London, the capital of England, is one of Europe’s most visited cities and, in fact, one of the most popular cities in the world. With many tourist attractions such as the London Eye and Buckingham Palace, London is loved by tourists for a good reason. However, what’s even more important to most visitors and locals alike in London are its pubs. Iconic, historic, and full of culture, London’s pubs are the best way to spend an evening (or two).
Our Guest Editors have picked some of the best and most iconic pubs in London for you to visit. Take a look at our list and find out why these classic pubs are a must-visit!
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms is a classic pub that is located in Kensington and has been around since the 17th century. The pub has been serving beer since it opened and nowadays offers some of the best Thai dishes in London. Inside, you’ll find traditional wooden paneling as well as a variety of framed Churchill memorabilia adorning its walls.
The Churchill Arms is incredibly popular and stands out as the most iconic pub in London, thanks to its unique feature of displaying over 100 beautiful flower arrangements on its exterior. The pub’s stunning display even won the Chelsea Flower Show!
Prospect of Whitby
Built in 1520, The Prospect of Whitby is London’s oldest riverside pub. It is located on the banks of the River Thames. The pub itself is filled with centuries-old artifacts such as 19th-century paintings and ship hauls hanging from the ceiling. Most areas of the pub have spectacular views over the Thames, including the beer garden and first-floor balcony and terrace.
In the past, the place had a bad reputation as it was a common spot for smugglers, pirates, and other shady individuals. Additionally, it was used for illegal activities such as cockfighting and bare-knuckle fighting, hence earning its nickname “the Devil’s Tavern.” However, nowadays, it’s one of the most popular pubs in London!
The Prospect Of Whitby is a typical pub in Wapping that offers a variety of freshly brewed cask ales and classic pub dishes, such as fish and chips made from scratch and a wonderful Sunday roast. They also have options for vegans, vegetarians, and non-gluten eaters!
Ye Olde Mitre
Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn is a pub with a fascinating history. It is said that Queen Elizabeth danced around a cherry tree in its garden! The pub is one of the oldest in London, dating back to 1546, and still takes old-fashioned bartending very seriously.
Nowadays, the pub is known for its homemade bar snacks, which are always great to have alongside a freshly-poured ale. We highly recommend trying their toasties and freshly-made traditional sausage rolls!
Crown & Anchor
The Crown & Anchor is located in Covent Garden and has been a popular spot since the early 18th century. It’s a classic old-fashioned pub that serves a good selection of British ales, ciders, and beer. The atmosphere in the pub is friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to sit down with friends for an evening out or catch up with an old friend.
When it comes to food, The Crown & Anchor serves traditional pub grub such as fish and chips, pies, and Sunday roasts. Their menu is sure to have something for everyone! This is a great place to visit if you want a taste of traditional British hospitality.
Being located so close to the major West End shows, The Crown & Anchor is a great place to come and enjoy a few drinks before or after the theatre.
The Mayflower Pub
The Mayflower Pub in Rotherhithe has a rich history and has been around for hundreds of years. It is named after the Mayflower ship, which in July 1620 took on 65 passengers from Rotherhithe on the River Thames. Some say that the ship’s captain, Christopher Jones, purposely docked there to avoid paying taxes farther downstream!
Nowadays, the Mayflower is a charming pub located in London. It’s tucked away in a quaint area with cobblestone streets, and it has a lovely outdoor deck by the Thames where one can enjoy a pint while watching the sunset. They offer classic British pub fare and an excellent selection of traditional ales, craft beers, local gins, and fine wines.
The Anchor
The Anchor Bankside, located in Southwark, is a go-to for many tourists and locals alike! Especially on sunny days, this pub is packed and energetic, offering outdoor seating right on the River Thames. The Anchor Bankside has a great range of drinks, from craft beers to amazing cocktails. Due to the many tourists passing through, the menu here is very international, boasting traditional English dishes, baked French cheeses, nachos, classic American apple pie, and Welsh rarebit burgers.
Furthermore, the location here is unbeatable; it’s located close to the Borough Market and other famous tourist attractions in London. It’s the perfect spot to grab lunch or a pint while exploring London.
Lamb & Flag
Without a doubt, the Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden is one of London’s most iconic pubs. It has been around since the mid-17th century and was originally called “The Bucket of Blood,” due to its history as a spot used for bare-knuckle boxing matches!
