London’s bar scene is legendary. From candlelit taverns that survived the Great Fire to cocktail counters rivaling Manhattan and Tokyo, the capital’s drinking culture is as layered as the city itself. With more than 3,500 pubs across Greater London, discerning where to go isn’t simply a matter of geography—it’s about heritage, community, and the art of the pour. This guide spotlights the best pubs in London, each selected for their unique blend of history, hospitality, and unforgettable drinks.
Whether you’re chasing the romance of historic London pubs, the sleek glamour of a five-star cocktail institution, or simply searching for London bars with a view, the following ten venues represent the city at its most convivial. They are as much neighborhood anchors as they are destinations, where locals rub elbows with travelers, and where pints, cocktails, and stories are poured in equal measure.
Why the Pubs Still Matter in London
In a city where new cocktail dens open almost monthly, why do the oldest pubs in London and their modern counterparts retain such cultural weight?
- Cultural legacy: Many of the most famous historic London pubs have stood for centuries, surviving wars, fires, and political upheaval. They function as living archives—where the wood beams, flagstone floors, and literary lore transport you through time.
- Mixology excellence: At the other end of the spectrum, the best bars in London rival Paris, New York, and Singapore for cocktail innovation. The American Bar at The Savoy, for instance, has appeared in the World’s 50 Best Bars ranking multiple times.
- Neighborhood anchors: These venues aren’t just watering holes. They are community hubs, equally vital for post-theatre drinks in Covent Garden, Sunday roasts in Marylebone, or late-night jazz sessions in Southwark.
- Diverse experiences: From sipping a Mezcal Negroni under Art Deco chandeliers to enjoying a pint in a 16th-century tavern once frequented by Samuel Pepys, the best bars in London embody the city’s remarkable diversity.
Criteria: What Makes a Bar One of the Best in London?
Choosing the best bars in London isn’t just about popularity. The list reflects five qualities:
- Heritage and Storytelling: From Dickensian associations to architectural quirks like Victorian snob screens.
- Signature Drinks: Be it cask ales pulled to perfection or experimental cocktails on daily rotation.
- Atmosphere: The ability to balance history with contemporary relevance.
- Community and Service: A friendly, knowledgeable staff who make everyone feel like a regular.
- Consistency: A reputation that withstands hype and remains strong year after year.
This approach ensures balance—between historic London pubs and cutting-edge mixology havens, between traditionalists and modern explorers, between the oldest pubs in London and newly iconic names in the city’s nightlife.
Our Top 10 Best Pubs in London
Here are the ten venues that capture the capital’s spirit better than any others.
1. The American Bar – Mayfair (The Stafford Hotel)
The American Bar at The Stafford Hotel is one of the best bars in London for cocktail connoisseurs who crave history with their drink. With roots stretching back to the post-war era, the bar became a haven for American and Canadian officers stationed in London, who donated much of the memorabilia that still adorns its walls today.
Its cocktail list features timeless staples like The Moonraker and the Mezcal Negroni, drinks that illustrate the bar’s ability to merge tradition with innovation. Every detail of the space—its rich leather seating, historic photographs, and curated décor—evokes both nostalgia and sophistication, making it one of the most atmospheric historic London pubs.
What makes the American Bar truly distinctive is its people. The staff are famously warm and welcoming, building genuine rapport with regulars and newcomers alike. Guests often remark on the sense of camaraderie among the team, which translates into a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. City professionals drop in after work, mingling with loyal hotel patrons and West End visitors, creating a lively, eclectic crowd. This is not merely a hotel bar—it’s a neighborhood institution where community, history, and exceptional cocktails come together seamlessly.
- Heritage: One of the oldest surviving cocktail bars in London, open since the late 19th century.
- Signature Drinks: The Moonraker and Mezcal Negroni embody its inventive yet classic approach.
- Atmosphere: Effortlessly glamorous yet approachable—a true London icon.
- Staff: Renowned for legendary service, warmth, and camaraderie.
- Community: A mix of hotel guests and local City professionals creates an eclectic, stylish crowd.
2. Swift – Soho
Swift is one of the most acclaimed cocktail bars in the capital, earning its reputation as one of the best pubs in London for refined yet approachable drinking. Split across two distinct spaces, it offers guests two very different experiences under one roof.
Upstairs, the bright, airy bar is perfect for aperitifs, quick pre-theatre cocktails, and casual socializing. Downstairs, the moody basement transforms into a speakeasy-inspired hideaway, where dim lighting and a slower pace encourage conversation well into the night. This versatility makes Swift a favorite among both cocktail aficionados and casual visitors.
What truly sets Swift apart is its menu, celebrated for signature drinks like the Irish Coffee—widely considered one of the best in London—as well as a range of impeccably balanced Negronis. The staff bring charm and precision in equal measure, combining high-level mixology with warm hospitality.
Its location in the heart of Soho adds to the allure, drawing a crowd as eclectic and energetic as the neighborhood itself. Whether you’re stopping in for one drink before dinner or settling in downstairs for an evening, Swift encapsulates why London continues to lead the world in cocktail culture.
