Going to the pub is one of the top things visitors do in Britain, and London has centuries of practice. We ranked the capital’s most loved pubs by Google rating and review volume to find where the pints are actually worth it.
1. Old Shades
Rating: 4.7 from more than 6,100 Google reviews
A Grade II listed room near Trafalgar Square and the highest-rated traditional pub on our list. Reviewers rave about the Sunday roast in particular, served in a grand historic setting.
2. The Harp, Covent Garden
Rating: 4.6 from more than 3,700 Google reviews
The pick for serious ale drinkers. This Covent Garden pub has won CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year, and reviewers praise its outstanding cask ale selection in a compact, characterful room.
3. The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden
Rating: 4.5 from more than 5,200 Google reviews
A historic Covent Garden inn known for hearty pies and old-world character. Reviewers love the atmosphere, with the building’s centuries of history visible in every low-beamed corner.
4. The Admiralty, Trafalgar Square
Rating: 4.4 from more than 4,800 Google reviews
Set right on Trafalgar Square, this is the easy pick for visitors who want a proper pub with a view. Reviewers praise the location and the solid menu behind the bar.
5. Sherlock Holmes
Rating: 4.2 from more than 9,700 Google reviews
The most-reviewed pub on this list, leaning into its Sherlock Holmes theme with memorabilia throughout. Reviewers enjoy the themed dining rooms, though the rating reflects its tourist-trap bustle at peak times.
6. The Churchill Arms, Kensington
Famous for its extraordinary floral displays outside and its award-winning Thai food inside, an unusual but much-loved combination. Reviewers come for the flowers and stay for the curries.
7. The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping
London’s oldest riverside tavern, dating back to the 16th century, with a beer garden overlooking the Thames and rich maritime history. Reviewers praise the setting as much as the pints.
How we ranked them
We blended Google rating with review volume, favouring pubs with both high scores and thousands of reviews. Ratings move over time, so check the latest reviews and opening hours before your visit. And remember: the best pub is often the one nearest you at the end of a long day of sightseeing.
