London pubs - the 9 best pubs

Pubs are an integral part of London and no visit to London is complete with visiting a pub at least once. Over a number of years, I've visited numerous London pubs - these are just a few which I can recommend.

Please mention MarksTravelNotes.com when dining / drinking at these fine establishments. I have visited all these establishments.

  1. The Counting House, 50 Cornhill - The Counting House on Cornhill is one of Londons finest pubs and, for sure, one of it's most well decorated. As a Fullers pub, the selection of beers on offer includes the ever popular London Pride, ESB and Chiswick Bitter are all available. The island bar, gallery, chandelier and cuppola all work excellently together to form a pleasing aesthetic whole. A good selection of food and beer do make the Counting House popular place for both lunch and drinks afterwards. An essential visit if you happen to be at the Bank of England Museum or otherwise in the area.

  2. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, (145 Fleet Street) Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is amongst the oldest pubs in London having been rebuilt in 1667 following the Great Fire of London. Samuel Johnson, writer of the original dictionary, reputadly used to frequent Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese - his house is round the corner. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a Samuel Smiths pub - which means that an excellent selection of Sam Smiths beers on offer. I can vouch for the Oatmeal Stout or the lighter Taddy Porter. The Steak and Kidney pudding is an excellent addition to either,

  3. The Lamb Tavern, (Leadenhall Market) - One of the best market pubs in London. Does the full range of Youngs beer in the setting of restored Victorian Market. Great place to pop in for lunch or an evening pint and watch the world go by.

  4. The Old Bank of England, 194 Fleet Street - Another Fullers Ale & Pie House - with the statutory, yet excellent, Fullers range of beers on offer, including London Pride and Chiswick. Does a good line of foods - pies and doorstep sandwichs are both excellent. Formerly a division of The Bank of England (the HQ has always been on Threadneedle Street) the Old Bank of England is an ornate building which, like the counting house boasts and Island bar.

  5. Admiral Codrington, (17 Mossop Street, South Kensington) - The Admiral Codrington has always served excellent food and beer. In South Kensington, it's not too far from some of major museums. Service is usually top-notch. Probably not Londons cheapest pub but worth every penny.

  6. The Lamb and Flag, (33, Rose St) A boozer in true sense of a London pub. In an area of London otherwise obsessed with themed-pubs The Lamb and Flag is not only a refreshing change - but an actual real pub with real people in it. Which is nice. Does an excellent line of ales and a few lagers as well. Always been popular (and packed) on both levels on every visit. Can't vouch for the food - but do come for the excellent beers. Real five-pint rating.

  7. The Argyll Arms, 18 Argyll Street - Ever popular with Oxford Street shoppers and tourists (although these may well be the same people!) The Argyll Arms is a fairly cozy affair - seperated in to various snugs with Victorian style glass windows seperating the sections.

  8. The Chandos - (29, St. Martins Lane) Anywhere else The Chandos might have been an ordinary pub. As it does the full range of Samuel Smiths beers, including the Oatmeal Stout, Taddy Porter and their lagers, it's an excellent pub. Being centrally located, it's a great place for a beer after visiting the National Gallery or before heading to one of the theatres in the area.

  9. Fox and Grapes, (Camp Road, Wimbledon Common) - On Wimbledon Common, the Fox and Grapes is one of the, if not the, best pub in Wimbledon. Over the years, the food has been consistently excellent and the beer has always been of a good quality. Adnams Bombadier is usually on tap and well kept and makes an excellent beverage here. Also a very dog friendly pub.

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