Whether you’re after a perfectly poured pint, a polished dining room for a long lunch, or simply a comforting corner to settle into, this list of the best pubs in London delivers it all. Across the city, from Mayfair to Islington, the city’s pub scene is wonderfully varied. You’ll find historic riverside inns with centuries of stories etched into their beams; neighbourhood haunts drawing locals for craft beers and generous Sunday roasts; and newer dining-focused spots where ambitious kitchens turn out dishes that would hold their own in any top restaurant. Some are off-the-beaten-path finds on quiet residential streets, others sit in the heart of London’s busier quarters, full of energy from the moment the doors open.
From drinking dens championing seasonal British cooking, places known for serious wine lists, and spots that lean into atmosphere with candlelit nooks, wood-panelled rooms, tiled counters or eye-catching modern art, we’ve got you covered. Here are the London pubs that stand out for all the right reasons.
