Looking for the perfect London Bridge pub for your next drink? These brilliant boozers have you covered.
London Bridge is a charming mishmash of great bars, cool markets, coffee shops and (of course) The Shard. But what about good old-fashioned pubs? Well, it has plenty of those too.
Here are the best pubs in the area for a swift drink after work, or a long lazy afternoon by the river..
The Best London Bridge Pubs
The Horniman at Hays
Everyone knows that Britain is famous for its tea and its pubs – so a pub in an old tea warehouse is about as British as it gets.
We’re talking about the Horniman at Hays, owned by Nicholson.
The building dates back to the 17th century, when it was an esteemed tea dealer’s factory. It was eventually tastefully converted into a pub, preserving many of the character-filled elements such as a beautiful big antique clock.
They have a classic British pub menu that has options from fresh salads to hearty burgers. That said, we’re intrigued by their pulled duck croquettes and apple & blackberry crumble.
There’s also beer and a generous selection of whiskey and gin to choose from at this cool riverside boozer which is the perfect stop-off when you’re exploring London Bridge’s many attractions.
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The George
Visiting a historic pub is on just about everybody’s London bucket list, and it doesn’t get much more historic than the Grade I listed pub, The George Inn.
It is the last galleried coaching inn in London, having hosted guests including Charles Dickens. Indeed, the great Victorian writer mentions the pub in his novel Little Dorrit!
So how old is it? Well, that’s a bit of a loaded question. Although the current building was built in 1677, it replaced an older pub that was destroyed in a fire. No one knows exactly how old that pub was, except that it was already on a map of the area created in 1543.
Eventually, the invention of trains stymied business at The George. In fact, rumour has it that the former landlord haunts the pub, still infuriated at those modern trains!
The food and beer are good, especially the chicken sharer – and they also have a separate gluten-free menu. However, the main draw here is the fantastic history, which you’ll feel as soon as you enter.
Gladstone Arms
If you’re looking for a friendly, family-run pub in the heart of busy London Bridge, you’ll love the Gladstone Arms.
Despite its prized location so close to the station, it retains the feel of a local rather than the transient nature of many railway pubs.
We love the regular calendar of live music, which features everything from Scottish folk music to electronica twice a week on Tuesday and Sunday. In addition, there’s an awesome beer garden and roof terrace that’s perfect when the weather’s good.
There’s also a great menu serving Anglo-Indian fusion dishes, such as the scrumptious Tikka Masala Pie and wonderful Amritsari chicken pao.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a pub with a decent selection of beer. There’s an ever-changing list of local real ales and craft beers, as well as a range of wine and gin.
The Anchor Bankside
If you sink a pint in this charming pub, you’ll be joining a very long list of punters who’ve enjoyed a tipple at the Anchor Bankside.
After all, a pub has existed in this location for some 800 years – making it one of London’s oldest pubs. Although the current version dates back to 1676 when it was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London.
The venue is the last remaining riverside tavern leftover from the days when London Bridge was the heart of the theatre district in London, and actors would frequently drink there between shows.
Its wooden interior and riverside location also made it a hit with river pirates and smugglers, who would hide their bounty in its walls.
Today, it’s a friendly pub serving great pub food, with British classics including bangers and mash and steak pie, or for vegans, a pretty awesome pulled mushroom chilli. There’s also a wide range of drinks available, from real ales to martinis.
The Old Thameside Inn
This is London Bridge, so a pub with an outdoor dining space overlooking the Thames is always going to be a hit in our book.
The Old Thameside Inn certainly delivers, with plenty of seating outside as well as indoors for when it’s chilly or rainy.
A former spice warehouse dating back to the 16th century, the remains of the once glorious Winchester Palace are just behind the pub along with the original Clink Prison, which adds to the overall atmosphere.
A Nicholson Pub, it serves mostly real ales and lagers as well as a selection of wine and spirits. The menu is full of tried and tested classics like fish and chips and yummy desserts like sticky toffee pudding. Sit outside and gaze at the full-size replica of The Golden Hind, the ship that took Sir Francis Drake on his travels in the late 16th century.
The Mudlark
The charming Mudlark is awesome, thanks to its exceptional location and friendly ambience.
Located just a stone’s throw from the tube station, this is an ideal place to stop and enjoy some post-work drinks. There’s generous seating indoors under the beams, as well as an outdoor area that is particularly delightful in summer.
Another Nicholson pub, the beer selection includes their house lager as well as a selection of others, including craft beers.
