Beautiful pubs in London

A strong contender for the most beautiful pub in London, The Black Lion was built in 1898 and is Grade II-listed. In 2023 it was recognised by CAMRA as one of the best-looking pubs in the country. Savour a drink or food in this elaborate space with carved panels, sweeping curtains, and decorative features just about everywhere.

Another gorgeous pub recognised by CAMRA, The George is a Grade II-listed pub in Great Portland Street that dates back to the 18th century. The interior here is timeless and filled with traditional features like engraved mirrors at the bar and intricate floor tiles. Visit for a drink and some pub grub or head upstairs to the elegant dining rooms for a more formal meal.

A local fave in Chelsea, The Cadogan Arms has a slick wood-panelled look. The polished interior is reminiscent of a sprawling country pile. The space also boasts unique historical features that were uncovered during renovations. Sustainable food and drinks are served here – expect draft beer, a curated wine list, and British comfort cooking.

A visit to Spread Eagle will transport you back in time. The carefully-restored interiors are a blast from the past; it's a Victorian pub brimming with traditional style. Visit for a drink, join one of the regular events like supper clubs, life drawing, and live gigs, or a book a stay in one of the boutique guest rooms.

When it comes to beautiful pubs London has lots of choice, including The Crown & Greyhound. This ornate pub is packed with original features like tiled floors and stained-glass windows. As well as the elaborate interiors, this pub has a spacious garden and guest rooms. A wide range of drinks are available in addition to upscale British cuisine.

Built in 1872, Grade II-listed pub Princess Louise is a fine example of a Victorian gin palace and retains lots of original features. You'll see intricate tiling, etched glass, and wood panelling throughout the venue. Today it's a Samuel Smith's pub, serving exclusive brews at budget-friendly prices. The place is also known for its calm atmosphere.

The Blackfriar gets recognition for its ornate Art Nouveau exterior. The interior is perhaps even more impressive, enhanced with elaborate frescos that feel like you've stepped into a medieval painting. This exciting pub is Grade II-listed. If you visit, you can enjoy a full range of drinks from the bar in addition to hearty pub grub.

The Last Judgment, one of Holborn's prettiest pubs, blends grand décor with the warm ambience of a country manor, offering delightful dining experiences and vibrant nights at the bar. Housed in the historical Union Bank building in central London, it retains its historical grandeur with elaborate architecture and plush booths. The pub's dining experience, set in an art-gallery-like mezzanine, features a refined menu of 28-day-aged grass-fed beef steaks and fresh fish, complemented fine wines and house cocktails.

Close to Finsbury Park, The Faltering Fullback is a well-loved local pub. It's beautiful from every angle – the outside is laden with plants and flowers, the interior is full of quirky artefacts, and out the back there's a multi-tiered beer garden decorated with hanging baskets and planters. Pop in to try a broad range of drinks and Thai cooking.

At the edge of the Thames you'll find The Trafalgar Tavern. It's not just the views that look good – this Grade I-listed venue looks elegant and grand with large windows, chandeliers, framed artwork, and classic features. Visit for a drink or sophisticated pub food, or join a fun event like live music or the pub quiz.

Waxy O'Connor's is a gargantuan Irish pub in Soho. The intricate interior is rustic and detailed, including four distinct areas spaced out over six floors; this maze-like venue is full of surprises. You can expect warm Irish hospitality coupled with a big choice of drinks, including a large selection of Irish whiskey.

The Magic Garden brings festival vibes to Battersea. It's packed with twinkling lights, bold colours, quirky decor, and imaginative artwork. The pub has a spacious garden with an outside bar. Often described as a music festival inside a pub, it's a hit with foodies, music fans, partygoers, and cocktail drinkers. Expect music, atmosphere, and fun.

West London is home to a beautiful pub that centres around a leafy garden – The Prince. It's a grand and contemporary space enhanced with neon signs and lots of lush greenery. It's a popular choice for drinks al fresco thanks to its size. This pub also has three different on-site kitchens and offers a considerable selection of drinks.

The Churchill Arms is one of London's most recognisable pubs, known for the elaborate floral arrangements all over its exterior. Inside the venue there's a traditional pub look crammed with knick knacks and memorabilia honouring Winston Churchill. A full range of drinks are available at the bar, and the pub serves Thai food to go with it.

North London pub The Stag has a history dating back to 1874. The interior of the pub features a light wood-panelled bar and lamps hanging from the ceiling. There's a spacious garden too, complete with heated cabanas to keep you comfortable. 24 craft beer lines are available here, plus the seasonal food includes an award-winning Sunday roast.

Located next to Victoria Park and offering great views, The Crown is a trendy East London pub that blends traditional details like tiled walls with modern decor to create a unique space. There are outer terraces here too. Guests can choose from a full range of drinks and enjoy meals here too, including weekend brunch, Sunday roasts, and dishes for kids.

Located next to Highgate station, The Woodman is a sophisticated contemporary pub with a garden that offers views of Highgate Woods. The interior is crisp and gives off drawing room vibes, enhanced with quirky art and decor. A full range of drinks, as well as traditional food, are available at this child- and dog-friendly pub.

