The Best Pubs
View of London

The Best Pubs
in
London

Classic taverns and lively breweries unite by the Thames, where every pint feels like home.

Photo by Ilya Grigorik — CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Best Pubs in London

London’s pub culture is a living tapestry that stretches back nearly 2,000 years, anchoring the social life of this vast metropolis along the banks of the River Thames. From historic coaching inns and wood-paneled nooks to vibrant modern breweries and lively music venues, the city offers a diverse array of spaces where locals and visitors alike gather for a perfect pint and hearty fare. Whether you are seeking a quiet corner with your dog or an energetic evening of live entertainment, explore these legendary institutions to discover the best pubs in London.

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Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn in London

1. Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn

1 Ely Ct, Ely Pl, London EC1N 6SJ, UK

9.4🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Tucked away down a hidden alley in Hatton Garden, Ye Olde Mitre feels like stepping into a secret piece of old London. This historic Fuller’s pub is a true gem, serving up real ales, craft beer, and wine alongside homemade bar snacks and hearty pies. With its cosy rooms, charming courtyard seating, and a dog-friendly welcome, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed session with friends. The warm, friendly team and richly storied surroundings make every visit feel like a proper occasion.

Photo by Robin Webster — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Churchill Arms, Kensington in London

2. The Churchill Arms, Kensington

119 Kensington Church St, London W8 7LN, UK

9🐕 Dog-friendly

Step into a floral paradise at The Churchill Arms in Kensington, a historic pub that’s as famous for its stunning flower covered exterior as it is for its incredible value. This budget friendly gem serves up a fantastic selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, making it a perfect spot for groups and their four legged friends. Inside, you’ll find a cosy, memorabilia filled space where you can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine alongside a proper pint, all without breaking the bank. It’s a lively, welcoming local that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for a truly memorable pub experience.

Photo by Ewan-M — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden in London

3. The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden

33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB, UK

9

Nestled in a charming Covent Garden courtyard, The Lamb & Flag is a wonderfully historic Fuller's pub that has been serving locals and visitors for over 400 years. With a fantastic selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, it’s equally perfect for a relaxed drink with friends or a proper Sunday roast in the upstairs dining room. The food is fresh, seasonal, and hearty, while the genuinely friendly team makes everyone feel right at home. Whether you're celebrating with a group or just craving a classic British pub experience, this place is an absolute treat.

Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Devonshire in London

4. The Devonshire

The Devonshire, 17 Denman St, London W1D 7HW, UK

8.8🐕 Dog-friendly

Head down to Denman Street in Soho and you’ll find The Devonshire, a proper classic pub that’s become the city’s hottest ticket for a reason. Downstairs, it’s all warm wooden floors, perfectly poured Guinness, and homemade bar food from their own butcher and bakery, with live music and a dog friendly welcome for groups of all sizes. Head upstairs for an incredible wood ember grill restaurant serving up dry aged Scottish beef and the freshest seafood, or book one of four beautiful private rooms for a celebration. Whether you’re grabbing a pint at the bar or settling in for a feast, this place is an absolute triumph.

Photo by Ham II — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in London

5. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BP, UK

8.8🐕 Dog-friendly

Down a narrow alley off Fleet Street, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a labyrinth of cozy, wood paneled rooms that have welcomed everyone from Samuel Johnson to Charles Dickens. This wonderfully historic pub serves up excellent pints, wine, and cocktails across its multiple levels, including a fascinating former monastery cellar. It’s a dog friendly haven perfect for groups, where you can settle into a snug corner with a proper Sunday roast or the legendary sticky toffee pudding. The warm, attentive team and the mix of locals and visitors make every visit feel like you’ve stumbled into a living piece of history.

Photo by Ewan-M — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

O'Neill's Wardour Street in London

6. O'Neill's Wardour Street

33-37 Wardour St, Greater, London W1D 6PU, UK

8.8👶 Good for children

O'Neill's Wardour Street is a brilliant, sprawling Soho pub that absolutely nails the balance between a lively social hub and a dependable spot for a proper pint. With live music pumping and plenty of screens for the big match, it's a fantastic place to gather a group, whether you're catching up over cocktails or digging into a surprisingly excellent fish finger sandwich. The energy is infectious, the service is swift and friendly even when it's packed, and the menu offers hearty, well prepared dishes that go far beyond standard pub fare. For a reliably good time right in the thick of the action, this place is a total winner.

Photo by Ewan-M — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Tamil Crown in London

7. The Tamil Crown

16 Elia St, London N1 8DE, UK

8.79🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

The Tamil Crown on Elia Street is a vibrant and welcoming pub that brings a brilliant, flavour-packed twist to the Sunday roast. With a fantastic selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, plus outdoor seating and a dog-friendly policy, it’s a perfect spot for groups to gather and enjoy something a little different. The food is truly something special, with incredible starters like okra fries and onion bhajis that are bursting with crunch and taste, while the roasted meats are cooked with real care and bold spices. It’s a lively, cheerful place where the energy is high and the team is genuinely warm, making every visit feel like a celebration.

George in London

8. George

75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH, UK

8.6🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

The George in Southwark is an absolute treasure, a 17th century galleried coaching inn that feels like stepping into a living piece of history. This charming pub serves up a wonderful range of beer, wine, and cocktails, and its dog friendly beer garden is the perfect spot for groups to gather, especially when live music fills the air. The food, from hearty Sunday roasts to classic pub fare, is excellent and reasonably priced, while the warm, welcoming team makes every visit feel special. Whether you’re catching up with friends or exploring nearby Borough Market, this is a truly memorable spot.

Photo by PAUL FARMER — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Audley Public House in London

9. The Audley Public House

41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX, UK

8.6🌿 Outdoor seating

On the corner of Mayfair’s South Audley Street and Mount Street, The Audley Public House is a beautifully restored Victorian gem where history and contemporary art collide. The bar is the star here, pouring what’s widely considered one of the best pints of Guinness in the country, alongside draught beers from independent suppliers and a curated selection of wine and cocktails. The menu celebrates classic British fare with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, from hearty pies and oysters to a traditional Sunday roast that draws in discerning diners. With outdoor seating and a welcoming vibe for groups, it’s a polished yet unpretentious spot for a proper pint or a memorable meal.

Photo by Ewan-M — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Lexington in London

10. The Lexington

96-98 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9JB, UK

8.6🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

The Lexington in King's Cross is a beloved independent venue where live music and top quality beer, wine, and cocktails come together in perfect harmony. The friendly, efficient team keeps the pints flowing whether you're catching a gig upstairs or enjoying the outdoor seating with your dog and a group of mates. With a legendary punk and post punk history, this pub serves up brilliant live acts alongside proper pizzas that smell as good as they taste. It's a warm, welcoming spot that absolutely deserves your support for a memorable night out.

Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons