16 Iconic Pubs To Go to In London (+ Our Bucket Listing)

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Fancy a cheeky pint and undecided what essentially the most iconic pubs in London are? Who doesn’t need the reply to this query. Nonetheless, with over 3,500 pubs to select from, it’s nearly inconceivable for anybody to definitively reply it.

Going to a pub is a quintessentially English factor to do. Pubs have been part of British tradition for centuries, and are the locations the place folks meet family and friends to socialize, watch a reside band play, dine on farm-to-table meals, and become involved in an excellent ol’ usual chinwag (that’s Brit communicate for dialog).

Being an enormous a part of British heritage and tradition, any outdated pub received’t do. You bought to hunt out the perfect of the perfect, not simply the closest to vacationer sights.

That’s the place we are available in. We’ve put collectively this information to essentially the most iconic pubs to go to in London which give worldwide guests a really feel for the pub tradition, join them to England’s historical past, and perhaps even discover some pleasant locals to have interaction in banter with (one other Brit phrase for light-hearted dialog).

Probably the most iconic pubs in London

Nearly any pub you stroll into will supply you a similar ambiance – the odor of beer soaked carpet, the sound of laughter and males cheering, a fruit machine buzzing within the nook cozy, and a pleasant barman welcomes you with a smile and probably a “hiya guys!”

Pubs in London are typically a heat expertise, regardless of if you’re visiting as a household or with associates. However pubs are available in many sizes and shapes, some are fashionable and a few are historic, and a few have rowdy regulars you may wish to keep away from. So we’ve listed a variety of several types of pub beneath that we’ve visted and loved.

1. Lamb & Flag, Covent Backyard

What a pleasant discover this outdated pub tucked away down a cobblestone alley in Covent Backyard was. How I had by no means heard of the Lamb & Flag once I lived in London I’ll by no means know. 

It’s some of the well-known pubs in London and the oldest pub in Covent Backyard (the oldest pub in London continues to be up for debate, however this would definitely be a contender) with a historical past that spans 200 and fifty years. 

The very first point out of a pub on this website was in 1772, when it was often called The Coopers Arms till it turned The Lamb & Flag in 1833, though the constructing is alleged thus far again to 1623.

Within the early nineteenth Century it was often called “The Bucket of Blood,” for the bare-knuckle prize fights held right here. And the Lamb and Flag was additionally a favourite pub of Charles Dickens.

As to be anticipated, inside is slim with small rooms, creaky flooring, and ceilings made for 18th Century drinkers. I liked the little alleyway to the facet of the pub – watch your head as you duck to exit. 

Patrons will crowd the entrance entrance on a heat day – leaving extra room for you upstairs within the eating space. 

The normal English pub meals was glorious and felt just a little extra upscale than you’d anticipate (with affordable costs contemplating). We couldn’t go previous bangers and mash and pie and mash! 

This can be a nice pub to go to if you find yourself exploring the West Finish of London. That’s the area of Covent Backyard, Leicester Sq., and Soho.

2. The Founder’s Arms, Southwark

The Founder’s Arms was one among our favourite pubs in London due to the magnificent views of the River Thames, Millennium Bridge, St Paul’s, and the North Financial institution. 

Fingers crossed you’ll be able to snag a desk outdoors, particularly if the solar is out and you’ve got a uncommon t-shirt climate day. (Luck was in our favor!)

They’ve flooring to ceiling views from inside by their glass home windows so you’ll be able to’t go flawed even if you’re caught inside.

Pimm’s & Lemonade is the drink to match this London view. And this might be an awesome spot for a pub lunch as nicely. I used to be very happy with my chips and mayo – a favourite London dish I ate nearly each day. For the People, that’s chips as in fries.

The Founder’s Arms is close to many London sights together with St Paul’s, Tate Trendy gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and Borough Markets.

3. The Anchor – Bankside, Southwark

The Anchor Bankside was a favourite London pub of ours for its historical past and River Thames location in Southwark. Its giant beer backyard with its personal tiki bar was enjoyable.

The Anchor’s historical past dates again to the 1600s, however the present pub was constructed within the 1800s! It’s stated to have been frequented by none apart from Shakespeare! It’s additionally on the location of a Roman grave and plague pit. 

On a sunny day, will probably be arduous to discover a place within the beer backyard or rooftop, BUT, you’ll be able to simply simply stand on the cobblestone walkway in entrance. It’s the London method. 

