Beautiful pubs in London

Beautiful pubs in London

In London you can find all kinds of pubs, from reliable chains and down-to-earth local boozers to some that are absolute stunners. Across the city you'll find stylish contemporary venues as well as elaborate pubs that have stood the test of time. If you want somewhere a little more picturesque than average for your next drinking session, we've put together this guide to some of the most beautiful boozers out there. This is our guide to the most beautiful pubs in London.

In this guide
  1. The prettiest pubs in London
    1. The Black Lion – A pub that wins beauty contests
    2. The George – Timeless and traditional
    3. The Cadogan Arms – Top Chelsea gastropub
    4. Spread Eagle – Victorian interiors
    5. The Crown & Greyhound – Go for a drink in Dulwich
    6. Princess Louise – Impressive Victorian venue
    7. The Blackfriar – Ornate inside and out
    8. The Last Judgment – A City stunner
    9. The Faltering Fullback – Quirky local pub
    10. The Trafalgar Tavern – Upmarket riverside pub
    11. Waxy O'Connor's – Maze-like Irish pub
    12. The Magic Garden – Pub meets music festival
    13. The Prince – Lush and leafy
    14. The Churchill Arms – Always eye-catching
    15. The Stag – Long-standing North London venue
    16. The Crown – Trendy drinking spot
    17. The Woodman – Sophisticated but quirky
    18. The Angelic – Unusual design features
    19. The Telegraph – Rustic charm
    20. The Holly Bush – Get cosy in Hampstead
    21. Prince of Peckham – Vibrant artwork and interiors
    22. The Sun & 13 Cantons – Drinks and global dishes
    23. The Pig & Butcher – Islington's rustic gastropub
    24. Ye Olde Swiss Cottage – Peaceful alpine chalet
    25. The Princess Royal – Luxurious gastropub
    26. The Mayflower – Traditional Thameside venue
    27. The Ship & Shovell – Pub with a unique layout
    28. The Wigmore – Looking good in green
    29. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – Packed with history
    30. The Prince Alfred – Admire the Victorian features
    31. The Old Queens Head – Lively and lavish
    32. Mr Fogg's Tavern – Brimming with curiosities
    33. The Duke's Head – Bright waterside venue
    34. Cittie of Yorke – Historic interiors

The prettiest pubs in London

The Black Lion Kilburn – Beautiful pubs
The Black Lion Kilburn
The Black Lion Kilburn – Beautiful pubs
The Black Lion Kilburn
The Black Lion Kilburn – Beautiful pubs
The Black Lion Kilburn
The Black Lion Kilburn – Beautiful pubs
The Black Lion Kilburn
The Black Lion Kilburn – Beautiful pubs
The Black Lion Kilburn
The Black Lion Kilburn – Beautiful pubs
The Black Lion Kilburn
The Black Lion Kilburn – Beautiful pubs
The Black Lion Kilburn
The Black Lion Kilburn – Beautiful pubs
The Black Lion Kilburn

The Black Lion

A pub that wins beauty contests

A strong contender for the most beautiful pub in London, The Black Lion was built in 1898 and is Grade II-listed. In 2023 it was recognised by CAMRA as one of the best-looking pubs in the country. Savour a drink or food in this elaborate space with carved panels, sweeping curtains, and decorative features just about everywhere.

The George

Timeless and traditional

Another gorgeous pub recognised by CAMRA, The George is a Grade II-listed pub in Great Portland Street that dates back to the 18th century. The interior here is timeless and filled with traditional features like engraved mirrors at the bar and intricate floor tiles. Visit for a drink and some pub grub or head upstairs to the elegant dining rooms for a more formal meal.

The Cadogan Arms

Top Chelsea gastropub

A local fave in Chelsea, The Cadogan Arms has a slick wood-panelled look. The polished interior is reminiscent of a sprawling country pile. The space also boasts unique historical features that were uncovered during renovations. Sustainable food and drinks are served here – expect draft beer, a curated wine list, and British comfort cooking.

Spread Eagle Wandsworth – Beautiful pubs
Spread Eagle Wandsworth
Spread Eagle Wandsworth – Beautiful pubs
Spread Eagle Wandsworth
Spread Eagle Wandsworth – Beautiful pubs
Spread Eagle Wandsworth
Spread Eagle Wandsworth – Beautiful pubs
Spread Eagle Wandsworth
Spread Eagle Wandsworth – Beautiful pubs
Spread Eagle Wandsworth
Spread Eagle Wandsworth – Beautiful pubs
Spread Eagle Wandsworth
Spread Eagle Wandsworth – Beautiful pubs
Spread Eagle Wandsworth
Spread Eagle Wandsworth – Beautiful pubs
Spread Eagle Wandsworth

Spread Eagle

Victorian interiors

A visit to Spread Eagle will transport you back in time. The carefully-restored interiors are a blast from the past; it's a Victorian pub brimming with traditional style. Visit for a drink, join one of the regular events like supper clubs, life drawing, and live gigs, or a book a stay in one of the boutique guest rooms.

The Crown & Greyhound – Beautiful pubs
The Crown & Greyhound
The Crown & Greyhound – Beautiful pubs
The Crown & Greyhound
The Crown & Greyhound – Beautiful pubs
The Crown & Greyhound
The Crown & Greyhound – Beautiful pubs
The Crown & Greyhound
The Crown & Greyhound – Beautiful pubs
The Crown & Greyhound
The Crown & Greyhound – Beautiful pubs
The Crown & Greyhound
The Crown & Greyhound – Beautiful pubs
The Crown & Greyhound
The Crown & Greyhound – Beautiful pubs
The Crown & Greyhound

The Crown & Greyhound

Go for a drink in Dulwich

When it comes to beautiful pubs London has lots of choice, including The Crown & Greyhound. This ornate pub is packed with original features like tiled floors and stained-glass windows. As well as the elaborate interiors, this pub has a spacious garden and guest rooms. A wide range of drinks are available in addition to upscale British cuisine.

Princess Louise

Impressive Victorian venue

Built in 1872, Grade II-listed pub Princess Louise is a fine example of a Victorian gin palace and retains lots of original features. You'll see intricate tiling, etched glass, and wood panelling throughout the venue. Today it's a Samuel Smith's pub, serving exclusive brews at budget-friendly prices. The place is also known for its calm atmosphere.

The Blackfriar

Ornate inside and out

The Blackfriar gets recognition for its ornate Art Nouveau exterior. The interior is perhaps even more impressive, enhanced with elaborate frescos that feel like you've stepped into a medieval painting. This exciting pub is Grade II-listed. If you visit, you can enjoy a full range of drinks from the bar in addition to hearty pub grub.

The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment – Beautiful pubs
The Last Judgment

The Last Judgment

A City stunner

The Last Judgment, one of Holborn's prettiest pubs, blends grand décor with the warm ambience of a country manor, offering delightful dining experiences and vibrant nights at the bar. Housed in the historical Union Bank building in central London, it retains its historical grandeur with elaborate architecture and plush booths. The pub's dining experience, set in an art-gallery-like mezzanine, features a refined menu of 28-day-aged grass-fed beef steaks and fresh fish, complemented fine wines and house cocktails.

The Faltering Fullback

Quirky local pub

Close to Finsbury Park, The Faltering Fullback is a well-loved local pub. It's beautiful from every angle – the outside is laden with plants and flowers, the interior is full of quirky artefacts, and out the back there's a multi-tiered beer garden decorated with hanging baskets and planters. Pop in to try a broad range of drinks and Thai cooking.

The Trafalgar Tavern – Beautiful pubs
The Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern – Beautiful pubs
The Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern – Beautiful pubs
The Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern – Beautiful pubs
The Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern – Beautiful pubs
The Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern – Beautiful pubs
The Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern – Beautiful pubs
The Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern – Beautiful pubs
The Trafalgar Tavern

The Trafalgar Tavern

Upmarket riverside pub

At the edge of the Thames you'll find The Trafalgar Tavern. It's not just the views that look good – this Grade I-listed venue looks elegant and grand with large windows, chandeliers, framed artwork, and classic features. Visit for a drink or sophisticated pub food, or join a fun event like live music or the pub quiz.

Waxy O'Connor's

Maze-like Irish pub

Waxy O'Connor's is a gargantuan Irish pub in Soho. The intricate interior is rustic and detailed, including four distinct areas spaced out over six floors; this maze-like venue is full of surprises. You can expect warm Irish hospitality coupled with a big choice of drinks, including a large selection of Irish whiskey.

The Magic Garden – Beautiful pubs
The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden – Beautiful pubs
The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden – Beautiful pubs
The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden – Beautiful pubs
The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden – Beautiful pubs
The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden – Beautiful pubs
The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden – Beautiful pubs
The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden – Beautiful pubs
The Magic Garden

The Magic Garden

Pub meets music festival

The Magic Garden brings festival vibes to Battersea. It's packed with twinkling lights, bold colours, quirky decor, and imaginative artwork. The pub has a spacious garden with an outside bar. Often described as a music festival inside a pub, it's a hit with foodies, music fans, partygoers, and cocktail drinkers. Expect music, atmosphere, and fun.

The Prince

Lush and leafy

West London is home to a beautiful pub that centres around a leafy garden – The Prince. It's a grand and contemporary space enhanced with neon signs and lots of lush greenery. It's a popular choice for drinks al fresco thanks to its size. This pub also has three different on-site kitchens and offers a considerable selection of drinks.

The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms – Beautiful pubs
The Churchill Arms

The Churchill Arms

Always eye-catching

The Churchill Arms is one of London's most recognisable pubs, known for the elaborate floral arrangements all over its exterior. Inside the venue there's a traditional pub look crammed with knick knacks and memorabilia honouring Winston Churchill. A full range of drinks are available at the bar, and the pub serves Thai food to go with it.

The Stag

Long-standing North London venue

North London pub The Stag has a history dating back to 1874. The interior of the pub features a light wood-panelled bar and lamps hanging from the ceiling. There's a spacious garden too, complete with heated cabanas to keep you comfortable. 24 craft beer lines are available here, plus the seasonal food includes an award-winning Sunday roast.

The Crown

Trendy drinking spot

Located next to Victoria Park and offering great views, The Crown is a trendy East London pub that blends traditional details like tiled walls with modern decor to create a unique space. There are outer terraces here too. Guests can choose from a full range of drinks and enjoy meals here too, including weekend brunch, Sunday roasts, and dishes for kids.

The Woodman

Sophisticated but quirky

Located next to Highgate station, The Woodman is a sophisticated contemporary pub with a garden that offers views of Highgate Woods. The interior is crisp and gives off drawing room vibes, enhanced with quirky art and decor. A full range of drinks, as well as traditional food, are available at this child- and dog-friendly pub.

The Angelic

Unusual design features

In Islington you can check out The Angelic, a smart pub with elaborate painted ceilings that give the space a unique character. Guests will also spot a surprising water feature when they make their way downstairs to the toilets. A broad selection of drinks are available as well as classic pub food like a Sunday roast.

The Telegraph

Rustic charm

The Telegraph brings the feel of a rustic country pub to Putney. The venue has a spacious lawn with outside tables as well as a traditional pub interior with intricate rugs, framed artwork, and a large wood panelled bar. There are drinks to satisfy every preference including artisan gins and whiskies. Hearty food is also served here.

The Holly Bush

Get cosy in Hampstead

A well-known pub in Hampstead, The Holly Bush is a centuries-old venue that's a popular pick for a cosy drink. This comfortable venue has a rustic and traditional style, giving off country village vibes. Function rooms and private dining spaces are available here too. You'll find a big choice of drinks, as well as classic pub food.

Prince of Peckham

Vibrant artwork and interiors

Prince of Peckham is a buzzy pub and one of the most popular drinking spots in the area. It's a modern and colourful venue with a bold sense of style. On the building's exterior you'll see specially-commissioned street art, whilst it's cosy and vibrant inside with a traditional tiled bar. Caribbean food is served here in addition to drinks.

The Sun & 13 Cantons – Beautiful pubs
The Sun & 13 Cantons
The Sun & 13 Cantons – Beautiful pubs
The Sun & 13 Cantons
The Sun & 13 Cantons – Beautiful pubs
The Sun & 13 Cantons
The Sun & 13 Cantons – Beautiful pubs
The Sun & 13 Cantons
The Sun & 13 Cantons – Beautiful pubs
The Sun & 13 Cantons
The Sun & 13 Cantons – Beautiful pubs
The Sun & 13 Cantons
The Sun & 13 Cantons – Beautiful pubs
The Sun & 13 Cantons
The Sun & 13 Cantons – Beautiful pubs
The Sun & 13 Cantons

The Sun & 13 Cantons

Drinks and global dishes

Head to Soho for a drink at The Sun & 13 Cantons. The pub has a smart dark-coloured exterior and it's traditional inside – think tiled floors, a weathered wooden bar, and a dining space with mirrors and vibrant green wall tiles. Food comes from rotating kitchen pop-ups showing off global cuisines, plus there's a big choice of drinks.

The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher
The Pig & Butcher – Beautiful pubs
The Pig & Butcher

The Pig & Butcher

Islington's rustic gastropub

Gastropub The Pig & Butcher has been open in Islington since the 1800s. Inspired by farmhouse tables, this bright venue has a distinctive rustic appearance, including in its private dining room. The food menu changes daily and is always prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients. The drinks list includes small-batch wines, local craft beers, and fine spirits.

Ye Olde Swiss Cottage

Peaceful alpine chalet

Ye Olde Swiss Cottage was built in 1804 and lends its name to the surrounding area. The building is easy to spot – it's a distinctive Swiss chalet. It's a quiet and peaceful escape with a cosy feel. The traditional interior features plenty of wood. Samuel Smith's beers are served, including an alpine lager to get you into the spirit.

The Princess Royal – Beautiful pubs
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal – Beautiful pubs
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal – Beautiful pubs
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal – Beautiful pubs
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal – Beautiful pubs
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal – Beautiful pubs
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal – Beautiful pubs
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal – Beautiful pubs
The Princess Royal

The Princess Royal

Luxurious gastropub

The Princess Royal is a renowned gastropub in West London that opened in 2022. The food showcases Mediterranean flavours and quality British ingredients, as well as a complete range of drinks. This appealing venue has a plush contemporary interior with luxurious furnishings. Boutique guest rooms are available here as well.

The Mayflower

Traditional Thameside venue

The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is a traditional pub on the banks of the Thames. It has a timeless style, with the walls crammed with framed paintings and photographs. Weathered furniture and wooden beams give this place a classic feel. There's also a spacious terrace that's ideal for admiring those river views. Drinks and pub grub are available.

The Ship & Shovell – Beautiful pubs
The Ship & Shovell
The Ship & Shovell – Beautiful pubs
The Ship & Shovell
The Ship & Shovell – Beautiful pubs
The Ship & Shovell
The Ship & Shovell – Beautiful pubs
The Ship & Shovell
The Ship & Shovell – Beautiful pubs
The Ship & Shovell
The Ship & Shovell – Beautiful pubs
The Ship & Shovell
The Ship & Shovell – Beautiful pubs
The Ship & Shovell
The Ship & Shovell – Beautiful pubs
The Ship & Shovell

The Ship & Shovell

Pub with a unique layout

Set in a backstreet near Charing Cross, The Ship & Shovell is an intriguing pub set in two separate spaces across the street from each other and connected by an underground tunnel. You'll soon spot the vibrant red exterior with painted barrels outside. Inside the pub, it's wholly traditional. The pub also has its own exclusive beer range.

The Wigmore

Looking good in green

Based at upmarket hotel The Langham, The Wigmore is a stylish and luxurious pub with walls in a rich shade of green. The bar features intricate patterned tiling and the red leather furniture contrasts with the colour of the walls. Visit for drinks or sample upscale takes on pub classics, with food overseen by Michel Roux Jr.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Packed with history

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has been around for centuries, even pre-dating the Great Fire in 1666. This renowned venue has a rich past and has hosted some notable historical figures. This dimly-lit venue has heaps of atmosphere and a smart timeless interior. Carefully-sourced pub grub and exclusive beers are served here.

The Prince Alfred

Admire the Victorian features

Open in Maida Vale since 1856, The Prince Alfred is a strong example of a classic Victorian-era pub. This noteworthy venue has an intricate style and retains many of its impressive original features. Enjoy the historic surroundings of this bright venue whilst sampling drinks including cocktails and cask ales, as well as tempting pub food.

The Old Queens Head

Lively and lavish

Known as a party spot in Islington, The Old Queens Head is a lavish pub with statues and vibrant turquoise tiling at the bar, a detailed carved ceiling, and imposing framed paintings. This pub is lively and inclusive with lots happening. Visit for a drink, try a burger from the kitchen, or join events like quizzes, gigs, and karaoke.

Mr Fogg's Tavern

Brimming with curiosities

Located in Covent Garden, Mr Fogg's Tavern is a quirky pub that's full of curiosities and artefacts that give the place a unique look. Settle in underneath the Union Jack bunting and admire the space whilst you enjoy a drink or global pub grub. Cocktails and punches are a speciality here.

The Duke's Head

Bright waterside venue

Riverside pub The Duke's Head is located in leafy Putney. It's a classic establishment with a bright and airy look throughout, with large windows, gentle colours, and furniture upholstered with vibrant fabrics. This pub serves a varied choice of drinks in addition to hearty British cooking, including Sunday roasts. Refined private spaces for special occasions are available too.

Cittie of Yorke

Historic interiors

Located in Holborn, Cittie of York is a Grade II listed pub that was built in the 1920s, although a pub has stood on this spot for hundreds of years. Inside it's full of dark wood, beams, high ceilings, and is known for its unusually long bar. This Samuel Smith pub offers budget-friendly exclusive drinks at the bar and has a peaceful atmosphere.

Send suggestion

Did we miss something in this guide?

Editors

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.