In Islington you can check out The Angelic, a smart pub with elaborate painted ceilings that give the space a unique character. Guests will also spot a surprising water feature when they make their way downstairs to the toilets. A broad selection of drinks are available as well as classic pub food like a Sunday roast.

The Telegraph brings the feel of a rustic country pub to Putney. The venue has a spacious lawn with outside tables as well as a traditional pub interior with intricate rugs, framed artwork, and a large wood panelled bar. There are drinks to satisfy every preference including artisan gins and whiskies. Hearty food is also served here.

A well-known pub in Hampstead, The Holly Bush is a centuries-old venue that's a popular pick for a cosy drink. This comfortable venue has a rustic and traditional style, giving off country village vibes. Function rooms and private dining spaces are available here too. You'll find a big choice of drinks, as well as classic pub food.

Prince of Peckham is a buzzy pub and one of the most popular drinking spots in the area. It's a modern and colourful venue with a bold sense of style. On the building's exterior you'll see specially-commissioned street art, whilst it's cosy and vibrant inside with a traditional tiled bar. Caribbean food is served here in addition to drinks.

Head to Soho for a drink at The Sun & 13 Cantons. The pub has a smart dark-coloured exterior and it's traditional inside – think tiled floors, a weathered wooden bar, and a dining space with mirrors and vibrant green wall tiles. Food comes from rotating kitchen pop-ups showing off global cuisines, plus there's a big choice of drinks.

Gastropub The Pig & Butcher has been open in Islington since the 1800s. Inspired by farmhouse tables, this bright venue has a distinctive rustic appearance, including in its private dining room. The food menu changes daily and is always prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients. The drinks list includes small-batch wines, local craft beers, and fine spirits.

Ye Olde Swiss Cottage was built in 1804 and lends its name to the surrounding area. The building is easy to spot – it's a distinctive Swiss chalet. It's a quiet and peaceful escape with a cosy feel. The traditional interior features plenty of wood. Samuel Smith's beers are served, including an alpine lager to get you into the spirit.

The Princess Royal is a renowned gastropub in West London that opened in 2022. The food showcases Mediterranean flavours and quality British ingredients, as well as a complete range of drinks. This appealing venue has a plush contemporary interior with luxurious furnishings. Boutique guest rooms are available here as well.

The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is a traditional pub on the banks of the Thames. It has a timeless style, with the walls crammed with framed paintings and photographs. Weathered furniture and wooden beams give this place a classic feel. There's also a spacious terrace that's ideal for admiring those river views. Drinks and pub grub are available.

Set in a backstreet near Charing Cross, The Ship & Shovell is an intriguing pub set in two separate spaces across the street from each other and connected by an underground tunnel. You'll soon spot the vibrant red exterior with painted barrels outside. Inside the pub, it's wholly traditional. The pub also has its own exclusive beer range.

Based at upmarket hotel The Langham, The Wigmore is a stylish and luxurious pub with walls in a rich shade of green. The bar features intricate patterned tiling and the red leather furniture contrasts with the colour of the walls. Visit for drinks or sample upscale takes on pub classics, with food overseen by Michel Roux Jr.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has been around for centuries, even pre-dating the Great Fire in 1666. This renowned venue has a rich past and has hosted some notable historical figures. This dimly-lit venue has heaps of atmosphere and a smart timeless interior. Carefully-sourced pub grub and exclusive beers are served here.

Open in Maida Vale since 1856, The Prince Alfred is a strong example of a classic Victorian-era pub. This noteworthy venue has an intricate style and retains many of its impressive original features. Enjoy the historic surroundings of this bright venue whilst sampling drinks including cocktails and cask ales, as well as tempting pub food.

Known as a party spot in Islington, The Old Queens Head is a lavish pub with statues and vibrant turquoise tiling at the bar, a detailed carved ceiling, and imposing framed paintings. This pub is lively and inclusive with lots happening. Visit for a drink, try a burger from the kitchen, or join events like quizzes, gigs, and karaoke.

Located in Covent Garden, Mr Fogg's Tavern is a quirky pub that's full of curiosities and artefacts that give the place a unique look. Settle in underneath the Union Jack bunting and admire the space whilst you enjoy a drink or global pub grub. Cocktails and punches are a speciality here.

Riverside pub The Duke's Head is located in leafy Putney. It's a classic establishment with a bright and airy look throughout, with large windows, gentle colours, and furniture upholstered with vibrant fabrics. This pub serves a varied choice of drinks in addition to hearty British cooking, including Sunday roasts. Refined private spaces for special occasions are available too.

Located in Holborn, Cittie of York is a Grade II listed pub that was built in the 1920s, although a pub has stood on this spot for hundreds of years. Inside it's full of dark wood, beams, high ceilings, and is known for its unusually long bar. This Samuel Smith pub offers budget-friendly exclusive drinks at the bar and has a peaceful atmosphere.