The 10 Best Pubs In London in 2025

You can’t go to London without visiting one of its iconic pubs. But with so many of them available, how do you choose? I’ve consulted the local experts and visited countless pubs myself to bring you this list of the 10 best pubs in London.

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10 Top Pubs in London

There are few things worse than British pubs outside of Britain—let’s be real, they just don’t translate. But in London? Pubs are everything they’re meant to be. Here, the pub culture actually feels authentic, with the right mix of history, character, and that lively, unpretentious vibe you just can’t fake anywhere else.

That being said, not all pubs in London are worth visiting. To help you avoid the tourist traps, I’ve curated a list of the best pubs in the city—where the beer is spot on, the crowd is local, and the atmosphere is everything a London pub should be.

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Waxy O’Connor’s

€ | Pub | Sports Bar | Live Music | Bar Food

There’s more to Waxy O’Connor’s than just drinks. It’s also home to some of the best pub origin stories around. Starting with the name, Waxy O’Connor’s is inspired by the iconic Dublin candle maker Finbar O’Connor. His impressive candle-making skills earned him the nickname “Waxy,” and he became legendary for his ability to house large amounts of alcohol at any given time. Today, his spirit is alive and well in the pub’s atmosphere. So, when you visit, raise a glass for Waxy and soak in the history that makes this place special. And don’t forget to ask about the Waxy O’Connor’s tree—that’s a whole other historic story.

Address: 14-16 Rupert St

The Horniman at Hays

€€ | Pub | Hearty Meals | Riverside Terrace

Housed in a former tea warehouse, The Horniman at Hays is the perfect spot to relax for an afternoon. With an impressive lineup of beers on tap and expertly crafted cocktails, there’s something here for everyone. And don’t forget the food. The Horniman offers classic pub favorites like crispy fish and chips or hearty meat pies. If you’re tired of walking and want to enjoy some views of London, gran a seat on their riverside terrace.

Address: Unit 26, Hay’s Galleria

Spaniards Inn

€€ | Historic | 16th Century | Great English Poets | Hampstead

Located in the picturesque neighborhood of Hampstead, this historic pub exudes charm and character. Established in 1585, it has retained much of its 16th-century allure, featuring antique furnishings and a cozy fireplace. While it’s a bit of a walk from the nearest train station, the peaceful journey through tranquil lanes and greenery is well worth it.

This pub was a favorite haunt of some of Britain’s most renowned writers, including poets like Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, and Mary Shelley, the author of “Frankenstein.” Interestingly, it’s also said that the esteemed poet John Keats penned his famous poem “Ode to a Nightingale” in the pub’s beer garden, adding to its literary legacy.

Address: Spaniards Rd

Founders Arms

€€ | Riverside | Stunning Views | Tate Modern | Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Enjoy the distinctive ambiance of Bankside while taking in stunning views of the River Thames. This pub capitalizes on its prime location, featuring expansive windows and a lovely riverside terrace. Situated in the heart of Southwark’s cultural hub, it’s just a short walk from iconic spots like the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, making it the perfect starting point for exploring Bankside.

Along this scenic stretch of the river, you’ll also find attractions like Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde and the Clink Museum. However, I highly recommend snagging a riverside table to fully appreciate the breathtaking views of St. Paul’s Cathedral as night falls. Few pubs can rival the vibrant mix of a bustling tourist destination and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Address: 52 Hopton St

Brew Dog

€€ | Super-sized | Specialist | Craft Beers | Tower Hill Tourism | Historic Church

If you’ve ever visited a highly-rated pub but felt that all beers taste similar, then this pub is my top pick for a memorable drinking experience. It’s hard to miss, as it’s one of the largest pubs in London, stretching across an entire block at one end of the street!

While some of their specialty craft beers can be on the expensive side, you can opt for quarter pints to sample a diverse range without breaking the bank. Conveniently located near attractions in Tower Hill, such as the Tower of London, it’s also close to All Hallows-by-the-Tower, one of the city’s oldest churches, as well as the ruins of St. Dunstan in the East, a stunning gothic church.

Address: 21 Great Tower St

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The Kings Arms

€€ | Pub | Busy | Classic English Menu

Built in 1742, and was once known as the Three Jolly Butchers, The Kings Arms hasn’t forgotten its roots. The menu features traditional English meals including the hearty steak and ale pie. Locals certainly appreciate the history because the place is packed during golden hour, from Thursday to Saturday. Whether you’re looking for a drink or a classic English meal, The Kings Arms is a charming stop to add to your itinerary.

Address: 2 Shepherd Market

The Lamb & Flag

€€ | Very Small | Covent Garden | West End | Outdoor Drinking | Laid Back

Whether or not this pub claims the title of London’s smallest, its intriguing history is undeniable. There’s hardly enough space to navigate between patrons and place your order, yet visitors are drawn here, perhaps because of the cozy atmosphere. Surprisingly, more people can often be found outside enjoying their drinks than inside, simply due to the lack of space!

In the 1800s, this establishment gained notoriety for hosting illegal bare-knuckle boxing matches, with vintage fight posters showcasing its colorful past. Additionally, the poet John Dryden was reportedly attacked in the alleyway by thugs hired by the Earl of Rochester. In honor of Dryden, the pub owners have named one of the upstairs rooms after him.

Address: 33 Rose St

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The Holy Tavern

€ | Traditional | Historic | Candlelit Tuesdays

If you’re interested in adding some history to your pub experience, The Holy Tavern is your place. The Holy Tavern sits within the historic grounds of one of London’s oldest hostelries, The Clerkenwell Priory, which once served as the headquarters for the Knights Hospitallers in England. The building dates back to 1720 and has maintained a lot of its 18th century aesthetic. The bar even hosts “Candlelit Tuesdays,” where they turn off the lights and only use candles. But don’t worry, the pub’s food and drink offerings are not stuck in the past. With an extensive cocktail, wine and beer menu and bar food including wild boar hotdogs, this is definitely a great spot to spend the evening.

Address: 55 Britton St

Worlds End

€ | London’s Biggest Pubs | Very Popular | Rock Music Fans | Underworld Club | Live Music | Camden

The Worlds End is an iconic pub located in Camden Town, well-known across the UK for attracting rock music enthusiasts. One of the main draws for visitors is its prime location, just across the street from the train station. More significantly, it has long been in the running for the title of London’s largest pub, and its reputation for vibrant crowds and lively ambiance is well-deserved, with patrons often spilling out into the streets.

This North London establishment also features a renowned basement venue called The Underworld. I’d recommend heading to The Worlds End for a casual drink and socializing, while The Underworld is the place for live rock performances—just be prepared for the noise level, as conversations can get drowned out in both spots!

Address: 174 Camden High St

Blind Beggar

€ | London’s East End | Quiet | Local Favourite | The Kray Twins | Footballer Bobby Moore

This historic pub, located in a working-class area of London’s East End, is famously known as a favorite of 1960s gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray, who not only drank here but also committed a murder of a rival gangster. Today, it stands as a significant landmark in East End history, although the current owners have no ties to that criminal past.

Many curious visitors come to trace the footsteps of the Krays, but the atmosphere is now much quieter and more traditional. Gone are the days when celebrities like actress Barbara Windsor and England football captain Bobby Moore were regulars in the 1960s. Bobby Moore even owned the pub in 1966, the same year England clinched the World Cup title. Maybe you’ll also have a lucky streak after visiting the pub.

Address: 337 Whitechapel Rd

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