Greenwich
The award-winning Union plies six or seven local microbrewery beers (it used to be owned by Greenwich-based Meantime Brewery) and a strong list of ales,…
Must-see nightlife in London
North London
Come the weekend, the only remotely chilled-out space in this large, buzzy bar is its first-rate and generously proportioned rooftop terrace. Count on a…
North London
Large and relaxed, the Edinboro offers a fun atmosphere, a fine bar and a full menu. The highlight, however, is the huge beer garden, complete with warm…
The West End
This legendary, twin-storied bohemian boozer has quite a history: it was the meeting place of the Free French Forces during WWII and de Gaulle is said to…
The West End
From the 28th floor of the Park Lane Hilton, this swish bar boasts delightful views, especially during the golden sunset hour to which '10°' refers…
The West End
The Grade II–listed Punchbowl, one of Mayfair's oldest pubs, is split between the public bar, a more formal dining room, and a reservations-only club…
Notting Hill & West London
Severely inundated by the epic floodwaters of 1928, this gem of a 17th-century Fuller's pub revels in historic charm and superb Thames views. Scottish…
The West End
Drinkers who know their stuff single out the travelling martini trolley for particular praise, but almost everything mixed at the silver-and-platinum…
The West End
Purl is a fabulous underground drinking den – decked out in overstuffed vintage furniture in intimate nooks, and adorned with antique wood, stripped…
The West End
You may not quite need a diamond as big as the Ritz to drink at this art-deco marvel, but it might help. All camphor wood, illuminated Lalique glass,…
The West End
Superb martinis and a gentlemen’s-club-like ambience are the ingredients of this classic bar, where white-jacketed masters mix up perfect preparations…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Given it’s inspired by Jabberwocky, Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical poem, this bar’s eccentric decor is to be expected, and the top-notch cocktails have…
Paradise by Way of Kensal Green
Notting Hill & West London
With its statues, religious paintings, gaunt oil portraits, panelling and dense drapes, the wildly eclectic, eccentric, boho and gothic Kensal Green bar…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Single-handedly propping up Shoreditch's cocktail scene this side of Rivington St, speakeasy-style Found employs a decidedly simple equation for success:…
The West End
Despite this 1602 coaching inn's Lilliputian dimensions, swarms of lawyers from nearby Lincoln's Inn congregate here after each day's business. Expect to…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Legendary Danish microbrewery Mikkeller is known for its collaborations, but its latest is next level. Mikkeller's founder met musician Rick Astley on a…
Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court
This traditional pub in Twickenham overlooks a quiet stretch of the Thames from what must be one of the most English-looking streets in London. It boasts…
The West End
A favourite Soho drinking spot, Swift has a sleek, candlelit upstairs bar for walk-ins seeking a superior cocktail before dinner or the theatre, and a…
Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court
Right by the platform at Kew Gardens station (the only London tube platform with its own pub), this lovingly restored Victorian yellow-brick boozer is…
The West End
This intimate basement bar has DJs, comedy, drag-king cabaret, burlesque, live music and party nights, all in addition to a generally friendly and…
South Bank
Run by the founders of hop emporium Utobeer, Rake has an astonishing selection of suds, including rare brews impossible to find anywhere else in town…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
Though it's buried at the back of a security-gated working industrial estate, Fourpure has the fanciest taproom on the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Revamped and…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
A charming cast has taken over this cosy corner pub, transforming it into one of London's most legendary queer cabaret venues. Order a Twink in Pink or a…
Notting Hill & West London
This Fuller's pub, quietly located along Edwardes Sq, is a lovely place for a pint of ale or some satisfying food. Out the front in warmer weather, there…
Kensington & Hyde Park
Just around the corner from the Royal Albert Hall is this blue-grey-painted godsend. Located in an adorable cobbled-mews setting off bustling Queen’s Gate…
Notting Hill & West London
Carefully choreographed randomness is the order of the day in this sizeable Fulham establishment, which has a large indoor drinking and seating space …
Brixton, Peckham & South London
It doesn't take much to make Londoners happy on a sunny day, and the simple summer-only setup at Frank's is an al-fresco favourite. Drink in the views …
London
Formerly the Bank of New Zealand, this magnificent Grade II–listed building has reincarnated as a whimsical mock Victorian-era trading outpost stuffed…
The West End
Pendant bar lights, bright clutter, graffitied walls and raucous atmosphere give a New York vibe to this snug basement saloon just north of Oxford St. If…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Black leather, bevelled mirror tiles and a copper wall gleam with candlelight in this darkly glamorous basement bar below the eponymous steak restaurant…
London
The 'Jampot' does double duty as a historic wood-lined pub with a basement wine bar. It stands on the site of London's first coffee house (1652),…
South Bank
This wacky bar is a mess of eccentric theatre props courtesy of its partner, nearby arts space Vaults. You can't miss it on the street; it's covered with…
London
Built in 1875 on the site of a Dominican monastery (hence the name and the corpulent chap above the door), this much-loved pub was famously saved from…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
A delightfully cosy historic pub with an extensive beer selection, tucked away in a backstreet off Hatton Garden, Ye Olde Mitre was originally built in…
East London
Wackiness is the order of the day at this low-lit gastropub, where animal heads adorn the walls and copper gilds the ceiling. It's a nice spot for a beer,…
North London
A gorgeous, boutique pub – if there is such a thing – with a winning formula of snazzy decor (wooden floors, designer wallpaper, soft furnishings and…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
This former lawn bowling clubhouse no longer has its green, but it’s lost none of its retro allure. 'BBC' is now one of the best pubs in South London. The…
East London
This ramshackle charmer of a bar has a retro tropical theme, a friendly atmosphere and affordable drinks – think cans of Red Stripe (£3) and frozen…
North London
This friendly pub features film-themed posters and paraphernalia, and serves a decent variety of craft beer, ale and cider. The Sunday roasts are superb…
Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court
This lively, spacious bar serves reasonably priced drinks and impressive food – take on the Wimbledon Whopper burger if you fancy a challenge. The staff…
