London Pub Guide

Most Popular Pubs in London

From centuries-old riverside taverns to flower-covered Kensington landmarks, explore the capital's most beloved and historic pubs. A celebration of London's unrivalled pub culture.

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Iconic London Pubs

12 legendary pubs
The Churchill Arms pub in Kensington, LondonEst. 1750
Kensington

The Churchill Arms

One of London's most photographed pubs, famous for its spectacular flower displays and pioneering Thai kitchen. A Kensington institution since 1750.

Flower displaysThai foodFuller's ales
Nearest tube:Notting Hill Gate
The Spaniards Inn pub in Hampstead, LondonEst. 1585
Hampstead

The Spaniards Inn

A 16th-century tavern on the edge of Hampstead Heath, steeped in literary history with connections to Dickens, Keats, and Byron. Famous for its large garden.

Literary historyHampstead HeathLarge garden
Nearest tube:Hampstead
The Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe, LondonEst. 1620
Rotherhithe

The Mayflower

The oldest pub on the River Thames, named after the famous ship that departed from this very spot in 1620. Riverside terrace with stunning views.

Thames viewsPilgrim historyRiverside terrace
Nearest tube:Rotherhithe
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub in Fleet Street, LondonEst. 1667
Fleet Street

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire of London, this warren of dark wood-panelled rooms was a favourite of Dr Johnson, Dickens, and Mark Twain.

Literary heritageMaze of roomsOpen fires
Nearest tube:Blackfriars
The Prospect of Whitby pub in Wapping, LondonEst. 1520
Wapping

The Prospect of Whitby

Dating from 1520, the oldest riverside tavern in London. Once a haunt of smugglers and thieves, now offering a historic pewter bar and Thames-side views.

Thames viewsSmuggler historyPewter bar
Nearest tube:Wapping
The Lamb & Flag pub in Covent Garden, LondonEst. 1772
Covent Garden

The Lamb & Flag

A historic Covent Garden pub tucked down a narrow alley, once nicknamed 'The Bucket of Blood' for the bare-knuckle fights held here. Full of character and charm.

Hidden locationHistoric charmReal ales
Nearest tube:Covent Garden
The Dove pub in Hammersmith, LondonEst. 1796
Hammersmith

The Dove

A riverside gem on the Thames at Hammersmith, holding the Guinness World Record for the smallest bar room. Perfect for watching the Boat Race.

Thames viewsSmallest bar roomBoat Race views
Nearest tube:Ravenscourt Park
The Grenadier pub in Belgravia, LondonEst. 1818
Belgravia

The Grenadier

A famously haunted pub hidden in a cobbled Belgravia mews, once the officers' mess for the Duke of Wellington's soldiers. Known for its Bloody Marys.

Ghost storiesMews settingBloody Marys
Nearest tube:Hyde Park Corner
The Holly Bush pub in Hampstead, LondonEst. 1807
Hampstead

The Holly Bush

A charming Grade II listed pub hidden in the backstreets of Hampstead, retaining its Georgian character with open fires and intimate snug rooms.

Georgian characterOpen firesSunday roasts
Nearest tube:Hampstead
The Blackfriar pub in Blackfriars, LondonEst. 1875
Blackfriars

The Blackfriar

A stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece built on the site of a Dominican friary. The marble and mosaic interior is one of the most beautiful in London.

Art Nouveau interiorMarble & mosaicsReal ales
Nearest tube:Blackfriars
The Ten Bells pub in Spitalfields, LondonEst. 1752
Spitalfields

The Ten Bells

A historic Spitalfields pub with Victorian tilework, famously linked to the Jack the Ripper case. A characterful spot beside Spitalfields Market.

Victorian tilesJack the Ripper historySpitalfields Market
Nearest tube:Liverpool Street
The French House pub in Soho, LondonEst. 1891
Soho

The French House

A Soho legend and former gathering place for the French Resistance during WWII. Known for serving beer only in half-pints and its bohemian atmosphere.

French Resistance historyHalf-pints onlyBohemian crowd
Nearest tube:Leicester Square
For Pub Landlords

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