A good London pub is part history lesson, part living room. These ten have centuries of stories between them, and all are still trading in 2026. They’re spread across the city, so there’s one near whatever you’re seeing, from Covent Garden to the Thames at Hammersmith.
The best pubs in London
1. The George Inn, Southwark, England
The last galleried coaching inn in London, a short walk from London Bridge and Borough Market. It dates back to the 1600s and is owned by the National Trust, which leases it out as a working pub. Sit in the cobbled yard on a fine day and look up at the wooden galleries. Book ahead if you want to eat.
Best for: a pint after Borough Market.
2. Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn, England
Down a narrow alley off Hatton Garden, this tiny pub is easy to walk past and hard to forget. Inside, it’s all dark panelling and small rooms. Plan around its hours: it opens on weekdays and Saturdays (closing earlier on Saturday) and is closed on Sundays.
Best for: a weekday pint away from the crowds.
3. Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden, England
A Fuller’s pub on Rose Street, tucked between Covent Garden and Leicester Square. It’s small, creaky and warmed by a real fire in winter. It fills up after work, and the drinkers spill into the alley outside. Food is served daily.
Best for: a pre-theatre drink in Covent Garden.
4. The Harp, Covent Garden, England
A narrow, friendly pub on Chandos Place, a minute from Trafalgar Square. It’s a Fuller’s pub with a strong following for its cask ales. There’s no kitchen, so it’s all about the beer and the company.
Best for: real ale fans.
5. The French House, Soho, England
A Soho institution long loved by actors, writers and artists. The house rules keep it old-fashioned: no music, no machines, no television and no mobile phones. Drinks are first come, first served. The small upstairs dining room serves a daily-changing menu and takes bookings.
Best for: conversation, with your phone in your pocket.
Tip: The French House bar doesn’t take reservations. Arrive early in the evening if you want a spot inside.
6. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead, England
On the edge of Hampstead Heath, the Spaniards Inn says it was built in 1585. It’s Grade II listed and claims links to Charles Dickens and John Keats, plus a ghost story involving the highwayman Dick Turpin. The garden is one of the best in London.
Best for: a Sunday walk on the Heath with lunch to follow.
7. The Churchill Arms, Kensington, England
Famous for the flowers that cover its frontage, this Notting Hill Gate pub is just as unusual inside, with Churchill memorabilia on every wall. Its Thai kitchen has served regional dishes for more than 35 years, so you can pair a pint with a green curry.
Best for: a pint and a curry after Kensington’s museums.
8. The Grapes, Limehouse, England
A narrow riverside pub on Narrow Street in Limehouse, trading since the 16th century. Charles Dickens knew it, and it appears in Our Mutual Friend. The leaseholder is Sir Ian McKellen. It doesn’t take table reservations or admit under-18s. Head for the deck at the back over the Thames.
Best for: a river view with a literary story.
9. The Mayflower, Rotherhithe, England
The Mayflower calls itself the oldest pub on the Thames. It sits by the spot where the Pilgrim Fathers’ ship moored before sailing in 1620. Expect an open fire, a candlelit upstairs restaurant and a jetty over the river. The ground floor and restaurant take bookings; the jetty is walk-in only.
Best for: a cosy evening on the river.
10. The Dove, Hammersmith, England
A historic riverside pub in Hammersmith, west London, with outside seating right by the water. It has been part of this stretch of the Thames for centuries, and food runs every day. Pair it with a Thames Path walk between Hammersmith and Chiswick.
Best for: a riverside pint after a walk.
Tip: Many London pubs get very busy from 5pm on weekdays and all afternoon at weekends. Go mid-afternoon for a seat by the fire or the river.
How to choose
Pick by mood and location. Pub hours vary more than you’d expect, especially on Sundays and in the City and Holborn, where some pubs follow office hours. Check each pub’s own website on the day, and expect festive hours from late December. For history in the centre, go to the George Inn, Ye Olde Mitre or Lamb & Flag. For the river, choose the Grapes, the Mayflower or the Dove. For a long lunch with fresh air, the Spaniards Inn is the one. Most of these pubs fit neatly around the sights in our list of the best things to do in London. For a proper dinner first, see the best restaurants in London. Visiting in December? Combine a pub crawl with our London Christmas market guide. Planning more of England? Start with our best places to visit in England, and check this weekend for events.
FAQ
What is the oldest pub in London?
Several pubs claim the title. The Mayflower calls itself the oldest pub on the Thames, the Grapes says it has traded since the 16th century, and the George Inn is the last galleried coaching inn.
Which London pubs are on the river?
The Grapes in Limehouse, the Mayflower in Rotherhithe and the Dove in Hammersmith all sit right on the Thames.
Can you book a table in a London pub?
It depends on the pub. Many pubs take bookings for food, but some, like the Grapes and the French House bar, don’t take reservations.
Are children allowed in London pubs?
Rules vary by pub. Many allow children with an adult in the daytime, especially for food, but some, such as the Grapes, are adults only. Check the pub’s website before you go.