The Anchor is surrounded by many London sights and is close to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, London Bridge, and Borough Markets, and the Clink Museum.

4. Waxy O’ Connors, West Finish

At all times a favourite from my days dwelling in London was Waxy O’Connor’s, an Irish pub positioned on the sting of Soho / Leicester Sq.. Because it’s not likely baby pleasant, we didn’t go to on our final journey to London, however I like to recommend you do!

The explanation I most love this London pub is the gigantic tree rising in the course of it. We’ve the same pub in Raleigh, however the tree is nowhere close to as spectacular.

Sitting amongst tree branches and tree trunks carved right into a seating space feels such as you’ve been transported into magical Pixie Land. And if you become bored with that, you discover the labyrinth of 4 distinctive bars protecting six ranges all linked collectively by a maze of staircases and passages.

This can be a celebration place for certain – particularly on St Patrick’s Day, throughout reside sporting video games, and once they have reside music. Come early as this place will get packed. Waxy’s is an iconic London pub to not miss – particularly for an excellent time!

5. The Crown & Anchor, Covent Backyard

We loved this small pub in Covent Backyard unfold out over two flooring. We met up with a good friend right here for dinner – gluten free fish and chips with scrumptious mushy peas and nice sausage rolls for the children!

The employees listed here are very pleasant. The downstairs can get crowded rapidly, and with our youngsters we loved the extra consolation and house of the lounge upstairs – though you’ll most likely need to go downstairs to order.

They’re positioned within the Seven Dials space of Covent Backyard proper close to the meals market, and plenty of purchasing streets (nice in your teen! Covent Backyard was on our London for teenagers checklist). It’s not an outdated pub for London requirements, opening within the early 1900s, which is taken into account fashionable for London’s requirements!

It’s additionally very near a number of West Finish theatres so its nice for pre or post-theatre meals and drinks.

6. Tattershall Fortress on the River Thames

A favourite sunny day trip once I lived in London was a few pints on the Queen Mary floating on the River Thames on the embankment. She is now not there!

However, you’ve gotten choices for the same expertise at Tattershall Fortress. Sit on the deck underneath that tilted purple and blue chimney with a drink and views of the London Eye.

Earlier than being a raucous London Pub, she was a floating artwork gallery and passenger ferry on the Humber Estuary within the Nineteen Seventies.

This can be a distinctive London pub expertise. Additionally they have meals, specializing in fish and chips – and a child’s menu!

7. Edinboro Fortress Pub, Camden

Certainly one of our favourite pubs in London (we went right here twice) was the beer backyard of the Edinboro Fortress Pub close to Camden.

Situated a couple of streets again from the primary Camden City and fewer grungy than most of the different pubs within the area, the Edinboro is an excellent place to relaxation your toes, absorb neighborhood vibes with a scrumptious pub lunch and native brew.

The beer backyard is decked out with small purple heated ingesting cubicles and lights strung up between the shady bushes. Inside is simply as good should you want that.

On Sundays, they’ve their Sunday roast, which, apart from the Yorkshire Pudding, is gluten free, together with the gravy!

They’d a scrumptious gluten free beer on faucet right here too. Should you go to on every other day of the week, it’s nonetheless value coming to the Edinboro for lunch, and even only a pint.

8. Hawley Arms, Camden

Often known as Amy Winehouse’s pub as a result of she frequented it typically, however would additionally bounce behind the bar to tug pints for drinkers. (see the poster if her within the prime left window within the {photograph} above!)

The Hawley Arms has the Camden really feel of outdated – punk, grunge, and stuffed with enjoyable. It’s an eclectic combine of individuals and deep conversations in quiet corners and raucous laughter on the ground.

It’s liable to singing and dancing breakouts by employees and clientele. There’s an upstairs addition to the pub that now hosts reside music occasions, and plenty of well-known folks could be seen right here. A few of which embrace Liam Gallagher, Kate Moss, and Pete Doherty.

9. Dublin Fortress, Camden

Dublin Fortress is a legendary London pub for its reside music scene that has spanned many years. It has been ran by the identical household for over 28 years and options 4 reside bands each evening in addition to an awesome number of beers, ciders and wines.

It might really feel just a little grungy while you stroll in with its dim lighting and posters plastered over the purple partitions, however that’s precisely whey folks prefer it.

