Raise Your Glass In London
Pubs are the heart of a neighbourhood. We all love a good pint of course, but it would not taste the same without the warm atmosphere, the wooden counters, the soothing noise of glasses being filled, the catching up with friends.
The Gun
Too little known, this excellent gastropub is a 10mn walk from the so busy Canary Wharf. A total change of atmosphere and you can feel your smile coming back as you get closer to it. In the summer, sit on the outside terrace with its view on the O2. It is the perfect place for a Sunday lunch – the menu is sure to make your mouth water from starter to dessert. Go for a Totanic beer or one of their signature cocktail: taste of Britain (with cherry compote, old Somerset Brandy, Heering cherry liqueur and Kentish sparkling wine) is a favourite!
Location:The Gun, 27 Coldharbour, Docklands, London, E14 9NS
Nag’s head
You will find no tourists here. Hidden away, a few streets away from Hyde Park, this tiny pub is covered in fascinating memorabilia from the last century, including a collection of wooden planes hanging from the ceiling. In the winter, choose the seats close tot the open fire and enjoy a beer served in the traditional mugs. The best thing? Mobile phones are not allowed and people chat and mix without the constant disruption of texts and ringing tones. Some would call it old-fashioned, I find it particularly soothing.
Location:Nag’s head, 53 Kinnerton St, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 8ED
The Dove
Fed up with Southbank? Walk along the Thames in Hammersmith instead until you reach the Dove. It is such an inviting stop with its terrace overlooking the river, the view on the beautiful Hammersmith Bridge. It prove quite an inspiring place too: : James Thomson is said to have written Rule Britannia at one of the tables, William Morris used to live next door and Graham Greene was a regular visitor. You will find a complete list of the famous visitors above the mantel. Who know, maybe you will be the next one on it!
Location:The Dove, 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA
The Rosendale
Family friendly pubs are a rarity in London. The Rosendale ticks all the right boxes: lovely tables outside, a separate play area for the little ones, finger-licking food. This stylish gastropub has a real passion for good food and seasonal products, making sure the menu changes every 6 weeks. Their wine list is worth stopping for too. You might find yourself coming for a Sunday lunch and still being there at dinner! The kind of pub you want as your local.
Location:The Rosendale, 65 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich, London, SE21 8EZ
The Avalon
You can only fall in love with the place – the dining room has a steampunk look , half Victorian, half modern, with gorgeous chandeliers and a glass roof bathing it in light. Victorian newspaper prints decorate the walls. You can mix it all – a perfect pint form the bar or very refined oysters, one their juicy burger and the perfect glass of wine. Make sure you come back in the summer when their garden opens up!
Location:The Avalon, 16 Balham Hill, London, SW12 9EB
The Windsor Castle
One of the little secrets in London and the place to take all your visiting friends. The walls are, as for the Nag’s head, covered in British memorabilia with one dedicated to the Royal Family. Every single detail can lead to a conversation with a total stranger and the place has a wonderful cheerfulness and timeless atmosphere. Oh, and it does great Thai food too.
Location:The Windsor Castle, 27 Crawford Place, Marylebone, London, W1H 4LJ
The Fox and Anchor
This historical pub once had a special licence to open early and serve breakfast to the Smithfield Market workers. It retains a timeless atmosphere with rich mahogany, brass, etched glass, embossed ceilings. Real ales are still served in pewter mugs but do have a look at their fabulous whisky list (40, no less) too.
Location:The Fox and Anchor, 115 Charterhouse Street, Smithfield, London, EC1M 6AA
Is your local pub an absolute gem? Or do you know of one really worth the detour? Share your tips with us!
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