A very extensive list of London's 35 best pubs – by the locals who drink in them

The Irish Sun

28-05-2025

LONDON is chock full of fantastic pubs but knowing which ones to really go to can be tricky.
It is estimated that the capital city has more than 3,500
pubs
, in fact.
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We've rounded up our 35 favourite boozers in London according to locals
Credit: Instagram
But whether you're looking for an old man's boozer (carpet, old stools, no frills), a gastro pub (fancy food) or a cosy pitstop with a roaring fire, there is the perfect pub for everyone in the capital.
Here is a selection of our favourite
heaviest drinkers we know.
The Eagle, Farringdon
Claiming to be the first gastropub in the UK, it opened in 1991 when the owners were said to want to have a restaurant, but couldn't afford it.
Make sure to get the famous steak sandwich, but expect your food to all come out at different times.
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The Red Lion, Crown Passage
The Red Lion is one of the oldest pubs in London with an intriguing
history
- it was said to be where Charles II visited with his mistress Nell Gwyn.
Expect to see locals heading here for a pint after work.
Guinea Grill, Mayfair
Having first opened in 1423, this this is where you want to go for some great steak or pieces- great steak and pies.
Despite a huge renovation last
summer
, it retains a lot of its original charm and feels like stepping back in time.
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The Portman, Marble Arch
Near
Oxford
Street, the gastropub has all of the classic pub foods as well as huge
It is light and airy too, thanks to its huge window-clad front.
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Star & Garter, Soho
This isn't where you go to get the best service, but the tiny pub is one of the most traditional you will find in the city.
Make sure to head to the top floor to find the secret bar.
The George, Mortimer Street
The 18th century The George pub is where you will find people piling to the streets on a sunny day, being on the corner of Mortimer Street.
It's Grade-II listed, having some of the original glasswork and panelling too.
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The George pub retains many of the original features
Credit: Alamy
Burlington Arm, Saville Row
The Victorian pub faces the Savile Row
police
station,
dating
back to the 1700s.
While there are great beers and wines, make sure to try the scotch eggs - you won't regret it.
Ye Grapes, Shepherds Market
The traditional pub isn't just for a beer, as it also has a Thai restaurant inside.
You won't spot many tourists in here either, despite its central location.
The Chesterfield Arms, Hertford Street
You won't miss this bright red pub, as it certainly stands out.
Visit on a Tuesday to "meet the brewer" with a new one every week.
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The Chesterfield Arms stands out in central London
Credit: The Chesterfield Arms, Hertford Street
The Newman Arms, Fitzrovia
Once a brothel, The Newman Arms is now a cosy pub with a Victorian-like side alley.
There is even a "pie room" on the first floor - make sure to try the Fisherman's one.
The Lamb & Flag, Mayfair
The Georgian Lamb & Flag is near Hyde Park but far enough away to be quieter than more central pubs.
Expect classic British beers as well as food.
The French House, Soho
Famous guests at The French House include Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon so you can sit where some of the greats did.
Leave your phones in your bag though - they have a no tech rule.
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The French House is one with no phones or TVs
Credit: Alamy
The Crown & Two Chairmen, Soho
The landmark pub is one of the more spacious pubs in central London and was rebuilt in the 1920s.
Expect live music on Sundays as well as an extensive drink list.
The Ivy House, Nunhead, South East London
London's first Community Owned Pub, The Ivy House was saved by locals in 2013 who saved it from demolition.
Now, come for the drinks, but stay for the events from pub quizzes and beerfests to live music and book clubs.
The Sun in Splendour, Notting Hill
The bright yellow pub if fitting of it's name, with a huge menu of craft beers and cocktails along with food menu of both small plates and larger classics.
Come in the
summer
and head straight to the outdoor patio in the back.
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The Sun in Splendour can't be missed
Credit: Instagram
The Toucan, Carlisle Street, Soho
Guinness
fans need to head to The Toucan as it has some of the best pints of the drink outside of Dublin.
Its tiny though, so you will likely find yourself standing on the street along with the other punters.outside but still an institution.
