Known for its cobbled streets, charming character and Seven Dials district, Covent Garden is London's epicentre for all things boutique, independent and a little bit quaint. Always a hive of activity and drawing in throngs of tourists, finding a pub in this labyrinth of the West End is a crucial refuge. Home to stalwart Irish pubs, your typical boozers and plenty of old personality, here's our picks of the best Covent Garden pubs.
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This cosy pub lies in the heart of Covent Garden, offering a menu of hearty British classic to enjoy in plush surroundings. If you're feeling thirsty, check out Bow Street Tavern's extensive gin selection from the Gin Terrace, or sip on a London craft brew. The traditional boozer has been around since 1763, having perfected their roast dinners over that time, but if you're after some more modern fun then you can even make use of their trendy karaoke room with up to 28 friends.
For a fabulous gastro pub in Covent Garden, Crown and Anchor is a great choice - fronting delicious pints of beer, amazing burgers and classic sausage rolls. They've got a vast selection of continental or craft lagers, traditional cask-conditioned British ales and London gins to choose from, so there's something for everyone here. Fun fact: It also happens to be the most Instagrammed pub in London, thanks to its charming interiors and top quality food.
Looking to find the best pubs in Covent Garden for food? Get to know the Marquess in all its glory. A favourite on the Young's pub roster and known for their fine ales and gastro inspired grub, head on down for humble bites in a classic British boozer - we're talking crispy Cornish squid, Dorset lamb and kidney pie or baked camembert sharers. But that's not all that's on offer here, as they've even got a swish roof terrace bar, where you can look out over the streets below with a cocktail in hand.
Found just short strolls from both Covent Garden and Leicester Square tube stations, The Cambridge is the ideal pub for pre-theatre meals or post-show drinks. From local craft ales to hearty pies with mash, this one is a crowd-pleaser - and as it was built in 1887, it's pretty historic to. Whether you're taking a seat in one of their comfy leather booths or on a bar stool in the heart of the action, you'll find plenty of pints or spirits to get stuck into.
If you've got a taste for the freshest craft beer around, a trip to BrewDog should be on the cards. Located just minutes from Covent Garden station, this hoppy spot brings you over 20 beers on draught, with three floors of space to chill out in. You can snack on a menu of vegan cheeseburgers, Buffalo chicken wings and nourishing salad bowls while you're here, and if yu visit on a Monday you can even bag yourself two-for-one plant-based mains.
On the side of Covent Garden closer to the river, you'll uncover The Wellington's neo-gothic interiors, including stained glass windows and an original marble fireplace. This stunning spot dates back to 1903, promising a rich history alongside cask ales, craft beer, cocktails and an impressive collection of spirits. Plus, this cosy boozer serves good ol' British classics like sausage and mash, steak pies or fish 'n' chips.
On the hunt for an unforgettable night (or day) out? Look no further than The Nell of Old Drury. With a fantastic selection of wines, ales, cocktails like the Flor De Seville Spritz, and an energetic atmosphere, this boozer is the perfect place to be for a great time. This place is full of colourful, quirky decor like hanging ornaments and signed West End posters, making for a charming drinking spot.
The Long Acre is a cosy choice of pubs near Covent Garden tube station, thanks to their comfy bar stools, exposed brick walls and traditional wooden furnishings. Spanning across two floors, this venue boasts four large HD TVs for sports fans, as well as a range of craft beer, classic cocktails and spirits. They serve everything from brunch right through to stone-baked pizzas and gourmet burgers here, and there's even a vibrant dancefloor downstairs if you want to really make a night of it.
If you're looking for somewhere that shows all the biggest live sport, you can't go wrong with The Hercules Pillars. Situated on Great Queen Street, they've got plenty of HD screens to settle down in front of, as well as a whole lot of refreshing pints. You can enjoy tasty dishes like Southern fried chicken burgers or mushroom pie and mash here, and their two-for-one offer on fish 'n' chips every Friday makes this a top choice for cheap pubs in Covent Garden too.
Just a stone's throw away from Leicester Square is the well-loved boozer The White Swan. This traditional pub has everything you could ask for, from good old pub grub, fresh pints and plenty of HD screens to watch the sport - with both TNT and Sky Sports on offer. You can dine on everything from chicken and oyster mushroom pie to salmon fishcakes or plant-based burgers here, with an impressive range of cask ales to wash it all down.
A fun party pub in the heart of Charing Cross, The Porcupine offers an impressive selection of local cask ales and craft brews, delicious pub grub and an epic playlist of tunes on a Friday and Saturday night that usually puts a little dance in everyone's evening. This venue has been around since 1725, involved with a rich history of thieves in the area, and their menu sings to the traditional aspect of the destination - think hearty British pies, fish 'n' chips and buttermilk chicken burgers.
If you're on the hunt for Fuller's pubs in Covent Garden with outdoor seating, then check out the Lamb and Flag. This traditional boozer dates back to 1772, steeped with all the charm you could expect from a pub that was once a bare-knuckle fighting destination (true story). Staying true to quintessential British pubbing ventures, expect top-notch pints, great quality food and a cracking atmosphere, whether you're just popping by for a real ale or settling down for a Sunday roast. And if all that hasn't got you convinced? Charles Dickens was once a regular here too, so it's clearly a pretty inspiring spot.
Looking for old pubs in Covent Garden with food? English hospitality comes in heaps at this classic boozer towards the Leicester Square end. Dating back to 1714, she's a vintage gal through and through harbouring an eccentric spirit and more than a few real ales. For some traditional British pub grub and a laid back atmosphere, The Bear and Staff is your go-to. As for the menu? You can expect everything from classic nachos or salmon fishcakes to a whole selection of signature pies.
Where Covent Garden blends into Soho, De Hems Dutch Cafe Bar sits attracting theatre-goers and after-work drinkers alike to its European-inspired halls. Think refreshing draught Dutch and Belgian beers served alongside traditional snacks and hearty Sunday roasts. Not only is this the only authentic Dutch pub in the city, but you'll also find live music here on a regular basis.
Cosy interiors, over 200 craft brews and a menu of mouthwatering bites: Lowlander Grand Cafe is a brilliant choice of pubs in Covent Garden for lunch. The Belgian-themed boozer is dishing up mussels, schnitzels and burgers to keep you fuelled up as you sample some of the many hops on offer. And if beer isn't your thing? They've also got a huge number of wines and spirits to choose from.
Found just a stone's throw from the tube station, this Covent Garden pub is not only quite the looker, but its classic take on British hospitality isn't to be missed out on. Head down for an impressive range of cask ales, a specialist pie menu and plenty of classic fare like fish platters or sausage and mash, all while you take in the charming space.
Claiming the title of our capital's largest pub, The Porterhouse is a traditional boozer with an Irish influence that's previously won an International Brewing Industry award - among other titles. This relaxed space is split over three levels, boasting a huge number of TVs showing live sport and DJ sets or live bands on weekends. They brew a selection of their own stouts, ales and lagers on site, so you can count on being served only the freshest beer here - alongside a menu of British classics. Even better? There's a sunny beer garden too.
This chilled out boozer is located between Covent Garden and Charing Cross Station, perfect for a quick pint before catching the train. The quirky decor includes a bar entirely covered in beer mats and a collection of Victorian portraits, with a bustling area downstairs that contrasts the laidback top floor. There are eight different pumps of real ale to choose from, as well as a number of cracking ciders.
