Oh, the pubs of London! The capital is rightly famous for its pubs, these are havens from the hurly-burly of this great city, and a great place to while away a few hours. Many of the capital’s hostelries however also have a rich heritage of the famous and infamous who have lived, worked, schemed, brawled and drunk in them over many centuries.
We all have our own views on what makes a great pub, so there can never be a definitive list. Instead, here’s a list of some of our personal favourites for you to explore:
- The Lamb and Flag – Covent Garden – WC2E 9EB
- Tucked away from Covent Garden down an alleyway, this charming pub is full of both history and infamy. Previous drinkers have included John Dryden and Charles Dickens. It was also once the site of bare-knuckle boxing, and had the nickname of ‘the bucket of blood’! Today it’s far more refined, and is just what a pub should be – a home from home.
- https://www.lambandflagcoventgarden.co.uk/
- The Seven Stars – Temple – WC2A 2JB
- Dating back to 1602 this is another historic haunt. It’s small, quirky, and slightly down at heel, but we love it for that. Be assured that the pub is better than its website, which is minimal in the extreme!
- http://www.thesevenstars1602.co.uk/
- Ye Olde Mitre Tavern – Holborn – EC1N 6SJ
- Another pub full of old-world charm. Built in 1546 it has a rich history, including tales of Queen Elizabeth I dancing around a cherry tree (which is now part of the pub). This is not the easiest place to find but is well worth the effort.
- https://www.yeoldemitreholborn.co.uk/
- The Princess Louise – High Holborn – WC1V 7EP
- It is the opulence of the fittings that give this venue the edge. It’s a veritable Victorian time-capsule with a tick list of all the key features; etched glass, carved wood bar, ornate pillars, tiles, an ornate ceiling, and mahogany partitions. Add to this a warm welcome, great beers and decent prices, making this a place worth visiting.
- http://princesslouisepub.co.uk/
- The Star Tavern – Belgravia – SW1X 8HT
- Now a comfortable and friendly pub, it once had a less salubrious reputation. It was here where much of the planning for the Great Train Robbery took place, with the villains meeting for a beer and to plan the notorious heist of 1963.
- https://www.star-tavern-belgravia.co.uk/about
- The Marquis of Granby – Fitzrovia – W1T 1NR
- A pleasant, traditional pub, which is just a stone’s throw from Oxford Street. It therefore makes it a great place to have a break from the hustle and bustle of all that shopping. The pub boasts T.S. Eliot and Dylan Thomas as being previous visitors.
- https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk
- The Dog and Duck – Soho – W1D 3AJ
- A sumptuous Grade II listed Victorian interior awaits you at the Dog and Duck. Situated in the lively and vibrant area of Soho, it’s a very centrally located boozer that is well worth a visit. Reputedly earlier visitors have included Dante Gabriel Rossetti, George Orwell, and John Constable – but not all at the same time!
- https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk
- The French House – Soho – W1D 5BG
- If you fancy a pint, then this isn’t the place for you. For why, I hear you ask; well, this Gallic landmark only serves beer by the half-pint. To order a pint is considered a faux pas (I wonder if the French have a word for that?). Many of the denizens of this outpost of France will actually be quaffing wine in this atmospheric little place.
- http://www.frenchhousesoho.com/
- The Ship and Shovell – Charing Cross – WC2N 5PH
- Is unique in that it’s the only pub in London split into two halves. These sit either side of the road, and are linked by a tunnel. The name comes from Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell who, in 1707, presided over the biggest disaster in British naval history, wrecking the fleet off of the Isles of Scilly. I’d imagine that he’d have preferred to be remembered for the pub, and not the disaster!
- https://www.shipandshovell.co.uk/
- The Harp – Charing Cross – WC2N 4HS
- Tiny, buzzing, and authentic are the key things to know about this tucked away little charmer. When the main bar is full, you can often find a bit more space upstairs, or out the back.
- https://www.harpcoventgarden.com
- Dean Swift – Tower Bridge – SE1 2NE
- A great place for the lover of craft beers, this pub strikes a good balance between being a gastro establishment and keeping a traditional pub vibe.
- https://www.thedeanswift.com
- Trinity Arms – Brixton – SW9 8DR
- Tucked away in a quiet Brixon suburb, this place has the knack of feeling like your local, even if you’ve never been here before
- https://www.trinityarms.co.uk/
- The George – Southwark – SE1 1NH
- London’s only surviving galleried coaching inn, the George is actually owned by the National Trust and is rented back to the licensees. The current building dates to 1677 and offers an array of nooks and crannies in which to sit. The beauty of this pub however is the courtyard, particularly on a nice day, or during a balmy evening. The pub can get busy, but this outside space with its backdrop of the old coaching inn is a fun place to be. The beers here are good, but the food is only so so. Therefore, use it for a convivial drink before moving on to eat somewhere else.
- https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/george-southwark/
