It’s definitely an understatement to say that London is a bit of a pub city. Sure, we may love our cocktail bars, but the pub is as much a part of our daily lives as our local coffee shop, Greggs, or Tesco. And with over 3,000 to choose from, it would take over ten years to try them all. And that’s only if you drank in a different pub every single night. So how to know where to go, for the most picture-perfect surroundings, and delicious drinks? Well, we’ve done the hard work for you! Here are our picks for the prettiest pubs in all of London, presented in no particular order.
But this isn’t just a roundup of flower-fronted, ultra-modern, swanky pubs. I reckon that a gorgeous, albeit rough-around-the-edges pub can be just as pretty as one that’s festooned in flowers. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder – or beer-holder.
1. The Churchill Arms, Kensington
It doesn’t even matter what it looks like inside when the exterior is this stunning! The Churchill Arms simply must be the most photographed pub in all of London, thanks to its gorgeous floral display. And it’s even more stunning every Christmas when the pub decks out the exterior in a dizzying array of Christmas trees and lights.
📍 119 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN.
🚇 Nearest station is Notting Hill Gate.
2. The Holly Bush, Hampstead
Perhaps the runner-up for the most photographed pub in London, The Holly Bush is also probably the most famous building in Hampstead. Who can resist the allure of that pub front when walking down the quaint Holly Mount street?
📍 22 Holly Mount, NW3 6SG.
🚇 Nearest station is Hampstead.
3. Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich
Photo: @trafalgartaverngreenwich, via IG
To be honest, we could have included this pub in the roundup just because of its riverside perch. But inside The Trafalgar Tavern, across its multi-purpose rooms and floors, you’ll find a whole host of simply stunning rooms. We’re partial to the main pub, which keeps the decor fairly simple and stripped back in favour of ENORMOUS windows that frame the Thames view gorgeously. Oh, and let’s not forget about that wonderful flag-covered exterior.
📍 Park Row, SE10 9NW.
🚇 Nearest stations are Maze Hill and Cutty Sark.
4. The Pig & Butcher, Islington
Tucked away from Angel’s bustling Upper Street, The Pig & Butcher serves up truly delicious food in a warm cosy environment. With a vibe halfway between someone’s living room and a country pub, the place is dotted with trinkets and charming off-kilter accents like the wire-formed taxidermy heads and the perfectly mismatched furniture.
📍 80 Liverpool Road, N1 0QD.
🚇 Nearest stations are Angel and Essex Road.
5. The Culpeper, Spitalfields
When it comes to London’s prettiest pubs, few venues have quite so plentiful a list of what makes them beautiful as The Culpeper. Each floor of this hidden gem in Spitalfields reveals yet another gorgeous spot where you’ll want to spend the day. And during the summer months, you simply can not miss The Culpeper’s rooftop garden. Just look at that view!
📍 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP.
🚇 Nearest station is Aldgate East.
6. The Dickens Inn, Tower Hill
It’s impossible not to include this stunning flower-adorned pub in any list of London’s prettiest pubs. It’s the perfect spot to grab a pint or two and do some boat-watching – we’re never going to be able to afford our own after all, are we?
📍 Marble Quay, St Katharine’s Way, E1W 1UH.
🚇 Nearest station is Tower Hill.
7. Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
Back in 2021, this much-loved Chelsea spot got given the old spit-and-shine treatment. The renovation brought the Cadogan Arms back to its former glory, restoring the lost early-Georgian architectural details of the original building. It’s far and away one of the prettiest pubs in London – CAMRA even awarded it the ‘Refurbishment Award’ at their 2023 Pub Design Awards.
📍 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG.
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
8. The George, Fitzrovia
Photo: @thegeorgepublichouse, via IG
Another pub singled out by CAMRA in their 2023 Pub Design Awards, The George received the runner-up title of ‘highly recommended’ in the Refurbishment category. The Grade II listed pub is packed full of history and riveting stories from the interesting characters that have passed over its threshold through the years. It’s also packed with gorgeous décor and ultra-plush seating and is a stunning site for a pint and some top grub.
📍 55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
🚇 Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
9. Prince of Peckham, Peckham
Photo: @princeofpeckham, via IG
As well as the stunning murals on the walls outside, Prince of Peckham offers an eclectic mix of neon lighting, contrasting wall finishes, hidden rooms, and ornate floral arrangements suspended from the ceiling. We love a pub where you can do a bit of exploring!
📍 1 Clayton Road, SE15 5JA.
🚇 Nearest station is Queens Rd Peckham.
10. Lord Napier Star, Hackney Wick
Having sat unused for years, the Lord Napier Star was recently rescued and brought back to life for Hackney Wick’s pub-goers. Fortunately, they kept the graffiti-covered exterior, which has made the building an iconic East London sight. The decor is eclectic, and the boozer also counts panoramic views of the Wick from its rooftop, and a cute little beer garden to boot.
📍 25 White Post Lane, E9 5ER.
🚇 Nearest station is Hackney Wick.
11. The Crown, Bow
The Crown is another of London’s pubs that has leaned into the eclectic aesthetic, with a wander around the many rooms revealing a number of different design choices. There’s a lovely wooden bar with an exposed brick back bar, and the intermittent stained glass adds a lovely touch to the whole affair.
📍 223 Grove Road, London E3 5SN.
🚇 Nearest station is Cambridge Heath.
12. White Hart, Barnes
The White Hart is a gorgeous riverside boozer that is absolutely stunning in the summer when the sun is shining. But it also makes for a wonderful water-adjacent spot to cosy up in the cooler months with some hearty food.
📍 The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, SW13 0NR.
🚇 Nearest station is Barnes Bridge.
13. The Kings Arms, Bethnal Green
Photo: @kingsarmspub, via IG
Hidden away down Bethnal Green’s Buckfast Street, The Kings Arms is a craft beer nerd’s dream, with an absolute glut of choices across draft, bottle, and can. It’s also one of London’s prettiest pubs, with an intimate vibe and unique touches everywhere you look. There is, for example, a huge collection of butterflies displayed around the walls. The lepidopterist inside you won’t be able to resist strolling around the pub to marvel at the colourful specimens. Just try pronouncing lepidopterist after a few pints…
📍 11A Buckfast Street, E2 6EY.
🚇 Nearest station is Bethnal Green.
14. The Engineer, Primrose Hill
Photo: @theengineerpub, via IG
Now this one is a proper looker! The Engineer is just as popular with locals as it is with those venturing across London to visit the beautiful boozer for a picture-perfect day out. Every single corner of this pub is simply gorgeous, but we’ve definitely got a soft spot for that wonderful beer garden. It’s easily one of the prettiest pubs in London.
📍 65 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JH.
🚇 Nearest station is Camden Town.
15. The World’s End, Camden
Photo: @worldsendcamden, via IG
This is a proper North London institution, and it’s about as close to the original spirit of Camden as you can get. There’s an iconic live music venue hidden away underneath – Underworld – while the pub itself is a lovely open room with huge brass tanks of beer commanding attention behind the bar. The World’s End is not to be missed by anyone who wishes to experience some of London’s prettiest pubs.
📍 174 Camden High Street, NW1 0NS.
🚇 Nearest station is Camden Town.
16. The Old Queen’s Head, Islington
Billing itself as ‘North London’s finest boozer’, Islington’s Old Queen’s Head is also one of the prettiest pubs around. With sculptures and plinths on show behind the bar and ornately detailed walls, it’s an absolutely gorgeous place to unwind or party the night away at their many, regular events.
📍 44 Essex Road, N1 8LN.
🚇 Nearest station is Essex Road.
17. The Black Lion, Kilburn
Another recipient of an award from the CAMRA 2023 Pub Design Awards, The Black Lion was singled out for praise as being a particularly stunning example of ‘Historic England Conservation’. The Grade II* listed property dates back to 1898, but it ain’t no dingy, dark, fuddy-duddy old pub. Thanks to bright interiors and gorgeously restored ornate detailing that covers the walls and ceiling, it is easily one of London’s prettiest pubs.
📍 274 Kilburn High Road, NW6 2BY.
🚇 Nearest station is Brondesbury.
18. Spread Eagle, Wandsworth
Coming in the runner-up position behind The Black Lion for the Historic England Conservation award, the Spread Eagle is just as darn gorgeous. The pub and hotel have been restored to hark back to the building’s glorious heyday, and inside you’ll find cosy interiors, brilliant food and drink, and a truly warm welcome.
📍 69 Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PT
🚇 Nearest station is Wandsworth Town.
19. The Wigmore, Marylebone
Attached to the much-celebrated The Langham, The Wigmore is a pub that truly impresses. In fact, to some, it would probably be too nice to even be considered a pub. But, a pub it is – and a stunning one at that. Those dark green walls and gorgeous light fixtures easily mark it out as one of London’s prettiest pubs.
📍 15 Langham Place, W1B 3DE.
🚇 Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
20. The High Cross Pub, Tottenham
Photo: @highcrosslondon via IG
A converted public toilet might not sound like a venue with much character, but Tottenham’s The High Cross packs its minuscule venue with tons of charm. There’s a delightful cosiness to the whole affair and an impressive selection of drinks (especially given the limited bar space), including a curated selection of craft beers. Don’t miss out on the food, especially the rotating Pie of The Week.
📍 350 High Road, N17 9HT.
🚇 Nearest stations are Bruce Grove and Tottenham Hale.
21. The Pelican, Notting Hill
Photo: @thepelican_w11, via IG
The Pelican is gorgeously, wonderfully, delightfully minimal – it feels like the ultimate Scandi take on a classic British pub. But instead of feeling stark and empty, it feels welcoming and full of life. Everywhere you look, it’s just so damn CUTE!
📍 45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE.
🚇 Nearest stations are Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove.
22. Earl of Essex, Angel
There’s something rather soothing about a trip to the Earl of Essex. Inside it could be (rudely) dismissed as plain, but to do so would be to miss the small charms and delights that occupy the venue. From the artwork to the print-out draft beer menu on the wall, the red brick facade, and the sun-trap beer garden, it’s a bloody delight of a pub.
📍 25 Danbury Street, N1 8LE.
🚇 Nearest station is Angel.
23. The Cow Saloon Bar & Dining Rooms, Notting Hill
Photo: @thecowlondon, via IG
The Cow is sure to charm any and all visitors as soon as they stumble across its loud and proud frontage. Absolutely packed to the rafters with slogans, flags, and knick-knacks, this cult-status pub also boasts multiple murals from revered British artist, Paul Slater. Head on down and skull a few pints of Guinness and throw back some oysters and you’ll get why we’ve included it in this list of London’s prettiest pubs. It’s hard not to fall in love with the ol’ moo-zer.
📍 89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH.
🚇 Nearest station is Royal Oak.
24. Mason’s Arms, Battersea
Another restored boozer in a Grade II listed building, Mason’s Arms is a charming spot to while away an evening. Straddling the old world and the new with contemporary touches amidst plenty of dark wood and portrait-covered walls, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you walk in.
📍 169 Battersea Park Road, Nine Elms, SW8 4BT.
🚇 Nearest station is Battersea Park.
25. Princess Royal, Notting Hill
Photo: @princessroyalnottinghill, via IG
If any pub can be said to look quintessentially like Notting Hill, it’s the Princess Royal. Having been recently restored, the pub counts a “light-flooded conservatory, grand private feasting rooms, four boutique bedrooms and two splendid terraces by Jinny Blom” among its attractions. You’ll never want to leave, and if you can nab one of the bedrooms you won’t have to!
📍 47 Hereford Road, W2 5AH.
🚇 Nearest stations are Royal Oak and Bayswater.
26. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
Photo: @thespaniardsinn, via IG
The Spaniards Inn is the kind of place with a roaring fire and hearty food that will have you returning over and over again. It boasts an unmatchable atmosphere and warmth. But, realistically, 90% of us putting it on this list is down to their gorgeous resident corgi, Bruce! Head on down and say ‘G’day Bruce!’
📍 Spaniards Road, NW3 7JJ.
🚇 Nearest stations are Hampstead and Golders Green. But ‘near’ is a bit generous…
27. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street
For a journey back in time head to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, which is one of London’s oldest pubs. The wood-panelled walls and sawdust-laden floor give it an old-fashioned charm that’s simply undeniable. You’ll definitely find yourself up out of your seat going for a wander to find all the sights the pub has to offer.
📍 145 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BP.
🚇 Nearest stations are Chancery Lane and Blackfriars.
28. The Prince Alfred, Maida Vale
The Prince Alfred is a local favourite in Maida Vale, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a sense of history inside but with an eclectic, tongue-in-cheek attitude as well. The coal storeroom has been converted into cellar seating, perfect for private parties and in the main bar, the original ‘snob screens’ are still in place. You’ll have to duck down low as you make your way around – so be sure not to hit your head while you’re marvelling at the gorgeous interiors!
📍 5A Formosa Street, W9 1EE.
🚇 Nearest station is Warwick Avenue.
29. The Narrowboat, Islington
We simply adore waterside pints, and The Narrowboat lets us sit right over Regent’s Canal thanks to their balconies. As an added bonus, thanks to its off-the-beaten-track location, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and relax.
📍 119 St Peter’s Street, N1 8PZ.
🚇 Nearest station is Angel.
30. Scolt Head, De Beauvoir
Photo: @thescolthead, via IG
The Scolt Head gets points from us for the building itself, which is rather striking indeed, and its wonderful beer garden. On the outside of the building, you’ll also find wonderful murals, making use of the tall walls and giving us some art to gaze at when the conversation gets boring. Inside, it all feels rather rustic and charming – just what we want from a boozer that we can return to time and again.
