The Best Pubs in London: Historic, Victorian, and Craft Breweries
The pub is the beating heart of British social life. More than just a bar, it is a gathering place, a spot for conversation, history, and community. London is home to some of the oldest and most fascinating pubs in the world, featuring dark wood Victorian interiors, stained glass windows, and roaring fireplaces. In this guide, discover the best pubs in London, categorized as historic, Victorian, craft breweries, and pubs with excellent food.
What makes a pub "authentic"?
A true English pub has:
A warm and welcoming atmosphere:Dark wood, fireplaces, worn carpets.
Draft beers:Ale, stout, porter, lager. Not just industrial beers.
Wooden bar counter:Where you lean to order.
Chat with strangers:In real pubs, it's normal to talk to those sitting next to you.
No loud music:Or at least not intrusive. Conversation is the real entertainment.
Historic and ancient pubs (some dating back to the 1500s)
1. The George Inn (London Bridge)
Dating back to:1676 (but a pub has existed here since 1542)
The last galleried pub in London.An inner courtyard building with wooden balconies, where theatrical performances were held in the 1700s. It is owned by the National Trust.
Atmosphere:Historic, touristy but authentic.
Beers:Greene King, classic English beers.
Food:Pub dishes (fish and chips, pie and mash).
Metro:London Bridge.
Tip:Sit in the courtyard if the weather is nice.
2. The Prospect of Whitby (Wapping)
Dating:1520 (the oldest pub on the Thames)
Overlooking the river, it was a meeting place for smugglers, pirates, and the hanged (the gallows were on the dock). The floor is still the original from the 1500s.
Atmosphere:Maritime, historic, with a view of the Thames.
Beers:London Pride, Doom Bar.
Food:Good, especially the seafood.
Metro:Wapping (Overground) or Shadwell (DLR).
Tip:Go at sunset for a spectacular view.
3. The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead)
Dating:16th century (around 1585)
On the way to Hampstead Heath, famous for being frequented by Dick Turpin (the outlaw) and mentioned by Charles Dickens in "The Pickwick Papers." It is said to be haunted.
Atmosphere:Rural, with a lit fireplace, huge garden.
Beers:Fuller's (London Pride, ESB).
Food:Quality gastropub.
Metro:Hampstead (Northern) then a 10-minute walk across the heath.
Tip:Perfect after a walk on Hampstead Heath.
4. The Ten Bells (Spitalfields)
Established:1752 (current building 1850)
Famous for being frequented by the victims of Jack the Ripper (notably Annie Chapman and Mary Jane Kelly). The interior has been restored with original Victorian tiles.
Atmosphere:Victorian, a bit dark, very crowded on weekends.
Beers:Local craft beers.
Food:Tapas and small plates (not a traditional pub).
Metro:Liverpool Street.
Tip:Read the history on the wall while you drink.
5. The Lamb & Flag (Covent Garden)
Established:1623 (current building 1723)
Nicknamed "The Bucket of Blood" for the illegal boxing matches that took place there. Charles Dickens and John Dryden were patrons. The interior is small and crowded.
Atmosphere:Authentic, unpretentious, very crowded.
Beers:Fuller's (London Pride, Oliver's Island).
Food:Sandwiches and simple dishes.
Metro:Covent Garden or Charing Cross.
Tip:There is no table service: order at the bar.
Victorian pubs (1850-1900)
6. The Princess Louise (Holborn)
Established:1872 (renovated 1891)
A masterpiece of Victorian architecture. Glazed tiles, stained glass, carved wood, stucco ceilings. It is a perfectly preserved "gin palace."
Atmosphere:Magnificent, elegant, divided into wooden booths (snob screens).
Beers:Samuel Smith (a very affordable Yorkshire brewery).
Food:No food served (drinks only). You can bring your own food from outside.
Metro:Holborn.
Tip:Look for the booths with the original mirrors.
7. The Black Friar (Blackfriars)
Established:1875
A dodecagonal (12-sided) pub, decorated with mosaics and bronze sculptures of monks. It is an art nouveau masterpiece.
Atmosphere:Unique, extravagant, almost theatrical.
Beers:Fuller's.
Food:Good, traditional.
Metro:Blackfriars.
Tip:Look up: the ceiling is magnificent.
8. The Churchill Arms (Kensington)
Established:1750 (current Victorian building)
Famous for being completely covered in flowers (in summer) and for its Christmas lights (in winter). Winston Churchill was a regular (his grandfather was a frequent customer).
Atmosphere:Very touristy, filled with Churchill memorabilia.
Beers:Fuller's.
Food:Thai! (Yes, an English pub with excellent Thai cuisine).
Metro:Notting Hill Gate or Kensington High Street.
Recommendation:Book for Thai food.
9. The Salisbury (Covent Garden)
Established:1892
Another Victorian "gin palace." Chandeliers, huge mirrors, carved wood. It was a gathering place for the gay community in the early 1900s.
Atmosphere:Elegant, crowded, a bit noisy.
Beers:Craft and classic beers.
Food:Good, especially the burgers.
Metro:Leicester Square.