Its current name, “The Lamb & Flag,” honors the symbol of England, which traditionally signifies that justice will prevail. The pub specializes in real ales and ciders, as well as traditional British pub food such as steak pies, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. No wonder this was Charles Dickens’ favorite water-hole!
The Lamb & Flag has a great atmosphere with its traditional wood paneling, brass fittings, large fireplaces, and low ceilings. This is an ideal spot to come enjoy a pint while exploring the area and taking in some of London’s history.
The Star Tavern
The Star Tavern, located in Belgravia, is a cozy and inviting pub with an atmosphere that dates back to the 1820s. Back in those days, many celebrities such as Diana Dors, Peter O’Toole, Albert Finney, and Alexander Korda stepped through its doors. However, at the same time, the pub won infamy as a hangout of London’s master criminals!
The Star Tavern is known for its selection of craft beers and real ales from all around the world. Additionally, they offer delicious pub fare like fish & chips; bangers & mash; and traditional Sunday roasts.
The pub is located within walking distance of some of London’s most iconic attractions, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy an amazing pint while exploring the city, The Star Tavern is definitely your spot!
The George Inn
The George Inn in Southwark is a traditional English pub dating back to the days of Charles Dickens, who apparently was a visitor when The George Inn was still a little coffee shop. This special establishment lives on today, offering one of the best selections of real ales and craft beers around. Additionally, they offer a great selection of pub grub such as specialty burgers, fish and chips, and classic Sunday roasts.
What’s wonderful about The George is that it is the last surviving galleried inn in London and just a two-minute walk from the popular Borough Market. A stone’s throw from The Shard and London Bridge, we’re the perfect spot to unwind in between busy tourist attractions.
The Old Shades
The Old Shades in Westminster has been around for centuries and is one of London’s most iconic pubs. It was originally built in 1989 and it’s known for its great selection of real ales, craft beers, ciders, and spirits.
The pub has a cozy atmosphere with wood-paneled walls, low ceilings, and traditional furnishings. It’s the perfect spot to grab a pint with friends before heading out to explore Westminster or catch up on some current events in the newspaper corner.
The Old Shades is also renowned for its delicious pub grub. They offer classic English dishes such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, and a ploughman’s lunch. No matter what time of day it is, you will always be welcomed with a warm smile!
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in the City of London is a classic pub dating back to 1538. It was rebuilt in 1667 after it burnt down in the great fire of London and has been visited by some of England’s most famous authors, such as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Arthur Conan Doyle.
The pub is one of the few remaining 17th-century chophouses, and by the inside, you can tell: it’s a labyrinth of different rooms, such as the Chop House restaurant, Cheshire Bar, and Cellar Bar, giving it a distinct and iconic look.
The pub still retains some of its original features, including wooden beams, an open fire pit, and an old-fashioned bar. They offer a wide range of drinks from craft beers to ciders, as well as traditional English pub grub. Be sure to try their famous steak and ale pie!
The Spaniards Inn
The Spaniards is an inn that was constructed in 1585 as a tollgate on Finchley’s boundary. It is named after the Spanish Ambassador to James I of England and is known for its interesting history. According to rumors, the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was born there while his father was the landlord in the early 1700s. Additionally, famous author Charles Dickens was also a frequent patron of the pub and even mentioned it in his book The Pickwick Papers. The pub is housed in a Grade II listed building that has been carefully preserved, blending traditional wood-paneling and period features with subtle modern touches.
Today, The Spaniards Inn is a great spot for relaxing after a day of exploring the city. They offer a great selection of traditional real ales, craft beers, and ciders, as well as serving high-class cuisine from fillet steak to cod. So, if you’re looking for an iconic English pub experience, The Spaniards Inn is definitely worth a visit!
The Harp
The Harp in Covent Garden is a classic ale house in London. It was the inaugural London pub to win the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) National Pub of the Year award in 2010. Moreover, it has consistently won the WEST London CAMRA Award every year since 2006, the year it first became eligible to participate.
The Harp is known for its selection of ales and ciders, as well as its traditional British pub food such as pork pies, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting with plenty of seating areas to enjoy a pint or two in comfort. It’s definitely worth a visit when you’re exploring Covent Garden!
Final Words
London is full of iconic pubs that have been around for centuries. Whether you’re looking for traditional English fare, craft beers, or simply a cozy place to relax and grab a pint with friends, these pubs are sure to hit the spot! No visit to London is complete without exploring some of these timeless establishments, so the next time you find yourself in London, be sure to check out some of these iconic pubs!