The menu is packed full of homestyle British classic comfort food including two types of fish and chips, as well as a generous selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Check out the nourish bowl salad that is perfect for a warm spring or summer day.
The Woolpack
There’s nothing like a pub that welcomes our four-legged friends too, and the Woolpack goes to great lengths to welcome dogs and humans alike.
In fact, it’s won several awards for the effort it’s put into making sure pooches feel just as welcome as their owners.
In addition, they have a cosy and welcoming beer garden that’s perfect for warmer weather, as well as a tasty menu that includes their signature Woolpack burger. They also do a mean full English breakfast for £10, but the cold meat sharing board is the one that really whets our appetite.
During the day, it’s a great stop for a casual bite, while at night it becomes quite the party hotspot. Whenever you go, you’re sure to have a great time – and probably meet some cute pups, too.
The Rake
There are plenty of old school boozers in London Bridge, but we love the Rake and its decidedly different approach.
When we say it’s cosy, we mean really cosy – after all, floor space comes at a premium in London! There’s a modest indoor area and bar, as well as a slightly more spacious (but certainly not palatial) beer garden out the back.
If you’re a beer drinker, then this is one of the best pubs around. It’s the absolute focus of The Rake, since it’s owned by Utobeer, beer specialists who started out with a stall in the nearby Borough Market.
You’ll find a dazzling selection of beer, with an emphasis on American craft beer. The menu is always changing and there’s only one rule, as expressed by the sign above the bar: “no crap on tap”.
Eat before you arrive though, this pub focuses on perfect pints rather than gorgeous grub.
The Barrowboy & Banker
It’s a little more glitz and glamour than your usual London watering hole, so The Barrowboy & Banker is perfect for a special occasion.
Of course, sometimes that ‘special occasion’ is simply that you’re in the mood for a good pint.
This pub is inside an old bank, and even though the pub underwent an extensive renovation in late 2017, they kept many of the original features including some charming rustic bank vaults.
The renovation also saw an overhaul of their menu, although it still focuses on dishing up a great pie & pint.
There are plenty of other goodies on offer though, including a stunning venison casserole and roasted sweet potatoes with rainbow chard, radicchio, and spiced puy lentil. Lovers of craft beer and gin will be spoiled for choice by the menu.
Best of all, most seats in the pub have a gorgeous view out over Southwark Cathedral. Not a bad view while you enjoy your beer!
Dean Swift
While some trends come and go in London, others stick around – take the concept of a “beer house”, for example.
Dating back from the 19th century, beer houses were informal haunts (often run out of a family home) serving up ales and lagers. Dean Swift is true to this style of venue.
They have a great selection of beer, with a particular emphasis on craft beers such as the hoppy London Brewing Co Upright Indian IPA. There’s also a number of handpicked wines available if that’s more your style.
As a great gastro pub, the tapas menu is stunning. From mini burgers to anchovy crostini, Valencian chorizo to perfect padron peppers (our absolute faves!)
MC & Sons
London has long been a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and that’s definitely what’s on offer at MC & Sons. In the English capital, you’ll find this traditional Irish boozer serving up a Thai menu and a selection of international beers.
Forget having a heavy steak pie to accompany your Guinness, MC & Sons menu is authentically Thai – specifically, from Chiang Mai in the country’s hilly north. The cuisine is particularly unique, and well-known for its finely balanced fresh flavours – with more than a bit of a spicy zing. One of their dishes has even become a Gousto meal!
The decor is all Ireland, however, with a moody wooden interior. The beer on tap is a bit of a blend, there’s Guinness (that goes without saying in an Irish pub), but there’s also the Thai offering, Singha. We love it.
The Globe Tavern
Nestled in the Borough Market, the Globe Tavern is a friendly place to rest your legs if they’re tired out from all that shopping.
The exterior of the building is Gothic and brooding, while things get much more airy and breezy once you step in through the door. The pub was recently renovated and is modern and stylish.
For a while it was believed to have been built on the site of Shakespeare’s “The Globe” theatre, hence its name. While that’s been debunked, the name stuck, and it does have at least one artistic claim to fame – it was the pub Bridget Jones lived above in Bridget Jones’ Diary.
This is a gastropub serving tasty British classics, and there’s also a good selection of beers on pump including the Borough Market Pale Ale, which is fitting.
The Market Porter
With colourful flowers cascading down its exterior, the Market Porter is one of the prettiest pubs in the area.
The pub is proudly British, offering up beer, cider and wine from classic labels like Guinness and Aspall Cider. There’s also a generous wine list, sourced from all over the world.