Recommendation:Sit in the back room, it's quieter.
Craft breweries
10. The Euston Tap (Euston)
Established:1830 building (former gatehouse of an arch)
Very small (it fits 30 standing people), but with 30 draft beers (English and international craft beers) and over 100 in bottles.
Atmosphere:Casual, young, passionate.
Beers:Change every week.
Food:Only snacks (sausages, cheeses).
Metro:Euston.
Recommendation:If you can't find a spot, there's The Doric Arch (classic beers) right across.
11. The Craft Beer Co. (Clerkenwell)
Established:2010 (modern venue)
Over 30 draft beers, 100 in bottles. Specializing in strong beers (stout, IPA, sour).
Atmosphere:Relaxed, good music, unpretentious.
Beers:Independent breweries (Cloudwater, Verdant, Northern Monk).
Food:Quality sandwiches and scotch eggs.
Metro:Farringdon.
Tip:Ask the bartender for advice: they know everything.
12. The Rake (London Bridge)
Established:2006 (one of the first craft beer pubs in London)
Very small, near Borough Market. Offers rare beers that are hard to find elsewhere.
Atmosphere:Hipster, relaxed, often with dogs inside.
Beers:European and American.
Food:Only snacks (popcorn, chips).
Metro:London Bridge.
Tip:Grab a beer and sit outside (or on the sidewalk).
Pub with excellent food (gastropub)
13. The Marksman (Hackney)
One of the best gastropubs in London (has won numerous awards). Modern, sustainable, seasonal English dishes.
Price:£20-35 per person.
Signature dish:Sunday roast, pork ribs.
Metro:Hoxton (Overground).
14. The Harwood Arms (Fulham)
The only pub in London with a Michelin star (lost in 2024? Check). High-level English cuisine.
Price:£40-60 per person.
Main dish:Scottish venison.
Metro:Fulham Broadway (District).
15. The Anchor & Hope (Waterloo)
Unpretentious gastropub, excellent food. No reservations (arrive early).
Price:£20-30 per person.
Main dish:Braised rabbit, fish of the day.
Metro:Waterloo.
Rules of behavior in the English pub
Order at the bar (don’t wait for table service):This is the most important rule. The bartender will serve you and you will pay immediately.
Buy a round:If you are in a group, it’s traditional to buy a round for everyone. Next time, someone else will buy.
Don’t ask for ice in your beer:It is considered a "waste." Beer should be served cold, but not iced.
Don’t clap or whistle to get the bartender’s attention:It’s rude. Wait for them to see you, or raise your hand politely.
Tipping is not mandatory:But if the service was good, leave the change or £1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the oldest pub in London?
TheThe George Inn(1676) is the oldest still operating as a pub-gallery. But theThe Prospect of Whitby(1520) has an older building, although it has been rebuilt several times.
Are pubs in London open every day?
Yes, generally every day. Typical hours are Monday to Saturday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Some close earlier on Sundays.
Can I bring children to the pub?
Yes, most pubs allow children until a certain time (usually until 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM). After that time, they become adults only.
Can you eat in pubs?
Most serve food (for lunch and dinner). Some historic pubs (like The Princess Louise) serve only drinks, but allow you to bring in food from outside.
What is the most popular beer in London?
London Pride(Fuller's) is the most iconic. Also,Doom Bar(Sharp's),Camden Hells(Camden Town Brewery) andBrewDogare very popular.
Do pubs accept credit cards?
Yes, almost all accept cards and contactless payments. But for safety, also bring cash.
Can I smoke in pubs in London?
No. Since 2007, smoking is banned in all indoor venues. Pubs have outdoor areas (beer gardens) where you can smoke.
What is a "pub quiz"?
It is a team quiz game that takes place in many pubs once a week (usually on Monday or Tuesday). It is fun and very popular.
What are "snob screens"?
They are mirrors and wooden dividers that in Victorian pubs allowed wealthier customers to not see (and not be seen by) common people.
What is the closest pub to Buckingham Palace?
The Buckingham Arms(Petty France) orThe Albert(Victoria Street), both 5 minutes on foot.
Summary table
| Pub | Area | Specialties | Metro | Beer price (pint) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Inn | London Bridge | Historic, courtyard | London Bridge | £6-7 |
| Prospect of Whitby | Wapping | Thames view, historic | Wapping | £6-7 |
| Princess Louise | Holborn | Victorian, booths | Holborn | £4-5 (Samuel Smith) |
| Black Friar | Blackfriars | Art nouveau, mosaics | Blackfriars | £6-7 |
| Euston Tap | Euston | Craft beer | Euston | £5-8 |
| Marksman | Hackney | Gastropub, Sunday roast | Hoxton | £6-7 |
There's something for everyone
London's historic pubs are much more than places to have a pint. They are living museums, places where history is felt among old tiles and wooden floors. From Victorian gin palaces like The Princess Louise to medieval pubs like The George Inn, from Michelin-starred gastropubs to craft beer venues, there's something for everyone. Remember the rules: order at the bar, buy a round, and enjoy the conversation. Cheers!
Review date:April 2026