What to know: A traditional British pub remains the heart of London community life. Rather than settling for modern gastro chains, you can sit down for a memorable meal in the exact dining rooms where prime ministers, playwrights, and maritime captains dined centuries ago. Here are 7 historic pubs that combine authentic heritage with standout kitchens.
1. The Churchill Arms (Kensington)
Built in 1750, this pub is celebrated globally for its exterior facade decorated with thousands of live flowers. Winston Churchill’s grandparents were regular patrons here in the 19th century. Behind the traditional ale house at the front lies a light filled conservatory serving authentic Thai cooking, an innovative culinary partnership that has run successfully since the 1980s.
Address:
119 Kensington Church Street, London W8 7LN
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2. The George Inn (Borough)
Dating back to 1677, this is London’s sole surviving galleried coaching inn. Managed by the National Trust, it features timber framed courtyards once frequented by Charles Dickens, who referenced the inn in his novel Little Dorrit. Today the kitchen serves generous, traditional Sunday roasts featuring dry aged British beef and Yorkshire puddings.
Address:
75 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NH
Contact:
3. The Grapes (Limehouse)
Standing directly over the Thames waterfront since 1583, this riverside tavern survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. It is co owned by actor Sir Ian McKellen. The dining room upstairs serves classic beer battered line caught haddock, chips, and potted shrimp with direct water views.
Address:
76 Narrow Street, Limehouse, London E14 8BP
Contact:
4. Ye Olde Mitre (Holborn)
Hidden down an alleyway off Hatton Garden, Ye Olde Mitre was established in 1546 for the servants of the Bishop of Ely. Queen Elizabeth I famously danced around a cherry tree preserved within its foundations. Alongside cellar conditioned ales, the pub is famous for its warm artisan toasties, pork pies, and Scotch eggs.
Address:
1 Ely Court, Ely Place, London EC1N 6SJ
Contact:
5. The Black Friar (Blackfriars)
Built in 1875 on the site of a 13th century Dominican friary, this pub is an Art Nouveau masterpiece. Poet Sir John Betjeman led a successful campaign to save it from demolition in the 1960s. Inside, diners eat under marble reliefs, carved friars, and copper mosaics, choosing from a menu of hearty pies and braised meats.
Address:
174 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EG
Contact:
6. The Holly Bush (Hampstead)
Perched on a quiet gas lit lane in Hampstead village, this former 1790s assembly room retains roaring log fireplaces, polished brass, and original oak wood paneling. The kitchen focuses on refined seasonal British dishes, including slow cooked venison stew, pan roasted sea trout, and warm fruit crumbles.
Address:
22 Holly Mount, Hampstead, London NW3 6SG
Contact:
7. The Grenadier (Belgravia)
Tucked away on a cobblestone mews, this venue began life in 1720 as an officers mess for the 1st Foot Guards under the Duke of Wellington. Its low ceilings are covered in currency notes left by international visitors. The signature dish remains its tender Beef Wellington served with red wine jus.
Address:
18 Wilton Row, Belgravia, London SW1X 7NR
Contact:
