The Best Pubs in London

Discover the Best Spots for a Pint in the Capital

It’s a completely subjective topic and one that is always up for a healthy debate, but we’re here with our own guide to our favourite and top pubs.

From riverside taverns with Thames views to cosy corners serving cask-conditioned ales, London’s pub scene is unmatched in history, variety, and charm. Whether you’re after a perfectly poured pint, traditional Sunday roast, or live music and local chatter, these are some of the best pubs in London to visit.

1. The Cutty Sark, Greenwich

Few London pubs rival The Cutty Sark for atmosphere and location. Perched on the banks of the River Thames, this Grade II-listed Georgian building has served sailors and Londoners alike for over 200 years. Inside, expect creaking floorboards, open fires, and panoramic river views that make it a must-visit in Greenwich.

Location: Ballast Quay, Greenwich, London SE10 9PD
Price Point: Around £6.50–£7.50 for a pint.
Specialties: Traditional British dishes with a seafood focus — try the fish and chips or the fisherman’s pie.
The London Tourist tip: Arrive just before sunset to enjoy a pint upstairs as the light fades over the Thames — one of the capital’s most scenic pub views.

2. The Porterhouse, Covent Garden

The Porterhouse is one of London’s largest and liveliest pubs, sprawling across multiple levels in Covent Garden. Known for its own range of craft beers brewed in Dublin, it’s a firm favourite among tourists and locals alike.

Location: 21–22 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7NA
Price Point: Pints start around £7.00.
Specialties: House-brewed porters, stouts, and IPAs — all served alongside hearty pub classics and sharing platters.
The London Tourist tip: Head downstairs for the atmospheric cellar bar and live music sessions at weekends.

3. Tom Cribb, Piccadilly

Named after the famous bare-knuckle boxer, Tom Cribb is a classic London pub that blends heritage with no-nonsense charm. It’s a favourite with city workers and visitors seeking an authentic West End pint.

Location: 36 Panton Street, Piccadilly, London SW1Y 4EA
Price Point: Around £6.00–£6.50 per pint.
Specialties: Traditional ales and classic British pub food like pies and sausage & mash.
The London Tourist tip: A great pre-theatre stop before catching a show in London’s West End.

4. The Harp, Covent Garden

Regularly voted one of the best pubs in London, The Harp is a CAMRA-award-winning gem that prides itself on its rotating cask ale selection and Victorian-era interior. Despite its small size, it’s big on charm and character.

Location: 47 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HS
Price Point: Around £6.20 for a pint.
Specialties: Cask ales and real ciders from independent British breweries.
Awards: CAMRA London Pub of the Year (multiple times).
The London Tourist tip: Arrive early if you want a seat — this is one of Covent Garden’s most beloved watering holes.

5. The Half Moon, Herne Hill

A South London institution, The Half Moon combines Victorian splendour with modern style. A favourite for live music since the 1960s, it’s hosted everyone from U2 to Frank Sinatra, and remains one of the capital’s most characterful pubs.

Location: 10 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, London SE24 9HU
Price Point: Around £6.50 for a pint.
Specialties: Modern British dining, Sunday roasts, and live music events.
The London Tourist tip: Book ahead for Sunday lunch — it’s one of the best in South London.

6. The Bricklayers Arms, Putney

Hidden in a quiet residential street, The Bricklayers Arms is a real ale lover’s dream. Family-run and proudly independent, it’s regularly named among the UK’s top pubs for its selection and community feel.

Location: 32 Waterman Street, Putney, London SW15 1DD
Price Point: Around £6.20 per pint.
Specialties: Rotating cask ales from independent breweries.
Awards: CAMRA National Pub of the Year finalist.
The London Tourist tip: Visit during the annual beer festival for rare and exclusive brews.

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