📍 107A Culford Road, N1 4HT.
🚇 Nearest station is Dalston Junction.=
31. The De Beauvoir Arms, De Beauvoir
Photo: @debeauvoirarms, via IG
Unassuming and unpretentious, The De Beauvoir Arms is one of those quietly pretty places in London that win your heart as soon as you visit. Do not miss their food offering, which rotates regularly through Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
📍 113 Southgate Road, N1 3JS.
🚇 Nearest stations are Haggerston and Essex Road.
32. Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
Lively, often rammed full of friendly punters, and with kitsch hanging from the ceiling all over the place, the Faltering Fullback is a boozer with lashings of character. It’s also – when you can see through the throng of bodies – strikingly pretty. Absolutely covered in greenery on the outside, it also has a spectacular beer garden and is as popular with locals as those travelling across London for a pint at one of London’s prettiest pubs.
📍 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, N4 3HB.
🚇 Nearest station is Finsbury Park.
33. Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton
Photo: @dukebrixton, via IG
It’s all about sports, drinks, and the enormous beer garden at the Duke of Edinburgh. But that doesn’t mean it’s all size and no substance. It’s all rather charming in the colder months, particularly with the lights strung up, and convivial, joyful, and sunny in the summer.
📍 204 Ferndale Road, SW9 8AG.
🚇 Nearest station is Brixton.
34. Mr Fogg’s Tavern, Covent Garden
Photo: @mrfoggsgb, via IG
Visitors to any of Mr Fogg’s’ venues in London will know that the bar group prides itself on truly breathtaking decor. And Mr Fogg’s Tavern is no different. Styled as a traditional Victorian tavern, the whole place is decked out with all sorts of strange and intriguing memorabilia and is infused with old-school British cheer. Thanks to the enormous flower arch that frames the doorway, you won’t miss it when you’re walking down the street!
📍 58 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4EA.
🚇 Nearest station is Leicester Square.
35. The Wells Tavern, Hampstead
If you need your people-watching spot to be as pretty as the rich people you’re spying on making up backstories for, this is just the pub for you. Having been converted from “a run-down pub into the architectural Georgian gem” The Wells Tavern is now widely considered one of the best pubs in the area. And the prettiest – obviously.
📍 30 Well Walk, NW3 1BX.
🚇 Nearest stations are Hampstead and Hampstead Heath.
36. The Grafton, Kentish Town
Having recently come under new (independent) ownership to become a proper community pub, this is more than just a great place to support – it’s also pretty eye-catching. From the bar’s subway tiling to the eye-catching exterior, it’s easy to see why we consider The Grafton one of London’s prettiest pubs.
📍 20 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3LG.
🚇 Nearest station is Kentish Town West.
37. Plaquemine Lock, Islington
You should already have this on your list of London’s must-visit pubs for its unique menu of Cajun and Creole food. But as well as having incredible food, the Plaquemine Lock is also a gorgeous boozer that brings a bit of sunshine to Angel in London.
📍 139 Graham Street, Angel Islington, N1 8LB.
🚇 Nearest station is Angel.
38. The Gun, Spitalfields
With a claim to being an “East London favourite since the 17th Century”, this Spitalfields Market-adjacent pub serves up a rollicking night out. It also looks unlike any other pub around, with a definite East London flair. The Gun may be one of London’s prettiest pubs, but it isn’t afraid to get down and dirty as punters party the night away!
📍 54 Brushfield Street, E1 6AG.
🚇 Nearest station is Liverpool Street.
39. The Spaniard’s Inn, Hampstead
Honestly, we’re half including this just for how pretty it is on the rare ocassion that it snows in London. But even beyond that, the historic Spaniard’s Inn pub in Hampstead positively oozes charm, warm vibes, and photo ops galore. The exterior looks equally stunning under a summer sky as it does in the snow or on a foggy winter day.
📍 Spaniards Road, NW3 7JJ.
🚇 Nearest station is Golders Green.
40. The Metropolitan Bar, Regent’s Park
Situated in what used to be the headquarters of the Metropolitan Railway, this may be a Wetherspoons pub but they’ve (smartly) kept many of the building’s original design features. That means incredibly high ceilings, parquet flooring, mighty columns, and vintage Underground memorabilia festooned all over the walls. The Metropolitan Bar is undeniably pretty, as long as you ignore the Spoons-y touches…
📍 7, Station Approach, Marylebone Road, NW1 5LD.
🚇 Nearest station is Baker Street.
So, there you have it – the prettiest pubs in London. Which one are you heading to first?