There isn’t a stuffy pretense wanted right here. It’s merely a spot to show up along with your mates for an excellent time listening to good music!

The Dublin Fortress helped begin the careers of Blur, Coldplay, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys and Muse! It was additionally frequented by Amy Winehouse.

10. The Plough Pub, Bloomsbury

This can be a nice watering gap within the coronary heart of Bloomsbury in London, and a brief stroll from the British Museum. The pub has been been round since late Victorian instances, and was as soon as often called the ‘Child’s Backside’, probably for its as soon as pink coloration.

It was frequented by artists and writers earlier than the warfare. Bloomsbury was an space the place many well-known folks lived and roamed together with Virginia Woolf, Charles Darwin, and Charles Dickens.

Our good associates from Raleigh, Curt and Jenny, beneficial The Plough Pub to us as their favourite pub in London. Curt’s dad’s ashes sit on this pub, so we popped in to say G’day and have a drink with him.

There’s first flooring lounge room with further seating, however it was closed once we visited. It’s a clear and conventional wanting London pub and is sort of small. Service was very pleasant!

11. Camden Head Pub, The Angel

Should you’re exploring the Angel Islington area of North London, it’s possible you’ll wish to cease in on the Camden Head Pub for lunch and a pint.

We discovered our method right here after visiting Platform 9 and three/4 at Kings Cross Station and exploring a couple of Harry Potter movie places within the space. 

There’s a very cute pedestrian avenue referred to as Islington’s Camden Passage which is known for its vintage markets and unbiased outlets. Tucked away right here is the Camden Head Pub with a big terrace overlooking the Passage. 

The Camden Head was first established in 1849 as a tavern on Islington Inexperienced and rebuilt in 1899. 

This pub is what is called a basic gin palace – the ancestor to pubs. Inside you’ll discover an inside that fits this elaborate Victorian type with wooden paneling, chandeliers, engraved window panes for a contact of glamour. We had an awesome pub lunch right here. I liked its homely ambiance.

12. The Gipsy Moth, Greenwich

Consistent with the maritime really feel of Greenwich in Southeast London is the quirky Gypsy Moth, named after the small boat by which Sir Francis Chichester sailed single-handedly around the globe.

With its darkish blue inside, picket flooring, grand bar, picket wall lining, and nautical art work you’ll really feel such as you’re about to set sail beside the well-known Cutty Sark you’ll be able to see from outdoors the window or from the beer backyard out again. 

We solely stopped in right here for a drink, however you’ll additionally discover a menu with conventional pub favorites.

The close by Cutty Sark pub is a Greenwich establishment. It’s greater than 200 years outdated and has an awesome riverside terrace and views throughout the Thames.

Close to right here in Greenwich is the Cutty Sark Museum, Royal Naval Museum, Queen’s Home, and Royal Observatory – all incredible issues to do in London!

13. Hereford Arms, South Kensington

The Hereford Arms was merely steps away from our resort, the Millennium Gloucester in South Kensington. 

This Vicotirian pub constructed within the late nineteenth century had fairly a refined, cozy appeal about it with its rustic picket inside, quirky mismatch of furnishings and wall hangings, and white exterior with flower packing containers on the home windows. 

It’s rumored to be the ingesting hang-out of Jack the Ripper, however since nobody is aware of who that was, that story can’t be confirmed.

We got here only for a drink however the menu regarded fairly spectacular with its conventional pub meals blended in with extra unique and fashionable sounding meals like lamb neck filets, roasted butternut squash, and asparagus cheese tarts

Ideally positioned for exploring Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Knightsbridge.

14. The Stanhope Arms, South Kensington

One other pub in South Kensington positioned throughout the highway from our resort. 

I liked experiencing the extra neighborhood vibe of those pubs, and the Stanhope had fairly an upbeat ambiance with an excellent mixture of ages and folks. 

Because it’s proper throughout from Gloucester Highway tube station, the Stanhope Arms will see an fascinating combine of individuals revolving by every day from enterprise folks and vacationers through the day to extra native and college students within the night.

The Stanhope pub was in-built 1835, and has been visited by many well-known folks resembling soccer icons Dennis Smart, Frank Lampard and the American actress, Eliza Dushku.

15. The Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Markets

As quickly as we walked previous and I noticed the “blokey” vibe of the after-work drinkers spilling outdoors on the cobblestoned lanes of the market, I knew we had been within the Liverpool St space of London!

That is Bankerville and I used to serve comparable clientele in a pub I labored in across the nook close to Liverpool St Station. 

Whereas we didn’t go to the Lamb Tavern in Leadenhall Markets, we did pop in for a fast lavatory break and I liked the gorgeous outdated and small inside and the Rickety metallic spiral staircase main upstairs. 

The Lamb Tavern has been working as a bar since 1790. The menu is impressed from Leadenhall markets’ heritage of meat, poultry and sport and their Sunday roast is common. Their first flooring restaurant overlooks the market. 

I wished to advocate this pub as I favored the look of it and wished we’d stayed for a drink, however principally due to its location within the gorgeous Leadenhall Markets in Central London.

These stunning coated markets had been initially established in 1321 as a marketplace for butchers and fishmongers (Nonetheless historical past says it was the middle of Roman London as a bazaar space within the 1st Century!)

A lot of the ornately adorned inside and cobbled laneways that you just see preserved right this moment is from a redesign in 1881.

It’s now a purchasing precinct with stylish bars, cute cafes, boutique shops and a few taverns. One of many causes vacationers come right here is that it was used as the outside for Diagon Alley within the first couple of Harry Potter movies.

16. Slug and Lettuce, Richmond

Slug and Lettuce is a sequence of pubs common with college students. They get a nasty rep due to this clientele, however the S&L in Richmond is something however a dank, dive bar scholar pub.

I’d continuously go to the Slug and Lettuce on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond once I lived in London. 

Whereas it’s an space a primary time traveler to London might not go to, if you’re a returning customer, or a traveler with much more time and want to discover London’s neighborhood – and a quieter, native vibe – this will likely be a incredible day journey in London. 

This can be a standout London pub merely for its riverside location and views. Fortunately, it’s all collectively an awesome pub expertise as nicely for everybody in your touring celebration. 

The Slug and Lettuce is a enjoyable English pub chain, normally attracting a youthful crowd (particularly at evening), and are adorned with a Bridgerton floral, color-pop vibe. You’ll typically discover nice offers on foods and drinks too. 

They’ve actually cheap youngsters meals, who’re welcome till 8pm. 

And if you wish to add a contact of English class to this London pub expertise, the Slug & Lettuce has a excessive tea for you at an inexpensive worth. 

You’ll be able to mix lunch right here with a go to to the close by Kew Gardens, the Tudor Palace of Hampton Court docket, or the gorgeous Richmond Park. And I extremely advocate taking a stroll alongside the river whereas right here.

Extra London pubs on our Bucket Listing

There are such a lot of different pubs we didn’t get to go to, however are on our checklist because of suggestions from others. Listed below are some prime contenders on our checklist to take a look at subsequent time:

• The Churchill Arms in Kensington. This common hang-out of Winston Churchill’s in West London is thought to be one of many prettiest pubs in London with its flower-clad façade. It was in-built 1750 and is among the oldest pubs within the metropolis.
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on the opposite facet in East London (in Fleet Avenue), is that this historic pub rebuilt after the good Fireplace of London and frequented by Charles Dickens. 
• In-built 1550, the Mayflower is the oldest pub on the Thames. People will love figuring out that this London pub is near the place the Pilgrim Fathers set sail in 1620 for the (now) USA.
• Ye Olde Mitre, Excessive Holborn, established 1546 and constructed by Bishop Goodrich and is alleged to have been frequented by Queen Elizabeth I and her favorite member of court docket, Sir Christopher Hatton.
• The Dove in Hammersmith was as soon as within the Guinness Bork of Information for having the smallest bar within the UK. It’s rumoured King Charles II visited right here together with his mistress. 
• The Viaduct Tavern, close to St Paul’s Cathedral is rumored to be constructed on the location of a former jail. This gin palace nonetheless has 5 cells seen within the basement. 
• Mentioned to be London’s oldest pub, The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping, although it’s nonetheless out for debate. Established in 1520 and identified to draw smugglers, thieves, and pirates, which gave it the nickname “the Satan’s Tavern.”
• The Spaniard’s Inn in Hampstead is alleged to be the place to stumble upon a contemporary movie star because it’s positioned in one among London’s most prosperous neighbourhoods. It’s the Beverly Hills of London and the place celebrities reside to “get away” from all of it.
• The Grenadier Belgravia is a tiny pub which is known for being “some of the haunted pubs in London.” It has yellowed newspapers on its partitions explaining its haunted historical past.
• The Grapes, Limehouse is a pub owned by Sir Ian Mckellen, who famously performed Gandalf in Lord of the Rings.
• The George Inn, Southwark a seventeenth century pub positioned close to London Bridge and is the one surviving galleried teaching inn in London.
• Ye Olde Cock Tavern in Holborn is known for its gins. It’s a Grade II listed constructing constructed within the sixteenth century.
• The Riverside Pub Trafalgar Tavern, is alleged to have been a daily hang around for literary, creative and political folks, resembling Charles Dickens, who even used it because the setting for the marriage breakfast in his novel Our Mutual Buddy.

