Intro: Why You Need a Pub Crawl That Feels Like a Meme
Alright, you gloriously intoxicated connoisseur of hops, let’s cut the small talk. You’re scrolling through Reddit, you’ve seen the “I tried a craft IPA in a dive bar and now I’m an enlightened monk” meme, and you’re wondering: where the hell in London can I actually live that meme? Spoiler alert: the answer is not a sterile cocktail lounge with a chandelier made of recycled bottle caps. It’s the gritty, glorious, and sometimes downright smelly pubs that have been sloshing ale since the Great Fire of London (or at least since the nearest horse-drawn carriage could get a parking ticket).
We’ve scoured the city, consulted the local barflies, and even bribed a couple of bartenders with free pretzels to bring you the 9 best pubs in London that will make your Instagram feed look like a mashup of Game of Thrones and Rick and Morty. Expect sarcasm, pop‑culture references, and a sprinkle of SEO magic that will make Google love you as much as you love a well‑timed punchline.
Before we dive into the list, here’s a quick reminder: if you’re looking to grow your business with Strategies Beer or maybe even make your own beer, we’ve got you covered. And when you finally decide to sell that home‑brewed masterpiece, don’t forget to Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer – the ultimate beer distribution marketplace.
1. The Churchill Arms – Blooms & Booze
If you’ve ever wanted to walk into a botanical garden and immediately be offered a pint, the Churchill Arms is your destination. Nestled in Kensington, this Victorian gem is plastered in flowers so aggressively that you’ll need sunglasses just to read the menu.
Why it’s meme‑worthy: The interior feels like a Plants vs. Zombies level gone rogue. You’ll be sipping a traditional English ale while a chorus of hummingbirds (well, figuratively) chirps in the background. The staff will serve you a gin and tonic that looks like a miniature garden pond – complete with a floating cucumber slice.
- Best for: Instagram stories that need a floral filter.
- Signature drink: The “Blooming Ale” – a pale ale with a hint of elderflower.
- Pro tip: Order the fish & chips here; the fish is as fresh as the memes you’ll post later.
2. The George Inn – Historic Hangout
Step back in time without having to watch Bridgerton for the hundredth time. The George Inn in Southwark is the last remaining galleried coaching inn in London, and it’s still serving up the kind of ale that makes you feel like a Tudor‑era influencer.
Why it’s meme‑worthy: The open‑air courtyard is perfect for that “I’m basically a Renaissance painter” selfie. Plus, the ghost of a former patron (rumor has it he was a pirate) allegedly haunts the back room, making it the perfect backdrop for a “spooky vibes” TikTok.
- Try the “Pirate’s Grog” – a spiced rum porter that’ll have you swearing like a sailor.
- Grab a seat on the ancient wooden beams and pretend you’re in a Game of Thrones council meeting.
- Don’t forget to check out the Contact page if you want to book a private ghost‑tour.
3. The Spaniards Inn – Folklore & Folly
Located on the edge of Hampstead Heath, the Spaniards Inn is the kind of place that inspired poets, painters, and apparently a few drunken Instagram influencers who think they’re the next Van Gogh.
Why it’s meme‑worthy: The walls are covered in a mural of a giant, slightly tipsy llama wearing a top hat. Yes, you read that right. It’s as surreal as a Bob Ross painting while you’re drunk.
- Best for: Late‑night philosophical debates about why the universe is a giant beer glass.
- Signature drink: “Llama Lush” – a mezcal‑infused stout that will make you see double.
- Pro tip: Order the “Heath Hops” platter – a selection of local cheeses that pair perfectly with a pint of bitter.
4. The Crown & Two Chairmen – Cocktail‑Crafted Pub
Don’t let the name fool you; this place is a hybrid of a classic London pub and a modern cocktail bar. Located in Shoreditch, the Crown & Two Chairmen serves a beer menu that reads like a Spotify playlist – eclectic, surprising, and occasionally nostalgic.
Why it’s meme‑worthy: Their “Beer‑Mojito” is exactly what it sounds like – a mojito with a splash of lager. It’s the drink you’ll post about when you’re trying to prove you’re both a craft beer snob and a party animal.
- Check out the “IPA‑Scented Candle” on the shelf – because nothing says “I’m sophisticated” like lighting a candle that smells like hops.
- Snap a pic of the neon sign that reads “Drink Responsibly… or Not.”
- Use the Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer link if you’re thinking about opening a similar hybrid spot.
5. The Old Blue – Pub‑Quiz Paradise
If you love trivia as much as you love a good pint, the Old Blue in Covent Garden is your sanctuary. This pub hosts nightly quiz nights that are so intense they could qualify as an extreme sport.
