The traditional British pub a hallmark of London life, bringing people of all backgrounds together under one roof. Over time, as London has changed so have some of its best pubs, and whilst many have swapped the fruity for froie gras on toast there's no comfort quite like a pint in your favourite boozer. Whatever your mood, you'll love working your way through this recommended list of the top 10 pubs in London. We promise.
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Talk about a looker. The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea isn't just bringing you stunning interiors that take London pubs up a notched, they've been serving up food and drink to the local communities for over 200 years now, celebrating a menu of bespoke beers, seasonal ingredients and that all important Sunday roast.
A pretty pub in the top 10? We had to make it The Windmill. Not only littered with crushed blue velvet and celebrating that new interior experience that plenty of pubs are now adopting, there's an excellent beer garden (newly designed), over 35 gins on offer, plus hotel rooms and sharing steaks from notorious butchers, The Ginger Pig.
When it comes down to the top pubs in London, Notting Hill gem, The Churchill Arms is a firm choice. Not only is this boozer touting col exteriors (think flags and flowers, and an epic display of Christmas trees come winter), but the inside is also just as good, giving you a true experience of a classic pub. Be sure to check out the cool memorabilia, all while tucking into Thai food.
Tucked away in Covent Garden, The Lamb and Flag has earned its place at the top thanks to a seriously long history. Tucked away down an unassuming alley, the story of this pub is rumoured to date back to 1638, and the 18th-century frame of an old house. With stories of bare knuckle fighting, it's almost known as 'The Bucket Of Blood'. Food-wise? Expect serious pub classics, like toad in the hole and roasts beloved by all city folk.
Serving as a casual drinkers' den and upbeat music venue, The Fox & Firkin really can do it all. With DJ events in their backyard tent, a sprawling beer garden and homemade wood-fired pizzas, this is a social hub to suit everyone's needs.
Another good lo9okin' pub has made it to our top 10 list, and this time it's coming at you from Notting Hill. Recently refurbished and promising a British menu with a Med twist courtesy of acclaimed chef Ben Tish, The Princess Royal promises an elevation on your pub experience, with Champagne, oysters, hotel rooms and elegant interiors.
Fitzrovia has plenty going on when it comes to day to day dining and places to drink, but the way it really secures its status? With a pub the likes of The George. On Great Portland Street, this pub is a truly unique take on the British pub, with traditional interiors matching new styles and fabrics. The best part? Dining like no other, from dressed crab to Scottish langoustine, seafood lovers can find safe haven here.
A Ferndale Road favourite, Duke Of Edinburgh has earned notoriety as one of the best pubs in London to catch a match. Both epic beer garden and big screens inside are supplying a regular calendar of football and rugby matches, while Bodeans BBQ are keeping the people fed with their Kansas-inspired menu.
Dating back to 1898 plus boasting a beaut Grade II-listed bar and dining room, The Black Lion is one of the city's most iconic pubs. On top of its stunning features? It also has a lip-smacking menu inspired by North India that goes all too well with the thirst-quenching tipples on offer.
Pubs are history, and this traditional Greenwich pub is a true embodiment of time on its side. A remodelling of a tavern that once stood in its place. The Trafalgar Tavern has been opened since 1837, famed for its views of the water, beer garden and British dishes, that will have you chowing down on bangers and mash in no time at all. It's also a top spot for weddings, and yes, you have seen it on Top Chef.
No top 10 London pub is complete without an excellent dining menu on side. Leaning into food, The Hero of Maida is a two-floor celebration of British cuisine, complete with private banquet rooms, and a Sunday roast that people go out of their way to book for. And yep, it's another great place to put your head down, complete with hotel rooms too.
