London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [158]
Mayflower.
An atmospheric 17th-century riverside inn (rebuilt in the following century) with exposed beams and a terrace, this is practically the very place from which the Pilgrims set sail for Plymouth Rock in 1620. The pub has a jetty where customers can sit or opt to enjoy the quaint wood-beamed interiors, although its rooms can get quite packed with sightseers. | 117 Rotherhithe St., South Bank | SE16 4NF | 020/7237–4088 | Rotherhithe.
COVENT GARDEN
Harp.
This is the sort of friendly little local you might find on some out-of-the-way backstreet, except that it’s right in the middle of town, between Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. As a result, the Harp can get crowded, but the squeeze is worth it for the excellent real ales (there are usually eight traditional ales available, often featuring rare) and a no-frills menu of high-quality British sausages, cooked behind the bar. | 47 Chandos Pl., Covent Garden | WC2 4HS | 020/7836–0291 | Charing Cross.
Lamb & Flag.
This refreshingly un-gentrified 17th-century pub was once known as the Bucket of Blood because the upstairs room was used as a ring for bare-knuckle boxing. Now it’s a friendly—and bloodless—pub, serving food (lunch only) and real ale. It’s on the edge of Covent Garden, off Garrick Street. | 33 Rose St., Covent Garden | WC2E 9EB | 020/7497–9504 | Covent Garden.
White Hart.
This elegant, family-owned pub on Drury Lane is one of the best places to mix with cast and crew of the stage. A female-friendly environment, a cheery skylight above the lounge area, a late license, and above-average pub fare make the White Hart a particularly sociable spot for a drink. | 191 Drury La., Covent Garden | WC2B 5QD | 020/7242–2317 | www.whitehartdrurylane.co.uk | Holborn, Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Rd.
SOHO
French House.
In the pub where the French Resistance convened during World War II , Soho hipsters and eccentrics rub shoulders now with theater people and the literati—more than shoulders, actually, because this tiny, tricolor-waving, photograph-lined pub is almost always packed. Note that in French style, beer is served here in half-pints only. | 49 Dean St., Soho | W1D 5BE | 020/7437–2799 | www.frenchhousesoho.com | Tottenham Court Rd.
THE THAMES UPSTREAM
HAMMERSMITH
Blue Anchor.
This unaltered Georgian pub has been seen in the movie Sliding Doors and was the site where The Planets composer Gustav Holst wrote his Hammersmith Suite. Sit out by the river, or shelter inside with a good ale. | 13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith | W6 9DJ | 020/8748–5774 | www.blueanchorlondon.com | Hammersmith.
Dove Inn.
Read the list of famous ex-regulars, from Charles II and Nell Gwyn to Ernest Hemingway, as you wait for a beer at this smart, comely, and popular 16th-century riverside pub by Hammersmith Bridge. After a few pints you can practice your singing skills to the English patriotic song that was composed here, “Rule, Britannia!” If (as is often the case) the Dove is too full, stroll upstream along the bank to the Old Ship or the Blue Anchor. | 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith | W6 9TA | 020/8748–9474 | Hammersmith.
RICHMOND
Roebuck.
Perched on top of Richmond Hill, the Roebuck has perhaps the best view of any pub in London. The most sought-after seats are the benches found directly across the road, which look out over the Thames as it winds its way into the countryside below. Friendly and surprisingly unpretentious, given its lofty surrounds, it is well worth the long climb up the hill from the center of Richmond. | 130 Richmond Hill, Richmond | TW10 6RN | 020/8948–2329 | Richmond.
Previous Chapter | Beginning of Chapter | Next Chapter | Table of Contents
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Table of Contents
Bloomsbury | Soho | Fitzrovia | The East End | Chelsea | Knightsbridge | Notting Hill | Mayfair | St. James’s | Brixton | South Bank | Leicester Square | Covent Garden | Soho | Camden | Islington | Kentish Town | Little Venice | Westminster
As is true of nearly all cosmopolitan centers, the pace with which bars and clubs go in and out of fashion