The Best Pubs in London
Editors Note: Updated October 2018
Everyone who’s been to the Royal Capital has an opinion on the Best Pubs in London. One of things I miss the most when I’m away from London (or the UK) is a properly poured pint. There are few more quintessentially British experiences than sitting in a historic pub and having great conversation while sipping a superb pint of hand pulled ale. Pubs in London, and all over the UK, offer travelers a chance to slow down and get a glimpse into the social center of British culture.
Over the last decade, the farm-to-table movement and gastropubs have revolutionized British gastronomy and pubs all over the UK. London is full of excellent pubs, but these are the ones that I like due to their beer selection, ambiance, location and great food. Centrally located, you can easily stumble between these pubs like a pin ball while walking, taking the bus or tube. None of these pubs are part of a chain or bigger corporation. Stay away from those as they will only offer you high prices, boring food and bad service.
If you are headed to London, don’t miss these historic pubs that serve great beer and excellent food in a traditional ambiance. Below is my list of the best pubs in London.
The Best Pubs in London
Pub #1 Ye Old Cheshire Cheese
145 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2BU
Super historic and a must stop on any Fleet St tour or pub crawl. Rebuilt shortly after the great fire of 1666. It’s a labyrinth and cavernous inside with lots of different nooks and cranny’s. The food can be hit or miss but the atmosphere is well worth it. They serve the Sam Smith brand of beers.
Pub #2 Lamb & Flag
Rose Street
London WC2E 9EB
United Kingdom
Right around the corner from Covent Garden and Leicester Square, it’s just enough off the tourist track for a local experience. Great for a pint before catching a show on the West End. They serve the Fuller’s Brand of Beers and seasonal proper British ales. The food is traditional british pub food. Charles Dickens drank here. If you want to be transported to Victorian England, drink here.
The enormous after work crows enjoying a pint at one of my locals The Lamb & Flag #travel #pubs #uk #british #foodie
15 Likes, 0 Comments – Angel Castellanos (@angels_travels) on Instagram: “The enormous after work crows enjoying a pint at one of my locals The Lamb & Flag #travel #pubs #uk…”
Pub #3 Red Lion
2 Duke of York Street
London SW1Y 6JP
The Red Lion is kind of hard to find but this is my go to place if I’m anywhere around St. James/Picaddilly/Mayfair area. Located behind Wren’s St. James Church in Picadilly, this spot is small and cozy. Usually best to grab a pint and drink outside. They serve the Fuller’s Brand of Beers. Free Wifi. Traditional British Pub food. Wooden interior and etched glass.
Pub #4 Golden Lion
25 King Street
London SW1Y 6QY
Not too far from the Red Lion. It always seems like I’m the only foreigner in this place. If you want a place to eat, best to head upstairs. There is a hunting theme downstairs and more of a theatrical theme upstairs. The Golden Lion serves one of the best burgers I’ve ever had in the UK. Stained glass windows and friendly staff.
Pub of the day: The Golden Lion. Est 1721. #travel #pubs #beer #london #foodie
13 Likes, 0 Comments – Angel Castellanos (@angels_travels) on Instagram: “Pub of the day: The Golden Lion. Est 1721. #travel #pubs #beer #london #foodie”
Lunch today. #Organic beef burger with #English Cheddar. Seriously one of the best burgers I’ve had outside the USA. #foodie #foodporn #travel
17 Likes, 1 Comments – Angel Castellanos (@angels_travels) on Instagram: “Lunch today. #Organic beef burger with #English Cheddar. Seriously one of the best burgers I’ve had…”
Pub #5 Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church Street
London W8 7LN
This is my South Kensington gem. Gorgeous foliage decorates the outside. It usually makes the best pubs in London list due to the colorful flowers that decorate the exterior. True to its name, this pub is overflowing with memorabilia honoring the greatest Briton, Winston Churchill. The Churchill Arms serves decent Thai food at a great price instead of traditional pub fare. Plenty of great beers and ales on tap.
There are many more to choose from and many more pints to be had. All of the above are centrally located and great for travelers visiting central London.
Pub #6 Windsor Castle
14 Campden Hill Rd, Kensington,
London W8 7AR, UK
Awesome low key pub that also serves an amazing pint in a Victorian setting. They have an outside patio so if you visit in the summer be sure to head to the back. I try not to miss Sunday lunch here. I hesitated putting this on my best pubs in London list because it’s off the beaten path and very local.
For more info on London, CLICK HERE, for my article on London Basic Travel Tips