Cutty Sark Greenwich, South East London
This is the spot you want to head to for a view, with a riverside terrace overlooking the river.
Spritz fans can try everything from a Hugo Spritz to an unusual Rhubarb Rose Spritz.
Efra Tavern, Brixton
Efra Tavern is just five minutes from Brixton station so its easy to get to.
It's a pub for adults, with kids and dogs banned but it has some amazing live music as well as a small
beer
garden.
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Cutty Sark Greenwich has some of the best views over the river
Credit: Instagram
Bradley's Spanish Bar, Hanway Street
The hidden pub isn't Spanish or owned by someone called Bradley, so don't be put off by the exterior.
There might not be tapas, but there is a full bar menu and a free-to-use vintage jukebox too.
The Blue Post, Berwick Street, Soho
Tucked on the edge of Chinatown, Blue Post might not serve food but have all the beer, lager and wine on offer.
Just don't confuse it with others - there are actually three Blue Posts in Soho alone.
The George, Borough
As the last galleried inn in London, The George was even mentioned in Charles Dickens' Little Dorrit.
Now a Greene King pub, there is more than enough on the menu to keep you happy, as well as having multiple bars to choose from.
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The George is the last galleried inn in London
Credit: Alamy
The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping
Rumoured to be the UK's oldest riverside pub, The Prospect of Whitby has amazing views of The Thames.
Come with an empty stomach and make sure to grab the fish and chips.
The Dog & Bell, Deptford
The Dog & Bell is definitely a hidden gem, and a great Irish pub to choose in the city.
The first Tuesday of every month is where you can listen to some amazing jazz too.
Royal Oak, Columbia Road
After trawling Columbia Road's weekly flower market, The Royal Oak is where you will find everyone.
It's worth it though for the classic pub grub - the burgers are especially great.
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Royal Oak is popular with Columbia Road Flower Market visitors
Credit: Instagram
Windsor Castle, Notting Hill
Windsor Castle
is a real hidden gem, with a tucked away courtyard garden at the back.
It has amazing pies and fish and chips, but book ahead on a Sunday as the crowds visit for the
Nellie Dean on Dean Street, Soho
Nellie Dean is the owned by Pieminster, so you would be mad not to grab one when visiting.
The staff are amazing too - and definitely some of the friendliest in the city.
Skehan's, Telegraph Hill, South East London
Another Irish pub is Skehans, one of the few independent pubs remaining in London.
With live music six days a week, a Thai restaurant inside and a hidden garden at the back, its definitely one to visit.
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Skehans Freehouse has a Thai restaurant and live music throughout the week
Credit: Instagram
The Parakeet Pub, Kentish Town
One of the newest pubs on the list The Parakeet Pub only opened in 2023 after converting a Victorian building.
The stained glass bar is definitely one of the most beautiful in the city - with the crab croquettes a must.
The Lord Clyde, Borough
If you want an old man pub, this is the one, with vintage carpet and red leather bar stools.
Its small so you might have to queue a while for your drink, but is worth it to be surrounded by proper locals.
The Albert, Primrose Hill, West London
Right opposite Regent's Park, The Albert has some of the most modern
interiors
for a pub.
Head here when its good weather to the beer garden at the back, made cosy by the huge trees overhead.
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The Albert has a great beer garden for the summer months
Credit: Instagram
The Cow, Notting Hill
If you love Guinness and oysters, you need to head to The Cow.
And keep your phone on you when heading to the bar or toilets with some very interesting wall decor...
The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
Owned by two Spanish brothers, The Spaniards Inn dates back to 1585 and even welcomed both Dickens and Keats.
Now its one to grab a hearty lunch at before walking it off at the nearby Hampstead Heath.
The Royal Oak, Tabard Street, Borough
The Victorian pub is a great spot to try all of the Harvey's of Lewes Beers.
Don't expect it to be quiet though - it's near London Bridge and has won a number of awards in recent years.
Coach and Horses, Soho
The old school pub is like a time capsule, with it looking the same as it did back in the 1980s.
Ask the staff how to find the secret tea room above... and stay for the unusual piano singalongs.
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The landmark pub is one of the more spacious pubs in central London
Credit: The Crown & Two Chairmen on Dean Street, Soho