Traditional London Pubs

Cittie of York

A unique London pub, the Cittie of York is a Grade II listed building full of nooks and crannies. Step into the dark, panelled front bar and make your way through to the rear of the pub. There's a great hall with a high roof, and the large wine vats by the entrance reportedly hold up to 1,000 gallons each! Take note of the fire in the middle of the room, which has no chimney. Instead, its flue is diverted underground and out of a pipe on the wall. There is also a cellar bar.

Dog and Duck

This Grade II listed building is in the heart of Soho. The well-preserved Victorian interior of the Dog and Duck provides all the atmosphere you would expect of an London pub. A wide range of guest ales is available. Tiles and mirrors line the ornate interior and there is a small bar upstairs – good for people-watching in the street below.

The Eagle

The Eagle is a traditional-looking London pub still retaining many original features. Choose from a range of premium lagers and specialist beers including Kuppers Kolsch and Strawberry Fruli and tasty dishes such as 8oz Aberdeen Angus burger in a bun with cheddar and wedges. It has a lovely beer garden too, with climbing ivy sweeping the outside walls. It even makes an appearance in the nursery rhyme, "Pop Goes The Weasel".

The George Inn

The only remaining galleried coaching inn in London, the George in Borough now belongs to the National Trust. This London pub can be traced back to 1542, although it is probable that an inn stood on that spot even earlier. Whilst in London, Shakespeare lived and worked in Southwark, so it's thought likely that he'd have been one of its patrons; he may even have played there. There are 4 bars downstairs with a restaurant serving traditional food upstairs. In the winter, snuggle up in the cosy bar area, and enjoy the outside sun in the summer.

Gordon's Wine Bar

Just round the corner from Charing Cross, Gordon's is reported to be London's oldest wine bar. Something of a London institution, it's really atmospheric; no wine aficionado should miss it! Duck into the darkened cellar, lit only by candles in old wine bottles, and you step back to Victorian times. The bar sells a wide selection of wines from around the world. It also offers port and sherry decanted from barrels above the bar. Traditional pub grub is also available and there is outside seating in the summer.

The Lamb

Both this London pub and the street it's on take the name of philanthropist William Lamb. The Lamb was built in the early 18th century, improved in Victorian times and remains a good Victorian pub to this day. Serving good beer and food, it's popular with locals. The bar features remnants of old Victorian times and the rare snob screens are still there. These would once have hidden a drinker's identity at the bar. Other artefacts from the period are also scattered throughout the pub.

The Trafalgar

Greenwich is home to some of London's best attractions including this wonderful London pub. The Trafalgar is a riverside pub built in about 1837. Alongside other Greenwich pubs, it became famous for its whitebait suppers. Whitebait is still served today, as is a selection of other British staples. More than 1,000 original prints marking Greenwich's rich heritage line the pub's walls.