10 London Pubs you shouldn’t miss

A SoulMap™ London journey by Penna a Spillo

🗺️📍Follow my SoulMap™ and discover London like a local

🍺 Category: London Restaurants

🍺 10 unmissable London pubs to experience the true British atmosphere

Here are 10 London pubs you can’t miss if you want to try the unique and unmistakable atmosphere of one of the most iconic British institutions.

During the years I lived in London full-time, pubs became places of real life to observe for me, not just places to stop by.

All London pubs share something in common: the easygoing mood of having a pint, watching the match, grabbing something quick to eat and chatting with strangers. 

And yet, every pub has its own unmistakable character.

So, when do Londoners actually go to the pub?

Definitely after work, but also for match days and on Sundays at lunchtime for the traditional Sunday Roast, usually served with pies, beer and Yorkshire pudding, the British equivalent of the Italian Sunday family lunch.

Most pubs close their kitchens early, but some stay open later on certain evenings thanks to live music.
Always check opening hours on the official website to avoid surprises.

Not all pubs have big screens, and not all of them serve Sunday Roast, but most do, because watching football at the pub is a true British ritual.

Pubs in central London feel very different from riverside pubs, and city pubs are nothing like those in the countryside.
Their names are always fascinating.
And most importantly: every Londoner has their local pub, the one where they know you by name and you can ask for your favourite table.

Out of the hundreds of pubs in London, I’ve selected 10 of my personal favourites, all very different from one another, to give you a real taste of the many pub experiences London has to offer.

🎭 1. Mr Fogg’s Tavern – Covent Garden

A Victorian-era dive in the heart of Covent Garden

Mr Fogg’s Tavern is right in the heart of Covent Garden, at 58 St Martin’s Lane, and it’s beautiful both inside and out.
It’s a traditional Victorian-style pub, always lively thanks to its central location near London’s theatre district.

Finding a seat isn’t easy, but it’s the kind of pub where standing with a pint just feels right.

👉 Check also Covent Garden Guide: What to See, Eat, and Do in London’s West End

📍 Address: 58 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4EA

🌺 2. The Churchill Arms – Kensington

London’s most famous flower-covered pub

Another historic London pub, located in Kensington at 119 Kensington Church Street.
The Churchill Arms dates back to 1750 and was frequented by Winston Churchill’s grandparents.

Its defining feature? An incredibly photogenic façade completely covered in flowers.

📍 Address: 119 Kensington Church St, London W8 7LN

🌊 3. The Dove – Hammersmith

One of London’s most romantic pubs on the Thames

The Dove is located in Hammersmith, right next to Hammersmith Bridge.
The entrance is tucked away in a small alley, and there’s a lovely riverside terrace overlooking the Thames.

It’s a historic pub, deeply loved by Londoners.
Along the riverside path leading to Hammersmith Bridge, you’ll find several other famous pubs, and for locals, this area is a must on spring and summer evenings, perfect for a sunset pint by the river.

📍 Address : 19 Upper Mall, London W6 9TA

⚓ 4. The Crown & Anchor – Neal Street

Why locals and tourists love this pub

A super photogenic pub you’ve probably already spotted on Instagram.
The Crown & Anchor is located in Seven Dials, in the Covent Garden area.

If you’re passing by, I highly recommend stopping here — and don’t forget to visit Neal’s Yard, one of the most colourful little squares in London, just a few steps away.

📍 Address: 22 Neal St, London WC2H 9PS

🏡 5. The Holly Bush – Hampstead

Cottage vibes, fireplaces and wooden interiors

The Holly Bush is located in Hampstead, a wonderfully cool neighbourhood on a hill above Camden Town.
The pub, like the area itself, has an old-fashioned, village-like charm, even though Hampstead is technically part of central London.

Inside, you’ll find a beautiful fireplace, and this is the perfect place for a cosy Sunday Roast.

👉 Find more here: 5 Romantic Villages you shouldn’t miss in London

📍 Address : 22 Holly Mount, London NW3 6SG

🏛️ 6. The Blackfriars

A perfect stop between St Paul’s and the Thames

The Blackfriars is another historic pub overlooking the Thames, right next to Blackfriars Bridge at 174 Queen Victoria Street.
It’s famous for its striking architecture, mosaics and the black statue above the entrance.

Dating back to 1875, its interior is absolutely worth seeing.

📍 Address: 174 Queen Victoria St, City of London, London EC4V 4EG

🦁 7. The White Lion – Covent Garden

The authentic atmosphere of a true London pub

Another wonderful Covent Garden pub, just steps from the Tube station.
Set over two floors, it’s a classic Victorian pub, made special by its unbeatable location next to Covent Garden Market.

📍 Address : 24 James St, London WC2E 8NS

🕵️‍♂️ 8. The Sherlock Holmes – Embankment

London’s most famous themed pub.

Located just a short walk from Embankment Tube station, opposite the Corinthia London hotel.
This pub is a must for Sherlock Holmes fans: inside, you’ll find countless references to Conan Doyle’s books and film adaptations, and on the first floor, there’s a reconstruction of the famous Baker Street apartment, complete with memorabilia.

This pub is also dog- and family-friendly (always check the website in advance if you’re travelling with children or pets).

📍 Address: 10 Northumberland St, London WC2N 5DB.

👑 9. Shakespeare’s Head – Carnaby Street

History and a prime location

If you’re around Carnaby Street and need a break, stop by The Shakespeare’s Head, right at the beginning of the street, next to Liberty London.
Dating back to 1735, it’s a classic English pub with an impressive selection of beers from around the world and traditional pub food: burgers, fish and chips and more.

📍 Address : 29 Great Marlborough St, Carnaby, London W1F 7HZ

🎷 10. The Bull’s Head – Barnes

A jazz lover’s paradise

This pub is truly one of a kind.
The Bull’s Head, located in Barnes on the south bank of the Thames, is one of London’s most iconic jazz venues.

It’s not somewhere you stumble upon by chance — it’s a bit outside central London — but if you love jazz, it’s absolutely worth planning an evening here and choosing a concert from the programme.

📍 Address : 373 Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9PY

Did you enjoy wandering through London’s pubs with me?

👉 What to know before entering a London pub

1. Order at the bar. Table service for drinks is rare. Go straight to the bar, wait your turn and pay immediately.
2. The “round” system. In groups, it’s common to take turns buying drinks for everyone. Skipping your round is considered impolite.
3. Tipping is optional. Tips aren’t expected, but you can offer the bartender “a pint” as a friendly gesture.
4. Closing time and “last call”. Most pubs close around 11 pm. “Last call” means it’s your final chance to order.
5. Children in pubs. Many pubs allow children until a certain time (often 9 pm), but rules vary; always check ahead.
6. Drink prices. A pint in London costs on average around £6.10, with craft beers often over £7.00. Local beers or daily offers can be cheaper.

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