There’s virtually nothing better than walking into a pub to be greeted by the crackling sound of a fire in the fireplace. Especially when the cold weather has descended upon the city – as it has in London, recently. Those roaring fires are always just so damn cosy! So if you’re just looking for somewhere to escape the weather or settle in for a few drinks in charming surroundings, you can’t do much better than a pub with an open fire roaring. These toasty London pubs with fires will certainly set you up 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.
šFind it at 22 Hollymount, Hampstead, NW3 6SG.
š Nearest station is Hampstead.
2. 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 added addition of the original ‘Gandalf staff’ on display behind the bar). Thereās a heated terrace at the back that dangles over the Thames and flaunts some great views of the City and itās also said that Charles Dickens used to dance on the tables in his time.
šFind it at 76 Narrow Street, Limehouse, E14 8BP.
š Nearest station is Limehouse.
3. The Old Nun’s Head, Nunhead
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 sarnies, and you’re in for a delightful trip to the pub.
šFind it at 15 Nunhead Green, SE15 3QQ.
š Nearest station is Nunhead.
4. The Pig’s Ear, Chelsea
If you’re after a spot that’s classy and cosy, when it comes to pubs with fires it doesn’t get much classier or cosier than Chelsea’s The Pig’s Ear. The relatively new addition to the area’s watering holes 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.
šFind it at 35 Old Church Street, SW3 5BS.
š Nearest station is South Kensington.
5. The Gun, Docklands
Following a spiffing new refurb, The Gun is the ideal pub, 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 now that the weather is positively frigid, we’re heading inside to sit by the roaring fire and tuck into some warming food.
šFind it at 27 Coldharbour, E14 9NS.
š Nearest station is Canary Wharf.
6. The Albion, Islington
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!
šFind it at 10 Thornhill Road, Islington, N1 1HW.
š Nearest stations are Angel and Highbury & Islington.
7. The Pear Tree, Fulham
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.
šFind it at 14 Margravine Road, W6 8HJ.
š Nearest stations are Baron’s Court and West Kensington.
8. The Antelope, Tooting
Oozing warmth and charm, this quirky pub has three fires to choose from ā 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.
šFind it at 76 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9NG.
š Nearest station is Tooting Broadway.
9. 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.
šFind it at 33 Dartmouth Park Hill, NW5 1HU.
š Nearest station is Tufnell Park.
10. 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 one of London’s pubs with fires and is well-lit with its roaring fire in the colder months.
šFind it at 145 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BU.
š Nearest stations are City Thameslink and Blackfriars.
11. The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich
The ideal spot for a Sunday roast, this fairytale cottage-esque pub has a rather large food menu to tempt you in. If thatās not enough, the warm atmosphere created by the open fireplace will have you too snug to ever leave. There’s even a resident cat!
šFind it at 19 Park Vista, SE10 9LZ.
š Nearest stations are Maze Hill, Cutty Sark, and Greenwich.
12. The Prince George, Dalston
This pub’s popularity has risen as Dalston has transformed into one of London’s hippest areas. The shabby-chic decor and edgy electric jukebox pull hipsters, students, and locals alike to this watering hole. Plus thanks to the open fireplace it’s a hot spot all year round – literally!
šFind it at 40 Parkholme Road, E8 3AG.
š Nearest station is Dalston Junction.
13. 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.
šFind it at 77 Highgate West Hill, N6 6BU.
š Nearest stations are Highgate and Archway.
14. The Earl Spencer, Southfields
The Earl Spencer is already a much-loved neighbourhood pub, but it’s even more enticing in winter when its great roaring fires come to life. They’ve got seriously good seasonal food and an atmosphere second to none.
šFind it at 260-262 Merton Road, Southfields, SW18 5JL.
š Nearest station is Southfields.
So there you have it ā 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!