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London Pub Guide: The Best Pubs, History, and What to Drink

london pub guide best pubs in London England

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You won’t be able to resist stepping into a London pub. You will find yourself with carpet underfoot, dim lights, and sipping a hand-pumped ale in the evenings. Let our London Pub Guide help you know how much to tip and what London pubs are the best for you. So, you can enjoy talking history with the Publican.

Dive into London pub facts to appreciate our favorite London pubs and the most historical pubs in London. 

Read on for in-depth pub history, types of pubs, pints, and pub food. 

Don’t miss our FREE one-page London itinerary that will take you on a walking tour of central London. The itinerary day ends with a five-minute walk to Fleet Street, home to British newspapers and the pubs the reporters would frequent. Some of the best historical pubs in London: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Old Tavern Bell, Ye Olde Cock Tavern, and more.

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    London Pub Guide: Pub Facts and Terminology

    Wet your pallet with these London pub guide facts. Consider them your appetizer on pub history and culture.

    • As of 2018, there were 3,823 pubs in London. The number of pubs in the UK has been declining since 1982 due to changing customer needs, stricter DUI laws, the 2007 smoking ban, and cheap alcohol at grocery stores to name a few.
    • “Pub” is short for Public House. The name is relatively new, as Public Houses opened in the 19th century. See the Pub History section below for more information.
    • The Publican is the owner or manager of a pub. The Publican opens part of his or her house to the public. The name originates as a tax collector. But over time in the UK it came to mean the owner or manager as they were required to pay taxes for a license to operate.
    • ABV is alcohol by volume. Most English beers have 2.5% to 10% ABV. If the Publican passes on the savings, beer below 3.5% ABV is taxed at a lower rate.
    • Real British ale’s alcohol content hovers between 4% and 5% ABV. British ale is low compared to other beers as Brits prefer session beers. They can enjoy more beers over a few hours, part of the pub culture of watching football or talking it up at the bar.
    • Your local is your favorite pub, it does not have to be the pub closest to your home. A local can be liked for the beers on draught, their friends who are regulars, the food, sports ticket, or any other reason that makes it feel like an extension of your home.
    • The Red Lion is the most common pub name in the UK.
    • Your Shout means it is your turn to buy the drinks for the table or the next round of drinks. See below for etiquette on buying drinks when at a pub.
    • The Guinness Book of Records was published by Guinness Breweries to settle pub arguments.
    • The longest pub crawl goes to John Drew, Karl Bradley, Peter Hill, and Joe Hill. They had a mission to have a pint in every county in the UK. Starting in 1984, by 2008, they had visited 14,000 pubs.
    • Off-license can be found on convenience store signage in the UK and Ireland. An off-license shop can sell alcohol for off-premise consumption while a pub is licensed for consumption on the premises.
    london historical pub fleet street
    The alluring Ye Olde Cock Tavern is a historical London pub on Fleet Street.

    Resources for planning your trip to London:

    Your London Pub Guide Video

    I not only like to write about London pubs, but I also enjoy making video guides about them. Watch our London Pub Guide video as I drink across some of the best pubs in London while providing everything you need to know when you walk into a London pub.

    Common London Pub Questions

    There is no shame in asking these London pub questions. The shame is when you don’t know what to do when it is your shout. Our London Pub Guide will get you sorted.

    How do you know it is a pub?

    Unlike a bar or cafe, you will rarely see “pub” written anywhere on the exterior of a British pub. You may not even see patrons inside the pub. London pubs started as public houses, so their windows are frosted or have curtains drawn so you can’t see people inside. 

    To spot a London pub, look for the pub sign. To attract illiterate punters, pub signs historically have the following qualities: 

    • displayed prominently 15 to 25 feet from the ground
    • The sign usually measures 3 to 4 feet in height
    • Is brightly colored
    • Displays the pub name and a pictorial representation of the pub’s name. For example, The King’s Head will say King’s Head on the sign and have a King’s head.
    london historical pub fleet street
    The Nags Head is a good example of common London pub signage.

    There is no strict definition for a pub, but CAMRA states a pub has four characteristics:

    1. It is open to the public without membership or residency
    2. Serves draught beer or cider without requiring food to be consumed
    3. Has at least one indoor area not laid out for meals
    4. Allows drinks to be bought at a bar

    A pub is not a bar, but all pubs have a bar. The term ‘bar’ can mean the counter where pints are served or any room inside the pub which contains a counter.

    When are London pubs open?

    Numerous Acts of Parliament required that pubs were not allowed to open until 11 AM (noon on Sundays) and could not serve drinks after 11 PM. These traditional permitted hours ended with the Licensing Act 2003.

    Now, pubs have flexible hours so they can stay open longer. Even 24-hours is possible. 

    But, you will find most pubs in the UK, especially historical pubs in London, abide by closing at 11 PM with an ability to drink what you bought until 11:20 PM.  

    How do you order drinks at a pub?

    This one is important to know for visitors. Here is some pub etiquette for ordering drinks.

    1. You have to order your drinks at the bar and take your drinks back to your table. There is no waiter service in pubs. Some pubs may have waiters available when busy but this is a supplement, not the norm for ordering.
    2. If you are in a group, one or two people should order drinks at the bar for the group. The whole group should not crowd the bar. You will not find a proper British queue in a pub. The bar staff will know each person’s position in the invisible queue. 
    3. Catch the barman’s eye to order your drink(s). Avoid making noises, scowling, or hand gestures to get their attention. You can hold money or an empty glass to let them know you are waiting for them.
    4. Be ready with your order and ask for “a pint of lager, please.” or “a half-pint of bitters, please.” With so many beers on draught in UK pubs, it is best to name the brand you want to drink.

    The legal drinking age in the UK is 18 years old.

    london pub how to order drinks
    A punter orders from the bartender at the counter in a historic London pub.

    Do you tip at a London pub?

    Tipping at a London pub for a drink was not standard when we lived in London. It was considered rude to leave money on the counter for a tip. For the most part, this is still true.

    You do not need to tip for a drink at a London pub.

    The exception to this is when you receive table service. Some pubs may provide table service for drinks and/or food. Tipping is appreciated in this instance. Check the bill as they may include the standard 12.5% service charge.

    During my last trip to London, I was surprised to find tipping jars and signs saying tipping is appreciated at some London pubs. Do what you feel comfortable with if they are requesting a tip. But, tipping at London pubs is not a requirement.

    Why are beers served warm?

    This is a classic myth about English beer. The myth about beers in London being served warm or at room temperature comes from English Cask Ales. Cask Ales are served at cellar temperature, 54o to 57oF (12o and 14oC). This is warmer than refrigeration temperatures (typically, 39oF) but far from room temperature or warm.

    My local in London had their cask ales on display in their cellar. The casks were in a refrigerator with a temperature readout far from room temperature.

    London pubs kid friendly
    Pubs are kid friendly in London. They are welcome for lunch or dinner but when pubs get busy, it isn’t easy having kids with you.

    Why aren’t English beers served with a head?

    It depends on where you visit in the UK. In the southern UK, like in London, the preference is for a loose head with a slight froth of large bubbles that quickly collapse. If you’re looking for a thick, tall head, like in Germany, then you will go to West Yorkshire.

    More resources for your London vacation:

    How to Find the Best London Pubs

    Don’t underestimate the ability to find a quintessential London pub. While pubs are everywhere in London, you may have to hunt for the right one. 

    Perhaps you’re looking for the best in your neighborhood, the best craft beers, the oldest pub, or one that doesn’t smell gross. Our list below has a little for everyone but we share London pubs with old-world charm. 

    In this London Pub Guide, we share London pubs with home-like qualities of a fireplace, sofas, and big leather chairs while serving craft beers and a fun atmosphere. We find there are few things better than having a pint by the fire during the winter or being in the street on a hot summer day outside a popular pub.

    A traditional london pub interior
    Grab a pint and relax in a London pub.

    Our 10 Favorite Pubs

    This list of our favorite pubs is heavy in West London. This area of London was built in the 19th century, so we enjoy the public houses in these neighborhoods, and many visitors stay in West London. See our list of historical pubs below for more information on Central London pubs.

