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The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
A very extensive list of London's 35 best pubs – by the locals who drink in them
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. 11 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. Read more on pubs 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. Most read in News Travel 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. Why Guinness tastes better in Ireland 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. 11 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. 11 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. 11 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. 11 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 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. 11 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. 11 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. 11 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. 11 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. 11 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. 11 The landmark pub is one of the more spacious pubs in central London Credit: The Crown & Two Chairmen on Dean Street, Soho
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Britain can't afford another spendthrift chancer in Downing Street
Nigel Farage believes in fairies. That was the only conclusion I could make, a year ago, after taking a look at the hopeless Christmas list of policies that made up Reform's manifesto.I half-suspected it had been doodled on the back of a fag packet after a particularly hearty afternoon at Boisdale. It was all too good to be true: lifting income tax thresholds to £20,000 while cutting NHS waiting lists to zero suggested Reform's leader takes the Bourbon approach to Trussonomics. Bond market chaos loomed, if Sir Humphrey hadn't packed a confuddled Farage off to The Red Lion first. But flush with his local election success, Farage claims he wants to get the fourth-place Tories of little consequence, today's big speech sought not only to flesh out Reform's prospectus, but to outflank Labour, punching at the chasm between Starmer's parsimonious chancellor and his austerity-phobe backbenches, appealing to those immiserated by Rachel Reeves's performative fealty to the OBR. The Red Wall – je vous ai compris!Having already committed to nationalising Britain's steel industry, the Damascene conversion of this lifelong Thatcherite to social democracy en route to Number 10 continued with a pledge to reinstate the winter fuel allowance to pensioners and to scrap the two-child benefit limit. On top of this, Farage committed to introducing a new transferable marriage tax allowance on the first £25,000 they earn – on top of his retaining his commitment to hiking the income tax threshold. Never one to downplay his ambitions, Farage couched his speech in civilisational terms. The UK's collapsing birth rate represents 'an existential crisis for our country'; Reform will 'do everything in its power to encourage British people who are able and want kids to have them'. Yes, he admitted, it will all be a little expensive. But isn't it worth it to get Britain bonking?Farage has alighted upon a grim fiscal dilemma. Spending on the elderly is surging just as the old-age dependency ratio – the number of potential workers per pensioner – is collapsing. Without more babies, Britain's economy will become even more dependent on human quantitative easing – the mass importation of migrant workers to fill the human shortfall. That is an outcome that few Reform voters would greet with enthusiasm, even if they were staffing their care Farage's solutions are just as shallow as last year's manifesto's. Evidence suggests that the two-child limit hasn't reduced birth rates. Questions as to how this largesse would be funded cued Farage's usual waffle about scrapping migrant hotels, net zero and DEI. Sounds splendid. But will tearing down a few pride flags really fund the £50 billion plus blackhole these policies would create? Rather than break from the past, Reform would only hasten our rush towards national is a useful tribune – a lightning rod for the frustrations of voters fed up with both old parties. But on today's evidence, he has a long way to go before he has a serious plan for government. Britain can't afford another spendthrift chancer in Downing Street. If Farage really is serious about tackling our existential challenges, he needs better policies than this. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Owners of ‘smash burger' trailer ‘gutted' after being forced to close – because it's too close to primary schools
The high proportion of obese local kids played a part in the decision SHUTTERS DOWN Owners of 'smash burger' trailer 'gutted' after being forced to close – because it's too close to primary schools THE owners of a smash burger van are 'gutted' after the council forced it to shut for being too close to local primary schools. Co-owners Sam Carroll, 21, and Aaron Millar, 21, lost their bid for permission to house their smash burger takeaway trailer Smokies on the carpark of Dunkirk Hall pub in Leyland, Lancs. 7 The Smokies team have been running their smash burger van for little over a year Credit: SWNS 7 The council has ruled they cannot stay in their new plot in a pub garden Credit: SWNS 7 They are currently parked in the car park of Dunkirk Hall pub Credit: SWNS The burger-loving duo employ 18 locals but will now have to halve their staff numbers. South Ribble Borough Council threw out the bid based on a new law banning takeaways within 'walking distance' of school gates. They also said the trailer damaged the appearance of the Grade II listed building opposite. Owner Sam fumed this was 'ridiculous', insisting kids barely ever come to buy burgers after school. The pub itself, Dunkirk Hall, said it wanted the burger van to stay put. Sam said: 'It took less than 10 minutes for them to decide that we had to move on from the location - it felt like instant disregard. 