22 Best Pubs in London for Food, Views, Vibes

When it comes to pubs in London, you’re truly spoilt for choice. London delivers if you’re craving a Sunday roast that rivals Grandma’s, a pint in a historic hideout, or a buzzy spot packed with locals and laughter. And then some.

This city is a proper pint-lover’s paradise, from old-school taverns with ghost stories to rooftop watering holes with skyline views. Let’s explore the best pubs in London, with help from our mates at Chauffeurz Premium Services—your ultimate guide to travel, taste, and top experiences across the capital.

Why Trust Welcome2.London?

Before we dive headfirst into foamy pints and flaky pies, meet your secret weapon. Chauffeurz Premium Services platform isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a powerful planning hub for visitors exploring London or using the city as a launchpad to nearby gems.

Features tourists love:

  • Compare bookings across restaurants, hotels, events, and pubs.
  • Get exclusive access to local experiences and guides.
  • Use the Chauffeurz Premium Services booking page for safe, stylish, and stress-free travel in London.

Pubs in London Worth Visiting


1. Bat & Ball, Covent Garden
🎯 Game night meets good vibes

pubs-in-london-for-friends

Tucked away in vibrant Covent Garden, Bat & Ball is your go-to for table tennis, live sport, and a buzzing crowd. With funky interiors and a great bar menu, it’s a playful take on the classic British pub.

Why go:

  • Perfect for sports lovers and social nights
  • A fun twist on your usual pint and peanuts
  • Close to West End shows and easy for Chauffeurz Premium Services pickups

2. The Black Horse – Pub & Cocktail Bar
🍸 Where classic pints meet crafted cocktails

Hidden in Rathbone Place, this stylish hybrid pub balances the old and new. Expect moody lighting, plush seating, and staff who know how to shake up a proper cocktail alongside your pint.

Why go:

  • One of the best pubs in London for young adults
  • Ideal for after-work drinks or date night
  • Central location with easy Premium Chauffeur access

3. The Blackfriar
⛪ A cathedral of beer and beauty

Step into an Art Nouveau wonderland right next to Blackfriars Station. This historic pub is as much about its architecture as its ales.

Why go:

  • Most beautiful pubs in London? This one’s a contender
  • Packed with character and mosaics
  • Easy riverside access—perfect with Premium Chauffeur drop-off

4. The Cadogan Arms
👑 Chelsea’s poshest pint stop

Renovated into a gastropub jewel, The Cadogan Arms brings upscale dining and a timeless British pub feel to King’s Road.

Why go:

  • One of the best pubs in London for food lovers
  • Luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere
  • Great for a Sunday roast after a London sightseeing tour

5. The Churchill Arms, Kensington
🌸 Instagram’s favourite floral pub

Possibly one of the most beautiful pubs in London, The Churchill Arms is hard to miss with its explosion of flowers and hanging baskets. Inside, it’s a Thai food haven—yes, really—with walls of Churchill memorabilia.

Why go:

  • Famous for its quirky décor and fiery curries
  • Ideal for tourists exploring Kensington Palace
  • Easily accessible with a Premium Chauffeur drop-off nearby

6. Founder’s Arms
🌆 Riverside pints with skyline views

Right along the Thames, this modern pub offers unbeatable city views. It’s a solid stop near the Tate Modern, popular with locals and tourists.

Why go:

  • Great stop after exploring London’s South Bank
  • Best pubs in central London for food and craft beer
  • Spacious outdoor seating is perfect for summer

7. George, Borough High Street
🏛️ Heritage vibes with a modern twist

A lively and historic haunt just a stone’s throw from London Bridge, the George combines Tudor-era charm with contemporary pub energy.

Why go:

  • One of the oldest pubs in London
  • Great beer garden for sunny days
  • Excellent spot after a visit to Borough Market

8. The George, Great Portland Street
🍽️ Pub grub meets chic interiors

best-pubs-in-london

Smaller and more boutique than its Borough cousin, this West End pub has mastered elevated British classics and cocktails.

Why go:

  • Classy and central—ideal pre-theatre or post-shopping
  • Friendly staff and rich menu
  • Premium Chauffeur parking nearby

9. The Grenadier
👻 Haunted, historic, and heavenly

Nestled in a Belgravia mews, The Grenadier is famed for its military past and ghostly legends. Moody lighting, antique décor, and excellent ales await.

Why go:

  • Spooky fun for lovers of London’s haunted history
  • Off-the-beaten-path and full of charm
  • Romantic setting for evening pints

10. The Harp, Covent Garden
🎶 A proper pint with proper character

This award-winning pub is compact but mighty. Real ale lovers flock here for an authentic British drinking experience in central London.

Why go:

  • A favourite among ale aficionados
  • Quirky décor with stained glass and mirrors
  • Right near Leicester Square and Covent Garden

11. The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden
⚔️ The ‘Bucket of Blood’ pub

Steeped in literary lore (Charles Dickens was a regular), this Covent Garden classic proudly wears its history with cozy, snug, exposed beams.

Why go:

  • One of the oldest pubs in London
  • Fantastic atmosphere and storybook charm
  • Ideal for history buffs and pint lovers alike

12. Lore of the Land
🌲 Rustic luxury with a twist

Owned by film director Guy Ritchie, this Fitzrovia gem boasts atmospheric interiors, seasonal dishes, and a wood-heavy styling that evokes a woodland lodge.

