Introduction: Why You Should Skip the Tourist Traps
If you’ve ever wandered into a London pub expecting a cozy pint and came out with a side of confusion (like, “Wait, this is a pub? I got a scone and a 20-minute wait for a beer!”), you’re not alone. London pubs are as diverse as the city itself—some are historic relics, others are craft beer havens, and a few are just trying to figure out why they’re still open. This list? It’s your cheat sheet to the 9 best pubs in London that deliver great beer, better vibes, and zero tourist trap vibes. Plus, if you ever want to make your own beer or sell it online, we’ve got your back. But for now, let’s get to the good stuff.
1. The Churchill (Camden Town)
Let’s start with the obvious. The Churchill is the pub where, legend has it, Winston Churchill himself once smoked a cigar, sipped a beer, and thought, “I’m not this tired.” Located in the heart of Camden, this pub is a time capsule of British politics and pub trivia. The real win? They’ve got a rotating selection of craft beers and a menu that includes “proper” British fare (read: steak and ale pie that doesn’t taste like it was made by a kid with a microwave). Home for more pub adventures.
2. The Arch (Southwark)
For the history buffs: The Arch is tucked under the Old Southwark Bridge, which predates the Tower of London by, like, a millennium. The vibe here is “Victorian speakeasy meets modern craft beer bar.” They serve real ales and have a “hidden” bar that only opens if you ask for it. Pro tip: If you’re lucky, they’ll let you try their experimental sour beers. Just don’t forget to tip the barkeep—they’re not as gruff as they seem.
3. The Flask (Wandsworth)
Okay, this one’s a bit of a secret. The Flask is a workingmen’s club turned beer haven, with a wall of taps that could make a beer connoisseur weep. The real magic? They’ve got a “beer of the month” that’s usually something wild (think cherry-stout or mango IPA). Pro tip: Arrive early if you want a seat by the fireplace. Otherwise, you’ll be elbow-deep in strangers while trying to order a pint.
4. The Hope (Bermondsey)
Think of The Hope as the pub version of a Netflix documentary: dramatic, slightly chaotic, and full of stories. This 19th-century pub has survived riots, fires, and one too many renovations. The beer list is a love letter to British craft brewers, and the pub regularly hosts live music. If you’re a fan of punk rock and punk beer (yes, that’s a thing), this is your spot. Custom Beer fans will also appreciate their experimental taps.
5. The Harcourt (Hackney)
For the hipsters: The Harcourt is a 19th-century pub that’s been retrofitted with vegan tapas, craft beer, and a vibe that screams “I’ve been here since the 1800s but I’m way cooler now.” The real win? They’ve got a massive garden where you can sip a sour beer while pretending you’re in a Wes Anderson movie. Just don’t ask the staff about their beer knowledge—they’ll tell you everything you need to know and then some.
6. The Crown (Hoxton)
The Crown is the pub equivalent of a Spotify Wrapped playlist: a mix of old and new. It’s got a historic vibe (think original stone walls and a fireplace that could roast a goat) but serves up modern craft beers like a pro. The bar staff are beer sommeliers in disguise, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try their monthly “beer tasting flight”—it’s like a wine tasting but with fewer pretentious people.
7. The Old Red Lion (Islington)
This one’s a hidden gem. Tucked away in Islington, The Old Red Lion is a pub that’s part of a growing network of real ale bars across the UK. The menu is a love letter to traditional brewing, and the staff are so passionate about beer, they’ll probably challenge you to a trivia game. Just don’t ask for a lime with your lager—unless you want to start a debate about British pub culture.
8. The Wrestlers (Hammersmith)
If you’re into history, The Wrestlers is a must-visit. This 17th-century pub is famous for hosting bare-knuckle fighters in the 1800s (yes, that’s a real thing). Today, it’s more about the beer and the stories. The real ale selection is top-notch, and the staff will tell you the history of every pint you order. Pro tip: Ask about the ghost—the staff claim one of the barmaids is still around.
9. The George (Marylebone)
Let’s wrap it up with a classic. The George is one of London’s oldest pubs (est. 1390) and has the history to match. The vibe is “posh but not pretentious,” and the beer list is a mix of traditional and modern. If you’re looking for a place to impress a date or just enjoy a quiet pint, this is it. Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer if you ever want to turn your pub into a beer empire.
FAQs: Your Pint of Pub Knowledge
- Q: Which pub is best for live music? A: The Harcourt hosts live music almost every night of the week.
- Q: Can I find vegan food at any of these pubs? A: Yes! The Harcourt and The Flask both have vegan options.
- Q: Which pub has the friendliest bar staff? A: The Hope’s staff are known for their beer knowledge and terrible puns.
- Q: Are these pubs accessible for people with disabilities? A: Most are, but it’s best to call ahead. Contact us for more info.
Conclusion: Cheers to Better Pubs
There you have it—the 9 best pubs in London that actually deliver on the promise of a good beer and a better story. Whether you’re into history, craft beer, or just want to avoid the tourist traps, this list is your roadmap to pub greatness. And if you ever want to make your own beer or sell it online, we’re here to help. After all, every great pub starts with a great beer. Now go forth and drink responsibly—unless you’re in a pub, in which case, drink responsibly and maybe leave a tip for the barkeep. Strategies.beer out.
