Old School London Pubs
- The Old Nun’s Head –15 NUNHEAD GREEN, LONDON SE15 3QQ
020 7639 4007
HELLO@NUNSHEAD.PUB
A vibrant South London local that blends old-school pub charm with a proudly inclusive community spirit. Known for its rotating kitchen takeovers, lively queer-friendly cabaret nights and famously welcoming atmosphere, the Old Nun’s Head is a home for locals, drag performers and dog-walkers alike. Its cosy interior, sprawling back garden and eccentric touches—like the unexpected Britney shrine—make it a social hub that feels both traditional and joyfully eccentric.
- Coach & Horses – Soho
A legendary Soho haunt with journalism in its blood, the Coach & Horses embodies the slightly chaotic, threadbare glamour of old London. Once home to notorious landlord Norman Balon and a favourite of Private Eye writers, it remains a place where mischief, character and storytelling come as naturally as a pint at the bar. Wood-panelled walls, an authentic atmosphere and the lingering spirit of Jeffrey Bernard make this a true institution in the heart of Soho.
- Prince Edward – Holloway
A classic North London neighbourhood pub with a straightforward, no-nonsense charm. The Prince Edward has long served as a reliable meeting point for locals, offering a welcoming bar, traditional décor and the kind of unpretentious warmth that defines a true community boozer. Its laid-back character and lived-in feel make it a reassuring constant in Holloway’s ever-changing landscape.
- Shakespeare’s Head – Islington
Sitting just off the bustle of Islington’s main drag, Shakespeare’s Head is a traditional London pub that balances historic character with local buzz. With a reliable pint selection and a friendly atmosphere, it offers a comfortable retreat for after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups or laid-back sessions in its roomy interior. A solid example of a dependable, old-fashioned pub in one of North London’s trendier neighbourhoods.
- The Britannia Tavern – Shoreditch – 94 Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QR
One of Shoreditch’s last proper old boozers, The Britannia holds onto its East End soul despite the area’s transformation. Expect stripped-back charm, characterful regulars and the sense that the pub hasn’t bent too far to Shoreditch’s hipster tide. It’s the kind of pub where the staff remember your order, the conversation flows easily and the atmosphere feels authentically London.
- Warrington Hotel – Maida Vale (W9)
A true Victorian gem, the Warrington is a grand Grade II–listed gin palace adorned with stained glass, marble fittings and ornate detailing. Its lavish interior makes drinking here feel like stepping into a bygone era, while its modern events—quizzes, karaoke, rugby screenings—keep the place lively. A rare blend of opulence, history and neighbourhood friendliness.
- The Pocket – Islington
A tiny, intimate neighbourhood drinking hole with a cultish local following, The Pocket is all about atmosphere. Warm, dim lighting, vintage décor and a compact bar create a cosy hideaway perfect for quiet pints, whispered conversations and unhurried evenings. It feels like a secret pub you stumble upon and immediately want to keep to yourself.
- Old Coffee House –
- 49 Beak Street, London, GB W1F 9SFPhoneHours
- Thu 11–23h
- Fri 11–23h
- Sat 11–23h
- Sun 12–22:30h
- Mon 11–23h
- Tue 11–23h
A proper, old-fashioned Soho pub with roots stretching back through the district’s colourful history. The Old Coffee House retains its traditional look and feel, with dark wood interiors, a slightly eccentric layout and the sense that generations of Londoners have passed through for after-work pints or late-night stories. A rare survivor in central London that still feels genuinely old school.
- Pride of Spitalfields – Spitalfields, 3 Heneage St, E1 5LJ
A tiny, family-run free house hidden just off Brick Lane, the Pride of Spitalfields is beloved for its warm welcome and classic East End atmosphere. With its piano, regulars’ banter and resident pub cat, it feels like stepping into a local from several decades ago. Its small size only enhances the charm: it’s intimate, friendly and seriously into its real ale.