Why go:

  • For celebrity spotting and refined pub food
  • A hidden retreat in the heart of London
  • Premium Chauffeur can easily drop you at the door

13. The Mayflower Pub
🛶 Riverside charm and colonial tales

best-pubs-in-london-for-couples

This Rotherhithe pub claims a direct link to the Mayflower ship and oozes nautical charm. Enjoy candle-lit evenings and cobbled-street vibes.

Why go:

  • Famous pubs in London with real history
  • Fantastic sunset views over the Thames
  • Perfect post-walk stop along the river trail

14. Moco Museum London (Bonus Stop)
🎨 Culture before cocktails

While not a pub, this modern art museum near Oxford Street deserves a shoutout for being the perfect pre-pub plan.

Why go:

  • Excellent exhibitions with global artists
  • Ideal pairing with nearby pubs afterwards
  • Chauffeurz Premium Services can drop you off, artfully late

15. Mr Fogg’s Tavern
🕰️ Victorian adventure in pub form

Step into a time machine filled with curiosities, moustache wax, and themed cocktails. Mr Fogg’s Tavern is quirky, theatrical, and unforgettable.

Why go:

  • For an immersive pub experience like no other
  • Themed drinks and Victorian flair
  • Close to London’s theatre district

16. Old Shades, Whitehall
🎩 Politics, pints, and prime location

Right by Parliament, Old Shades combines history with hearty fare. Its wood-panelled interior and stained glass set the scene for relaxed debate (or just good banter).

Why go:

  • Convenient pub stop between tourist spots
  • Close to Trafalgar Square and Whitehall sights
  • Premium Chauffeur-friendly location

17. Princess Louise
💎 A Victorian time capsule

This beautifully preserved pub in Holborn features etched glass, rich mahogany, and traditional booths. Step back in time while sipping on craft ale.

Why go:

  • For the interiors alone—seriously, Google it
  • A true hidden gem among London’s famous pubs
  • Cozy and charming in all seasons

18. Prospect of Whitby
⚓ Pirate history and river views

Overlooking the Thames, this Wapping pub claims to be London’s oldest riverside tavern. Wooden beams and nautical relics add to the maritime magic.

Why go:

  • Must-visit for pub history buffs
  • Excellent beer selection and river deck
  • Scenic stop along the East London walk

19. The Pride of Spitalfields
🐾 East End character and carpeted comfort

This traditional boozer in Brick Lane is a no-frills, all-warmth place. It even has a resident pub cat!

Why go:

  • Best pubs in London for young adults wanting authenticity
  • Close to vibrant Brick Lane
  • Welcoming and full of heart

20. The Queens Head, Denman Street
🎭 Intimate, indie, and inviting

A hidden Soho gem, The Queen’s Head balances a modern drinks list with old-school charm. It’s perfect for a quiet escape in a loud neighbourhood.

Why go:

  • Tucked-away vibe in busy central London
  • Cosy setting for serious conversations
  • Pre-theatre perfection

21. Waxy O’Connor’s London
🍀 A Celtic maze of magic

This multi-level Irish pub feels like a forest and a cathedral had a baby. It’s enormous, atmospheric, and always buzzing.

Why go:

  • Unique architecture and quirky layout
  • One of the top 10 pubs in London for atmosphere
  • Great for groups and late-night fun

22. Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
🏰 Hidden Tudor treasure

This tucked-away pub, allegedly dating back to 1546, is full of wonky charm, old oak panels, and time-warped tranquillity.

Why go:

Hard to find, but worth the hunt

A must-see for history lovers

One of the most iconic pubs in London


✨ Why Choose Chauffeurz Premium Services in London?

Navigating the Tube during rush hour, juggling Oyster cards, or deciphering bus maps can steal joy from even the best-planned pub crawl.

That’s where Chauffeurz Premium Services saves the day (and your feet):

  • 🚗 Luxury vehicles with professional drivers
  • ⏰ Always punctual—no missed bookings or standing in the rain
  • 📍 Pick-up and drop-off at any pub, hotel, or event location
  • 📞 Call Centre: +44(203)8264125
  • 🕘 Office Hours: 09:00–17:00 / Mon–Fri
  • 📧 Email: contact@chauffeurz.london

Everything Tourists Want to Know

What is the most iconic pub in London?
Many consider Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street the most iconic, thanks to its age, character, and literary legacy.

What area in London has the best pubs?
Soho and Covent Garden win for variety, but Hampstead and Rotherhithe are beloved for charm.

What is the best area in London for nightlife?
Head to Soho or Shoreditch for vibrant scenes, live music, and trendsetting taverns.

What is the most popular pub name in London?
“The Red Lion” takes the crown—over 600 pubs across the UK bear the name!


Final Toast: Make the Most of Pubs in London

Whether you’re chasing history, hearty meals, or high-class views, pubs in London deliver it all. Remember to lean on Welcome2.London is the perfect place to plan your adventure and explore seamlessly.

Plan like a local, drink like a king.
And don’t forget—when in doubt, Chauffeurz Premium Services is just a call or click away.

Londonologist - Your London Travel Specialist
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