lemiCultures and traditions converge in the United Kingdom. Explore the amalgamation of old and new.
Cheers, Bruv!
London
Pubs are iconic institutions and after-work havens where Londoners wind down over pints of beer and light plates of food. Bask in the friendly atmosphere granted by British hospitality as you say “Cheers!” at the city’s finest boozers. From Trafalgar Square all the way to Shoreditch, we raise our glasses to London!
Jump off Charing Cross Station and follow craft beer aficionados to The Harp! The traditional alehouse is quite easy to spot, with its colorful flower basket-adorned exterior and stained glass windows. Sample its nonpareil selection of classic cask ales and guest brews, as well as its assortment of ciders and perries from across the country. Going through the horde inside the cramped space may be a bit of a challenge, but it’ll all be worth it once you take your first swig of beer!
- +44 20 7836 0291
47 Chandos Place, London, United Kingdom
The London music scene convenes at The Lock Tavern, a favorite venue in Camden for live gigs and performances. Vibe to the sounds of the night’s resident DJs, independent artists, and other incredible acts. Order big-hitter beers or cocktails from their Bloody Mary menu along with small plates, mains, and afters from their Nanny Bill’s Pub Grub selection. Before rejoining the mosh pit, take a breather at the garden or the rooftop terrace for some fresh air.
- +44 20 7482 7163
35 Chalk Farm Road, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.lock-tavern.com/
The Jerusalem Tavern, housed in a building from the 1720s, exudes charm with its peeling wall paint, scuffed wood flooring, and abraded tables. The pub is tiny, which means you’ll need to call on Lady Luck to snag a seat inside (especially the coveted spot by the open fire). On the bright side, the side street makes it possible to drink outside with friends. The tap house is the only London outlet of Suffolk’s St. Peter’s Brewery, so expect a wide range of fruit- and whiskey-accented ales.
- +44 20 7490 4281
55 Britton Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/london-pub
Keep your eyes peeled for locals gathered in front of a green-tiled exterior to find The Owl & Pussycat. The trendy gastropub is the go-to watering hole of Shoreditch’s agency designers, so the place gets packed after work hours. Retreat to the al fresco area with your bottle of Red Stripe, a pint of ale, or a glass of wine for a laid-back afternoon. When you finish your drink, head upstairs for a delicious British feast at the spacious restaurant.
- +44 20 3487 0088
34 Redchurch Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://owlandpussycatshoreditch.com/
Popular with history buffs, Lamb & Flag tells stories of frequent visits from novelist Charles Dickens, poets getting beat up by hired thugs, and occasional bare-knuckle brawls. Times have changed, as violence is no longer a usual sight here, but the tavern’s interiors continue to call back an old-world allure. Situated in a prime location in Covent Garden, the pub draws a gaggle of locals and tourists looking for good brews. It’s always a busy night at Lamb & Flag!
- +44 20 7497 9504
33 Rose Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.lambandflagcoventgarden.co.uk/
Known as late singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse’s bar-of-choice, The Hawley Arms buzzes with a cool ambiance just as the Grammy Award-winning artist did. Take your Greene King beer with you, plop down on the comfy fireside sofa, and admire the rock and roll memorabilia that adorn the walls. The pub continues to host gigs, so keep an eye out online to see who’s playing next!
- +44 20 7428 5979
2 Castlehaven Road, London, United Kingdom
- http://www.thehawleyarms.co.uk
The French House is a long-standing London institution, with regulars the likes of former Prime Minister of France Charles de Gaulle, poet Dylan Thomas, and philosopher Francis Bacon. It may look like your stereotypical taphouse with fading photographs lining the wood-paneled walls, but discover the oddities that make it very un-pub-like: beers are served in half pints, food is only available during lunch, and mobile phone use is strictly prohibited. Engage in conversation with a diverse group of loyal locals who frequent the joint as you gulp down glass after glass from their collection of over 30 wines and champagnes.
- +44 20 7437 2477
49 Dean Street, London, United Kingdom
- http://www.frenchhousesoho.com
The quintessential English pub, The Mayflower is the oldest tavern on the River Thames. Slip into one of the church pews to admire the low ceilings accented by dark timber beams, the dangling mugs above the counter, and the forest of plants that make the place so enchanting. Bring your drink to the wooden deck out back for spectacular views of the river, and to spot the original mooring point of the Pilgrim Fathers’ Mayflower ship. They recently added a “Descendants Book,” which records all those who claim to be descendants of the historic ship passengers. Take a peek inside the pages—you may just be clinking glasses with some of them!
- +44 20 7237 4088
117 Rotherhithe Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.mayflowerpub.co.uk/
Drown in The Carpenter’s Arms’ impressive assortment of libations! Pick your poison from over 50 kinds of craft beers and cask ales, first-class wines from around the globe, or specially-made cocktails. The bar oozes with vintage charm, sprinkled with some modern touches. Sit back in a booth, and feel like a yob making secret deals. After all, the place used to be owned by the infamous gangster twins Reggie and Ronnie Kray.
- +44 20 7580 3186
68-70 Whitfield Street, London, United Kingdom
- http://thecarpentersarmsw1.co.uk
Stoke Newington natives loyally return to The Auld Shillelagh for a perfect pint of Guinness, done using a well-calculated science of pouring from keg to glass. Delight in the world-renowned stout while you take in the spirit of this distinctly Irish pub emanating from the roomy interior. There’s also an outdoor space for you to enjoy a pleasant afternoon under the sun with a cold one.
- +44 20 7249 5951
105 Stoke Newington Church Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://theauldshillelagh.co.uk/
Matching your beer to seafood is always a good idea; thankfully, The Cow gives the signature combo justice! Pair a masterfully poured glass of Guinness with the Irish gastropub’s menu of oysters, prawns, and fish. Slide up to the long narrow bar and appreciate its eccentric decor. Notice how the pretty murals, odd cow photos, signed Chelsea paraphernalia are pulled together by the red linoleum floors and yellowish ceilings to give the pub its overall relaxed vibe.
- +44 20 7221 5400
89 Westbourne Park Road, London, United Kingdom
- http://thecowlondon.co.uk
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