The English do pubs better than anyone in the world, so it stand to reason that the nation's capital should contain a few decent ones. Here are some of our favourites...
The Grenadier
Originally the Duke of Wellington's officers mess and even boasts a resident ghost. Probably the smallest, hardest to find pub in London. A real gem.
A: Wilton Row
T: Hyde Park Corner
The Royal Oak
Located on Columbia Road in Bethnal Green. Perfect for Lazy Sunday afternoons after a trip through the flower market.
A: Columbia Rd
T: Bethnal Green
The Royal Oak
The Cat & Mutton
Vibrant raucous pub with great food and views for people watching. Perfect in Summer with easy access to London Fields.
A: Broadway Market
T: Bethnal Green
The Griffin
Never judge a pub by its exterior, or its toilets for that matter. This place should only be judged by its mixed clientele (Hoxton hipsters, suits, creative sorts), its jukebox and the fact that you can get a pint and a sausage sandwich for under a fiver.
A: Leonard St
T: Old Street
The Sir Richard Steele
Great locals boozer set in the heart of Belsize Park and Primrose Hill. Traditional pub grub and drink – watch out for the celebrity regulars. Good for pre Camden looseners.
A: Haverstock Hill,
T: Belsize Park
The Slaughtered Lamb
Our local, so this had to be included. Scene of many a Friday night ale and a good amount of drunken Defected behaviour.
A: Great Sutton St
T: Barbican
The Slaughtered Lamb
The Ten Bells
Legend has it that Jack The Ripper met one of his victims in this 18th Century pub. The perfect thirst quencher on a days visit to Spitalfields Market
A: Commercial St
T: Liverpool Street
The Blue Posts
Popular most nights due to its size and close proximity to Carnaby Street, but extremely packed on a Friday with the after work crowd – but don’t let this put you off. Old fashioned pub and youthful clientele only add to the raucous fun filled environment.
A: Ganton St
T: Oxford Street
The Island Queen
Relaxed boozer in a quiet street near Angel with a fantastic selection of real ales, friendly bar staff and plenty tables to while away the hours at.
A: Noel Rd
T: Angel
The Old Queens Head
Comfy sofas downstairs with killer Sunday roasts, its transforms into an amazing venue by night and has seen sets from 2ManyDJs, Plump DJs and regularly draws crowds from all over London.
A: Essex Road
T: Angel
The Old Queens Head
The Boogaloo
Opened in 2002 as a reaction to the blandness of theme bars. The Boogaloo concentrates on the 3 most important things: Good drink, good music and good atmosphere – a true rock n roll pub
A: Archway Rd
T: Highgate
The Hen & Chicken
Wonderful locals pub which boasts an intimate theatre upstairs for stand up comedy. Your just as likely to find established comedians trailing new material here as you are discovering new talent.
A: St Paul's Rd,
T: Highbury & Islington
The Blind Beggar
Scene of the infamous 1966 George Cornell murder by Ronnie Kray and is now a firm favourite on various theme tours and walks around East London
A: Mile End Road
T: Stepney Green
The Good Mixer
Made “famous” in the mid 90’s due to its regular clientele being the Brit Pop elite. Maybe not quite the pub it used to be, but of important musical pedigree all the same.
A: Inverness St,
T: Camden
The Endurance
Best jukebox in Soho. But as it’s surrounded by the best record shops in London it would have to be.
A: Berwick St,
T: Tottenham Court Road
The Endurance
The Hawley Arms
Open again after 2008’s fire, this Camden watering hole is popular with the Indie crowd and Winehouse tourists.
A: Castlehaven Rd
T: Camden
The Duchess of Kent
Gastro Pub near Highbury Corner with a great selection of wines, homemade bar snacks and an exceptional evening menu. Great place to take a date.
A: Liverpool Rd
T: Highbury & Islington
The Green Man
One of the few dedicated cider pubs in London. Centrally located just off Oxford Street, it serves more than 30 varieties, some more palatable than others!
A: Riding House St
T: Goodge Street
Check out the rest of Out Guide to...London:
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