is a city known for its vibrant history and diverse culture and is home to some of the most charming and picturesque in the world.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring the capital’s classic watering holes is a must-do experience.
Travel writer recently named the 17 prettiest pubs in the capital city that she believes stand out for their beauty, timeless charm, and authentic atmosphere.
From quaint corners tucked away on cobbled streets to grand historic buildings with interiors decorated, these pubs offer more than just a pint—they transport visitors to another era.
So, what makes these 17 spots so special?
1. The Churchill Arms
This iconic pub in Kensington is a flower-covered masterpiece.
Ornamented with hanging baskets and a beautiful garden, the Churchill Arms looks like something straight out of a postcard.
Stepping inside, you’ll find dark wooden panelling, vintage portraits, and an old-school, homely atmosphere that has been lovingly preserved.
The pub was built in 1750, making it one of the oldest and most worthy of a visit in London.
Winston Churchill’s grandparents were regular visitors to the pub in the 1800s, which led to the naming of the pub post World War 2.
(Image: Getty)
2. The Holly Bush
Tucked away in Hampstead, The Holly Bush is the epitome of a traditional English pub.
It’s small, snug, and features an inviting log fire—perfect for a winter evening.
The interior’s blend of antiques, wooden beams, and vintage décor evokes an aura of nostalgia.
Before it became a pub, it used to be a stable, which was later converted in 1807 to provide catering for the Hampstead Assembly Rooms.
The stable belonged to the Romney’s house, which still stands today to the north.
(Image: Getty)
3. The Coach & Horses
A favourite of theatre-goers and locals alike, The Coach & Horses in Mayfair offers traditional charm and vibrant energy.
With its wooden floors and large windows, it has an effortlessly timeless quality.
The pub is not only the oldest pub in London but also the last-standing relic of proper-pub-keeping in the famed part of London.
In 1744, the pub was built to capitalise on the growing number of people travelling by horse and carriage, providing rest to the tired horses and their weary owners.
In the 18th century, the population became more mobile, so the need for coaching inns grew.
(Image: Getty)
4. The Albert
The Albert pub is a traditional gem that survived the Blitz during World War 2, and its impressive facade and Victorian elements have hardly changed since it was built.
Original features of this pub in Victoria include wrought iron balconies, hand-etched frosted glass windows, and elaborate ceilings.
The earliest known records of the pub date back to the 19th century.
Though the pub managed to sneak through historical records for many years, the Post Office Directory from the Tower Hamlets Library and Archives pinned the property to a man named Charles Durden in 1865.
(Image: Getty)
5. The Dickens Inn
Another great pub in London for floral extravaganza is The Dickens Inn, situated in St Katharine Docks.
This 18th-century warehouse building’s front is adorned with thick oak beams that are pouring with flowers in season.
It’s stunning from a distance and up close because of its location on the river and docks.
This 18th-century structure is believed to have been built as a local brewery or tea factory in the early 1700s.
Years later, it was transformed into a neighbourhood pub, complete with flooring covered in sawdust and no beer served from bottles or cans.
Diners savoured candlelight lunches on the balconies, a tradition that has since been abandoned due to contemporary fire safety rules.
(Image: Getty)