The Best Pubs in London
6 pubs in London ranked by atmosphere, beer list, and history.
London pubs are a working part of the city. Most neighbourhoods have at least one heritage pub from the 18th or 19th century still pouring beer to the same regulars who have been there for decades.
The publican tradition is preserved most carefully in the City of London (the financial district pubs), Soho (writers and journalists), and the older residential areas like Hampstead and Greenwich.
A real London pub serves real ale from a hand pump. Order a pint of Bitter, English Mild, or Porter — these are the styles that define the publican tradition.
The 6 best pubs in London
The French House
Pub from 1891 in Soho. No phones, no music, beer in halves at the bar. The Resistance met here during the war. The crowd is regulars, locals, and writers. Open daily.
The Coach and Horses
Pub from 1888. Sunday lunch theatre nights are an institution. Most days a working pub with writers and actors. Open daily.
The Lamb
Heritage Victorian pub with original snob screens around the bar. Real ale focused. Quiet conversational atmosphere. Open daily.
The Holly Bush
Heritage village pub on a hill in Hampstead. The terrace is one of the best in north London. Open daily.
The Mayflower
Pub from 1620 on the Thames. The Mayflower set sail from this dock. The terrace overlooks the water. Open daily.
The Princess Louise
Heritage Victorian pub with the most preserved original interior in London. Etched glass screens, mahogany, brass. Open daily.
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