London has thousands of pubs, but only a few have that magic combination of history, atmosphere, and personality that makes you linger long after your drink is gone. These aren’t just places to get a pint—they’re living pieces of London’s cultural fabric.
From music legends to hidden speakeasies, here’s where to drink in the city’s stories along with your beer.
1. The Hawley Arms — Camden
Vibe: Rock ’n’ roll history in a Camden classic.
Why Go: Once a regular haunt of Amy Winehouse, The Hawley Arms is steeped in Camden’s music scene. Downstairs is your classic pub—wooden bar, warm lighting—while upstairs has a rooftop terrace perfect for summer evenings.
Best Time to Visit: Early evening for atmosphere, later if you’re chasing live music energy spilling in from Camden’s nearby venues.
Insider Tip: Order at the upstairs bar—it’s often quicker.
2. Camden Head — Camden
Vibe: Traditional pub meets comedy stage.
Why Go: One of Camden’s oldest pubs (dating back to 1787), it’s now a lively spot for stand-up comedy nights alongside a classic pub menu.
Best Time to Visit: Weeknights for comedy, weekends for a buzzing pub crowd.
Insider Tip: Head upstairs for better seating during shows—it fills fast.
3. The Blues Kitchen Camden — Camden
Vibe: Southern soul food, bourbon, and live blues.
Why Go: More than just a bar, The Blues Kitchen is part-restaurant, part-music venue. Expect racks of BBQ ribs and bands that make the floor shake.
Best Time to Visit: Fridays and Saturdays for a proper late-night atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Book a table if you want to eat—walk-ins can wait an hour or more.
4. Little Nan’s Bar — Deptford
Vibe: Whimsical, kitsch, and unapologetically nostalgic.
Why Go: Think cocktails served in teapots, retro décor from floor to ceiling, and the feeling of stepping into your nan’s eccentric living room.
Best Time to Visit: Evenings for the full quirky cocktail experience.
Insider Tip: Perfect for group nights out—book ahead for their themed party nights.
5. Ziggy Green (Speakeasy) — Soho
Vibe: Glam, hidden, and Bowie-inspired.
Why Go: Tucked under a café, this speakeasy channels the golden age of glam rock with inventive cocktails and moody lighting.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-week for a quieter, more intimate vibe.
Insider Tip: Ask the bartender about the “off-menu” cocktails—they’re often the best.
6. Nordic Bar — Fitzrovia
Vibe: Scandinavian ski lodge meets London nightlife.
Why Go: This isn’t your typical pub—it’s part themed bar, part games room, with ping-pong tables, shot paddles, and a menu heavy on aquavit.
Best Time to Visit: Friday nights when the games tables are in full swing.
Insider Tip: Try the “Reindeer Balls” (Swedish meatballs) for a fun snack.
7. Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues Bar — Soho
Vibe: Tiny, raw, and filled with live blues every night.
Why Go: London’s best blues bar—small enough to feel like a jam session in someone’s living room, loud enough to make you forget what time it is.
Best Time to Visit: Arrive early—this place fills before the first chord is struck.
Insider Tip: If you’re standing, claim a spot near the bar for quick refills without losing your view.
Local’s Tips for Pub-Hopping in London
- Book ahead if you’re eating—popular pubs get booked out days in advance.
- Check event listings—many of these pubs host unadvertised gigs or themed nights.
- Mind closing times—not all London pubs have late licences, especially on weeknights.
- Transport tip: Night Tube runs Friday & Saturday; otherwise, check for night buses.
Antonio P Argueta 
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