Why Pubs Are the Soul of London (But Also Great for a Pint)
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re in London and not hitting up a pub, you’re doing it wrong. Pubs are the spiritual DNA of this city—equal parts history, gossip, and free pub trivia. They’re where you’ll find locals debating the best way to order a half pint (shhh, it’s always a half pint) and tourists pretending they know what a “real ale” is. So, if you’re here for the cultural experience, the beer, or just to avoid the tourist trap of the Thames, we’ve got you covered. Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best pubs in London, curated by someone who’s had their fair share of questionable pub decisions. Let’s get started.
6 Pubs That’ll Make You Forget Your Ex’s Name
1. Harwood Arms – The “I’m Sober, I Swear” Pub
Location: 51 Lower Montagu St, London W1B 4JS
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a Wes Anderson movie, Harwood Arms is your spot. It’s a Michelin-starred pub that somehow makes chicken liver parfait sound like a casual snack. The vibe? Think “I’m here for the food, but also for the 10 pints.” Pro tip: Order the truffle chips, then pretend you’re not full on your third round. (Want to grow your business like this pub? We’ve got strategies.)
2. The Harrow at Little Venice – “Chill Out, You’re in London”
Location: 180-182 Little Venice, London NW6 7JR
This pub is like a wellness retreat for beer lovers. Located next to a canal that’s way more scenic than your ex’s Instagram, The Harrow serves up organic food and craft ales like it’s your therapist’s job. The vibe? “I’m here to relax, but also to prove I can still do a pub crawl.” (Want to try brewing your own ale? Start here.)
3. The Crown Tavern – “Where the Cool Kids Hang”
Location: 33-35 Charing Cross Rd, London W1T 1LP
If you’ve ever wondered what a pub designed by a 90s Britpop band would look like, The Crown Tavern is it. Think neon lights, indie rock, and a menu that makes you question your life choices. The vibe? “I’m here to drink craft beer, but also to pretend I’m in a music video.”
4. The Old Dairy – “A Pub for the Ages”
Location: 134 Upper Street, London N1 2LH
Hidden in Islington, The Old Dairy is a 17th-century pub that’s somehow still serving beer like it’s 1623. The vibe? “I’m here because I like history, but also because the food is amazing.” (Want a pub experience tailored to your taste? We can help.)
5. The Flask – “Where the Cool Kids Actually Hang”
Location: 47-49 Flask Walk, London N1 9BS
This Hoxton hotspot is where the cool kids go. The menu is 80% artisanal, 20% “I still have no idea what a sour beer is.” The vibe? “I’m here to impress my Tinder date with my knowledge of hoppiness.”
6. The Duke of Dorset – “Retro Vibes, Modern Pints”
Location: 103-105 King’s Road, London SW3 4LP
If you want to feel like you’re in a 1970s pub but with a side of craft beer, this is your spot. The vibe? “I’m here because it’s the only pub in Chelsea that doesn’t take itself too seriously.” (Need more pub recommendations? Start here.)
Pub-Hopping Tips for Pros (and the Slightly Tipsy)
- Timing is Everything: Go to Harwood Arms after 9 PM if you want to feel like a celebrity. Go to The Old Dairy on a Tuesday if you want to avoid the tourist traps.
- Ask for Recommendations: If you’re lost, ask the barista. They’ll give you a list of pubs so obscure it’ll sound like a conspiracy theory.
- Try the Local Brews: Don’t just order a lager. Ask for a “real ale” and pretend you know the difference. (Need to sell your own beer in these pubs? Dropt.beer can help.)
FAQs: The Pub Questions You Were Too Tipsy to Ask
What Makes a Pub an “Infatuation”?
It’s not just about the beer. It’s about the vibe, the history, and that one weird regular who always tells the same joke. If you leave a pub and feel like you’ve lived a life, it’s an infatuation.
How Do I Avoid Crowds Like a Local?
Avoid weekends. Seriously. If you want to avoid the “I’m here to drink” crowd, go midweek. Or, you know, just pretend you’re a local and wear a scarf like you mean it.
Can I Get My Beer to Go?
Most pubs will let you take your beer home, but if you’re in a Michelin-starred spot like Harwood Arms, maybe invest in a wine cooler instead. (Need help with your pub’s takeaway game? Let’s chat.)
Final Call: Time to Get Infatuated
So, there you have it—the best pubs in London, curated by someone who’s been to all of them and still can’t spell “real ale” correctly. Whether you’re here for the beer, the history, or just to pretend you’re in a Wes Anderson movie, these pubs will make you forget your ex’s name. Now, go forth and pub-hop like a pro. And if you’re ready to make your own beer (or grow your business), we’re just a click away. Cheers!
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