If there’s one thing we love more than Christmas, it’s Christmas in London. Between the festive afternoon teas, ice skating and ordering pigs in blankets whenever possible (dessert included), we wholeheartedly wish it didn’t all end on the 25th December. Having a full-on festive day out in the city - including snapping the Christmas displays from The Ivy and Cartier, is an unspoken obligation but we’ve found a new must for 2024: a pub staycation. We’ve hunted down the best pubs for an overnight stay and we were wowed at roll-top baths, incredible locations, princess-themed rooms and hearty menus packed with Christmas dinners.
The Princess Royal - Notting Hill
It’s always the most wonderful time of the year at The Princess Royal. This pub has it all; an oyster bar where they shuck before your eyes, private dining rooms (one has a balcony), a gorgeous greenhouse alongside a collection of four princess-themed bedrooms (shout out to the one dedicated to Princess Dianna). Tucked away in the heart of Notting Hill, a Christmas sleepover at this homely space will leave your shoulders coming away from your ears the second you walk through the door.
Warning: when you stay here you will never want to leave.
Half Moon - Herne Hill
We don’t usually recommend coming to London and holling up in a hotel (there’s a whole big world out there) but it’s a right of passage when you book into the Half Moon in Herne Hill. This Grade II-listed building is home to 12 beautiful bedrooms, each decorated with its own unique style and they’re dog-friendly. Christmas isn’t done half-heartedly at this wholesome spot and the menu will blow your festive socks off with turkey and all the trimmings, black cab Christmas pudding and a moreish gingerbread and espresso martini tiramisu.
Kick your feet up and make yourself at home at one of south London's coolest boutique hotels.
Fox & Anchor - The City
If you’re after somewhere to stay in the heart of the city, you can’t get much better than Fox & Anchor. It’s family-friendly, a stone’s throw from the Royal Parks and they welcome four-legged friends. You can request a doggy bed or blanket, a bowl and some tasty treats for your bedroom and there are six boutique rooms in total meaning they book out fast (so act quick). They have hypnos beds, an honesty bar, and cosy booths in the pub with plenty of beer on tap.
Give you and your doggo the Christmas sleepover you deserve a book a night's stay at Fox & Anchor.
The Bedford - Balham
The Bedford was one of the pubs that launched Ed Sheeran’s career and they’ve had huge acts perform under their roof. This trendy Balham spot has had a 250 million pound investment and it has 15 boutique rooms where you can crash after a big night. Rooms come with rain showers, roll-top baths and some gorgeous-smelling Geneva Guild toiletries. Clapham Common is a 20-minute stroll away too if you fancy walking off the night before with a coffee in hand.
From parties and pints to a proper night's sleep, The Bedford is a London jewel.
Brook Green - Hammersmith
If you haven’t heard of it, Brook Green in Hammersmith is one for your bucket list. They’re dog-friendly, they have a hidden underground bar, an incredible pint of Guinness and they have 17 bedrooms that come in very handy when you don’t want to go home because of what we’ve just mentioned (especially the Guinness). This do-it-all pub is super close to Holland Park and it’s a no-brainer this Christmas if you want to unpack and relax in the city.
Sleepovers at The Brook Green are the stuff of dreams.
Drayton Court - Ealing
Truth be told, we’d go to Drayton Court for their Biscoff and Baileys cheesecake alone. This Ealing pub is away from the hubbub of the city and it's got its partridges all lined up in a pear tree for Christmas. They have a menu to make your mouth water and there are four types of bedrooms to pick from but it’s the luxury suite that has given us heart eyes. The highlights include a roll-top bath, plush velvet furnishings, and an old-world glamour that echos Downton Abbey.
Live your best Downton Abbey life at Drayton Court.
The Culpepper - Spitalfields
Looking to be in the beating heart of it this Christmas? The Culpepper is in the epicenter of Spitalfields and it’s got plenty of appeal if you want to pop around the markets and to see the lights on Oxford Street. There’s a pub on the first floor with a banging Sunday roast menu, Skandi-style bedrooms on the second floor and at the very top you’ll find one of the world’s most sustainable rooftop bars where they grow their own ingredients.
From top to bottom, The Culpepper is a solid 10/10.
Counting House - The City
We are suckers for a pub with history (see here for our pick of the oldest in the city) and The Counting House is definitely one of them. It used to be a bank back in 1893 and the decadence of years gone by can still be seen in grand chandeliers, high ceilings and, mahogany furnishings that stretch as far as the eye can see. This stunning pub opened up 15 bedrooms a couple of years ago and they’re the perfect overnight pitstop to soaking up the best of Christmas in London.
History buffs are sure to love a night's stay at The Counting House.
The Clerk & Well - Clerkenwell
The Clerk And Well is a gem of a pub. Believe it or not, but you’ll find it in Clerkenwell (see what they did there?) and it has eight boutique rooms, all super homely. It’s a 20-minute walk to St Paul’s Cathedral and Covent Garden where they turn on that outrageously fun and very fake snow machine. When you return from your adventures you’ll be welcomed back to crisp sheets, Bailey’s-spiked hot chocolate and a menu of ‘nduja Scotch eggs, freshly cooked pies and frothy pints.
When it comes to a cute hotel with a good location, The Clerk And Well has got you covered.
The Old Ship - Hackney
Hackney is one of the quirkiest areas to hang out in London so why not extend your time in the E8 postcode this Crimbo and book a night’s stay at The Old Ship? There are 10 rooms in total at this effortlessly cool pub and plenty of Christmas-fuelled drinks on tap to ensure you’re out light a light when your head hits the pillow: think winter spiced old fashionds and a homemade mulled wine that will rival anything you’ve made at home.
Festive sleepovers with Christmas-inspired cocktails? Sold.
The Three Cranes - The City
Squirreled away in the heart of the city you’ll find Three Cranes; a top pub with two cosy and modern serviced apartments. This Victorian Townhouse has been transformed into a top place for a pint and they have a no-nonsense approach to the food. It’s super close to all of London’s main attractions like Tower of London and The Shard meaning it’s a great spot to base yourself if you want to pack in as much Christmas activities as possible.
If you need space to hoard all your Christmas shopping, The Three Cranes has your back.
The Orange Tree - Richmond
Richmond is home to one of London's prettiest winter walks and it's also home to The Orange Tree. This homely pub has 13 boutique rooms all dog-friendly, and it's just a mere 25-minute journey into the city if you (somehow?) get bored and want to swap the quaint cobbled streets for the big bright lights of Oxford Street. Expect to indulge all the Christmas essentials while you're here: we're talking mulled wine, port, cheese, and warm mince pies.
Make yourself at home and hole up overnight in Richmond's cutest pub.
Looking for more sleepover inspo? Check out our guide to hotels in London here. Otherwise, sign up to the London newsletter and get the latest sent straight to your inbox.
