Guide to the best pubs in London Bridge

Thanks to the former bank building it occupies, The Barrowboy & Banker pub takes your breath away as soon as you walk through the door, with a sweeping staircase connecting its two levels, an eye-catching contemporary lighting fixture, and elegant furnishings throughout. The Fuller's establishment offers cask ales, craft beers, spirits and other drinks to quench your thirst, as well as award-winning pies and other traditional British fare.

A maze-like warren of rooms, passages and staircases next to the River Thames, Borough Market and the famed Globe theatre, the Anchor was supposedly frequented by William Shakespeare and other historical figures in one of its previous incarnations. Today, it's an excellent choice for refuelling while wandering around the area's many sights, serving platters of deep-fried deliciousness and classic pub fare alongside Greene King beers and other drinks.

Established in 1676, there's a whole lot of history hidden in the walls of The George Inn. The galleried coaching inn with original features boasts a large, sunny beer garden, along with several meeting and private rooms and a dedicated sports area. The menu at this Greene King establishment complements the full range of drinks with classic British pub food such as fish ‘n' chips or a nice Sunday roast.

The Horniman at Hays is housed in a former tea warehouse in the Hay's Galleria building and is characterised by an evocative interior, with golden taps crowning a wood-panelled marble-top bar. The pub boasts an outdoor terrace with a great view of the Thames and the HMS Belfast anchored in front. The Nicholson establishment is famed for its award-winning pies, for example the game suet pudding, accompanied by rotating cask ales, house gin and other drinks.

The Rose & Crown in London Bridge is a PubLove part-pub part-hostel, offering lodging as well as food, drinks and a sociable atmosphere. The vibrant establishment caters to a youthful international crowd, gorging themselves on tasty burgers courtesy of the Burger Craft kitchen, for example the acclaimed Juicy Bastard with a double beef patty, double cheese, BBQ sauce, tomato and lettuce. Beers, spirits and other drinks are also available, of course.

This classic English pub is housed in a Grade II listed building, behind a striking, ornately decorated blue front. Dating back to 1884, the pub offers a range of lagers, cask ales, fine wines from around the world and other drinks from behind a central island bar. Pub fare staples such as cheeseburgers and fish ‘n' chips are available as well. The Shipwrights Arms also shows major matches on two big screens.

Hidden away next to London Bridge Station, The Gladstone Arms is a family-run affair that regularly hosts live music, comedy nights and other entertainment. The drinks include a changing selection of local beers across 13 taps, and if the lively atmosphere becomes too much, you can take a breather on the rooftop terrace. The food shouldn't be missed out on, either, as Indian flavours adorn British staples in dishes such as the tikka masala pie.

The Southwark Tavern is a bastion of traditional hospitality on a corner next to the famed Borough Market. It features a charming setting behind iron-wrought stained-glass windows, and encompasses pavement seating and an intimate dining area with exposed brick walls in the basement in addition to the main bar. You can find all the usual suspects on the food menu, from fish ‘n' chips to Sunday roast dinners, accompanied by a broad selection of drinks, including limited-edition craft beers on tap.

The small and elegant Dean Swift corner pub in historic Shad Thames, near the picturesque Butler's Wharf Pier, doesn't feature overwhelming decor, just a simple, unpretentious setting, a friendly atmosphere, well-poured pints and tasty grub. The latter includes authentic Spanish tapas alongside the usual pub fare, with the Sunday roast dinner worthy of special mention. Beers from around the world are available across 20 taps, alongside wines, spirits and other drinks.

The Market Porter is a classic British gastropub, sidling right up to Borough Market. The traditional pub surroundings offer hospitable familiarity for a pint, with classic British meals served in the upstairs dining room. The menu includes favourites such as pumpkin soup, a pie of the day, and fish ‘n' chips, with roasts served on Sundays. Potterheads should definitely pay the establishment a visit as well, as it was used as a bookshop in the third Harry Potter film.

A proper Southwark local, this traditional Edwardian pub with original features covers all the bases. Grab a seat indoors or outside and order yourself a drink – or a cocktail pitcher to share, if there are more of you – while you wait for your Pieminister pie of choice. On Sundays, roast dinners are a must. Major live sports are shown whenever they're on, and the establishment is dog-friendly, as well.

Bermondsey's the Woolpack is a favourite among locals and a sure-fire hit among first-time visitors, thanks to its ornate interior and pleasant beer garden. The latter is fitted with picnic tables, while the former includes a function room with a renaissance-themed ceiling. You can fill up on classic British fare such as sausages and mash, massive burgers and Sunday roasts, accompanied by small-batch local spirits, wines and craft brews.

Housed in a former spice warehouse, The Old Thameside Inn is nestled in between a historic prison building, a Gothic cathedral and a full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship, suffusing the pub in a distinguished, historic air. Thanks to its titular Thameside location, it also lets you enjoy a drink and a chat while watching the river flow by. The fine Nicholson establishment rounds off its offer with refreshing pints, pub fare classics and live sports broadcasts.

Compared to the Anchor Bankside, the Anchor & Hope in Southwark loses the riverside location but adds a bunch of awards and a changing menu of contemporary British cuisine. Ethically-sourced seafood and venison are regularly featured, accompanied by an extensive wine list, cocktails, craft beers on tap and other tipples. In addition to the food and drinks, you can also get your fill of art here, as the artwork on the walls is for sale.

The Miller is a lively Borough pub that's a favourite of students, as well as aficionados of real ales and ciders. The bright red second-floor front loudly proclaims it the home of the Hoopla Improv Comedy Club, throwing out jokes from the upstairs stage while fresh pints are poured downstairs. An outside seating area is available as well, and Bunsmith are in charge of the burgers and fries.

Providing a safe haven away from the bustling neighbourhood, The Horseshoe Inn is housed in a picture-perfect Victorian corner building. The interior is similarly retro-inspired, with old tomes, timepieces and signage as decoration, and a cat as master and commander. You can gaze at The Shard while cradling your pint in the garden, tuck into traditional British pub grub, play darts and more at this welcoming local.

The Britannia is a classic London boozer tucked down a residential street five minutes from London Bridge or Borough station. The palm tree-covered garden area is the perfect place to enjoy a beer or cocktail al fresco (look out for weekly deals). Inside, it's spacious and ideal for enjoying some of their special BBQ dishes. The food is by Smok'd, who originated from a pop-up from Ribstock champions, BBQ Whisky Beer. They cook smoked meats inspired by American pit masters with a modern British touch. Highlights include beef rib and smoked beef brisket, as well as creamy Mac and cheese, wings, loaded fries and other comfort food classics.