British Pub Culture: 10 Well Loved Must-Visit Pubs in London

I wish British pub culture was among the lasting influences the Brits have had on the U.S. but, alas, no dice. So, soak up London’s unparalleled and infinite pubs starting with this top 10 spanning Mayfair, Belgravia, City of London, Soho, Covent Garden, Kensington, Marylebone, and Holborn. I love pubs for myriad reasons but 1) you can take your pint outside, 2) these establishments tell stories so always read up, and 3) the individuality each has in architecture, interior design, and vibes.

Choice of beer: Camden Hells

Choice of Cider: Aspall

1 | Coach & Horses, Mayfair

Photo by A Lady in London

Photo by Emily Dean

I love the cool and upscale Mayfair where it seems easier to lose the tourists and crowds despite being in Central London. This practically stand alone skinny Tudor building and pub complements the beauty of the area perfectly and hasn’t changed since the 1770s. It is “one of Mayfair’s oldest surviving unreconstructed taverns.” Grab a pint and drink outside with the locals!

2 | The Grenadier, Belgravia

Photo by Emily Dean

Photo by Nick Whitten

You will never ever stumble upon The Grenadier because, yes, it’s close to Harrods but it is tucked away along a cobbled mews called Wilton Row (“London's mews were created to house the coachmen and horses that served the Victorian and Georgian elite of nearby mansions”). The pub was originally built to house an army regiment in 1720 and I guess has a haunted reputation but today we just see it as incredibly cute and charming. Cheers!

3 | New Moon, City of London/Leadenhall Market

Photo by Emily Dean

We loved this pub because of the atmosphere—it’s clearly the party spot for those employed in London’s historic financial district from lunchtime until close. It doesn't hurt that it is also within a stunning Victorian market that’s even featured in Harry Potter films.

4 | The French House, Soho

Photo by Emily Dean

I love the French House’s own description! “Actors, writers, artists and wits rub shoulders with royalty, bohemians and the film world in this, the most iconic of Soho watering holes. A fabulous and entertaining spot to raise a glass in London, the French House truly deserves its reputation as the best known pub in the world's naughtiest square mile.” I’ll add that this legendary Dean Street pub looks like it’s straight out of a movie.

5 | Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden

Photo by Emily Dean

This pub has a Fight Club past and is well worth stopping by while visiting renowned Covent Garden.

6 | The White Lion, Covent Garden

Photo by Emily Dean

Even if you don’t have time to drink, the exterior is grand with all that pink, brick, and flowers.

7 | Devonshire Arms, Kensington

When I lived in Kensington, this was my dear neighborhood pub that I’ve paid a visit to every trip since I moved away. Although highly local, it is close to the Natural History Museum/Victoria and Albert Museum so it’s nevertheless not out of the way—plus the neighborhoods are gorgeous quintessential London yet far less touristy than the flats in Notting Hill. Take a walk in Cornwall Gardens between the pub and one of the famed museums to see for yourself.

8 | The Royal Oak, Marylebone

Photo by CN Traveller

This pub is rather close to one end of prettiest Regent’s Park. A boozy place for the business crowd but also “one of the finest dining pubs in central London” “serv[ing] superb British produce.”

9 | Princess Louise, Holborn

Photo by Emily Dean

Photo by CN Traveller

Princess Louise is a 19th-century gin palace that you can somehow quite fortunately enjoy a casual beer in. Marvel at the intricate golden craftsmanship of tile, marble, stained glass, etched glass screens, wood, and more. Right by the British Museum.

10 | Ye Olde Chesire Cheese, City of London

Photo by Emily Dean

“The Cheese” is a historic Fleet Street pub, a street that is “London’s former historic home of the country’s major newspapers.”