    The Fox and Pheasant is a cozy pub in Chelsea with three fireplaces on a mews. It is located near Stamford Bridge, but The Fox and Pheasant is more of a local neighborhood pub than a Chelsea FC football pub. We enjoy the interior and old-world charm of this 1846 pub.

    The Builders Arms Pub is a colorful pub with comfy chairs and a lively crowd. Locals flock here for the beers, cocktails, food, and atmosphere. It is said to have been built for the builders of the nearby St. Luke’s Church. The pub is a classic posh London pub that welcomes everyone.

    churchill arms london pub
    The Churchill Arms during the summer. For the holidays, they decorate with Christmas trees.

    The Churchill Arms is on everyone’s pub list and we are suckers for it too. The outside is covered in flowers during the summer and Christmas trees for the holidays. Inside, the pub is charming with tucked-away seats, kitsch hanging from the ceiling, and lots of WWII British propaganda and photos.

    Our favorite part? Well, that is the Thai restaurant that is connected to the pub. Go for lunch to skip the crowds. That is why this video made our favorite 9 food experiences in London video.

    The Queen’s Arms is a mews pub and we love mews pubs. Located close to Hyde Park and the Exhibition Road Museums (Science Museum, V&A, and Natural History Museum) is a cozy pub with great food, a wood interior, and always a lively crowd out in the mews.

    Stop at the Queen’s Arms when leaving the best Museums in London and then head over to Hyde Park, as it is worth it.

    Ladbroke Arms best london pubs
    My daughter and I enjoying a sunny day at The Ladbroke Arms.

    The Ladbroke Arms is popular with locals and tourists due to the hanging baskets out front, cozy and modern interior (remodeled in 2016), and the hidden location in Notting Hill. Grab a pint to sit in the sun on the front patio on a warm summer day.

    The Warwick Castle is a historical pub (1867) tucked away amongst the canals in Little Venice, Paddington. Stained glass windows, old benches, marble fireplace, well priced London pub food await. The pub is tiny and worth the effort to find it!

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      The Pembroke is located on the corner in the center of Earl’s Court neighborhood. Numerous hotels are located in this area but you will need to walk a few blocks from Earl’s Court Underground Station for this gastropub and lounge. We love the interior and roof deck seating. The large interior helps it from feeling crowded.

      The Audley Public House is a traditional neighborhood London pub with carpeted floors, a rich oak interior, and comfy built-in benches and tables surrounding the bar. Enjoy a Sambrook’s Brewery beer, one of the oldest brewers in London, and some oysters. The pub is in an elegant Victorian building, built in 1888, on the corner of Audley Street and Mount Street.

      the lamb london pubs
      The Lamb by Young’s

      The Lamb Pub is a mews pub serving British pub food, cask ales, and ciders in a two-story traditional Victorian pub. Enjoy the back garden on a sunny summer day.

      The Nags Head is a local favorite for the working class in a very posh neighborhood of London. The small interior will welcome you with posters, pictures, and all sorts of visually stunning stuff. Don’t let the rough interior and classic British food scare you away from this old gem of an independent pub.

      The Dove is near Hammersmith Bridge and located on the Thames. You can also grab a pint at The Blue Anchor or Rutland Arms which are closer to Hammersmith Bridge. We prefer The Dove for the riverside terrace, the small, brick and wood beam dining room, and the quality food. The Dove is a Fuller’s Brewing pub, owned by them since 1796. 

      Bonus, next door is The William Morris Society. Tour the former home of a pioneer in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Learn more about William Morris when you visit the Cotswolds.

      oldest pubs in london The Lamb and Flag

      Historical London Pubs

      We start with two classic, ancient pubs in the City of London. Note that most taverns and inns didn’t survive the Great Fire of London in 1666. 

      As you will learn in the London Pub History section below, if a pub is old in London then it isn’t a pub!

      Most of the pubs below close at 10:30 on Sundays.

      Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is down a narrow corridor off Fleet Street, the street famous for London newspapers. This historic London pub makes a lot of “best pub” lists and for good reason. We enjoy the sawdust on the floor, the pub food, the numerous rooms and levels, and the ancient feel of the place. We enjoyed their Sunday Roast.

      The medieval pub sits on the site of the former 13th-century Carmelite Monastery. A pub has been here since 1538. 

      the old bell tavern london historical pub
      The Old Bell Tavern in the City of London, Fleet Street.

      The Old Bell Tavern is located down the street from Ye Old Cheshire Cheese. As it is within walking distance from St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, and the Tate Modern, we recommend checking this place out if you’re doing our free walking tour of London (download). 

      The pub was built in 1678 and designed by the famous Sir Christopher Wren (St. Paul’s Cathedral). It is said he built the pub for his masons to keep their morale high as they rebuilt London. The pub claims to have a license to operate that is over 300 years old. We like the stained-glass windows and stonework inside.

      fox and hounds london pub historical
      The Fox and Hounds

      The Fox and Hounds is the last true beer house in London. Located as an end-of-terrace pub near Sloane Square, you can rub elbows with workers, posh locals, or the occasional celebrity leaving the Royal Court Theatre. We love the cozy pub for the friendly staff and Victorian decor inside. Enjoy a real cask ale in this historic London pub.

      The French House was built in 1891 and is located on Dean Street, a hip street in Soho. The busy pub has a few rules. Only half-pints are sold and no technology (cell phones) is allowed. It has a lot of history. After the fall of France by Nazi Germany, Charles de Gaulle wrote one of the most important speeches in French history, À tous les Français, at the French House.

      lamb and flag historical london pub
      The Lamb and Flag, the oldest pub in Convent Garden.

      Lamb and Flag is a Georgian pub built in 1772 as The Coopers Arms. It changed its name to the Lamb and Flag in 1833. The pub was a rough place to visit in the 18th century as it staged bare-knuckled prize fights. Today, it can get busy due to being located in Covent Garden and looks so appealing when you look down the alleyway. Charles Dickens was known to frequent here.

      The Seven Stars was built in the reign of Elizabeth I, 1602. Located across from the Royal Courts of Justice, you will find lawyers and barristers presiding over their pints. The place is tiny so book a table if you want gastronomic pub food.

      The Spaniards Inn was built in 1585 by two Spanish brothers. The ancient inn is known as one of the most haunted pubs in London. That didn’t stop Charles Dickens or John Keats from being regulars. Stop by for a pint when exploring Hampstead Heath for the day.

      The George Inn Historical London Pub
      The George Inn

      The George Inn was built in 1583 as a coaching inn. The inn has wood beams, multiple dining rooms and bars, and a nice courtyard for drinks. Located near Burrough Market, this pub is a relaxing place to grab a drink and food. The place is soaked with history as the numerous plaques will tell you.

      A pub walking tour is a great way to discover new (to you) pubs along with their history and tales of the local area. I thoroughly enjoyed the pub tour and the wealth of knowledge our guide was harboring.

      If you’re dying to try one of these pubs, find a great place to stay nearby.

      London Pub History

      The London pub that we know and love today in London first appeared in the 19th century. Pub history can be traced back to the Romans.

      While ale is a native British drink that existed before the Romans arrived in the first century, the Roman network of roads gave birth to the tabernae or tavern. 

      With the Roman roads came inns. Inns provided wary travelers with lodging, food, drinks, and stables. You will notice in the list of the oldest pubs in London above, most are taverns or inns as public houses didn’t exist yet. Nowadays, there is little distinction between an inn and a pub. You may find pub names that include the term inn.

      The oldest inn can be found in Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds. We share details on visiting in our The Best Cotswold Villages: Maps, Where to Stay, What to Do article. Or watch the video below!

      After the fall of the Roman authority in the fifth century, Anglo-Saxons established alehouses out of domestic homes. These alehouses evolved into public meeting houses, town halls, and social spaces. But, an alehouse was still indistinguishable from a home and the Publican most likely brewed the beer.

      By the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about commercial breweries, a greater demand for larger alehouses, and competition for customers. Beer hand pumps were an innovation that allowed more customers to be served. 

      Pub adornments like brass fittings, ornate mirrors, and tiled walls came from gin palaces. 

      Fun fact, cheap gin in the 18th century caused six times more gin to be produced than beer by 1740. This led to a gin epidemic and the advent of heavy taxes and licensing laws to restrict gin. The UK government sought to have the public drink a more wholesome beverage. 

      The Beerhouse Act of 1830 allowed a ‘beerhouse’ to be opened by a Publican in their home relatively free of regulation and for a small licensing fee. This caused the golden age of pub building as the profitable business enticed landlords to build larger and more adorned pubs. Hence, you will find many London pubs dating from the middle of the 19th century.

      The last licensed beerhouse to convert to a pub is The Fox and Hounds in Belgravia. It converted in 1998 and made our list of favorite historical pubs.

      Competition between breweries in the 19th century caused brewers to purchase pubs and employ the Publican to run them. This secured a market for their beer. These were called tied houses. 

      By the end of the 19th century, 90% of pubs were tied houses with the remainder being free houses. The breweries began merging to create six larger brewers, known as The Big Six by the 1980s. 

      The UK government sought to break the monopoly. The breweries had to sell their pubs but, branded pub chains bought them up. These are called PubCos and we will discuss how you can spot a PubCo from a mile away.

      Types of Pubs in London

      You will be hard-pressed to find a ‘traditional’ British pub in London. There are many types of pubs defined by one large London pubco, Greene King. 

      As an American, I understand what you are looking for in a ‘traditional’ British pub so see our lists of favorite and historical pubs above.

      Free houses were originally pubs not tied to a brewery or PubCo. They are free of the brewery’s influence on what beer they can sell. But, nowadays a free house may have an agreement with a brewery or a pubco. For example, the PubCo JD Witherspoon chain advertises as a free house. 

      To find a true free house, you will need to find a pub with a large selection of revolving beers on draught. Typically, beers are from microbreweries and local brewers. A free house has an independent, local, artisanal vibe that you can feel. They will have owners and managers who provide an unique experience regarding beer, cocktails, and food offerings. 

      The interior decor will have a pub feel but will be more modern regarding the interior design; colorful colors, and actual chalkboards to show a revolving option of beers on tap. 

      PubCos are branded pub chains that rent their pubs to licensees. This system offers the licensee a lower monthly rent, but in return, they are tied to their PubCo and have to buy their beer at an inflated cost. There are nine PubCos that own half of all pubs in the country.

      Some PubCo pubs are historically famous or are very popular for their food or ambiance. But, in my opinion, most PubCos provide unappealing beers, worn interiors, and are located in touristy spots. 

      I’m not saying you shouldn’t visit a PubCo. You most likely will but they may not provide the London pub experience you wanted to achieve compared to a free house. Here are some common signs for spotting a PubCo pub.

      • PubCos may have fake chalkboard signs out front or posted on the pub’s exterior to advertise fish and chips or beers on tap.
      • They will list the PubCo name or logo on the pub’s sign or a small plaque near the door. 
      • GreeneKing, Stonegate, JD Wetherspoon, and Star Pubs & Bars are common PubCos
      • PubCos may be a historical building but they may feel grittier with worn, stained carpet, more gaming machines, and darker interiors
      • Beers on tap will be large brand names like Stella, San Miguel, Estrella, Heineken, London Pride (Fuller’s), Camden Pale Ale (Camden Town Brewery), Guinness, and Camden Hells Lager (Camden Town Brewery)
      • PubCos are in high-traffic areas near Underground Stations, on the High Street (the main street in a neighborhood), and near popular London tourist attractions.
      • Their exteriors will be darker and need a fresh coat of paint. They may also have the pub name in gold letters with plexiglass.
      london pub beers draught
      Example of the draught beers at a PubCo or Brewery Pub.

      Sports pubs will have multiple TV screens, pool tables, table football, and gaming machines. Pubs must purchase a license to show football matches and other sporting events so you will see a pint glass outline on the screen. Sports pubs are in London but most London pubs have one television for sporting events.

