Top 10 Cosy Pubs in London
There’s little more comforting than sinking into an armchair in front of an open fire on a chilly day, and London boasts some seriously cosy pubs that are perfect for a visit in Autumn and Winter
By Clare Dentith | Updated Aug 15 2024
There is a whole medley of cosy pubs and bars to choose from across London depending on what you’re after – some with live music; many with fires; most serving food; and then there are quick nights, board games, beer gardens, and craft ales to consider. So before the bell rings for last orders, here’s culturecalling’s low-down of the best across London.
The Flask, Highgate
The Flask is a well-known ‘North London institution’. Dating back to 1663, it sits unobtrusively at the back of Highgate’s main street and gets its name from the flasks that people used to collect water in from the springs across Hampstead and Highgate.
It’s a cosy, family-(and dog-) friendly pub today with an authentic fireplace adding to the atmosphere. It offers a broad pub menu featuring refined pub classics crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients including Salt-baked beetroot tartare, Brazilian mixed seafood stew, and the usual pub favourites – sausage and mash, fish and chips and a varied Sunday roast line-up.
Chesham Arms, Homerton
The Chesham Arms is as cosy as they get. Tucked away in a side street off Hackney High street with exposed brickwork, heavy wooden furniture, 2 fireplaces and rotational beers on draught and cask, this pub places the community at its heart.
It doesn’t take bookings (so it always has tables for its locals) and it has a small menu featuring pies and bar snacks - and they don’t mind if you bring in your own pizza, so we would go for a delivery from the the amazing Yard Sale Pizza.
The Albion, Islington
This elegant Georgian pub, nestled in a quiet corner of a Georgian square situated well off the hectic Islington high street, is popular - with its wood-panelled interior, burning log fires and hearty Sunday roasts, The Albion is the perfect North London spot for a romantic date on a chilly day. The menu serves up posh pub takes on the usual dishes and a wide variety of tempting starters, including whipped goat’s curd, artichoke and pomegranate molasses, smoked mackerel pate and crispy ham hock terrine with gooseberry & radish. Yum!
The Elgin, Ladbroke Grove
This is a stylish British gastro pub in the heart of Notting Hill. Situated at the top of the infamous Portobello Road market between Ladbroke Grove and Holland Park, the large light-filled pub befits its neighbourhood. Its extensive bar fills one wall of the pub; there’s a good beer range and the Elgin’s mixologists whip up a mean cocktail.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty classic, or a mouth-watering Sunday roast, The pub caters to all occasions. We like the braised lamb filo pie and pork apple sausages with goat’s cheese mash potato.
No.32 The Old Town, Clapham
A cosy neighbourhood London bar and restaurant with great views over Clapham Common from its first floor roof terrace. It feels like you could be sitting in the middle of Paris with its long leather benches, small wooden tables and black and white floor tiles. It has a great bustling vibe, live DJ sets and you can see why it’s popular with the locals. It serves up everything from breakfast & all-day brunch on the weekends to Sunday Roasts.
The Queen’s, Primrose Hill
A beautiful and popular pub in the heart of Primrose Hill that’s perfect for cosying up after a stroll in the park. Their head chef, Hannah, prepares great twists on British dishes across the seasons, including The Prince Regent’s chicken and tarragon Pie, a selection of large sharing platters and Sunday roasts using the finest cuts of meat and goose fat roasties. Yum!
Drayton Arms, Kensington
Standing proud and stately on Old Brompton Road, The Drayton Arms is a lovingly restored iconic London pub in West London. Think big sofas, big fire, and a solid menu that serves up big Sunday roasts. They also deliver wonderful seasonal dishes including wild boar, pork & ale sausages, plant based burgers, a rack of lamb, and, of course, a cheesy burger. There’s an exceptional range of cask ales, craft beers, fine wines and artisan spirits to wash it down with.
The Grazing Goat, Marylebone
This is a cool and cozy pub and hotel in well-healed Marylebone. Think stripped-back wooden tables, large windows and an outside canopy for those long summer evenings. There’s a buzzy atmosphere but always space to sip on a glass of something in a quiet corner and watch the world go by or crack the back on a new book. The menu has the usual pub food favourites, but wonderfully decadent additions.
Old Queen’s Head
The Old Queen’s Head is a well-adorned establishment on Essex Road, lavishly decorated in a Victorian interior kinda style. Think original features - wooden floor, wooden tables, turquoise tiled bar, carved plaster ceiling and green wallpaper, with an imposing 17th-century fireplace now looming large over a lively crowd for comedy nights and live music. It’s probably not one for a sedate first date but it’s sure to brighten up a dark winter’s night.
Half Moon, Herne Hill
This is an imposing Grade II-listed pub and hotel in the heart of Herne Hill. It’s been restored to its former glory and combines classic charm with elegant modern sophistication. The stylish pub is perfect for a social night out and serves up classic dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. There’s a nice addition of a Sandwich menu (how very British), and a Sunday menu to choose from.