Finding the right spot for bangers and mash or a properly poured pint of Guinness isn’t always a simple task when roaming the streets of London on vacation. The truth is that there are far too many choices. Thankfully, national tourism agency, VisitBritain, has narrowed down the possibilities. What follows are 10 not-to-miss pubs in London as selected by the tourism bureau.
The Eagle
2 Shepherdess Walk, London, N1 7LB
The Eagle serves food daily and provides a variety of pub entertainment including a pool table and gaming machines. In the summer, the ivy-covered pub garden makes for a great setting to enjoy drinks with friends.
www.theeaglehoxton.co.uk
The Prospect of Whitby
57 Wapping Wall, Limehouse, London, E1W 3SH
This riverside pub serves traditional Sunday roasts and is rumored to have served many famous people in the past including Charles Dickens.
Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street
Wine Office Court, 145 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2BU
While the Olde Cheshire Cheese appears to be a small pub from the outside, once inside visitors will discover many nooks and crannies leading to a large bar in the back. The pub is also home to some of the oldest pub wood paneling in the U.K. — some pieces were spared by the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Trafalgar Tavern
Park Row, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NW
Built in 1837, this Grade 1 listed property still boasts many of its original features. Its grand Georgian windows offer views of the River Thames. Visitors can munch on authentic English bar snacks, an a la carte meal and traditional ales.
www.trafalgartavern.co.uk
The Spaniard’s Inn
Spaniards Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JJ
The Spaniard’s Inn hosts several beer festivals in its unique garden area. On Saturdays, patrons come to its oak-paneled rooms to enjoy traditional Indian dishes cooked to perfection by an Indian chef.
www.thespaniardshampstead.co.uk
The George Inn
77 Borough High Street, Borough, London, SE1 1NH
The George Inn is a National Trust property situated close to the London Bridge. Visitors can admire the architecture of the unique protected property, while imagining Dickens and Shakespeare once drinking in the very same spot.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-georgeinn
The Lamb Inn
94-98 Lambs Conduit Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3LZ
This traditional Victorian pub is very much a local favorite for its ambience. It features striking green tiles on its exterior, etched glass screens above the bar and a small courtyard that is ideal for an evening pint.
The French House
49 Dean Street, London Chinatown, London, W1D 5BG
The French House, located in Soho, offers a selection of 30 wines and champagnes. Its upstairs restaurant, Polpetto, is open Monday through Saturday and offers French cuisine. Because of its location, visitors are likely to rub shoulders with the actors and actresses of the West End.
www.frenchhousesoho.com
The Coach and Horses
26-28 Ray Street, The City, London, EC1R 3DJ
The Coach and Horses gastro pub features a mix of a la carte and traditional pub food such as belly of pork and fish and chips made with organic ingredients, along with a range of beers and wines.
www.thecoachandhorses.com
The Harwood Arms
27 Walham Grove, Fulham, London, SW6 1QR
The Harwood Arms was the first pub in London to be awarded a Michelin star in 2010. This fine-dining gastro pub, situated in Fulham, is a lively gourmet restaurant attracting diners who want a classic British meal in a laid-back setting.
www.harwoodarms.com
The Details
VisitBritain