- Reputation: Consistently ranked among the world’s best cocktail bars.
- Atmosphere: Airy aperitif bar upstairs, moody speakeasy lounge below.
- Signature Drink: Renowned Irish Coffee and faultless Negronis.
- Location: Soho, offering an energetic yet stylish neighborhood vibe.
- Staff: Professional, personable, and passionate about their craft.
3. The Lamb & Flag – Covent Garden
Tucked into the winding streets of Covent Garden, The Lamb & Flag stands as one of the most atmospheric historic London pubs. Dating back to 1772, the pub earned the nickname “The Bucket of Blood” for its 19th-century prizefights. Literary legend Charles Dickens was a regular here, and walking through the low-beamed rooms still feels like stepping back into his London. Traditional ales flow from the taps, and the menu stays true to hearty pub fare.
But it isn’t just the history that gives The Lamb & Flag its reputation. Its location makes it a favorite for an eclectic mix of patrons. Locals stopping by after work, theatre-goers seeking a pint before curtain, and curious visitors drawn by its Dickensian lore. The atmosphere buzzes without ever tipping into chaos, and the wood-paneled interiors lend a coziness that feels timeless. It’s this balance of history, hospitality, and community that keeps The Lamb & Flag high on any list of the best pubs in London.
- History: A historic London pub dating back to 1772, once known for prizefights. Dickens drank here.
- Setting: Low-beamed ceilings and dark-wood interiors channel London’s tavern past.
- Community: Attracts locals, theatre-goers, and neighborhood professionals alike.
4. Prospect of Whitby – Wapping
The Prospect of Whitby is often called one of the oldest pubs in London, dating back to around 1520. Overlooking the Thames in Wapping, it has centuries of stories embedded in its flagstone floors and weathered timber. The nautical décor, pewter-topped bar, and views across the water remind guests of its maritime roots, while a hanging noose outside nods to the pub’s darker associations with riverside executions.
Figures like Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens are known to have frequented its snug interiors, and today, that same sense of history permeates the space.
Despite its storied past, the Prospect of Whitby isn’t just a tourist stop. It thrives as a true neighborhood pub, attracting East London regulars as well as visitors chasing its legends. The riverside terrace makes it one of the more charming London bars with a view, particularly at sunset when the Thames glows gold.
Pairing cask ales and hearty traditional fare with a centuries-old setting, this pub is a rare example of history, atmosphere, and community perfectly balanced.
- Legacy: Established circa 1520, widely considered one of the oldest pubs in London.
- Atmosphere: Nautical décor, flagstone floors, and riverside terrace.
- Community: East Londoners and curious visitors chase its storied past.
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5. The Lamb – Bloomsbury
The Lamb in Bloomsbury is a gem among historic London pubs, dating back to the 18th century and famous for its preserved Victorian “snob screens.” These etched-glass dividers once gave wealthy patrons privacy while drinking, and today they remain a fascinating glimpse into London’s social history. The pub itself is airy and bright, with tiled floors and frosted glass windows giving it a distinctly elegant feel compared to the dimly lit taverns elsewhere in the city.
Writers and intellectuals have long gravitated toward The Lamb, with Charles Dickens, Ted Hughes, and Sylvia Plath counted among its past patrons. That literary spirit lingers in the atmosphere today, attracting a thoughtful mix of students, academics, and curious travelers.
Conversations spill easily across tables, and the sense of continuity between past and present makes it feel timeless. In a city that moves quickly, The Lamb offers a slower pace, a pint, and a reminder of the depth behind London’s pub culture.
- Quirks: Features Victorian “snob screens,” unique to historic London pubs.
- Literary Links: Frequented by Charles Dickens, Ted Hughes, and Sylvia Plath.
- Guests: Students and academics mix with curious international travelers.
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6. The Gladstone Arms – Southwark
The Gladstone Arms, affectionately known as “The Glad,” is one of those best pubs in London that nearly slipped through the cracks of history. A Victorian building in Southwark, it was nearly demolished before locals campaigned to save it. Today, it thrives as a symbol of community resilience and creativity. Its interior balances old-world charm with a modern sensibility, creating a space that feels both authentic and contemporary.
Music is at the heart of The Gladstone Arms, with live folk, indie, and blues performances drawing a loyal crowd of artists, musicians, and locals. The drinks menu leans heavily on craft beer and boutique gins, while the kitchen offers globally inspired bites. The crowd is eclectic and welcoming, giving the pub an energy that feels both bohemian and grounded. It’s not just a place to drink—it’s a place where London’s creative spirit gathers, rivaling nearby restaurants and eateries for atmosphere and charm.
- Community Spirit: A Victorian pub saved from closure by locals, now thriving as a cultural hub.
- Music: Folk, indie, and blues nights give it creative energy.
- Drinks: Strong craft beer and gin selections.
7. The Royal Oak – Marylebone
For those seeking a traditional neighborhood haunt, The Royal Oak is a quintessential historic London pub. Open since 1807, this Georgian-era establishment has all the hallmarks of a classic: wood-paneled interiors, antique furnishings, and the kind of atmosphere that invites you to linger. Its quiet, conversational energy makes it a Sunday favorite, especially when paired with its renowned roast dinners.
The Royal Oak’s strength lies in its loyal community. Families, professionals, and long-time Marylebone residents return week after week, giving the space a continuity and intimacy that newer bars can’t replicate.
With quality ales and comforting food, it’s the kind of pub that feels like home after just one visit. For anyone who wants to understand the appeal of the best pubs in London, The Royal Oak offers the archetypal experience.
- Pedigree: Dating back to 1807, a quintessential historic London pub.
- Ambience: Paneled interiors and a relaxed vibe make it ideal for Sunday afternoons.
- Community: Attracts loyal families and professionals who return week after week.
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8. The Kings Arms – Waterloo
The Kings Arms is one of the best pubs in London for those who value authenticity over frills. A cozy, old-fashioned boozer tucked away in Waterloo, it is renowned for its laid-back charm and friendly crowd. While it serves a reliable selection of beers and ales, what sets it apart is its unexpected Thai kitchen. Locals rave about the curries and noodles, a surprising twist in a traditional pub setting.
The clientele reflects its central location: students from nearby campuses, Southbank theatre-goers, and lifelong locals all converge here. The atmosphere is cheerful and unpretentious, a reminder that sometimes the most memorable nights are spent in places that don’t try too hard. The Kings Arms proves that the best pubs aren’t always the most glamorous; they’re the ones where everyone feels instantly welcome.
- Unpretentious Charm: One of the best pubs in London for a no-frills pint.
- Food: Unexpectedly famous for its Thai menu, a local favorite.
- Guests: A blend of students, theatre-goers, and locals.
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9. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – Fleet Street
Few places embody the phrase oldest pubs in London quite like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. Rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire, its cellars date back even further, creating a labyrinth of narrow passages and dimly lit rooms.
Fires crackle in stone fireplaces, and the sense of history is palpable. This was once a favorite haunt of Samuel Johnson, Mark Twain, and even Charles Dickens, giants of literature who found inspiration in its atmospheric rooms.
Today, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese continues to attract a mix of curious visitors and after-work regulars. Its maze-like layout makes it easy to find a snug corner for quiet conversation or settle into the main bar for lively chatter.
Having a pint here feels less like drinking and more like time travel, an experience unique to historic London pubs. For lovers of literature, history, and hearty ale, this Fleet Street landmark is a must.
- Deep History: Rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire, with medieval cellars beneath.
- Guests: Once frequented by Samuel Johnson and Mark Twain.
- Signature Experience: A pint by the fire in this oldest pub in London contender is pure magic.
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10. The Wigmore – Marylebone (The Langham Hotel)
The Wigmore redefines what a pub can be. Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr., it blends upscale dining with traditional pub culture, making it one of the best bars in London for those who want comfort and sophistication in one space.
Art Deco accents, emerald-tiled walls, and leather banquettes lend an air of polished style, while the drinks list pairs refined cocktails with carefully chosen beers.
Its food is equally distinctive, with elevated takes on classics—most famously, the XXL toasted cheese sandwich that has become a cult favorite. The Wigmore draws an urbane crowd of Marylebone locals and finance professionals from nearby offices, creating an atmosphere that’s lively yet refined.
It’s proof that the best pubs in London can evolve without losing their soul, offering a modern take on tradition that feels entirely in step with today’s city.
- Concept: Overseen by Michel Roux Jr., blending upscale gastronomy with pub tradition.
- Design: Art Deco meets gastropub chic.
- Community: Finance professionals and stylish locals frequent this elevated hangout.
Beyond the Best: Experiencing London Like a Local
- Timing Matters: For the best pubs in London, weekday afternoons promise a relaxed vibe; evenings are vibrant and bustling.
- Pairing Food & Drink: Don’t miss the Kings Arms’ Thai dishes, the Wigmore’s XXL cheese toastie, or classic Sunday roasts at The Royal Oak.
- Neighborhood Connection: Pair Covent Garden’s Lamb & Flag with theatre tickets, or enjoy the Prospect of Whitby before a riverside walk.
- Seek Out Views: While pubs like the Prospect of Whitby offer stunning Thames vistas, many London bars with a view, like rooftop cocktail spots, add another dimension to your drinking itinerary.
- Respect Tradition: Ordering at the bar, joining in on rounds, and chatting with the staff are all part of the authentic London pub experience.
Raising a Glass to London’s Timeless Bar Culture
The best bars in London aren’t just about what’s in your glass, they’re about community, history, and atmosphere. From historic London pubs that have stood since the 1500s to modern cocktail lounges redefining mixology, these venues embody the spirit of the city. Some rank among the oldest pubs in London, others qualify as the best bars in London for cocktails, while still others double as London bars with a view.
Together, they form a map of experiences: cozy snugs, riverside terraces, hidden courtyards, and Art Deco lounges. For locals, they’re the third spaces between work and home; for visitors, they’re cultural landmarks as significant as museums or galleries. Raise a glass to the timeless ritual of the London pub where past and future clink glasses every night.
