It is the season to retreat to a cozy pub by a roaring fire. As the days get shorter, settle in with mulled wine or a pint of beer and enjoy hearty dishes in one of London’s friendliest bars.
The Spanish Inn, Hampstead
On the outskirts of Hampstead Heath, the Spanish Inn dates from 1585 and is one of London’s oldest pubs. With its wood paneling, fireplaces, nooks, crevices, and a pet-friendly garden equipped with a dog washing machine, it feels more like a country retreat than a London pub. Dive into dishes like simmered shoulder of lamb and roasted pork belly stuffed with figs and toasts to former customers including Charles Dickens and John Keats.
The Boot & Flogger, Borough
Tucked away in a former warehouse on Redcross Way, a 5 minute walk from Borough Market, the Boot & Flogger opened as London’s first wine bar in 1964. It is one of the few bars in London that can sell wine without a license due to a menu drawn up by Queen Elizabeth I in 1567. The wood-paneled space is dotted with leather armchairs that you can sink into and order a glass of champagne served in a silver jug.
The Ship’s Tavern, Holborn
This off-the-beaten-path pub in Holborn dates back to the 16th century and was once used to house Catholic priests during the English Reformation period. Traditional British fare (Beef Wellington, steak and beer cakes) is served in the first-floor Dickensian-style dining room, where tables are lit by candles. On the ground floor, the gin cabinet is stocked with more than 60 gins from around the world and there are regular live music events.
The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
In the home of an 18th century merchant in Clerkenwell, this little pub is full of character. The dimly lit bar serves an impressive selection of beers from St Peter’s Brewery in Suffolk. Make your way through the beers by the roaring open fire. Lunch is served daily, but the pub is closed on weekends.
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El Mayflower, Rotherhithe
Step back in time to 16th century London at this riverside pub in Rotherhithe. Dark wood paneling and low ceiling beams create a cozy atmosphere and the pub is fully candlelit every Sunday evening. Pair a traditional pastry with a pint of beer or order an American craft beer to greet the Pilgrim Fathers who set out from here on the Mayflower ship to explore the New World.
The George Inn, London Bridge
Drink a pint where Dickens once supported the bar in this medieval burrow on Borough High Street. Referenced in Little Dorrit, this is London’s last bus inn and is owned by the National Trust. There’s a large cobblestone patio for drinking in the summer, but inside is a two-level maze of rooms with hardwood floors and fireplaces with fireplaces.
The Pigeon, Hammersmith
Charles II fell in love with his mistress, Nell Gwynne, at this 17th century riverside pub in Hammersmith. Order a seasonal beer and some classic British sandwiches and choose a cozy spot in one of the squeaky rooms under the building’s original ceiling beams or bundle up and head out to the riverside deck.
The Gun, Canary Wharf
On the banks of the River Thames overlooking the O2 Arena, the Gun takes its name from the cannon fired to celebrate the opening of the West Indies import docks in 1802. There are several comfortable areas with open fires to stop before the British dishes of season. (Fish is sourced fresh from the nearby Billingsgate Market). It is difficult to get to but the pub offers a free pick-up service from Canary Wharf station if you book in advance.
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The plume of feathers
Founded in 1691, Plume of Feathers is Greenwich’s oldest pub and arguably the most welcoming. After a walk in Greenwich Park, find a place by the fire and admire the original fireplaces, maritime trinkets and historical paintings. There is a large outdoor garden and the pub hosts a popular quiz every Wednesday evening.
The crooked billet, Wimbledon
Overlooking Wimbledon Common, this cozy 18th century pub, with its exposed brick and wooden beams, would not look out of place in a cute country town. Dine on hearty home-cooked meals and save room for a traditional British dessert, such as a fruit crumble or sticky caramel pudding.