Issues to know earlier than visiting pubs in London

Should you’re visiting London for the primary time, listed here are some ideas and issues to learn about pub tradition in England:

• In case you are touring with youngsters like us, it’s useful to know that many London pubs received’t be household pleasant after 5pm – so all the time verify on the web site earlier than visiting! In the event that they serve meals, it is going to normally be okay to go to with youngsters, but when they don’t, then they’re unlikely to be household pleasant. Meals is the primary giveaway should you’re ever uncertain.
• Beer is pricey in London, you’re taking a look at between £7-£10 a pint, relying on how central you’re and what pub you’re in. Nonetheless, I LOVED that most of the pubs have gluten free beer and cider choices, which had been low in sugar and alcohol. It was nice to take pleasure in a drink with lunch and never stroll out buzzing like with what appears to be the usual 6.5+% beers within the USA now.
• Select a craft beer. Most pubs may have a craft beer providing from someplace native. In Camden, select a Camden Hell, or in South London, select a Gipsy Hill Brew. You will get Guinness and Carlsberg anyplace on this planet.
• Some pubs will likely be older than the existence, and a few even older than your tradition (in our case Australia) with fascinating historical past and tales to inform. Make sure to be taught the story of the place you’re visiting. Take a look at the memorabilia on the partitions and if there’s no story talked about anyplace, strike up a chat with the pub landlord, they’re normally all the time pleased to share what they know of the place.
• Many pubs, even historic pubs, will likely be owned by the identical firm. Common pub chains in England embrace Youngs, Fuller’s, and Inexperienced King. A famously low cost pub chain is named the Wetherspoon, which has actually low cost pub meals which isn’t normally good, nevertheless, they do have a tendency to purchase historic buildings and switch them into pubs. I’ve drank in outdated church buildings, factories, and renovated townhouses earlier than. They could be owned by chains, however retain their very own tales and persona. Nonetheless, it does imply you’ll discover the identical menu at a few of them.
• One factor to notice is most London pubs have a tendency to shut at 11pm, with final name drinks at 10:30pm. Once more, it is a good factor so that you don’t get temped to have a LONG evening with exploration deliberate for the following day!

Remaining ideas

Most of the pubs may have reside music, beer gardens, and stunning London views, and there’s loads of distinctive pubs with a extra fashionable, modern flare as nicely. 

What I like about pubs in England are their names, which normally have some type of animal within the title – the perfect I’ve come throughout are the Thirsty Camel, Canine & Duck, and Fox & Hound.

They could even have the phrase Queen or King in between.

Visiting a pub is a real English cultural expertise, and one of many coolest issues to do in London.

On this information, we visited all of the pubs talked about, and a few we visited within the night whereas the children stayed in our close by resort. (We’ve a teen so we will do that).

I’ll by no means be so daring as to say these are the “finest pubs in London” – who of their proper ingesting thoughts can decide that? However, they’re a couple of of our favorites after a brief time frame exploring London (and a pair thrown in that I liked visiting once I lived in London!).

Once in a while we’d combine it up with a excessive tea or a café or restaurant, however pubs had been by far our favourite.

We didn’t come near checking off all essentially the most iconic pubs in London, however at the very least we now have some extra to go to on our subsequent journey to London, as a result of we’ll undoubtedly be again.

Make sure to go away your favorites (and why) within the feedback beneath.

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Have you ever discovered a pub you’d like to go to from this checklist? Have you learnt of any extra nice pubs in London we must always add to this checklist? Inform us extra within the feedback.