London Pubs

The pub has been the cornerstone of the British community for hundreds of years.

Right now, however, things are tough for British pubs – and they’re closing at the rate of more than 50 every week (so enjoy it while they’re plentiful!).

The beauty of the pub is in the variety on offer. There are pubs which specialize in serving good food (known as “gastro pubs”), pubs which are great for families, there are chain pubs, independent pubs, “locals” (pubs which have a very regular and local customer-base), pubs that put on bands, pubs that hold quizzes, football (soccer) pubs, rugby pubs, pubs with accommodation, pubs with great beer gardens…the list goes on.

Pubs in Britain are enjoyed by drinkers and non-drinkers alike, and while all pubs serve a good range of famous-brand lagers, wines and spirits, if you want to try a wide range of “real ales” (cask ales or cask-conditioned beers), it’s best to do a little research before-hand, as most pubs serve at least one or two real ales while plenty others serve a good range (at least four).

Some of these beers are made by very small UK breweries and each has its own distinctive color and flavor (for example, some are malty, some hoppy, some fruity).

If you like beer generally, we heartily recommend the Great British Beer Festival, held every summer at Earls Court. This is a must for every beer drinker in London in the summer.

Pubs in England, Scotland and Wales all now have a fully-functional smoking ban in place, which means people can no longer smoke inside pubs (a designated smoking area is often provided).

Most pubs in England are well-furbished and many retain the Victorian features they’ve had for 100 years or more. Two such pubs in central London are fine examples – The Princess Louise on High Holborn and The Salisbury, in St Martin’s Lane, both of which are celebrated for their Victorian splendor.

Pubs are generally open every day of the week (although in some parts of London they are closed at weekends because all their business comes from local people who work close by between Monday and Friday). Normal opening hours are 11am to 11pm, although many have a late license, allowing them to stay open until 1 or 2am.

The legal age to be served and drink alcohol in a pub in England is 18 and, according to According to the British Beer & Pub Associations website:

“The licensee has overall discretion over whom he or she allows into the pub…Generally speaking, children are allowed to enter a pub unless it has a particular license condition that says children are not to be permitted.

The exception to this is if the pub is used “primarily or exclusively” for the supply and consumption of alcohol on the premises. In this case a child under the age of 16 is not permitted on the premises…unless they are accompanied by someone 18 or over.”