London’s Top 10 : Pubs

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  1. The Lamb and Flag

    This
    old-world establishment tucked up an alley looks much as it did in
    Charles Dickens’ day. In the heart of Covent Garden, it can get crowded –
    during the summer drinkers spill outside into the quiet alley. The
    17th-century poet John Dryden was severely beaten up outside the pub
    which was known as The Bucket of Blood because of the bareknuckle fights
    held here .




    Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden

  2. Dog and Duck

    This
    small, tiled Victorian pub is like a cosy front room in the heart of
    Soho. The Dog and Duck has a tiny bar, where you might bump into art
    students and designers, and a blackboard with the latest selection of
    beers from all corners of England .




    Dog and Duck, Soho

  3. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

    In
    an alley off Fleet Street, this warren of rooms still seems as if it
    should have sawdust on the floors. Rebuilt in 1667, after the Great Fire
    of London, it was a favourite of Dr Johnson and other writers. Never too crowded, its intimate corners make a good meeting place, made cozier with fires in winter.

    • Wine Office Court EC4

  4. George Inn

    Built
    in 1676, this is the only galleried coaching inn left in London, and
    was taken over by the National Trust in 1937. You can enjoy the
    well-kept beers in its myriad old rooms, with lattice windows and wooden
    beams, or in the large courtyard .




    Sign, George Inn

  5. Jerusalem Tavern

    A
    delightful little pub with cubicles, a small bar and little more than
    the 18th-century coffee shop it once was. People come here to try out
    the full range of a rare but popular brewery, St Peter’s in Suffolk.
    Light meals are served at lunchtime.

    • 55 Britton Street EC1

  6. Spaniards Inn

    This
    lovely 16th-century pub north of Hampstead Heath, with a large,
    attractive beer garden, is steeped in history and romance: the
    18th-century highwayman Dick Turpin drank here, along with literary
    luminaries Keats, Shelley and Byron .




  7. Princess Louise

    The
    Princess Louise is a beautiful 19th-century pub with stained-glass
    windows, nooks and alcoves. An unexpected bonus is the beer for under £2
    a pint, as well as hearty and delicious pies and puddings.

    • 208–209 High Holborn WC1

  8. The Grapes

    Built
    in the 1720s, with wooden floors and panelling, The Grapes has survived
    the modern development of Docklands, retaining its traditional charm
    and informal atmosphere. The back bar has an open fire for the winter
    months and a terrace by the Thames for the summer. The excellent
    upstairs restaurant is renowned for its fish dishes.

    • 76 Narrow Street E14

    • DLR Westferry

  9. The Eagle

    This
    large Victorian pub is popular, crowded and lively, with many coming
    here to eat the excellent, mainly Mediterranean, food. Portions are
    large and inexpensive, and can be washed down with a good selection of
    beer and wine .

    • 159 Farringdon Road EC1

    • Tube Farringdon

    • No bookings

  10. French House

    This
    was once a meeting place for the French Resistance during World War II,
    when it was given its name. Gaining a reputation as a bohemian
    bolthole, it was also frequented by artists and poets such as Francis
    Bacon, Brendan Behan and Dylan Thomas. It is now well known for its
    refreshing Breton cider and fine wines.

    • 49 Dean Street W1