Introduction: Pubs, Pints, and the Art of Not Getting Lost

London’s pubs are like the city itself—historic, chaotic, and occasionally haunted by the ghosts of overpriced pints. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a first-time tourist with a map that’s more art than navigation, finding the right pub is a rite of passage. This guide is for folks who want to sip, socialize, and maybe accidentally stumble into a 300-year-old history lesson—all while avoiding the pub that only serves “artisanal” lager at £15 a glass. Let’s get started.

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1. The Churchill Arms: Where Winston’s Ghost Still Orders a Pint

Located at 18 Buckingham St, Westminster, this pub is practically a museum. It’s named after the Prime Minister who saved the world (and drank like he was saving it again). The Churchill Arms is a classic example of why pubs double as time machines. Order the “Churchill’s Pint” (a half-pint of something dark and mysterious) and pretend you’re strategizing D-Day with the man himself. Pro tip: The WiFi is called “Secret War Room,” because of course it is.

Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for tips on turning your pub into a historical landmark.

2. The White Lion: Oldest Pub in London (And Possibly the Universe)

At 123 Eastcheap, this pub has been around since the 12th century. That means it’s older than your grandma’s antique teacup and the concept of “modernity.” It’s a cozy spot with a wood-burning fire and a sign that reads, “Est. 1052.” The beer here is strong enough to survive a Viking raid, but the prices are still stuck in the 1300s. Fun fact: If you ask nicely, the bartender will let you touch the original stone wall. Probably.

3. The George Inn: A Pub So Fancy, It’s Basically a Hotel

Nestled in Borough High Street, The George Inn is a Tudor-style pub that looks like it should charge admission. But here’s the magic: it’s not just a pub—it’s a hotel. Book a room, drink in the courtyard, and pretend you’re a 16th-century nobleman who’s really into ale. Their “Plumber’s Wench” ales are so good, even the Queen might have sipped one. Custom Beer fans can replicate their signature brew at home.

4. The Harwood Arms: Where the Beer Flows Like Honey and the Music Flows Like Radiohead

This spot on Harwood St is a cult favorite for its eclectic mix of indie rock fans and people who still use “cult classic” as a compliment. The Harwood Arms is famous for its “Pint of the Month Club” (yes, it’s a thing) and its wall of local art that includes a mural of a penguin in a pub. Pro tip: The jukebox is run by an algorithm that plays whatever song will make you most likely to order another round.

5. The Ten Bells: A Pub So Spooky, It’s on a Map

Located at 35 Wapping, The Ten Bells is a pub with more ghosts than Google. Legend has it that Lord Nelson’s crew once gathered here, and the place is haunted by the “Ten Bells Murder” story. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers who want to sip a “Murder Mystery Malt” while whispering, “Do you feel that?” to their companion. The vibe is so eerie, even the locals avoid it after 10 PM. Make Your Own Beer if you want to craft a spooky-themed brew at home.

6. The Punter: Where the Real Punters Are (Not Metaphorical)

This pub near King’s Cross is a hub for creative types, students, and people who still use the phrase “I’m a punter.” The décor is a mix of “I Found This on eBay” and “This Is How My Grandpa’s House Tastes,” which is exactly why it’s so popular. The beer menu includes a “Student’s Despair” (a £3 lager at 4 PM) and a “Professor’s Pride” (a £12 IPA at 7 PM). The WiFi is called “Punter’s WiFi: 50% Speed, 100% Drama.”

7. The Spaniards Inn: A Pub with a Shakespearean Twist

Located at 14–15 Charing Cross, this pub has been around since 1620 and is allegedly where Shakespeare’s company of actors once held auditions. It’s a cozy spot with a bar that looks like it belongs in a Harry Potter set. The “Shakespeare’s Brew” is a must-try, even if you’re not planning to write sonnets. The staff will call you “thee” and “thou” just to keep the vibe going. Home for more pub adventures.

8. The Crown Tavern: Where the Crown Doesn’t Care if You’re Tipsy

At 17 Crown Passage, this pub is a hidden gem with a courtyard that feels like it escaped from a Wes Anderson film. The Crown Tavern is known for its “Royal Pint” (a frothy lager that costs as much as a crown would in 1610) and its staff who will never let you forget you’re in London. The WiFi is called “Crown WiFi: No Crowns, Just Taps.”

9. The George: A Pub So Confident, It Just Uses Its Name

Located at 48 High Holborn, this pub is a classic example of why London’s pubs are called “the best.” The George has a speakeasy vibe, a menu that includes “The George’s Best” (a beer named after itself), and a staff that treats every customer like they’re royalty. The real highlight? The “Secret Garden” out back, which is so hidden, even Google Maps gets confused.

10. The White Hart: Where the Hart Is Always White, and the Beer Is Always Strong

This pub at 2–7 Bishopsgate is a blend of history and modernity. The White Hart is famous for its “White Hart’s Brew” (a lager so white, it might as well be a ghost), and its staff who will tell you the same story about the pub’s origins every time. The WiFi is called “Hart’s Connection,” because tech jokes in pubs are always welcome.

FAQs: The Pub-Going Guide for People Who Ask Questions

• What’s the oldest pub in London? The White Lion, founded in 1052. It’s older than your great-grandpa’s sense of humor.
• Are there any themed pubs worth visiting? The Ten Bells for spookiness, The George Inn for Tudor vibes, and The Punter for student chaos.
• Can I find vegan beer in London pubs? Absolutely. Ask for “vegan-friendly” options—it’s a thing now.
• How do I avoid tourist traps? Steer clear of pubs with neon signs and prices that make you question your life choices.
• Can I host a pub quiz here? Most pubs run weekly quizzes. Bring a team of people who know the difference between a pint and a pint of regret.

Call to Action: Get Tipsy, Right Here, Right Now

Ready to find your pub soulmate? Start with The Churchill Arms for history, The White Lion for age, or The Harwood Arms for indie cred. And if you’re thinking about selling your own beer? Make Your Own Beer with Dropt.beer—the beer distribution marketplace that makes it easier than explaining your life choices to your parents.

Still lost? Contact us for pub-hunting tips or to create a custom beer label. Cheers to you, London’s most tipsy tourist.