      Community pubs are traditional neighborhood pubs that have a community and local feel. In London, you will find community pubs off the high street.

      Music pubs have a reputation for live music. Pubs with live music in London are relatively rare. You must search for music venues, like the Troubadour in Earls Court, London.

      Get out of London with these trips:

      Pub Beers: What to Expect

      You can find an assortment of beers in most London pubs. You will find cask ales, ciders, big-name keg beers, and local London keg beer on draught.

      The number of London breweries has exploded in the last decade. London has about 110 commercial breweries selling a wonderful variety of craft beers. 

      Big London breweries like Fuller’s, Meantime Brewing Co., Beavertown Brewery, and Camden Town Brewery can be found in many pubs. Smaller, craft breweries like By The Horns Brewing Co., Hackney Church Brew Co., and Fourpure Brewing Co. are some beers to look for in free houses.

      London Pub Guide best London pubs
      Cheers to good beer and good friends while in London.

      You will also find a full selection of spirits and soft drinks at a London pub. Juices are usually limited to apple juice, cranberry juice, and other juices used for cocktails.

      Pubs with a large selection of gins can also be called Gin Palaces, a nod to the 18th century. There is a gin comeback in the UK thanks to new artisanal brands and better tonics.

      Real English Cask Ales

      Real English cask ales are unfiltered beers that are transferred into casks, carbonated, sealed, and undergo a slight fermentation process. Finings will be added that cause the yeast cells to clump together and drop to the bottom of the cask. The live yeast makes ales a live beer. 

      As ales are not artificially carbonated, they are hand-pumped into a pint glass at the bar.

      Londoners may love ales for their rounder mouthfeel, complex flavors, and gentler level of carbonation. Visitors may not like ales as they can be flat, lack body, and are served too warm (AKA, cellar temperature).

      You will see some pubs have a Cask Marque plaque at the entrance. Cask Marque is an independent award for pubs that serve quality cask ale.

      Look for the Cask Marque Plaque on london pubs
      Look for the Cask Marque Plaque for English Cask Ales and a good pint pour.

      London Pub Food

      A popular thing we hear when visiting London is how much better London pub food has gotten in the past decade or two. We believe it. London pubs may have an executive chef in the kitchen, a daring menu, or just overall tasty food.

      We even had the privilege of eating at The Harwood Arms in London’s Fulham neighborhood. The only Michelin-starred pub in London.

      You can expect to find these pub classic entrees when you visit London.

      • Fish and chips
      • Burgers
      • Bangers and mash (sausages with mashed potatoes)
      • Pie and chips
      • Shepherd’s Pie
      • Ham, eggs, and chips
      • Chili con carne (chili with meat)
      • Sunday Roast on Sundays (gravy covering roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and meat like roasted chicken or beef)
      • For dessert, don’t skip out on sticky toffee pudding.
      Scotch Egg at a London pub
      If they have a scotch egg on the menu, give it a try!

      Vegetarian options are usually available.

      Reservations are recommended for most gastro pubs. If you’re going to have dinner at a pub, call ahead to make a booking or check if one is required.

      For more London food experiences, watch our video below.

      You are my type of London visitor for having an interest in a London pub. My wife Erica doesn’t like to drink yet she loves visiting a London pub. The home-like feeling and cheerful nature of a nice London pub is hard to miss. 

      For more things to do in London, don’t miss our 25 Hidden Gems in London (London things to do).

      Download our FREE London 1-Day Itinerary. You will have at least one perfect day planned for your trip to London!

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      If you have limited time in this capital city, don’t miss out. Our one day itinerary takes you to great spots on an easy walking tour of London.

      Download to your phone and take it on the go.

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        Thanks for reading Your Guides Abroad! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the most detailed travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling to Hawaii, Europe, and wherever else speaks to us. We leverage our experience of living abroad and traveling to 60+ countries to make planning your trip abroad simple, easy, and fun. Our goal is to give you the authentic details you need so you can easily plan your dream vacation. My favorite things to do are editing our YouTube videos, taking our kids on adventures, trip planning, and learning interesting facts and history about where we're headed. Have a wonderful trip abroad!

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