For those who appreciate the unique flavors and craftsmanship of traditional real ale, London is a paradise with a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just looking to explore the world of cask ales, the capital city has a wide variety of real ale pubs to satisfy your cravings.
From cozy traditional pubs to trendy craft beer bars, there is something for everyone in London's vibrant real ale scene. With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for your next pint. That's why we've compiled a list of the best real ale pubs in London to help you narrow down your options and find the perfect spot for your next ale adventure.
So without further ado, here is a curated list of The 16 Best Real Ale Pubs in London for you to explore and enjoy!
Our ranking of real ale pubs in London is editorial. It combines public reputation, how focused each business is on this service and the information it gives about its work.
Featured positions are clearly marked and only offered to businesses that already earned their place in the guide.
Each option links to its full entry below.
#1Cask beer
Rotating cider selection
Near Trafalgar Square
The Harp, Covent Garden serves cask beer alongside a rotating selection of ciders, giving drinkers two reasons to stop near Trafalgar Square. Its traditional interior and casual atmosphere suit a drink with a group, while food is also available for those who want something to eat during their visit.
#2Sunday roast
Magic shows
Live performances
Sunday roast and magic shows give Old Shades a distinct combination of food and entertainment. This London pub also hosts live performances, making it an option for a meal with something happening alongside it. The cosy setting suits a leisurely visit, with a food selection that extends beyond the Sunday roast.
#3Real ales
Toasties and pork pies
Tucked down narrow alleys
Reached through narrow alleys, Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn combines a historic pub setting with real ales and straightforward food. Toasties, pork pies and scotch eggs make it a useful stop for a pint and a bite. There is outdoor seating as well as space inside, where the old-world surroundings are part of the appeal.
#4Craft beer selection
Bar food
Live performances
Craft beer is the main draw at Cask Pub & Kitchen, with bar food available for those planning to eat as well as drink. Live performances add another reason to visit this London pub. Its casual, cosy setting lends itself to settling in over a beer and a meal.
#5Cocktails
Pub food
The Kings Arms offers food and drinks in central London, with cocktails among the choices at the bar. Its cosy, casual atmosphere suits meeting friends or family for a meal, or stopping for a drink. Outdoor seating provides another option for where to spend a visit to the pub.
#6Live music and performances
Upstairs private party room
Live music and an upstairs private room give The Queens Head scope for both an evening out and a party. The London pub combines traditional and modern elements in a casual setting. For anyone arranging a gathering, the separate room is a useful distinction from simply meeting friends for drinks in the main pub.
#7Selection of ales
Quiz nights
Live performances
The Royal Oak brings together ales, food and organised entertainment in a traditional London pub setting. Quiz nights offer a reason to gather a team, while live performances provide another focus for an evening visit. It also serves as a place for an after-work drink or a meal with friends.
#8Real ales and craft beers
Cider selection
Outdoor garden area
The Euston Tap offers real ales, craft beers and ciders in a small London pub with an unusual use of space. An outdoor garden area gives drinkers somewhere to sit in sunny weather. The beer selection makes it a relevant stop for those choosing a pub around what is on the bar.
#9Ale and cider tasting flights
Cider-battered fish and chips
Just off Spitalfields Market
Williams Ale & Cider House offers a way to sample its selection with a flight of three third-pints for the price of a pint. Food includes cider-battered fish and chips, whitebait and burgers. Just off Spitalfields Market, the pub also has dart boards for those who want a game alongside their drinks.
#10Dates back to 1602
Classic and contemporary pub food
Small historic interior
The Seven Stars is a charming Pub located in London, United Kingdom. This historic establishment, dating back to 1602, offers a delightful escape into a world where traditional pub charm meets a quirky, inviting atmosphere. Patrons praise the well-kept selection of beers and the friendly bartenders who add to the pub's warm ambiance. The food, reasonably priced, ranges from classic pub fare to more contemporary dishes, satisfying a variety of tastes. Visitors often remark on the pub's unique decor and the quiet, lovely setting that makes it a worthwhile visit, even if it's a bit more expensive than other bars. It's the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a slice of London's history while sipping on a quality pint.
#11Craft beer selection
Ciders and spirits
Craft beers, ciders and spirits form the drinks selection at The Craft Beer Co. St Mary Axe. The casual, cosy London pub suits either a solo drink or time spent catching up with friends. Reservations are accepted, giving those who prefer to plan their visit an option to arrange it ahead.