- Angie’s Freehouse – Maida Vale 33-35 Woodfield Place
W9
W9 2BJPhone: 02072861882
A fiercely independent freehouse with a loyal following, Angie’s is a warm, characterful pub that favours good beer, good conversation and a strong neighbourhood spirit. Its slightly scruffy charm, eclectic décor and community-driven vibe mark it out as a proper local in an increasingly polished area.
- The Cockpit – City of London 7 St. Andrew’s Hill
London, England, EC4V 5DE
United Kingdom
One of the City’s most historic pubs, reputedly built on the site of an old cockfighting pit. The Cockpit retains a beautifully compact, wood-lined interior complete with a small balcony level that hints at its unusual past. A charming refuge from the corporate bustle outside, it feels like a hidden slice of old London that has miraculously survived.
- Bradley’s Spanish Bar – Soho Tel: 02076360359
42 – 44 Hanway Street
W1T 1UT London
Mon – Thur : 12:00 – 23:30
Fri – Sat: 12:00 – 00:00
Sun : 12:00 – 22:00
A much-loved den of red neon, old jukeboxes and late-night energy, Bradley’s is a tiny Spanish-influenced bar with huge personality. Packed, loud and atmospheric, it’s the sort of place where strangers become friends over Estrella, vermouth or a classic jukebox track. A Soho favourite for decades and a true cult venue.
- The Duke – Bloomsbury
A friendly, laid-back pub tucked into literary Bloomsbury, The Duke has a distinctly local feel despite its central location. Popular with students, academics and nearby residents, it offers a relaxed setting for unpretentious pints, easy conversation and the occasional themed night or event. Understated, cosy and reliably welcoming.
- The Old Ship
- Address:
17 Barnes Street, London E14 7NW - Phone:
Tel: 020 7791 1301 - Web:
oldship.net
alphonsus-jdf@hotmail.co.uk
Opening Hours
Monday: 12pm – 10pm Tuesday: 12pm – 11pm Wednesday: 12pm – 12am Thursday: 12pm – 11pm Friday: 12pm – 12am Saturday: 12pm – 12am Sunday: 12pm – 12am - Address:
A charming traditional pub that embraces the nautical character suggested by its name. Expect dark woods, maritime touches and an atmosphere that feels reassuringly old-world. It’s a classic local where the focus is on good beer, simple pleasures and a comfortable, friendly environment.
- The Blue Posts
Monday 11.30 – 23.00
Tuesday 11.30 – 23.00
Wednesday 11.30 – 23.00
Thursday 11.30 – 23.00
Friday 11.30 – 23.00
Saturday 11.30 – 23.00
Sunday 11.30 – 22.30
One of London’s best-known names—several pubs share it—but all versions share the same DNA: traditional interiors, reliable pints, and a deep, slightly worn character that instantly feels familiar. Whichever Blue Posts you wander into, the charm lies in its classic London pub feel and its mix of regulars, theatre-goers and locals.
- Lord Clyde 27 Clennam Street, Borough, London
+44 20 7407 5643Monday12:00 – 23:00Tuesday12:00 – 23:00Wednesday12:00 – 23:00Thursday12:00 – 23:00Friday12:00 – 23:00Saturday12:00 – 23:00Sunday12:00 – 20:00
A proper old boozer named after the Victorian military figure, the Lord Clyde has the look and feel of a pub that hasn’t changed in decades. Expect no-nonsense service, long-time regulars and a comforting atmosphere built around solid pints and traditional décor.
- The Ship
Mon ~11:30 – 22:00
Tues-Fri ~ 11:30 – 23:00
Weekends ~ Closed
(Private Hire Only)Address
3 Hart Street
Off Mark Lane
London
EC3R 7NB
A maritime-themed neighbourhood pub that leans into its nautical spirit with warmth and charm. The Ship is welcoming, relaxed and unpretentious, making it a favourite for easy-going evenings, casual drinks and long chats around the bar.
- The Kings Head – Finsbury Park https://www.timeout.com/london/bars-and-pubs/the-kings-head-4
A warm and friendly North London pub with heaps of local character. Known for its welcoming community vibe, dependable beer and straightforward setting, The Kings Head is the kind of pub where people pop in for one and end up staying for three.
