Our pick of London's pubs

The Salusbury: stuff yourself then relax on their sofas

10 April 2012

Which? today publishes its guide to the best 1000 pubs up and down the country. Well, what do they know? We, at This is London, give you our pick of the capital's best boozers. Get in there and drink!

Central

Gordon’s Wine Bar, Villiers Street, Charing Cross
Not a pub as such, then anyone who knows Gordon’s knows why it’s great. Anyone who doesn’t …well, we’re not sure we should tell you. It gets pretty cramped for space in there!

The Salisbury Tavern, St. Martin's Lane
Great old-fashioned boozer for getting you in the mood on a Friday night after work. Beautiful old-fashioned mirrors decorate the walls. Punters are a mix of workers, heavy drinkers and tourists.

The Green Man, Riding House Street, north Soho.
Friendly pub with big screen TV and two pool tables upstairs, which are normally available and not reserved with a stack of pound coins as tall as a pint glass.

The Pillars Of Hercules, Greek Street, Soho
Always packed and always crowded, but it's right in the heart of Soho, near to loads of restaurants, and unlike many of the surrounding boozers, is not an unfeasibly trendy style bar where beers cost £6 a pint.

The Social, Little Portland Street, North Soho
A bit pricey, and it's impossible to have a conversation in, but it's a great place to go clubbing without actually going clubbing.

North

The Compton Arms, Compton Avenue, just off Highbury Corner
It's like a proper country pub hidden away in the heart of London. Please don't everyone go there.

The Engineer, Camden
Bare floors, big wooden tables, a wine list, and a lovely patio garden (with heaters) out back.

Mac Bar, Camden
Great for an afterwork pint on the way home. Then once you've changed into your gladrags come back and dance to the eclectic mix of tunes in the back bar.

The Salusbury, Queen's Park
Half bar half restaurant, this small dark and cosy gastro pub has great food and a nice wine list.

The Lock Tavern, Chalk Farm
Two floors, two terraces, DJs, fantastic roasts on Sundays, big worn leather sofas ... what more could you want?

South

The Bedford, Balham
Huge, has a roaring fire, serves fantastic food, and has a separate room for comedy nights/footy-watching. Has won several awards and deserves every last one of them.

The Crown and Greyhound, Dulwich
The perfect Sunday pub. Lots of rooms, big long bar with real ales on tap, weathered furniture, loads of papers and … good Sunday roasts. Also has a massive beer garden.

The Railway Tavern, Clapham
Always busy and bustling. Downstairs can get a little hairy but upstairs is far more mellow (and there are secret loos up there too). Good Thai food that's reasaonbly priced. Malcolm, the barman, can be a bit scary but deep down he's a big softie.

Masons Arms, Battersea, opposite Battersea Dogs' Home
Tucked under the railway line and a bone's throw from Battersea Dogs' Home, the Masons Arms has stripped wood floors, Chesterfield sofas and a long bar to prop up.

The Trafalgar, Greenwich
Beautiful views along the Thames and great Jazz on a Sunday afternoon make this a wonderful pub to visit after a stroll in the park. The restaurant serves great food too.

East

The Market Porter, opposite Borough Market.
An unspoiled old boozer in an unspoiled old corner of London. A constantly changing range of beers. And it's open at 6.30am.

British Queen, Wanstead.
Great for a pint, pizza, footy and old skool tracks.

Royal Inn On The Park, Hackney.
Hackney's finest cosy pub, smack bang next to Victoria Park, with loads of real ales on offer. Good for both summer afternoon and winter evening beers.

West

The White Swan, Riverside, Twickenham
Overlooking Eel Pie Island and with it's own pebble 'beach', the White Swan is the perfect urban riverside retreat. Great for Sunday lunch and BBQs in the summer.

The Oak, Westbourne Grove
A pub that’s allowed its food-serving side to take over and is actually bordering on a restaurant, but it’s busy, bustly atmosphere is very welcoming. The barn-style tables and large windows give it an airy Italian feel — a great place to spend a long lunch with a gang of friends.

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Bars And Pubs

Our pick of London's pubs

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