Blurred pub taps with bourbon bottles in the background Blurred pub taps with bourbon bottles in the background

These 9 London pubs have been named as Britain's best cosy pubs

Jessica Dellow, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Jessica Dellow, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Jessica Dellow

The Good Food Guide has commemorated the start of autumn by listing some of Britain's best cosy pubs, including a handful of well-deserving boozers in London. They've been picked for their ability to serve up warm, relaxed vibes, while offering excellent food, top local beers, and good vibes.

On the list you'll find  The Marksman on Hackney Road, picked for its welcoming atmosphere, quality local beers, and excellent food. The Good Food Guide praised its warm vibe, describing it as a “glowing pubby welcome”, rating it highly for its “warmth” and “deliciousness.”

Other pubs include The Camberwell Arms for its “compelling, simple, seasonal food”, The Harwood Arms for its “long-running commitment to prime British produce” and The Anchor and Hope for its design and overall vibe, including “oxblood walls, the weathered wooden tables, and the crowds of theatregoers pouring in before and after shows at the Young and Old Vic”.

The Canton Arms also nabbed a spot, with The Good Food Guide stating it's for their “resolute commitment to classic pubbiness”.  It sits alongside one of the most talked about pubs in London at the moment, The Devonshire Arms, famed for its impeccable pints of Guinness which they seem to have pouring around the clock.

The traditional Victorian drinking hole, The Hero, in Maida Vale, was commemorated for its special cuts of meat and fish cooked over an open fire and great little wine list which caters to all budgets, while The Waterman's Arms in Barnes has earned a spot for its recent revamp, including “exposed brick walls, wooden benches softened by claret-coloured velvet cushions, candlelight and views of the Thames across the way”.

It's probably no surprise that The Plimsoll is the final London pub to be awarded with The Good Food Guide's cosy status. This side-street pub near Finsbury Park has caused a ruckus ever since it opened, mostly thanks to that burger as well as the fact its maintained many of its original features after a makeover, adding to its alluring charm.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.