- Prince of Wales – Brixton
A lively Brixton landmark that mirrors the area’s multicultural energy. The Prince of Wales mixes old-school boozer DNA with a dynamic events scene, often attracting a crowd that spans generations. It feels vibrant, expressive and unmistakably South London.
- Maggie’s Bar
A quirky, personality-packed bar with a loyal local following, Maggie’s is the kind of place where the decor is mismatched, the regulars are chatty and the atmosphere is effortlessly fun. A true community hangout with bags of charm.
- Shepherd & Flock – Shepherd’s Bush
A proper West London local with a long history and a down-to-earth atmosphere. The Shepherd & Flock is known for its friendly regulars, classic layout and genuine pub feel that resists the pull of modern over-styling. A simple, honest boozer.
- Nags Head – Knightsbridge
A rare traditional pub hidden in one of London’s most upscale neighbourhoods, the Nags Head has an eccentric, lived-in charm that feels worlds away from nearby luxury boutiques. Its old-world ambience, eclectic character and fiercely independent spirit make it a Knightsbridge oddity in the best possible way.
- The Olde Apple Tree – Peckham
A classic Peckham pub with heritage charm and a strong community focus. The Olde Apple Tree retains the feel of a traditional South London boozer—warm, casual and unpretentious—with characterful locals and a comforting sense of continuity.
- French House – Soho
A legendary Soho institution famous for its bohemian clientele, half-pint policy and strict no-phones, no-music rules. The French House is intimate, atmospheric and steeped in history—from Charles de Gaulle to artists, actors and writers who still favour its walls today. A rare slice of timeless Soho.
- The Heron – Paddington
A compact West London local known for its unfussy charm and mix of travellers and longtime neighbourhood drinkers. Its tucked-away location and straightforward décor make it a welcoming little hideout away from the bustle of Paddington’s transport hubs.
- George Tavern – Stepney Green (E1)
A 600-year-old pub and legendary live-music venue, the George Tavern is a historic East London landmark with deep artistic roots. Once mentioned by Dickens and Chaucer, today it remains a hub for emerging musicians, performance artists and creatives. Atmospheric, slightly wild and full of history.
- The Gowlett – Peckham
A beloved community pub known for its laid-back vibe, real ales and famously good pizzas. The Gowlett has a timeless, wood-panelled charm, a friendly mix of locals and a strong musical streak thanks to its vinyl nights and relaxed Sunday DJs. A quintessential SE15 hangout.
- Bank of Friendship – Highbury
A warm, friendly neighbourhood pub with the atmosphere of a true North London local. Known for its sociable beer garden and casual vibe, it’s the kind of boozer where everyone ends up talking to strangers and the name genuinely reflects the experience.
- Southampton Arms – Gospel Oak (NW5)
A cult favourite dedicated to ale, cider and meat, the Southampton Arms is one of London’s last truly uncompromising boozers. With a cash-only bar, a resolutely old-school interior and a raucously democratic atmosphere, it’s a joyous throwback to proper pub culture—vinyl on the stereo, piano nights, no frills.
- The Cow – Notting Hill
A fashionable but deeply characterful gastropub that somehow manages to blend oyster-and-Guinness chic with a warm, lived-in atmosphere. The Cow attracts locals, foodies and the occasional celebrity, but still feels like a real pub at heart. Vibrant, bustling and unmistakably Notting Hill.
- The Victoria – Bermondsey
A classic Bermondsey local with Victorian charm and a loyal crowd. The Victoria has an understated, traditional feel that offers a refreshing break from the area’s more modern beer spots. Solid, dependable and full of character.
- The Lamb – Holloway Road
A handsome Victorian pub with a strong sense of history and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The Lamb’s ornate features, friendly regulars and comfortable layout make it an appealing spot for long afternoons or hass-free evening pints. A North London favourite.
- Marquis of Lorne – Brixton
A lively, colourful Brixton pub with buckets of personality. The Marquis of Lorne feels distinctly local, mixing traditional boozer aesthetics with a playful energy that suits the area perfectly. Expect character, warmth and a spirited, diverse crowd.
