How London pubs work
The pub, short for public house, is central to British social life. In most pubs, there is no table service for drinks: you go to the bar, order and pay, and carry your drinks back. Rounds are common among groups, with each person taking a turn to buy for everyone.
Food is often ordered at the bar too, using your table number. Many pubs serve hearty meals, and a Sunday roast with all the trimmings is a weekend tradition worth trying.
Historic pubs
London has many pubs with centuries of history. In the City and around Fleet Street, you will find wood-panelled taverns rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, with low ceilings, creaking stairs and cellars that have hosted writers and journalists for generations.
Victorian pubs, with etched glass, carved wooden bars and ornate ceilings, are another highlight. Some still have their original partitioned bars, once designed to separate different classes of drinkers.
Riverside pints
On a sunny day, few things beat a drink by the Thames. Old pubs along the river in Wapping, Rotherhithe and Greenwich have terraces overlooking the water, while upstream areas such as Hammersmith and Richmond feel almost rural, with rowing boats passing by.
Get there early on warm evenings, as riverside tables fill quickly after office hours.
What to drink
Try cask ale, also called real ale, a traditional British beer served at cellar temperature and with gentle carbonation, pulled by hand pump. It tastes richer and softer than lager. London's craft brewing scene is also thriving, especially in railway arches in south and east London.
Beer is typically sold by the pint or half pint. If you are unsure, ask the bar staff for a taste before choosing; most are happy to help.
Pub food and Sunday roasts
Many London pubs have upgraded their kitchens in recent years, and gastropubs serve seasonal, ambitious menus alongside classic dishes. On Sundays, the roast dinner is the highlight: roast beef, lamb, chicken or pork with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and often a Yorkshire pudding. Popular pubs fill up quickly on Sunday afternoons, so it is wise to book a table. Families are welcome in many pubs during the day, though children may need to leave by a certain time in the evening, depending on the venue.
Good to know
- Order and pay at the bar unless you see table-service signs.
- Tipping bar staff is not expected, though it is appreciated.
- Many pubs get busy just after work on weekdays, so go early or late.