'The community love our food - they go out of their way to tell us how much they enjoy it and leaving reviews. 'We are a small business which has grown so much thanks to the word of mouth of our customers. 'We don't want to have to fire our staff - they have done nothing wrong. 'We will do whatever it takes to keep it open - we want to work with the council to come to work out a way.' Beloved Italian restaurant chain abruptly closes 4 locations after going bankrupt for third time and fans 'so sad' The young entrepreneurs took up the plot on November 8 last year after a good year at The Red Lion pub in Longton, near Preston, Lancs. To secure their new location, they applied for planning permission from the council a couple of months later, in mid January 2025. The black trailer takes up three spaces behind trees and bushes in one corner of the 40 square metre carpark. They also have a two chilled storage sheds next door. But they were "shocked" to find the application rejected in mid-April based on the proximity to school. There are four primary schools and one preschool within a 0.4 to 0.6 mile radius of the van - and the trailer is not in a town centre, which would make it exempt. Sam said: 'It is isn't often kids come and get a burger after school - especially while in uniform.' 'If a child does come up to the van they are usually with their parents who are enjoying their evening at the pub. 7 The local company employs 18 people but says it will have to halve its team Credit: SWNS 7 The owners of Dunkirk Hall say they want Smokies to stay Credit: SWNS 'They'll order for them, normally getting the kid one of our kids' meals." Demi Scott, manager of Dunkirk Hall, said kids under the age of 18 aren't allowed to gather near the boozer without a parent anyway. The 24-year-old said: 'If a child came onto the premises by themselves, we would turn them away - we legally can't have them here. 'We don't want to lose Smokies - the community they have brought has been super beneficial keeping us going in the tougher months. 'They are no hassle at all very polite - they have never taken a step wrong. 'The van is out of the way of the building so I don't see what the problem is - I really hope it comes to a fair conclusion.' Council planning officer Debbie Roberts admitted that walking distance was 'subjective', because it is not defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). However, a report presented to the council stated that 'on balance' the spot was likely in breach of the rules, with the schools just a 10 minute walk away. 7 The pub was ruled to be within walking distance of a school Credit: SWNS 7 The business is run by two local 21-year-olds Credit: SWNS The new local regulations are yet to come into force but were included within the proposed Central Lancashire Local Plan. The regulations will block the opening of new takeaways in areas where levels of obesity in Reception and Year 6 children exceed 10 and 15 percent of pupils. In the Earnshaw Bridge ward, where the outlet is based, 9.3 per cent of reception-aged children are obese - but that rises to 20.8 per cent in the final primary school year. These rules have already seen takeaways blocked in Blackburn and Bacup, in Lancashire, due to there being too many obese children. The council also deemed the burger van to be damaging to Dunkirk Hall itself. Debbie Roberts said the 'visual appearance' of the facility caused 'harm' to the pub as a result of their proximity to the historic building. She added: 'There aren't considered to be any public benefits which outweigh the harm.' Members voted to refuse the planning application and also declined to issue listed building consent for the business. As Smokies put forward the application themselves, they have six months to appeal the decision or vacate the area - and are still trading on the site. Sam said the company wants to work alongside the council to find a way to keep the van trading. He said: 'We are proper community led business - supporting a handful of those who live in the area. 'We are happy to move the trailer to a different location in the car park. 'We want to come to a conclusion rather than be dismissed.'
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Owners of ‘smash burger' trailer ‘gutted' after being forced to close – because it's too close to primary schools
THE owners of a smash burger van are 'gutted' after the council forced it to shut for being too close to local primary schools. Co-owners Sam Carroll, 21, and Aaron Millar, 21, lost their bid for permission to house their smash burger takeaway trailer Smokies on the carpark of Dunkirk Hall pub in Leyland, Lancs. 7 7 7 The burger-loving duo employ 18 locals but will now have to halve their staff numbers. South Ribble Borough Council threw out the bid based on a new law banning takeaways within 'walking distance' of school gates. They also said the trailer damaged the appearance of the Grade II listed building opposite. Owner Sam fumed this was 'ridiculous', insisting kids barely ever come to buy burgers after school. The pub itself, Dunkirk Hall, said it wanted the burger van to stay put. Sam said: 'It took less than 10 minutes for them to decide that we had to move on from the location - it felt like instant disregard. 'The community love our food - they go out of their way to tell us how much they enjoy it and leaving reviews. 'We are a small business which has grown so much thanks to the word of mouth of our customers. 'We don't want to have to fire our staff - they have done nothing wrong. 