There’s virtually nothing better than walking into a pub and being greeted by the sound of a crackling fire. Especially when the cold weather has descended upon the city, as it has in London. Sure, we’ve had a few days of surprisingly temperate weather – but it’s making those cold snaps feel even more Arctic! Those roaring fires are always just so damn cosy! So if you’re looking for somewhere to escape the weather and settle in for a few drinks in charming surroundings, you can’t do much better than one of these toasty London pubs with fires. Get ready for a seriously snuggly session this winter. Roast dinners are optional. But… to be honest… highly recommended.
1. The Holly Bush, Hampstead
Possibly London’s most Instagrammed pub (aside from The Churchill Arms, of course), The Holly Bush is a gorgeous 18th-century pub with a cosy fireplace and lots of delicious, warming food.
📍Find it at 22 Hollymount, Hampstead, NW3 6SG.
🚇 Nearest station is Hampstead.
2. Pelton Arms, Greenwich
And following on from London’s most photographed pub, we’ve got our pick for London’s cosiest pub: the Pelton Arms in Greenwich. This charming local boozer, just a few minutes’ peaceful walk from the tourist-filled centre of Greenwich, is a proper hidden delight. And with three (!) fireplaces scattered around the L-shaped room, it’s perfect for hiding from the winter weather. Settle in with a pint, and you’re sorted for the evening.
📍Find it at 23-25 Pelton Road, Greenwich, SE10 9PQ.
🚇 The nearest station is Maze Hill.
3. The Grapes, Limehouse
The Grapes is a traditional English pub, owned by Sir Ian McKellen, with proper ales and a Victorian long bar (with the original ‘Gandalf staff’ on display behind the bar, no less). There’s a heated terrace at the back that dangles over the Thames and flaunts some great views of the City, and it’s also said that Charles Dickens used to dance on the tables in his time.
📍Find it at 76 Narrow Street, Limehouse, E14 8BP.
🚇 Nearest station is Limehouse.
4. The Old Nun’s Head, Nunhead
Image: @theoldnunshead, via IG
One of London’s most welcoming pubs – with an emphasis on diversity and acceptance – is also one of London’s cosiest. They pair a warm welcome at The Old Nun’s Head with a warm, roaring fire, for ultra cosy vibes. Throw in a delicious roast, or one of their banging pizzas, and you’re in for a delightful trip to the pub.
📍Find it at 15 Nunhead Green, SE15 3QQ.
🚇 Nearest station is Nunhead.
5. The Pig’s Ear, Chelsea
If you’re after a spot that’s classy and cosy, this is the spot for you. Because when it comes to pubs with fires, they don’t get much classier or cosier than The Pig’s Ear. The Chelsea watering hole has achieved local notoriety for its pies, amidst a menu that focuses on local and wild products. And thanks to that wonderful fireplace, it’s a perfect boozer to grab a mulled drink and warm up after a winter walk. And a pie. Of course.
📍Find it at 35 Old Church Street, SW3 5BS.
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
6. The Gun, Docklands
Image: @thegundocklands, via IG
Following a spiffing refurb, The Gun is the ideal pub to check out, come rain or shine. When the weather is warmer, you might opt for the outdoor terrace which is decked out with giant Jenga, Connect Four and a beautiful gin garden. But for now you’ll find us heading inside to sit by the roaring fire and tuck into some warming food.
📍Find it at 27 Coldharbour, E14 9NS.
🚇 Nearest station is Canary Wharf.
7. The Albion, Islington
Image: @thealbionpub, via IG
A Georgian gem, this wisteria-covered beauty is the perfect place to escape not only the cold but also the hustle and bustle of modern life. With log fires, contenders for the best Yorkshire puds in London, and an unmatched village-like feel, this pub may well be the snuggliest of all. That’s more than reason enough to add it to this list of the best pubs with fires in London!
📍Find it at 10 Thornhill Road, Islington, N1 1HW.
🚇 Nearest stations are Angel and Highbury & Islington.
8. The Pear Tree, Fulham
Image: @thepeartreefulham, via IG
Tucked away between Hammersmith and Baron’s Court, The Pear Tree is a quintessential Victorian pub. It also happens to be one of the oldest buildings in the Hammersmith/Fulham area, dating back to the 1800s! With its open fire, tea-light-strewn tables, hearty grub, and wool blankets, it is the epitome of a perfect cold-weather pub.
📍Find it at 14 Margravine Road, W6 8HJ.
🚇 Nearest stations are Baron’s Court and West Kensington.
9. The Antelope, Tooting
Image: @theantelopesw17, via IG
Oozing warmth and charm, this quirky pub has three fires to choose from – a wood fire in the games room and two coal burners scattered throughout the pub. The Antelope offers a whole host of cosy corners, as well as hotchpotch trinkets to keep the eye entertained.
📍Find it at 76 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9NG.
🚇 Nearest station is Tooting Broadway.
10. The Lord Palmerston, Tufnell Park
This award-winning gastro pub has a real rustic feel with its open fires and wooden tables. It almost feels like more of a living room extension than a North London pub. After a plate of their delicious food, you’ll be full, warm, and happy. Be warned, though: it’s almost impossible not to fall fast asleep on those sofas.
📍Find it at 33 Dartmouth Park Hill, NW5 1HU.
🚇 Nearest station is Tufnell Park.
11. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The City
One of the oldest pubs in London, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese was frequented by literary heroes such as Charles Dickens and is a hit with both tourists and locals. Serving up simple pub grub and affordable beer (a rare tourist attraction in itself), it’s also well-lit with roaring fire in the colder months.
📍Find it at 145 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BU.
🚇 Nearest stations are City Thameslink and Blackfriars.
12. The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich
Image: @plumegreenwich, via IG
The ideal spot for a Sunday roast, this fairytale cottage-esque pub is purportedly the oldest pub in Greenwich. And if that’s not enough, it’s got a rather large food menu to tempt you in. If that’s not enough, the warm atmosphere created by the open fireplace will have you too snug to ever leave. There’s even a resident cat!
📍Find it at 19 Park Vista, SE10 9LZ.
🚇 Nearest stations are Maze Hill, Cutty Sark, and Greenwich.
13. The Prince George, Dalston
Image: @princegeorgedalston, via IG
As Dalston has gone from strength to strength in the past years, this pub’s popularity has risen from a local mainstay to a destination drinking den. The shabby-chic decor and edgy electric jukebox pull all manner of drinkers to this watering hole. Plus, thanks to the open fireplace, it’s a hot spot all year round – literally!
📍Find it at 40 Parkholme Road, E8 3AG.
🚇 Nearest station is Dalston Junction.
14. The Flask, Highgate
The Flask in Highgate is a charming 17th-century pub, complete with a gorgeous open fireplace to thaw your toes after a frosty walk. Any thrill-seeking Londoners will be interested to know that ghosts are rumoured to haunt the haunt.
📍Find it at 77 Highgate West Hill, N6 6BU.
🚇 Nearest stations are Highgate and Archway.
So there you have it – a roundup of some of London’s best pubs with fires. So if you’re looking for a toasty pint post-walk, now you know exactly where to head!