Top Pubs To Visit in London

The pub is affectionately woven into the fabric of British culture as the natural meeting point for jolly good times, so brilliant that they turn drinking beer, wine, spirits and socialising into an art form. This guide shows you the top pubs to visit in London with a selection of traditional pubs, legendary pubs along with a few quirky alternatives along the way.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 9th September 2024




Alexander Pope

This stylish twickenham boozer features a lively outdoor terrace and conservatory, as well as TV screens showing all the biggest sporting events. What's more, the Alexander Pope serves fish'n'chips, juicy burgers, Sunday roasts and other classic dishes.

Iron Duke

Tucked away in the heart of Mayfair, Iron Duke is a cosy London pub serving up real ales alongside delicious pub grub; making it a lunchtime gem in London's West End for those wanting a quiet break during their retail therapy. For those wanting a traditional pub to host an intimate gathering, then their 'Boot Room' is the ideal choice for private hire in London. For a great drink with friends in classic surroundings, Iron Duke is one of the top pubs to visit in London. Make sure you book here.

The King's Arms

If quirky pubs are your thing, look no further than The King's Arms. From Wednesday art classes and an in-house artisan shop selling unique prints and homeware, you're pretty much guaranteed a not-so-average night. It also doubles up as a romantic date night spot, with candlelit tables and a menu of affordable small plates – plus a killer roast if you're visiting on a Sunday. You could also stop by for Wing Wednesdays, Tapas Fridays and 2-4-1 cocktails until 6pm most weekdays. 

The Devonshire

You can't go into the heart of London without making an appointment at one of its hottest pubs: The Devonshire. Created by a famous group of publicans and restauranteurs (Oisin Rogers, Charlie Carroll and Ashley Palmer-Watts), it's known best for its perfect pints of Guinness. Spread over two floors, you'll find a rustic ground floor serving scrumptious bar snacks, complete with low-hanging lights and white brick walls. Upstairs is a rusted red dining area where you'll find plates comprised of meats from its in-house butchery and fresh bread. Think potted shrimp alongside melba toast, lamb cutlets and Iberico pork chops.

The Morpeth Arms

Situated in the beating heart of Britain's political bubble, the Morpeth Arms acts as a metropolitan sanctuary, offering escape from the constantly bustling world outside. Full of regal decor and vibrant decorations, it's the food and drinks menu that really stands out. The bar showcases the very best that London's brewers have to offer, while the chef dabbles in traditional recipes, plating up delectable catch-of-the-day treats and serving succulent cuts of seasoned meat. 

The Guinea

Serving up Young's cask ales and an award-winning steak and kidney pie, The Guinea is a friendly, traditional boozer found in the heart of Mayfair. This old-fashioned spot is decked out in wooden furnishings, walls lined with portraits and golden chandeliers, with their famous Grill room attached for dining. Tuck into fresh seafood and British meat dishes, washed down with premium wine or beer.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

This City of London pub located on notorious Fleet Street is a traditional pub with roots from the 16th century.  A cobbled alleyway leads you to this great pub in London which keeps history alive with wooden beams and classic photographs of London from 16th-19th century. It's a cheap pub in London, owned by an independent brewery, with fantastic real ales and lagers.