What is the oldest pub in London?

Several pubs claim the title. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (rebuilt 1667), The Lamb and Flag (1623), and The Prospect of Whitby (1520) are among the oldest. The George Inn in Southwark is London's last galleried coaching inn.

Can you do a self-guided pub crawl in London?

Absolutely. The routes in this guide are all walkable and the pubs are easy to find. No booking is needed; just turn up. Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends.

Are London pubs expensive?

Expect to pay £6-7 for a pint in central London, slightly less in outer areas. Pubs are generally cheaper than bars and cocktail lounges. Real ales are often the best value.

London Pub Crawl Guide: Historic Pubs Worth Visiting

A guide to London's most historic and atmospheric pubs, with self-guided crawl routes across the city.

Updated: 24 March 2026

Why London Pubs are Special

London's pubs are not just places to drink. They are living history, community hubs, and some of the finest surviving examples of Victorian and Georgian architecture in the city. Many have been serving pints for centuries. Some were frequented by Dickens, Shakespeare, or Samuel Johnson. Others played roles in the Great Fire, the Blitz, or criminal underworlds. A pub crawl through London is a walk through history with a pint in hand.

Traditional English pub exterior with hanging flower baskets and warm lighting

The City and Fleet Street Route

This route follows the old newspaper quarter and the medieval City. Start at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (145 Fleet Street), rebuilt after the Great Fire in 1667 and frequented by Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens. The vaulted cellar bars are atmospheric. Walk east to The Black Friar (174 Queen Victoria Street), an Art Nouveau masterpiece with bronze reliefs and marble mosaics. Continue to The Lamb Tavern in Leadenhall Market, a traditional City pub in one of London's most beautiful buildings.

The Southwark and Bankside Route

Cross the river to explore pubs along the historic south bank. The George Inn (77 Borough High Street) is London's last surviving galleried coaching inn, now owned by the National Trust. Dickens drank here and mentioned it in Little Dorrit. Nearby, The Anchor Bankside has Thames views and claims a connection to Shakespeare's Globe (the original was next door). Walk along to The Old Thameside Inn beneath Southwark Cathedral for riverside seating with a view of Tower Bridge.

Thames riverbank path near Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral in London

The Hampstead and Highgate Route

For a more relaxed, village-like pub crawl, head to Hampstead. The Holly Bush is a Grade II listed pub tucked away on a quiet hill, with low ceilings, wooden settles, and an open fire. The Flask in Highgate Village is named after the flasks of spring water sold here in the 18th century. Between the two, walk across Hampstead Heath for one of the best views of the London skyline from Parliament Hill.

Guided Pub Tours

If you want a guide who knows the stories behind each pub, a guided pub tour is a brilliant night out. Tours typically visit 4-5 historic pubs over 3 hours, with the guide providing context about the architecture, history, and famous drinkers at each stop. Some tours include a drink at each stop; others are walk-only with drinks purchased separately.

Book a Historic Pub Walking Tour on GetYourGuide

Pub Etiquette and Tips

A few things to know about London pub culture:

You order and pay at the bar, not at your table (some pubs now have app ordering too)
Tipping is not expected, but saying "and one for yourself" to the bartender is a traditional way to tip
A "round" means you buy drinks for your group; someone else buys the next round
Most pubs stop serving at 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends
Sunday lunch (a roast dinner) at a good pub is a quintessential British experience
"Real ale" is traditional cask-conditioned beer, served slightly warmer than lager

For more local knowledge, check out our local tips page or our food guide for the best places to eat nearby.