Best Pubs

The pub is one of London's oldest institutions, and the good ones range from centuries-old listed buildings to modern craft-beer-focused spots. Knowing roughly what you're after helps more than any single "best of" list.

Historic Pubs

London has a genuine concentration of centuries-old pubs — some CAMRA-listed (the Campaign for Real Ale's heritage register), with original Victorian or even older interiors intact. These tend to cluster in the City of London and around Fleet Street, where several claim connections to Dickens or Samuel Johnson.

Craft Beer & Modern Pubs

Areas like Hackney and Bermondsey have a strong modern brewery-taproom scene — often more casual and industrial than a traditional pub, with a rotating list of London-brewed beers rather than the standard national lager options.

Pub Etiquette

Order and pay at the bar — there's no table service in most pubs. Tipping isn't expected when buying a round; if you want to acknowledge good service, offering to "get the bartender one" is the local equivalent of a tip. Food service usually stops earlier than drinking hours, so check the kitchen closing time if you want a meal.

Tips for Visiting

• Order and pay at the bar — don't wait for table service.
• Historic, CAMRA-listed pubs cluster around the City of London and Fleet Street.
• Bermondsey and Hackney are the best areas for a modern craft beer crawl.
• Check the kitchen's closing time separately from the bar's if you're planning to eat.