods. Run by an Irish landlord, this pub hosts live music gigs by its resident band every Friday and prides itself on serving the best pint of Guinness in London.

The Auld Shillelagh shows sports on multiple big screens and is a brilliant place to watch live football, rugby, or almost anything else that you’re into. In the summer, take your pint of the black stuff and sit in the suntrap garden to soak up London’s famously fun beer garden atmosphere.

The Churchill Arms

• $$-$$$
• Neighborhood: Kensington
• Address: 119 Kensington Church Street, London
• Website: churchillarmskensington.co.uk

Named after the former Prime Minister, The Churchill Arms dates back to 1750 and was frequented by Winston Churchill’s grandparents in the 1800s. Churchill’s birthday is celebrated every year in this pub, so if you’re in town in late November, stop in to toast this British legend.

The Churchill Arms is often described as London’s prettiest pub, and its incredible flower displays have won awards at the Chelsea Flower Show. Another unexpected twist is that Thai food is served at The Churchill Arms. This may sound strange, but give it a try, and you’ll see why tourists and regulars alike love this place.

The Dove

• $$-$$$
• Neighborhood: Hammersmith
• Address: 19 Upper Mall, London
• Website: dovehammersmith.co.uk

Situated on the River Thames, The Dove has been part of London life for centuries. Charles II visited here with his mistress Nell Gwyn and many other historic faces have stopped off here for a pint or two.

This is a hugely popular pub during summer when drinkers come here for a pint in the vine-entangled conservatory or in the sunshine on the riverside terrace. Drinkers also spill out onto the footpath that runs alongside the Thames, giving it a lively community vibe that Londoners and visitors love. This is also a great spot to watch The Boat Race, a famous and fiercely contested set of rowing races between the Cambridge and Oxford University Boat Clubs.

Ye Old Mitre

• $$
• Neighborhood: Hatton Garden
• Address: 1 Ely Court, London
• Website: yeoldemitreholborn.co.uk

Standing on land that the Bishop of Ely owned, Ye Old Mitre was once a refuge for felons hiding from the City of London constabulary, as it wasn’t technically part of London. It is also notoriously hard to find!

Set in Ely Court, a tiny alleyway off Hatton Garden, this traditional pub was originally built in 1546, rebuilt in 1782, and then refitted in 1930. Rumour has it that Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Christopher Hatton once danced around a cherry tree in the garden. Now owned by Fuller’s, it serves real ales on tap and simple pub grub to eat.

The Faltering Fullback

• $$ – $$$
• Neighborhood: Finsbury Park
• Address: 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, London
• Website: falteringfullback.com

The Faltering Fullback is situated just around the corner from Finsbury Park Station. It’s known for being one of the best sports pubs in the city and is kitted out with big screens showing every major sporting event.

This is an Irish pub, so a good pint of Guinness is to be expected, but a great selection of craft beers and lagers is also available. The biggest attraction of all is the maze-like, multi-level beer garden. Get there early to grab a seat during the summer months when Finsbury Park locals head here for a refreshing drink in the sunshine.

The Harp

• $$
• Neighborhood: Covent Garden
• Address: 47 Chandos Place, London
• Website: harpcoventgarden.com

The Harp is a CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) award winner, offering an ever-changing selection of around 20 brews. The excellent quality beer makes this pub a favorite spot for connoisseurs of the amber nectar, and the stained glass windows make it feel super cozy.

The Jerusalem Tavern

• $
• Neighborhood: Farringdon
• Address: 55 Britton Street, London
• Website: stpetersbrewery.co.uk

The historic Jerusalem Tavern has been owned and operated by Suffolk-based St Peter’s Brewery since 1996 and is well-situated in Clerkenwell, Central London. Usually bustling with drinkers sampling the real ales, it’s everything you could want from a traditional London pub. Patrons can even purchase five-liter mini-kegs of the Suffolk ale to take home with them.

Grab a Pint and Take a Sip of London

These are just a small selection of our favorite places to grab a pint in London. There are many other pubs in the city brimming with history and waiting to transport you back through time.

Finding them all is one thing; remembering where to find them after a few points is something else completely! Cheers!