#12Gammon and egg
Fish and chips
Old wooden panelling
Gammon and egg and fish and chips are among the food choices at Bricklayers Arms, alongside beer, wine and spirits. Old wooden panelling shapes the interior of this London pub. Its quiet, casual atmosphere makes it an option for a meal with friends or a drink at the weekend.
#13Home-brewed beers
Sports viewing
Bar games
Home-brewed beers give Temple Brew House a specific draw for drinkers, with ciders and cocktails also available. Food makes it possible to stay for a meal, while sports viewing and bar games offer something to do alongside a pint. The London pub has a cosy setting for spending an evening.
#14Happy-hour drinks
Live performances
Small traditional pub
Cask & Glass has the feel of a traditional village pub in London, serving beers, spirits and happy-hour drinks. Live performances offer an additional reason to stop for a drink. The pub is small, so finding a seat can be difficult at busy times, a practical consideration when planning a visit.
#15Central Fitzrovia location
Varied beer selection
Food menu
In the heart of Fitzrovia, The Newman Arms offers a varied beer selection alongside a hearty food menu. Cocktails are also available for those choosing something other than beer. The cosy pub suits a pint or a meal, and accepts reservations for visitors who want to make arrangements before arriving.
#16Near Piccadilly
Open fires
Dark wood interior
Near Piccadilly, Red Lion pairs a selection of beers with an interior of dark wood and oaken boards. Open fires add to the old-world setting, giving the surroundings as much of a role in a visit as the drinks. It suits a stop for a beer in a pub with a historic atmosphere.
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | The Harp, Covent Garden | 4.6 | 3,159 | Cask beer and cider drinkers |
| #2 | Old Shades | 4.6 | 2,787 | Sunday lunch with entertainment |
| #3 | Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn | 4.6 | 2,521 | Ale and traditional pub snacks |
| #4 | Cask Pub & Kitchen | 4.6 | 2,434 | Craft beer with food |
| #5 | The Kings Arms | 4.6 | 773 | Drinks and a casual meal |
| #6 | The Queens Head | 4.5 | 1,550 | Parties and live music |
| #7 | The Royal Oak | 4.5 | 831 | Ales and pub quizzes |
| #8 | The Euston Tap | 4.4 | 2,877 | Beer and cider outdoors |
| #9 | Williams Ale & Cider House | 4.4 | 1,069 | Sampling ales and ciders |
| #10 | The Seven Stars | 4.4 | 1,034 | Drinks in a historic setting |
| #11 | The Craft Beer Co. St Mary Axe | 4.4 | 806 | Craft beer with friends |
| #12 | Bricklayers Arms | 4.4 | 715 | Pub food and quiet drinks |
| #13 | Temple Brew House | 4.4 | 377 | House beers and bar games |
| #14 | Cask & Glass | 4.3 | 494 | Drinks in a compact pub |
| #15 | The Newman Arms | 4.3 | 299 | Beer and meals in Fitzrovia |
| #16 | Red Lion | 4.0 | 767 | Beers in old-world surroundings |
London is a haven for real ale enthusiasts, with a plethora of charming and cozy pubs scattered across the city. From traditional pubs steeped in history to trendy craft beer bars, there is a diverse range of options to choose from. Use this map to navigate through all the best real ale pubs in London and embark on a deliciously hoppy adventure. View Ranking
Real ale is a term used to describe beer that is brewed using traditional methods of fermentation in the cask. This means that the beer is unpasteurized, unfiltered, and carbonated naturally. It is distinct from other types of beer like keg beer or lagers, as it is conditioned in the container from which it is served.
A real ale pub is a pub that specializes in serving a wide selection of cask ales. These pubs often have a rotating selection of beers on tap, with a focus on local and independent breweries. They usually have hand pumps that the bartender uses to pour the beer directly from the cask.
In London, you can find real ale pubs scattered throughout the city. Areas like Shoreditch, Soho, and Camden are known for having a high concentration of pubs that serve real ale. You can also use websites like CAMRA's pub locator to find specific pubs that serve real ale in the city.
Drinking real ale has several benefits compared to other types of beer. Since it is unpasteurized and unfiltered, it retains more of its natural flavors and aromas. Real ale also tends to be lower in carbonation, making it smoother to drink. Additionally, supporting local breweries by drinking real ale helps to maintain a vibrant craft beer scene.
