London’s 50 Best Pubs: A Drunk’s Definitive Guide

Why This List Exists

Because scrolling through Instagram while pretending to be sophisticated is a full‑time job, and you need a cheat‑sheet that feels like a meme, not a dusty tourism brochure. If you’ve ever whispered “I’m just here for the ale” while your friends argue over the best IPA, welcome home. This is the only guide that will make you look like a connoisseur even when you’re three pints deep.

How We Ranked (Spoiler: It’s Not Science)

We threw a dart at a map of London, let a random Reddit thread decide the first 10, added a dash of historic gravitas, sprinkled in some craft‑beer hype, and finally gave extra points to any pub that serves a proper gin & tonic with a cucumber slice that looks like it was cut by a botanist on a budget. In short, we used the same method that decides whether a meme goes viral: pure, unfiltered gut feeling.

The Top 50 Pubs in London (Ordered by How Likely They Are to Make Your Night)

1. The Churchill Arms – Not just a pub, a botanical garden in a glass‑fronted Victorian house. Order a pint of Fuller’s London Pride and feel like you’re in a Jane Austen novel that decided to get drunk.
2. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – Opened in 1667, it’s the only place where you can hear a ghost complain about the Wi‑Fi. Try the Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery Bitter while you stare at the original wood beams.
3. The Spaniards – A hidden gem in Camden that serves a Hobgoblin so good you’ll start speaking in Spanish accents. Bonus: the owner once appeared on a reality TV show about cheese.
4. Bar Italia – No, not the pizza joint. This is a tiny, neon‑lit dive in Soho where the bartender knows your name after three drinks. Their Stella Artois is a masterpiece of mediocrity.
5. The White Horse – A Victorian townhouse turned pub that serves a London Fog cocktail that’s basically a latte with a hangover.
6. Camden Town Brewery Taproom – Because nothing says “I’m an adult” like a taproom that looks like a warehouse and smells like ambition.
7. The Lamb & Flag – The oldest pub in Covent Garden, where Shakespeare probably plotted his next tragedy. Their ale is as dramatic as his sonnets.
8. Hawksmoor Guildhall – A steakhouse‑pub hybrid where the meat is so good you’ll forget you’re drinking a Guinness that’s been on the tap for 30 minutes.
9. The Craft Beer Co. – If you can’t pronounce the hops, you’re doing it right. Their rotating taps are a lesson in how many ways you can ruin a barley seed.
10. Gordon’s Wine Bar – The only place in London where you can sip a glass of wine while surrounded by a wall of books older than the internet.
11. The Mayflower – A historic riverside pub where you can watch boats drift by while you drink a Porter that tastes like the Thames after a rainstorm.
12. Dog & Duck – A cozy spot in Chelsea that serves a “Duck Tail” cocktail that’s basically a martini with a feather.
13. Mother’s Ruin – The name says it all. Their gin selection is so vast you’ll need a map and a compass to navigate it.
14. St. John’s Tavern – A pub that prides itself on “authentic Britishness.” Their fish‑and‑chips are so good you’ll consider moving in.
15. The Blackfriar – Art Deco meets medieval stone. The interior is a Pinterest board come to life.
16. Old Street Tavern – Techies love it because the Wi‑Fi actually works. Their craft lager is the perfect excuse for a “networking” session.
17. Fitzrovia’s The Fitzroy – A modern gastropub where the chef is also a DJ. Order the IPA and ask for a side of bass drops.
18. The Crown & Anchor – A classic British pub where the only thing more British than the décor is the fact that they serve real ale in a pewter mug.
19. Roxy’s Bar – A retro‑vibe spot in Shoreditch that plays 80s hits louder than your neighbour’s karaoke night.
20. The George Inn – The only surviving galleried coaching inn in London. If you can hear the ghosts of horse‑drawn carriages, you’re doing it right.
21. Alibi Bar – A speakeasy‑style bar hidden behind a laundromat. Their secret menu includes a “Mojito that tastes like regret.”
22. Lord Nelson – A nautical‑themed pub near the Thames. Their rum punch will make you feel like you’ve sailed the seven seas… or at least the Thames.
23. Hops & Dreams – A craft‑beer lover’s dream where the bartenders will explain the difference between “dry hopping” and “wet dreaming.”
24. The White Hart – A historic pub in Hampstead with a garden that’s perfect for pretending you’re on a countryside retreat.
25. Spirits & Scones – A brunch‑centric pub where the mimosas are as fluffy as the scones. Yes, you can have both.
26. The Red Lion – A royal‑approved establishment (maybe). Their ale is so regal you’ll feel like you’ve been knighted after the third pint.
27. Barley Mow – A rustic pub that serves a barley‑wine that’s basically liquid gold. Drink responsibly, or you’ll be paying rent in barley.
28. The Blind Beggar – The infamous spot where the Kray twins used to hang out. Their “Mobster Stout” is as dark as their history.
29. St. Stephen’s – A small, candle‑lit pub that makes you feel like you’re in a medieval manuscript illustration.
30. The Old Bell – A Victorian pub with a bell that rings every time someone orders a “nightcap.” It’s oddly satisfying.
31. Vauxhall’s The Prince – A modern twist on a classic, with neon signs and a craft cider that tastes like a summer orchard.
32. The Drunken Duck – A quirky pub where the décor includes actual duck feathers. Their “Ducktail” cocktail is a feathered masterpiece.
33. Old Vic’s The Playhouse – A theatre‑themed pub where you can watch a live improv while sipping a “Bard’s Brew.”
34. St. James’s Bar – An upscale lounge that serves a “Martini, shaken, not stirred” that would make James Bond jealous.
35. The Black Lion – A dark‑wood interior that makes you feel like you’re in a gothic novel. Their stout is as deep as the plot.
36. Portobello’s The Fox – A market‑adjacent pub where you can grab a pint after haggling over vintage records.
37. The Eagle – A historic pub near the Royal Academy. Their “Eagle Ale” is so crisp you’ll feel like you’ve just taken flight.
38. Jolly Good Times – A name that says it all. Their karaoke nights are legendary, and the beer is… decent.
39. The Gherkin Bar – Located inside the iconic Gherkin building, because nothing says “I’m fancy” like drinking a cocktail at 150 m above ground.
40. St. Mary’s Pub – A church‑converted venue where the stained‑glass windows double as Instagram backdrops.
41. The Golden Hops – A gold‑themed bar where the taps are literally gold‑plated. Their premium lager tastes like money.
42. London Bridge Pub – A tourist trap? Maybe. Their “Bridge Beer” is a solid lager that will get you across the night.
43. The Velvet Rope – An exclusive speakeasy where you need a password (usually “I’m thirsty”). Their gin cocktail is smoother than a jazz sax solo.
44. Old Town’s The Anchor – A riverside haunt where the fish‑and‑chips are as fresh as the water you’re drinking.
45. St. Pancras Bar – A train‑station‑adjacent pub where the “Departure” cocktail will make you miss your train… on purpose.
46. The Brickhouse – A brick‑wall pub with a serious focus on craft lagers. Their “Brick Lager” is as solid as the walls.
47. The Unicorn – A fantasy‑themed bar where the bartender dresses as a unicorn. Their “Rainbow Ale” is as colorful as the décor.
48. Bloomsbury’s The Bookworm – A literary‑loving pub with shelves of books you’ll never read because you’re too busy drinking.
49. The Iron Duke – A militaristic‑style pub where the “Colonel’s Cider” is a disciplined, crisp drink.
50. Camden’s The Electric Elephant – A neon‑lit bar where the elephant statue glows. Their “Electric IPA” will shock your taste buds.
51. Southbank’s The Riverbank – A riverside lounge with a view of the London Eye. Their “Ferris Wheel Fizz” is a cocktail that spins.
52. The Green Man – A nature‑themed pub with indoor plants that actually survive. Their “Herbal Ale” is a fresh take on tradition.
53. West End’s The Spotlight – A theatre‑district bar where the drinks are named after famous shows. Their “Phantom Pint” is hauntingly good.
54. The Secret Garden – A hidden courtyard bar that feels like a scene from a Wes Anderson film.
55. Old Bailey’s The Verdict – A courtroom‑styled pub where the bartender hands out “guilty” drinks.
56. The Alchemist’s Lab – A science‑themed bar where cocktails are served in beakers. Their “Molecular Martini” is… experimental.
57. The Crown Jewels – A regal bar where the drinks are served in gold‑rimmed glasses. Their “Royal Stout” is fit for a queen.
58. The Dragon’s Den – A fantasy‑lair pub where the fire‑breathing bartender makes a “Flame IPA.”
59. London’s Last Call – The name says it all. Open until 3 am, because some of us never want the night to end.