'We will do whatever it takes to keep it open - we want to work with the council to come to work out a way.' The young entrepreneurs took up the plot on November 8 last year after a good year at The Red Lion pub in Longton, near Preston, Lancs. To secure their new location, they applied for planning permission from the council a couple of months later, in mid January 2025. The black trailer takes up three spaces behind trees and bushes in one corner of the 40 square metre carpark. They also have a two chilled storage sheds next door. But they were "shocked" to find the application rejected in mid-April based on the proximity to school. There are four primary schools and one preschool within a 0.4 to 0.6 mile radius of the van - and the trailer is not in a town centre, which would make it exempt. Sam said: 'It is isn't often kids come and get a burger after school - especially while in uniform.' 'If a child does come up to the van they are usually with their parents who are enjoying their evening at the pub. 7 7 'They'll order for them, normally getting the kid one of our kids' meals." Demi Scott, manager of Dunkirk Hall, said kids under the age of 18 aren't allowed to gather near the boozer without a parent anyway. The 24-year-old said: 'If a child came onto the premises by themselves, we would turn them away - we legally can't have them here. 'We don't want to lose Smokies - the community they have brought has been super beneficial keeping us going in the tougher months. 'They are no hassle at all very polite - they have never taken a step wrong. 'The van is out of the way of the building so I don't see what the problem is - I really hope it comes to a fair conclusion.' Council planning officer Debbie Roberts admitted that walking distance was 'subjective', because it is not defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). However, a report presented to the council stated that 'on balance' the spot was likely in breach of the rules, with the schools just a 10 minute walk away. 7 7 The new local regulations are yet to come into force but were included within the proposed Central Lancashire Local Plan. The regulations will block the opening of new takeaways in areas where levels of obesity in Reception and Year 6 children exceed 10 and 15 percent of pupils. In the Earnshaw Bridge ward, where the outlet is based, 9.3 per cent of reception-aged children are obese - but that rises to 20.8 per cent in the final primary school year. These rules have already seen takeaways blocked in Blackburn and Bacup, in Lancashire, due to there being too many obese children. The council also deemed the burger van to be damaging to Dunkirk Hall itself. Debbie Roberts said the 'visual appearance' of the facility caused 'harm' to the pub as a result of their proximity to the historic building. She added: 'There aren't considered to be any public benefits which outweigh the harm.' Members voted to refuse the planning application and also declined to issue listed building consent for the business. As Smokies put forward the application themselves, they have six months to appeal the decision or vacate the area - and are still trading on the site. Sam said the company wants to work alongside the council to find a way to keep the van trading. He said: 'We are proper community led business - supporting a handful of those who live in the area. 'We are happy to move the trailer to a different location in the car park. 'We want to come to a conclusion rather than be dismissed.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Smash burger van' to close to schools is shut down
The owners of a 'smash burger" burger trailer are "gutted" after being forced hut down by a council because it was too close to local primary schools. Co-owners Sam Carroll, 21, and Aaron Millar, 21, lost their bid for planning permission to house their smash burger takeaway trailer Smokies on the carpark of Dunkirk Hall pub in Leyland, Lancs. The burger-loving duo employ 18 locals and in the wake of the decision they have revealed it means they will need to halve their staff numbers. The ruling comes after South Ribble Borough Council rejected the their bid on the grounds of new national legislation designed to prevent takeaways from being in within 'walking distance' of school gates. They also said the trailer caused 'harm' to the visible appearance of Grade II listed building which it sits opposite too. Yet owner Sam says this is "ridiculous" revealing it is "rare" for the van to get any kids coming to buy burgers after school. Dunkirk Hall themselves have revealed they are "in favour" of keeping the burger van put. Sam said: "It took less than 10 minutes for them to decide that we had to move on from the location - it felt like instant disregard. "The community love our food - they go out of their way to tell us how much they enjoy it and leaving reviews. "We are a small business which has grown so much thanks to the word of mouth of our customers. "We don't want to have to fire our staff - they have done nothing wrong." "We will do whatever it takes to keep it open - we want to work with the council to come to work work out a way." The young entrepreneurs moved onto the plot on November 8 last year after a successful year at their first location at The Red Lion pub in Longton, near Preston, Lancs. To ensure the safety of their new plot they applied for planning permission from the council a couple of months later in mid January 2025. The black trailer is found in the front left of the 40 square metre carpark and takes up three car parking spaces - it is also hidden behind trees and bushes. They also have a two chilled storage shed next door. Yet on the week commencing April 14 they were "shocked" to receive an email stating the council was set to refuse their claim at a meeting held the following week. The authority's planning committee concluded the duo's latest venture didn't align with national legislation designed to prevent takeaways from being in 'walking distance' of school gates and places where children and young people congregate. This is unless the businesses are in designated town centre areas - which the council deemed their location is not. There are four primary schools and one preschool within a 0.4 to 0.6 mile radius of the van. You can sign the petition here:
