The best pubs in London

“Just a quick swerve down Denman Street lies the pub that boldly claims to serve the best pints of Guinness in London – something that was recently…”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 5 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, A Lady in London, Sunny in London (#7), The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026, Pub and Bar Awards 2026 winner)
• Google 4.5★ from 3,326 reviews
• Score 10 = 2 × 5 lists + 0 Reddit

“With live music six nights a week, you’re just as likely to stumble across a vintage folk session as you are a local grindcore act taking their first tentative steps…”Time Out

• On 3 of 8 lists (Time Out (#31), Condé Nast Traveller, The Infatuation)
• Recommended 3 times on Reddit
• Google 4.6★ from 1,343 reviews
• Score 9 = 2 × 3 lists + 3 Reddit

“The Holly Bush is a Fuller’s house, so the ale’s always well kept too.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 3 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, A Lady in London, Sunny in London (#9))
• Recommended 3 times on Reddit
• Google 4.4★ from 2,570 reviews
• Score 9 = 2 × 3 lists + 3 Reddit

“A flute-whistling, harmonica-tooting, according-swaying Wednesday night pick-me-up of the most knee-jigging variety, The Dog & Bell’s trad nights are a weekly joy.”The Infatuation

• On 3 of 8 lists (Time Out (#40), The Infatuation, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.7★ from 1,750 reviews
• Score 8 = 2 × 3 lists + 2 Reddit

“Head straight for the deck at the back, where you can gaze over the water to the wharves of Rotherhithe and the towers of Canary Wharf.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, Sunny in London (#4))
• Recommended 5 times on Reddit
• Google 4.5★ from 6,721 reviews
• Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit

“A classic pubby pub. Good beer. Famous piano singalongs every Wednesday and Saturday.”the r/london pub wiki

• On 2 of 8 lists (The Handbook, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 3 times on Reddit
• Google 4.4★ from 1,784 reviews
• Score 7 = 2 × 2 lists + 3 Reddit

“I'd suggest the Mayflower in Rotherhithe for the great views of the river and a very traditional interior…”r/london

• On 1 of 8 lists (Sunny in London (#5))
• Recommended 7 times on Reddit
• Google 4.7★ from 5,865 reviews
• Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit

“…the front is a classic old pub serving Young’s beer; through the back is the reliable Guinea Grill, which serves slabs of top-class Aberdeen Angus beef and not much else.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 3 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, The Infatuation, Sunny in London (#6))
• Google 4.6★ from 2,553 reviews
• Score 6 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit

“With its yellow anaglypta ceiling wallpaper, stunning tiling, red banquette seating, and warm-toned L-shaped wooden bar, the Grade II listed Lord Clyde is giving serious 1930s glamour.”Time Out

• On 3 of 8 lists (Time Out (#22), A Lady in London, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Google 4.6★ from 1,355 reviews
• Score 6 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit

“…only pub in London serving the full range of Timothy Taylor ales.”the r/london pub wiki

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.6★ from 661 reviews
• Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit

“The pub is decked in colourful foliage, pinks, whites and purples cascading over the windows during the spring and summer months.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, Sunny in London (#8))
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.5★ from 8,744 reviews
• Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit

“Spaniards Inn** in Hampstead was built in the 1500’s I think? It’s got a lot of character and in the summer the garden is the best…”r/london

• On 2 of 8 lists (A Lady in London, Sunny in London (#1))
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.5★ from 7,234 reviews
• Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit

“…three tiny, dark, wood-panelled rooms, with a bar in each housing framed jockey portraits, the Blythe Hill Tavern is one of the finest Irish pubs outside of the Emerald Isle.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#10), The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.8★ from 1,040 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“The beer selection is varied, locally focused and brilliant, thanks to a long-serving landlady, and, in a welcome change to the standard…”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.6★ from 3,763 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“Their sausage rolls and Scotch eggs are great.”Sunny in London