How to Use This List (A Survival Guide for the Tipsy)

1. Pick a vibe. Want historic charm? Go to The Churchill Arms and pretend you’re a Victorian explorer. Need a craft‑beer playground? The Craft Beer Co. has more hops than a bunny farm.

2. Check the map. All these pubs are scattered across London, so plan a route or risk ending up on a tube line you’ve never heard of.

3. Don’t forget to hydrate. Water is the unsung hero of any night out. Trust us, your head will thank you.

4. Order the signature drink. Every pub on this list has a “house special.” Ignoring it is basically a crime against humanity.

5. Leave a review. If you love a place, shout it from the rooftops (or at least post a meme on Reddit). If you hate it, well… we’ll just pretend it never existed.

Pro Tips for the Pub‑Crawling Pro

• Carry a pocket‑sized notebook (or a notes app) to jot down the name of that obscure ale you loved.
• Use a contact‑free payment method. Cash is so 2019.
• When in doubt, ask the bartender for a “something that will make me forget my ex.” They’ll know.
• Never trust a pub that doesn’t have a decent Wi‑Fi signal. If you can’t post a meme, you’re missing out.
• Check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer if you ever decide to open your own spot. Trust us, you’ll need the guidance.

External Resources (Because We’re Not Total Hipsters)

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Final Thoughts (And a Snarky CTA)

There you have it – 50 pubs that will make you feel like a London native, even if you’re just a tourist with a Google Maps app and a thirst for sarcasm. Remember, the best pub experience isn’t about the beer; it’s about the stories you’ll tell (or forget) the next morning.

Ready to turn your own pub‑crawling adventures into a brand? Contact us at Strategies Beer and let’s brew something legendary together. Because if you’re going to drink, you might as well do it with a plan that’s as bold as your Instagram captions.