The best independent pubs in London

Shoreditch pub William IV is 200 years old, though it's had a refresh much more recently. Independently owned, the beautiful pub blends its nautical heritage with elegant Georgian interiors, curated art, and cosy corners, including a fireside spot for winter and outdoor seating for sunnier days. The dining room serves seasonal British cuisine such as Guinness-glazed beef short rib and lemon sole, as well as one of the best Sunday roasts around.

Formerly a Wetherspoons pub, The Last Judgment is now one of Holborn's most striking pubs, blending grand historic architecture with the warmth of a country manor and a lively bar scene. Housed in the former Union Bank headquarters, it offers an elegant setting for drinks, DJs, and playful stock-market-style pricing nights, along with cosy corners for more intimate dining.

Tucked just behind Finsbury Park, The Faltering Fullback is a beloved independent pub with massive screens ready for every sporting showdown, especially rugby. Its rambling, plant-filled beer garden is a destination all on its own, making it an easy win whether you're there to keep an eye on the match, unwind with a pint, enjoy a tasty Thai meal, or just soak up the buzzing atmosphere. With regular gigs, quizzes, and other lively goings-on, it's the kind of place where there's always something happening.

The French House offers a refuge from the relentless noise of modern life, thanks to its firm no-music, no-phones, no-TV rule, which makes it a haven for big talkers, old-school regulars, and the occasional showbiz face seeking a quieter corner. Upstairs, this legendary Soho spot leans fully into French indulgence, serving things like foie gras, Gruyère toasts, and an impressive line-up of champagnes and wines.

We're grouping these three independent London pubs together not just because of their shared ownership, but also because of their shared appreciation of classic pub comforts, whether that's a warm and welcoming setting, elevated pub cuisine that's more than just something to line the stomach with, and a drinks policy that takes advantage of their free house status to pour a curated selection of top drinks. Whichever of the three you end up, you're in for a good time.

Old Street has transformed dramatically over the years, yet the Old Fountain has held its ground since the 1960s. Still in the hands of the same family, it's a rare constant in the neighbourhood, known for consistently solid cooking and excellent drinks. The kitchen, currently operated by the Laughing Yak, brings a Nepalese twist to familiar favourites, including the Sunday roast, and the independent pub's inviting terrace offers a relaxed spot for eating and drinking outdoors.

The Culpeper is a traditional pub with rooms, but its rooftop garden, where the team cultivates ingredients for the kitchen and bar downstairs, is the secret sauce on top. Guests can enjoy a seasonal set lunch and cocktails finished with herbs and vegetables picked only metres from their table. Spanning four floors, the East London free house also encompasses a classic ground-floor bar area and unfussy bedrooms above.

Howl at the Moon is an old-school Victorian spot on Hoxton Street has been given a fresh, modern lift, with wide-plank wooden floors and huge windows that flood the space with daylight. The taps at this independent London pub change regularly, pouring interesting craft brews alongside real ales and proper cider. And, true to its Irish roots, the rambunctious venue regularly comes alive with traditional Irish music sessions.

Independent pub The Hunter S in Dalston is packed with eccentric touches, including taxidermy on the walls and racy photos in the loos. Settle in under the dramatic chandelier in the main bar and you'll find all the familiar comforts of a classic pub, just given a modern twist. It's distinctive in looks, buzzy in mood, serves reliably tasty food, and pours great drinks – in short, it ticks all the boxes.

The Southampton Arms earns its reputation as one of London's standout independent pubs partly thanks to its enviable spot just off Hampstead Heath, making it perfect for a post-walk pint. What really sets it apart, though, is its unwavering focus on beer and cider from small independent UK breweries, making it a dream destination for anyone keen to discover a new favourite.

The history of The Eagle in Farringdon is essentially the history of gastropubs. Founded in 1991 and independent ever since, The Eagle is widely credited as the original gastropub. Decades on, it still upholds its status by delivering restaurant-quality cooking at a more relaxed, approachable price point. Dishes are made to order, with the daily lunch and dinner menus chalked onto the blackboard moments before service starts.

The fact that The Queens Head is still an independent pub is all the more impressive due to its age – nearly three centuries – and also its location – right in the heart of London, just off the least independent place of all, Piccadilly Circus. The compact pub remains firmly dedicated to serving real ales and other quality drinks in a homely setting rooting in everything a good pub should be. On select days, live music adds to the fun atmosphere.