There’s nothing we Londoners love more than a good pub. So we’re sharing the love by giving you the inside scoop on the best London pubs.
The best pubs are always there for you. Landlord hiked your rent? Pub. Susan from HR find your secret office nap spot? Pub. Discovered your boyfriend’s secret Tinder profile? Pub! Of course, there are positive reasons to visit the pub too – there are few better ways to celebrate than down the public house. And in London there’s a ridiculous amount of choice, the perfect boozer for every person. And that includes those of us that are booze-free: the best London pubs offer tasty mocktails and barista coffee.
Top 10 London Pubs
Here it is, the top 10 pubs in London to grab a pint, hang out with friends, and just generally have a good time.
10. The Narrowboat (Islington)
Take a stroll along Regent’s Canal from Angel station and you’ll come across this hidden gem. The Narrowboat is a canal-side pub that has a wonderful little terrace that is perfect for soaking up the sun with a pint in hand. Downstairs you can find a dedicated bar that’s available for private hire. It has its own toilet and access to the pathway on the canal. It’s an excellent spot for business meetings as it has a wall mounted flat screen TV that can be used to show presentations with your team.
9. Rusty Bike Pub (Mile End)
Down the road from the Mile End underground station is the Rusty Bike Pub. The quirky locale serves up a great selection of beer as well as tasty Thai food. The relaxed, dog-friendly space is a fun spot for drinks with your friends. They stream live sporting events as well so you’re sure to have a great time here.
8. The Admiral Hardy (Greenwich)
Just a one minute walk from the Cutty Sark DLR Station, The Admiral Hardy is a Greenwich favourite. The pub serves up traditional British classics like Sunday roast, fish and chips, and more. They have a lovely wine list and a number of craft beers on tap. There are two great private rooms available for hire and they even have a number of bedrooms on offer. This quintessential British pub is not one to be missed.
7. Walkers of Whitehall (Charing Cross)
Situated in the heart of Trafalgar Square in an old bank, Walkers of Whitehall combines elegance and cosiness to create the ultimate pub atmosphere. Pop on over here for an after-work beverage with your co-workers and admire the vaulted ceiling in the downstairs bar (which is conveniently available for hire for up to 100 people).
6. Nags Head (Covent Garden)
Covent Garden is an area steeped in history and that’s no different for the Nags Head Pub. In fact, the Nags Head has been occupying 10 James Street since the 1670s. While it’s not the same one that was standing all those years ago, you’ll enjoy having a cold pint and give a cheers to the past here.
5. The Islington Townhouse (Islington)
Found just down the way from Angel station in the heart of one of London’s most desirable locations, The Islington Townhouse is a fantastic all-rounder. Featuring live jazz and blues, a great menu and a creative coffee shop atmosphere in the day, one of the best London pubs from day to night. Great for meetings and get-togethers of all kinds.
4. The Old Nun’s Head (Nunhead)
Hop on the bus to trendy Nunhead (Peckham‘s neighbour), where we’ll be drinking at… The Old Nuns Head! Punny names aside, this is a super vibrant pub run by a devoted staff. Bristling with entertainment and incredible food residencies – think drag cabaret, Nigerian street food and offbeat naan – The Old Nuns Head is the best place to find out why everybody’s raving about the South East. Check out their twitter for a hilarious read, all from ‘the Ryan Gosling of Pubs’.
3. The Hope and Anchor (Brixton)
Tiki huts, tequila bar, karaoke, pizza… aagh! We’re finding it very hard to resist this Brixton brew-house. People all over South West are even claiming it as their local. Set over two floors, The Hope and Anchor features what some are calling the best pub garden in London. It’s certainly one of the most unique, with its array of heated booths. The Rocks Room is a great tip for party-planners, with its own bar and DJ booth available. Set dead between Brixton and Clapham, this one is worth taking note of.
2. The People’s Park Tavern (Victoria Park)
Mention the name of this Pub to any Londoner and you’ll get appreciative nods. I know I’ve certainly seen my fair share of this place. Featuring a range of craft beers, a vast beer garden and convenient location on Victoria Park, it’s got all the ingredients for top-quality pub sessions, whether it be an autumnal huddle or a summer sprawl. And with their incredible ‘Greenhaus’ installation, the venue hire possibilities have gone from great to mind-boggling. Swing by for a pint and just think of the possibilities.
1. The Dickens Inn (Wapping)
My colleague and desk-mate, Saffron, is a Wapping local and the Dickens Inn get her seal of approval. This unique venue is set in an 18th Century Warehouse in St. Katherine Docks. Featuring a tavern bar, a grill restaurant, and a Pizzeria, it’s safe to say you won’t go hungry. But the best part is their generous function spaces, offering views all the way to Tower Bridge. From weddings to corporate occasions, this is one of the best events space in a London pub.
Whatever you’re looking for in a Pub – VenueScanner has you covered. For more inspiring venue options in the best London pubs, click here.