Top 10 Historic Pubs in London

A permanently moored Victorian steamship converted into a floating pub, Tattershall Castle delivers one of London's most unusual drinking experiences, with three decks offering progressively better Thames views as you ascend. The novelty factor is undeniable, and while the food won't win awards, the gin and tonics on the top deck at sunset create genuinely memorable moments as London's landmarks glow in the fading light. The nautical setting attracts a mixed crowd of office workers, tourists, and date-nighters all chasing that perfect riverside moment. Best for those seeking something different, outdoor drinking enthusiasts, and groups wanting a party atmosphere with panoramic views.

The Porterhouse imports authentic Irish pub culture to Covent Garden with a vengeance, brewing its own beers and pouring them across multiple floors of dark wood, exposed brick, and lively atmosphere. With 13 house-brewed beers on tap, the Oyster Stout stands out as the signature pour—rich, creamy, and complex enough to convert even the skeptical. Live music most nights adds to the convivial chaos, making this ideal for groups wanting guaranteed craic, though the quality of the brewing program elevates it above standard Irish pub chains. Come for the beer, stay for the buzzing energy that makes you lose track of time.

More theme park than pub, the Sherlock Holmes is an unabashed celebration of Baker Street's most famous (fictional) resident, complete with a recreation of Holmes' study and enough Victorian memorabilia to satisfy even the most dedicated Baker Street Irregular. While purists might scoff at the touristy angle, the pub delivers exactly what it promises: well-poured ales, proper British comfort food, and an Instagram-worthy setting that makes visitors genuinely happy. The beef Wellington pie is a worthy choice if you're eating, substantial enough to soak up several pints of British bitter. Perfect for Holmes fans, families, and tourists who embrace rather than eschew London's theatrical side.

With Nelson's Column practically visible from the window, The Admiralty occupies prime real estate on Trafalgar Square, yet somehow maintains the feel of a proper London pub rather than a tourist trap. The sprawling interior features maritime memorabilia nodding to Britain's naval heritage, while the upstairs dining area serves reliable pub classics that won't disappoint before or after a West End show. Their Fuller's ESB is consistently well-kept, and the location makes it perfect for a pre-theatre pint or post-gallery debrief. It's a solid choice for visitors who want convenience without compromise, or locals meeting friends in the heart of town.

Claiming the title of London's oldest riverside pub (dating to 1520), Prospect of Whitby wears its history proudly, with flagstone floors, pewter-topped bars, and tales of Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens drinking within these very walls. The cobbled terrace overlooking the Thames is pure magic at sunset, when the river turns golden and you can almost imagine the old sailing ships that once moored here. Order the Sunday roast if you're visiting on the weekend—it's traditional, generous, and exactly what you want from a historic British pub. Best suited to history buffs, romantics, and anyone who wants their pint served with a serious side of atmosphere.

Perched on the Thames with a wooden deck jutting over the water, The Mayflower is a 16th-century riverside treasure that has survived plague, fire, and centuries of London's tumult to remain one of the city's most atmospheric pubs. Named after the ship that sailed from nearby to America, it offers unparalleled Thames views alongside a proper pub menu where the fish and chips is crispy perfection best enjoyed with river breezes and a pint of London Pride. The maritime history seeps from every beam, and securing a riverside table on a sunny afternoon feels like winning the London lottery. Ideal for tourists seeking authentic history and locals celebrating special occasions with a view.

Lore of the Land reimagines the British pub through a modern, ingredient-focused lens, where the wine list rivals the beer selection and the kitchen treats vegetables with the same reverence as meat. This Fitzrovia gem attracts a discerning crowd of locals who appreciate the rotating natural wines and the seasonal small plates menu that changes with genuine intention, not just trendy posturing. Try the beef dripping crumpets if they're available—they're the kind of inventive-yet-comforting dish that exemplifies the pub's whole philosophy. Perfect for food-savvy couples or intimate groups who want conversation-worthy drinking and eating without pretension.

Housed in a former church spanning six levels, Waxy O'Connor's is an Irish pub on steroids—a labyrinthine wonderland of wooden snugs, spiral staircases, and ecclesiastical quirks that makes it one of London's most theatrical drinking experiences. The Guinness here is taken seriously (as it should be), poured with the requisite two-part technique and served in a setting that feels like Dublin's Temple Bar crossed with a Victorian curiosity shop. It's brilliant for large groups and stag parties who want atmosphere by the gallon, though the sheer scale means it can feel touristy during peak times. The sprawling layout means you'll always find a corner, even on the busiest Friday nights.

The Devonshire brings gastropub sophistication to Soho without losing its soul, serving elevated British comfort food in a handsomely refurbished space that feels both contemporary and timeless. Chef-owner Oisín Rogers has created a menu where the steak and kidney pudding achieves near-mythical status among those in the know, perfectly encapsulating nose-to-tail British cooking at its finest. The ground floor bustles with Soho creative types nursing pints, while the upstairs dining room offers a more refined setting for those serious about their food. It's ideal for groups who want proper cooking alongside proper pints, or couples seeking a relaxed yet quality evening out.

Tucked down a Covent Garden side street, The Harp is a shrine to real ale enthusiasts, with an ever-rotating selection of cask beers that draws locals and CAMRA devotees alike. This compact, no-frills Victorian pub gets packed after work with theatre-goers and beer connoisseurs who appreciate the landlord's impeccable cellar management and the convivial, elbow-to-elbow atmosphere. Don't miss their legendary sausage rolls paired with a pint of Dark Star Hophead—it's the kind of simple perfection that keeps regulars coming back for decades. Best for ale lovers and those seeking authentic London pub culture without the tourist veneer.