Why it’s meme‑worthy: The host dresses as a 90’s sitcom character (think Friends Joey) and throws out pop‑culture references faster than you can say “Brew‑Ha‑Ha.” The winner gets a golden mug that looks like a tiny trophy from the Olympics.
- Best for: Showing off your obscure knowledge of 80’s sitcoms while sipping a double IPA.
- Signature drink: “Quizmaster’s Quencher” – a gin‑infused lager that will keep your brain buzzing.
- Pro tip: Arrive early to claim a seat near the bar; the bartender will give you a free “cheat sheet” of the night’s categories.
6. The White Hart – Classic Meets Contemporary
In the heart of Bethnal Green, the White Hart is a classic London pub that has been upgraded with a sleek, modern twist. Think wooden beams, exposed brick, and a beer list that would make a sommelier weep.
Why it’s meme‑worthy: Their “Beer‑Infused Pizza” is literally a pizza topped with cheese, tomato, and a drizzle of stout reduction. It’s the culinary equivalent of a meme that’s both funny and slightly confusing.
- Order the “Hops‑On‑Tap” sampler – ten different craft beers in a single flight.
- Take a selfie with the vintage jukebox that only plays songs from the 90’s.
- When you’re done, head to the Custom Beer page to design your own brew inspired by this experience.
7. The Lamb & Flag – Legendary Haunt
Located in the bustling Covent Garden, the Lamb & Flag is the sort of place that Charles Dickens would have written about if he’d been a modern-day blogger. It’s famous for being the original home of the London School of Comedy and for serving a pint that could cure any existential crisis.
Why it’s meme-worthy: The walls are plastered with vintage comedy posters, and there’s a tiny stage where locals perform stand‑up that’s as sharp as a razor blade. If you’re lucky, you might catch a comedian who references “the same old dad jokes you hear on your group chat.”
- Best for: A night of laughs, lagers, and loopy anecdotes.
- Signature drink: “Laugh‑Ale” – a light ale with a hint of citrus that’s as refreshing as a meme about Monday mornings.
- Pro tip: Grab a seat at the bar and order the “Comedy Flight” – a trio of mini‑pints each named after a famous British sitcom.
8. The Mayflower – Riverside Vibes
For those who prefer their pints with a view of the Thames, the Mayflower on Rotherhithe’s riverside is the perfect spot. It’s a historic pub that once hosted sailors, smugglers, and now, Instagram influencers with a penchant for golden hour lighting.
Why it’s meme‑worthy: The outdoor terrace is equipped with string lights that flicker like a low‑budget Hollywood set. The staff serve a “Sunset Stout” that changes color as the sky darkens – a literal mood‑setter.
- Try the “River‑Run Ale” – a crisp, clean lager that pairs perfectly with a view of passing boats.
- Take a panoramic shot of the Thames and caption it “Just another day at the office.”
- If you’re thinking about launching a pop‑up bar, check out our Home page for inspiration.
9. The Ten Bells – Ghostly Good Times
Last but definitely not least, the Ten Bells in Spitalfields is a pub that embraces its haunted reputation. Legend has it that the ghost of a 19th‑century brewer still roams the cellar, tasting every new brew that passes his way.
Why it’s meme‑worthy: The bar’s neon sign reads “We’ve Got Spirits… Literally.” It’s the ideal spot for a night where you want to feel both tipsy and terrified – the perfect combo for a viral TikTok.
- Best for: Ghost stories, craft beers, and that “I’m not scared, I’m just excited” vibe.
- Signature drink: “Phantom Porter” – a dark, smoky porter that’s rumored to be the ghost’s favorite.
- Pro tip: Order the “Bells & Booze” tasting flight – three mini‑pints that each come with a mini‑story about the pub’s haunted past.
Conclusion: Your Pub‑Crawl, Your Rules
There you have it – nine London pubs that are equal parts history, hilarity, and hops. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect backdrop for your next meme, looking to impress your friends with obscure trivia, or just want a pint that tastes like it was brewed in a secret underground lab, these spots have you covered.
Remember, the best pub experience isn’t just about the beer; it’s about the stories you collect, the laughs you share, and the memes you’ll inevitably create. So grab your mates, charge your phone’s battery, and set out on a crawl that will make your followers think you’ve discovered a hidden level in the game of life.
Ready to turn your own brew dreams into reality? Make Your Own Beer and then Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. Because why settle for a pint when you can own the whole tap?
Now go forth, drink responsibly (or at least look responsible), and may your Instagram feed be forever flooded with perfectly filtered pints.