The food is particularly exceptional, offering British classics with a twist, like the mouthwatering grilled sea bass or the fancy take on the classic Scotch Egg.
Overlooking the Borough Market, you certainly feel like you’re a part of the fabric of London as you sink a pint in this London boozer.
Southwark Tavern
Southwark Tavern is another fail-safe pub you’ll find tucked away in Borough Market.
The tavern’s hip take on a classic British pub is quirky without being eye-rollingly snooty – authentic dark wood is complemented by bright leather accents and a colourful bar.
The drinks menu of craft beers, high-quality wines, traditional cocktails, and cool softs pair perfectly with the cracking selection of pub grub on offer. While the Sunday roast menu, which includes a 21-day aged sirloin steak or a half-roast chicken and ALL the trimmings, is also a winner.
Bunch of Grapes
A recent find, but slowly creeping up our list of favourite pubs in London is Young’s Bunch of Grapes. And not just because the outside is stunning, we swear.
Inside, the decor is dark and industrial, yet it still manages to feel cosy and inviting thanks to modern accessories and a selection of cool prints adorning the walls.
Meanwhile, the cool beer garden is largely under cover, while offering superb views across the river and towards The Shard.
Sink into the olive velvet sofa with a cold bottle of beer and tuck into the tasty small plates on offer – we’ll be ordering the Cumberland and black pudding scotch egg and the truffle mac and cheese; thank you very much.
Arch 33
Arch 33 is part of the Southwark Quarter a short walk from London Bridge Station. As the name suggests, this awesome boozer is located in railway arches and home to the locally renowned Southwark Quarter quiz – “Never Gonna Quiz You Up” – every Tuesday evening.
Aside from that, Arch 33 prides itself on showing all the sports all the time on its big screens, while serving some of the best pints around.
The area lends itself perfectly to live music, with both DJ sets and stripped back live performances regularly taking place, while if you’re feeling hungry, there are street food vendors right outside to sate your rumbling belly.
St. Christopher’s Inn
St. Christopher is the patron saint of travellers, and you know you’ve fully arrived once you find St. Christopher’s Inn and its late license that keeps it open until at least 1am each night.
Its history dates back to the days when inns were stopping off places on coach routes for horse-drawn carriages and has transitioned to one of the area’s most vibrant boozers that also serves terrific food.
While retaining its authentic coaching inn charm, this cool pub has live music 7 nights a week from 11pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 8:30pm Thursday to Saturday.
If you’re hungry, the food is hearty pub grub, with wings, burgers and pizzas on offer, along with a few mains. If you’re looking for the best thing on the menu, we recommend the Penang curry.
The Bridge Tap
Give us a tap room, and we are there. The Bridge Tap on Borough High Street is a great example of why we love tap rooms so much.
With a cosier vibe than many tap rooms, they offer a wonderful array of cask ales and craft beers to suit any palette. Meanwhile, there’s more than 50 gins to choose from, and cocktails galore.
Sport fans are catered for, but its the food that really does it for us. Tacos, dough balls, wings, sharing boards, loaded fries, stone-baked pizza, incredible burgers and a few pub faves – whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here.
If you can take on their Triple Threat burger, containing three sumptuous beef patties, triple bacon, triple burger cheese slices, and triple onion rings, coated in oozing cheese sauce, then you deserve a medal.
The Leather Exchange
As you might have guessed from the name, The Leather Exchange used to be London’s main leather market. Now repurposed as a quality London boozer, it sits a little off the beaten track and has two floors offering plenty of comfort.
Another pub that is happy to cater to sports fans, the music is carefully and lovingly curated. Alongside the range of beers that you’d expect to find in any decent pub, what really does it for us is the evening menu.
The maple sesame wings on a bed of fries are superb, and with all ingredients sourced from independent businesses, you can expect to enjoy the freshest produce with some of the tastiest dishes around.
The Miller
As much as we love the traditional boozer, we’re also huge advocates of independent ventures such as The Miller.
Combining pub staples such as Moretti, Heineken, Orchard Thieves, and Guinness with local London breweries such as 5 Points, Hammerton and others, The Miller also considers themselves purveyors of fine cider.
Food is provided by Bunsmiths, with burgers designed to hit the spot for anyone, whatever your desires, and stunning wings, nachos, and sides.
Upstairs, the Hoopla Impro comedy night runs every night in the theatre space, while they stay open until 1 am every Friday to allow you to throw shapes into the early hours with their roster of DJs.
