Where do Londoners actually drink?
Short answer
Londoners drink in neighbourhood pubs rather than West End bars. The pattern is a proper pub early in the evening, then a small bar or a railway-arch taproom later. Soho still works if you go to the side streets rather than the main drags.
A good sign is a pub that serves beer well and food simply, with people of several ages in it. Avoid anywhere with a doorman in a suit before 9pm and anywhere advertising cocktails on a pavement board.
Sunday afternoon is the most local drinking slot of the week — a roast at two and a long slow pint after it.
The specifics
The French House, Soho
No mobile phones, beer served in halves, unchanged for decades.
The Cock Tavern, Hackney
Small, serious beer list, entirely un-showy.
The Bermondsey Beer Mile
Saturday-only railway-arch taprooms between London Bridge and South Bermondsey.
The Harp, Covent Garden
A real pub two minutes from the tourist crush.
The Southampton Arms, Kentish Town
Cash-friendly, ale and cider only, dog on the floor.
More London questions
- Where do locals actually eat in London?
- What should I skip in London?
- Is London safe at night?
- How many days do you need in London?