Arguably the biggest attraction to The Faltering Fullback, just up from Finsbury Park tube, is the multi-level beer garden…staircase, beer garden staircase….it’s like a bloody maze. Admittedly weather depending, the garden offers secluded pockets of seating where you can chat into the early hours. The pub itself is a traditional one, except it does Thai food, which isn’t traditional at all, but you’ll find all your usual friends behind the bar. Great pub.
"The fullback has the best beer garden in London for me, bar none. Top that with exceptional pints and banging thai food, you’re in for a treat."
This classic Irish pub near King’s Cross is perfect for escaping the hustle of the city. It’s specifically known for the atmosphere during a game, especially when Celtic is playing, along with friendly staff and an interesting mix of customers. Good prices and great pints, what more could you want?
"A bastion of working-class London surrounded by the lifeless, dull cityscape and apartment blocks of King’s Cross. The pub is slightly dated, but that’s what gives it its charm. Expect friendly service and a rammed pub on Celtic matchdays."
There should be more pubs like Skehans in London. In fact, ALL pubs should just be exactly like Skehans. Located on a quiet residential street in Nunhead, Skehans has got it all: pool table, darts, sports on the telly, and a great beer garden out back. The drinks list is a good mash up of your standard beers like Heineken and Fosters together with Beavertown and Hop House 13 lager. They also do a banging little menu of Thai food, probably some of the best we’ve had in London. Add to that regular live music, a jukebox and general good vibes and you’ve got one of the most fun pubs in London.
"The sister pub of the Fullback, Skehans is my refuge when I venture south of the river. Expect beautiful pints and games of pool a’ plenty."
We once heard a rumour that a young lady approached the bar and asked the barmaid, “Do you have prosecco?”. The barmaid nodded and poured Guinness into a champagne flute. Yes, this is an Irish bar through and through. You’ll find characters from all walks with stories; there’s live traditional Irish music; and lots of loud, loud, enjoyable singing. Oh, they like football here too, so it’s not one for a quiet pint.
"A London institution and well-known as one of the premiere spots for a pint of plain, its fame is well deserved and rightly earned. Arrive early to get a seat, it’s busy and with good reason."
This proper Irish pub is in the heart of Shoreditch, underneath Richard Corrigan’s Daffodil Mulligan restaurant and claims to pour the best Guinness in London. The Gibney family is nearing a century in the pub business in Ireland and opened their London location in 2020. You can also find Gibney’s Stout, Irish whiskies, Irish liqueurs and cocktails on offer at the bar plus snacks like spiced lentil scotch eggs, black pudding croquettes and dressed oysters. Whether you pop in for the drinks, to dance to live music or catch the big game, you can be sure of receiving the very best in Irish hospitality.
"A golden light in a sea of generic, overpriced, soulless bars in Shoreditch. Some of the most beautiful pints in the city with tonnes of character to boot, as well as the best bar food in London as its menu comes directly from the top-class Daffodil Mulligan, the restaurant it sits under."
At the end of Mare Street in Hackney, The Crown Pub is a traditional boozer with a well-stocked bar and a cosy pub garden. Attached to it is a guesthouse with seven rooms, so you can even bed down for the night. Whether you’re coming for a quick drink or sleeping over, The Crown hosts lots of events including sport on the TV, trivia every Thursday and live music on Fridays.
"A true old-school local’s boozer with a beautiful pint to match. The last time I was in there I got a free Jagerbomb simply for being polite - you can’t beat that kind of service."
The Crown has a traditional and old-school vibe that locals love. They may not have the best selection of real ales but they pour a mean pint of Guinness, and they’ve got a dart board, the true marker of a proper boozer. If you don’t fancy a game of darts, there’s usually sport on the TV.
"A traditional London boozer pouring excellent pints on the cheap. Expect darts, pool, sports and a carpet under your feet."
The Devonshire was opened by publican Oisín Rogers, the recognisable face and name behind Mayfair’s Guinea Grill until his departure in 2022, and Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll at the end of 2023 and became an instant hit. It’s based out of a historic inn on Denman Street that dates back to 1793, with a top-quality pub downstairs and a restaurant upstairs (headed up by Ashley Palmer-Watts of The Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston). The food’s all about the restaurant’s wood-ember grill – the menu includes beef chops and ribeyes, Iberico pork ribs, lamb hotpot, creel-caught langoustines, hand-dived scallops and prime day boat fish on offer – but there’s also a selection of bar food, like scotch eggs, bacon sarnies, sausage rolls and cheese & ham hock toasties. It’s also arguably got the best pints of Guinness in town, so it’s worth fighting for that spot at the bar.
"A new challenger for the crown of London’s best pint of Guinness, the newly opened The Devonshire is a pub that you walk into and know that something special is happening here. A top class restaurant and pub combination, this will surely be a London institution for many, many years to come."
"A work local for many and a glorious pint for all. The George is a beautiful spot, with an old school, yet elegant, interior with a top, top pint to match."
This welcoming pub may be one of the smaller ones in Covent Garden but the atmosphere is always top notch, and it provides a safe haven amidst the sea of tourists. The Irish influence is strong here, so you can be sure of a cracking pint of Guinness, along with other beers and whiskey.
"Situated just off Covent Garden, this small pub serves one of the best pints in the city. It was a welcoming atmosphere, a massive selection of whiskies and a glorious red pub carpet. It’s incredibly busy so get there early to grab a seat."
