Places to eat in London

Discover the real taste of London.

What's your tipple? Locally brewed ale or an outrageous cocktail concoction? Whatever you're after you'll find it in London.

Historic Pubs
If a pub has been around long enough it's bound to have a bit of history attached to it. And many of London's pubs have been around a very, very long time!

It’s not all about age; many pubs have seen a famous customer or two. More still have had events occur within their walls that have given them a special historical significance.

London's Oldest Pub
If there was an award for the oldest pub there would have to be a tie for first place. So many pubs have convincing cases for the title that there can be no outright winner, but one with a good claim is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. The current pub was built in 1667 after the Great Fire but replaced an existing pub. The cellar dates to the 13th century and is the remains of an old monastery. Given that brewing was an undertaking of monks perhaps an ancient alehouse existed here.

Ancient Alehouses
A pub on the site of The Anchor survived the Great Fire. It was from here that Samual Pepys observed the burning city. However, 10 years later another fire caused its destruction. Its replacement was a favoured drinking spot for Dr Johnson. After the Great Fire two pubs - the Old Bell Tavern and the original Ye Olde Watling - were built. They were reputedly built for labourers and masons working on St Paul's Cathedral.

Not all historic pubs in London call themselves Ye this or Old(e) that! Spaniards Inn on Hampstead Heath traces its origins back to 1585 although it is not recorded as a pub until the early 18th century. The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden is housed in an ancient building, Tudor to be precise, but it is also not recorded as being a pub until much later.

Pilgrims
Next door to the George Inn in Borough is a blue plaque marking the site of The Tabard. Famous as the starting point of Chaucer's pilgrims in the Canterbury Tales it was demolished in 1873.

For pilgrims of another age The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is both old and historic. It was from the steps near The Shippe, as it was called in 1620, that The Mayflower set sail for America.

International Flavours

Take a tour of the world with London’s nationality-themed bars and pubs. Whether you’re feeling a little homesick or fancy an international evening out, we’ve got some suggestions that will make feel like you’ve just stepped off the plane!

European Vacation
If you’re after a continental adventure you’ll be spoilt for choice in London. De Hems is a lively bar where you’ll find a great selection of Dutch and Belgian beers – the fruit flavoured ones are particularly tasty!

The city is awash with Irish-themed pubs, but in terms of size alone The Porterhouse surpasses all others. Set over three floors, there are various nooks and crannies where you can comfortably work your way through the extensive drinks menu. As well as their own award-winning beers the bar is well-stocked with a huge selection of bottled beers from around the world.

The Bavarian Beerhouse is a truly unique experience. Sit on wooden benches and tables while waitresses decked out in traditional dress serve you steins of Bavarian and German beer. Plus, every Friday and Saturday night Oktoberfest-style entertainment is guaranteed to have you on your feet!

For a taste of Iberia, you can’t do much better than Portal in Farringdon. Sample the Portuguese wine list and great selection of ports while tucking into some Pesticos (Portuguese tapas).

Nordic, London’s first Scandinavian bar and restaurant brings together the food, drink and traditions of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. The result is a cool interior and an impressive cocktail and drinks menu. If you’re brave enough, try a Red Erik, at 6.5% this beer is likely to leave quite an impression!

The Pacific Rim
Expect flashing pineapples, giant masks, bamboo furniture and more at South London Pacific, a gloriously kitsch, tiki-themed cocktail bar. So don your best Hawaiian shirt and say aloha to a fabulous evening of tropical fun like you’ve never experienced before - well, certainly not in Kennington anyway!

London is like a second home for many Australians, so it should come as no surprise that the city is packed with bars from ‘a land down-under’. Walkabout is perhaps the best-know chain and its Shaftesbury Avenue venue is one of the most popular. Housed in an old church, special drinks offers and party tunes attract a lively crowd of Aussies and generally anyone looking for a good night out.

The Americas
Based on the popular American TV series, Cheers offers a full range of beers, award-winning cocktails and a lively party atmosphere. Celebrity DJs take to the decks each night and most major sporting events are covered on four huge screens.

The name kind of gives it away, but on entering The Maple Leaf you’ll be in no doubt that you have stepped into a Canadian pub. A moose head, a Mounty’s uniform and sporting memorabilia from Montreal adorn the walls, while Molson is available on draught and the bottled beers on offer include some of Canada’s finest.

Experience the passion of Cuba at Floridita. This vibrant bar and restaurant serves up a tempting selection of Cuban and Latin American food, cocktails and cigars. Live music comes courtesy of an excellent house band, which takes to the stage at around 7.30 each evening.

Out of Africa
The Bok Bar attracts a mixed crowd of Aussies, Kiwis, Canadians, and of course, South Africans, who seem to make up the majority. It’s a great place to watch the rugby and you’ll find a good range of South African beers and wines on offer.

Asian Adventure
If you’ve got any Indian rupees kicking around, take them down to the Glassy Junction, where you can exchange them for a lovely cool pint of Lal Toofan. This pub in Southhall, an area commonly known as Little India, is the first in Britain to accept the currency.

Less of a theme pub and closer to the genuine article, this popular haunt is colourfully decked out in gold and velvet, while with guilt-framed photos of Bollywood stars line the walls