• On 2 of 8 lists (A Lady in London, Sunny in London (#11))
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.5★ from 3,158 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“There’s a reason it’s always packed to overflowing – real ales on tap, a no-nonsense wooden horseshoe bar, a jolly old atmosphere and a sizeable Thai restaurant out the back.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.5★ from 2,242 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“Preserving many of its original Victorian features, it’s run by a genuine beer and cider devotee who changes the casks and kegs on offer regularly.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.5★ from 1,596 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“It’s a capital outpost of Sussex brewery Harvey’s, so a pint of its Best Bitter is always a fine choice.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.5★ from 1,031 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“A west London institution, the Cow is known throughout the city for its superior Guinness and wonderful seafood.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#45), A Lady in London)
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.4★ from 1,128 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“Hackney’s Cock Tavern is London’s best pub for dedicated beerhounds, boasting a serious, often overwhelming line-up of cider and cask ales.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#50), The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.3★ from 386 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“It’s another Soho boozer that’s rammed most nights, so swing by of afternoon and settle into their perfect red velvet banquettes.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#21), A Lady in London)
• Recommended 1 time on Reddit
• Google 4.2★ from 641 reviews
• Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

“Only the most ardent wanderers will stumble upon this exceptionally secluded spot – it's halfway down a beautiful but incongruous cobbled mews lane off a grand Belgravia square near Hyde…”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, Sunny in London (#14))
• Google 4.6★ from 2,770 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“The beer garden is massive, the drinks are plentiful, and above all, the food is absolutely ridiculous.”The Handbook

• On 1 of 8 lists (The Handbook)
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.6★ from 2,526 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

“Perhaps most importantly, beer is priced according to strength, meaning it’s possible to get that rare thing - a London pint for a fiver.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#7), The Infatuation)
• Google 4.8★ from 257 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“A historic Fuller’s pub known for its traditional atmosphere in the heart of the theatre district.”Sunny in London

• On 2 of 8 lists (A Lady in London, Sunny in London (#3))
• Google 4.5★ from 5,352 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“The Hawley Arms could stake a claim to being the most famous music pub in London now, and although it’s only been around in its current incarnation since 2004, it’s…”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, The Infatuation)
• Google 4.5★ from 4,034 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“On match days this Finsbury Park pub is crammed with Martin McDonagh groupies and people who found an Irish grandparent post-Brexit.”The Infatuation

• On 1 of 8 lists (The Infatuation)
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.5★ from 3,457 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

“A classic-looking 1930s-built boozer, here you’ll rub shoulders with local chefs, grown-up indie sleaze icons who’ve decamped from the Spurstowe Arms, and long-standing regulars who’ve seen it all.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#15), The Infatuation)
• Google 4.6★ from 473 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“It looks unchanged since the 1960s, with monochrome portraits of starry patrons lining the wood-panelled walls.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#35), Condé Nast Traveller)
• Google 4.5★ from 2,084 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“…the beer here is expertly kept and varied.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#32), The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Google 4.7★ from 239 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“There’s been a pub here since the 16th century, and going by the crowds this place pulls in, there’ll be one here for the next 500 years.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#12), The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Google 4.5★ from 1,018 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“…landlady, artist Pauline Forster, the George started to host live music in 2004 and remains one of east London's best places to see new bands and legendary old school acts.”Time Out

• On 2 of 8 lists (Time Out (#38), The Infatuation)
• Google 4.5★ from 1,016 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“A simple and historic pub in the heart of London, dimly lit with nook and crannies…”the r/london pub wiki

• On 1 of 8 lists (The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.4★ from 7,443 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

• On 2 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph's best UK pubs 2026)
• Google 4.4★ from 1,402 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

“It’s the last surviving galleried inn of London, dating back to at least the 16th century, and much of it feels that way.”The Handbook

• On 1 of 8 lists (The Handbook)
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.3★ from 7,523 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

“For, at high tide, as the winding waterway breaks its banks and consumes this stretch of Richmond-upon-Thames’ riverside, punters must don wellies to enjoy the suntrap of a front garden.”Condé Nast Traveller

• On 1 of 8 lists (Condé Nast Traveller)
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.3★ from 3,386 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

“Great neighbourhood pub with a backroom cinema. Used to be the place to start your night out…”the r/london pub wiki

• On 1 of 8 lists (The Infatuation)
• Recommended 2 times on Reddit
• Google 4.3★ from 1,025 reviews
• Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit