Guide to cosy pubs in London

Centuries-old pub The Holly Bush in Hampstead is known for bringing the cosy factor. It's a traditional venue that gives off a country-village feel. In the comfortable interior you can have a few drinks or enjoy warming hearty dishes like Sunday roasts and other classic British recipes. Private dining is available here too.

The Pineapple was built in 1868. This Kentish Town venue is packed with personality, with a Grade II-listed bar and a timeless appearance. The pub is homey and welcoming with traditional interiors and sumptuous furniture. Here you can sample authentic Thai dishes paired with an ever-changing selection of craft ales. 

Best-known for its lavish floral exterior, The Churchill Arms in Kensington also boasts a snug and traditional interior with carpets, wood panelling, leather seating, and lots of memorabilia all over the place. A varied choice of drinks are available here, including cask ales. Tempting Thai dishes are also on the menu.

Grade II-listed pub The Spaniards Inn sits just at the edge of Hampstead Heath. This traditional drinking spot has a wood-panelled interior and shelves lined with hardback books, giving off an elegant but cosy feel. The pub also has a popular beer garden. Visit for drinks or hearty British pub food, including a traditional roast on Sundays.

The Nags Head has a reputation for being a bit old-school. This low-key Belgravia pub doesn't allow mobile phones and doesn't have the TV on. It's quiet and tranquil, with a cosy feel thanks to its curtains and the scores of posters and artefacts that hang from the ceiling and walls.

The French House blends the warmth of a pub with French gourmet traditions. TV, music, and phones are banned, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The space looks rustic and traditional – there's a bustling bar plus a sophisticated restaurant. Drinks include a large choice of champagnes and wine by the glass.

The Holy Tavern was established in the 1990s but sits on the grounds of one of London's oldest hostelries. This compact venue has a historical look, made cosier by lit candles, two fireplaces, and an intimate mezzanine. Gourmet pub food is available here as well as a lengthy list of beers and ales, with a focus on those brewed locally.

Recognised as one of London's most attractive pubs, The Prince Alfred is a Victorian establishment in Maida Vale. The traditional decor and original features lend it an intimate feel. A broad choice of drinks are on offer from cocktails to cask ales, plus classic homemade pub food is on the menu.

Popular with Londoners and tourists alike, The Anchor is a riverside pub on the bustling South Bank. There's a waterside terrace as well as the warm and warren-like interior decked out with dark wood. This pub has lots of cosy corners to snuggle into. There's a big choice of drinks plus typical British pub grub.

Islington pub The Island Queen takes inspiration from historical gin palaces and has a comfortable and traditional style. Expect an interior with wooden furniture, plump Chesterfield sofas, and deep colours throughout. A wide selection of drinks are on offer in addition to seasonal crowd-pleasing dishes like burgers, schnitzel, and steaks.

Stop at The Dove for a cosy drink in Broadway Market. This family-run pub has a traditional and low-lit interior with a maze-like layout and lots of wood panelling. Outside tables are available too, dotted alongside the pub's timeless tiled exterior. Draught and bottled beers from around the world are served, plus Thai and British dishes.

The Admiral Hardy sits just at the edge of Greenwich Market and is a peaceful escape from all the activity. This traditional pub has a cosy interior with wooden furniture, comfortable seating, old fireplaces, and a buzzy atmosphere. This timeless venue serves a range of drinks, including cocktails on tap, and also dishes up classic pub grub. 

The Cross Keys is a bustling drinking spot in the heart of the capital. This pub has a grand entrance flanked with greenery, whilst the interior is brimming with homey decor and memorabilia, including framed pictures surrounding the bar. Settle down on a leather banquette to enjoy a broad range of drinks, including a big choice of beers.

It has a long name but The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms is a compact pub, made even cosier by the fireplace that burns during colder months. The wood-panelled interior is traditional but there's a pavement terrace too. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, the bar serves a varied range of drinks, and classic pub food is also available. 

Down-to-earth pub The Pride of Spitalfields sits just off Brick Lane. This traditional boozer boasts a working fireplace, a piano, and a laid-back attitude. It's humble and full of personality, serving a straightforward range of drinks as well as simple snacks. It's warm and comfortable in this intimate space.

New Cross pub The Rose Pub & Kitchen is an elegant spot that's popular for its spacious covered garden. The low-lit interior is full of charm and feels comfortable with rugs and plush seating. Pizzas and pub food are served in addition to a broad selection of drinks. The pub hosts frequent events like quizzes and comedy nights.

Refined Islington pub The Albion is well-known for its picturesque wisteria-draped garden and smart townhouse exterior. However, this pub also boasts a smart but comfy interior with plump armchairs to snuggle into, wood panelling, and cosy fireplaces in winter. This polished pub offers a range of drinks, including cocktails, plus gourmet seasonal food.

Located next to Highgate Woods, The Woodman is an ideal destination for a cosy drink or some pub food after a brisk walk. This welcoming family-run pub has a comfortable interior with plush seating and distinctive artwork and decor. There's also a spacious covered garden. The place serves a variety of drinks alongside classic pub food.

Greenwich pub The Cutty Sark is full of charm and has a timeless exterior. Indoor and outdoor tables are available, offering scenic views of the water. The pub's interior features rugged exposed bricks, a painted bar, and plenty of wood panelling. This bustling venue does seasonal food and a wide variety of drinks.

Enjoy a riverside drink at The Mayflower in Rotherhithe. This compact and cosy venue has a dark and weathered interior made more intimate by candlelight and lamps, framed pictures, and brick fireplaces. Make yourself comfortable here after a Thameside walk with classic pub grub and a variety of beers and wines.

Peckham is home to The White Horse, a pub with a distinct mock-Tudor exterior. It's been serving the local community since the 1800s. There's outside space as well as a unique interior that blends contemporary design with classic features like stained glass, wood panelling, and plush leather furniture. Drop in for a drink or food from changing kitchen residencies.

At The Old Ship in Hammersmith you'll get wonderful river views from the terrace. Inside you'll find a refined but warm interior with pillars, rustic furniture, and plump seating. A varied range of drinks are served here and if you're hungry you can opt for British pub grub or informal meals from the al fresco burger shack.

Set in the middle of Dulwich Village, The Crown & Greyhound is an ornate Victorian pub packed with eye-catching original features. With carved ceilings, wood panelling, floor tiles, and stained glass, it's traditional whilst also being snug and comfortable. Upscale British cooking and a diverse array of drinks are on offer here.

Highgate pub The Flask is a historic destination that has attracted some celeb clientele and is known for its upmarket food offering in particular. The pub has a traditional interior with deep colours, fireplaces, and framed paintings that give it a warm and cosy feel. Visit for drinks or refined seasonal pub food.

Stoke Newington is home to a quaint pub, The Rose & Crown. This family-run pub has a traditional interior with a roaring fire, wood panelling, and carpeted floors. Have a drink here, including wines from around the world, or indulge in some filling pub food. The Sunday roasts are a particularly popular choice.

In the middle of Camden Town, The Lock Tavern is a pub with a punk soul. It has a comfortable beer garden plus a classic interior with fireplaces and nooks and crannies to get cosy in. There's a rooftop bar too. On Sundays the pub serves a hearty roast, but you can always enjoy a varied choice of drinks.

Based in West Kensington, The Colton Arms is known for its two distinctive bars that really give the place character. The pub's compact size, as well as the paintings, fireplaces, and quirky touches like stuffed birds, give it a unique feel. Real ales are a speciality but a range of different drinks are served, plus traditional pub food.

Down in South London you'll discover a cosy pub in the Catford Bridge Tavern. This lively venue welcomes a varied crowd of locals and has indoor and outdoor spaces. Leaves hang from the ceiling above the bar where there are floor tiles, wood panelling, and comfortable seats. Affordable drinks and typical pub food are served.

With a history harking back to 1763, Bow Street Tavern is a lively pub in Covent Garden that includes a rooftop bar, gin terrace, and function rooms. The entrance is an appealing shade of green whilst inside it's a traditional look, full of rich colours and leather banquettes. A variety of locally-brewed beers are served here.

Traditional pub The Fox & Anchor sits at the edge of Smithfield Market. It has a few boutique guest rooms upstairs. The wood-panelled interior with leather furniture and old-school framed pictures has a warm and timeless feel. As well as drinks, the pub does hearty British food and is known for its slap-up breakfasts in particular.

Highgate pub The Wrestlers has been around for centuries. The dark interior is enhanced by warming log fires, stained-glass windows, and wooden furniture. It's a traditional venue full of timeless charm. Drinks include real ales, cider, and local spirits, plus there's hearty homemade food that adds to the cosy vibe.

In Canonbury you can visit The Myddleton Arms, a low-lit pub with a charming exterior. There's a garden illuminated by lights as well as a compact interior with a rustic style. Drinks here include cask ales, draft beer, and fine wines, plus there's homemade food. The menu centres on burgers and includes vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Based in Hampstead, The Duke of Hamilton has been around since 1721. The warm interior features bold colours on the walls, old fireplaces, and a wood-panelled bar. The drinks options here include cocktails, wines, and craft beer, but you can also sample food made from local seasonal produce. There's an intimate jazz club beneath the pub too.