A place of legend in Nunhead, this towering corner pub is as fun as it is friendly. It’s family-run and independent, a rare thing these days in London, and attracts everyone from OAPs to local bands, chic fashion students and troupes of cheerful lads. There’s karaoke, folk-music nights and terrific Thai food too. What more could you want? Perfect Guinness? Well, this is a proper Irish pub, so you’re in luck.
London is the perfect pub city. There’s a boozer for almost every kind of person – even the non-drinkers among us – and they’re a vital part of the capital’s lifeblood. They provide community, entertainment and culture, and not only help us navigate our way around town but give us a place to stop, sit and enjoy the city. But what makes a truly good pub? It's more than just drinks (though a well-poured pint is pretty important), and the pubs on the list have been chosen because of their friendly landlords and landladies, convivial atmosphere, cosy interiors and the ineffable sense that these are simply the best places in London to while away a few hours. These are the pubs that we like to drink at - if you’re after the most famous and historic pubs in London, then you’ll find them all here.
There are roughly 3,500 pubs in London. That might be a shocking 25 percent less than there were two decades ago, but it’s still a fair amount of options when it comes to choosing a place to meet your mates, go on a date, or rock up for a solo drink and have some much-treasured alone time. We’ve tried and tested inns, taverns and pubs across the city to bring you a list of the very finest. Welcome to London’s Top 50 Pubs. Make ours a pint.
RECOMMENDED: Enjoy a cocktail or three at London's best bars.
Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor, and has spent far too much time drinking and nattering in London's many pubs. She even used to work in one; The Lexington in King's Cross, since you asked. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.