7 Cosy Pubs in London you should visit in 2024
In our book, London boasts some of the finest pubs in the world. On a chilly winter’s day, we love to go for a walk in one of the city’s parks and then hunker down for the afternoon in a warm and inviting boozer.
Here’s our pick of the best cosy pubs in London to do just that!
1. The Flask, Highgate
Pick this cosy pub for its 17th Century charm and illustrious history
The Flask in Highgate is right up there on our list of the best cosy pubs in London. With a gorgeous open fireplace, wood panelling and a tempting food menu it’s a perfect spot to defrost after a frosty walk. The pub is allegedly named after the flasks of Hampstead’s desirable mineral water that could be bought here back in the 18th Century when Hampstead was popular for its wells. Stories of the pub’s history abound. Notorious Highwayman Dick Turpin supposedly hid from the law in the pub’s stables. William Hogarth and Karl Marx were said to drink here.
The Flask, 77 Highgate W Hill, N6 6BU
Image courtesy of secretldn.com
2. The Prince George, Dalston
Check out this cosy pub for its rustic hipster-friendly décor and corners
This East London gem has recently wiggled its way into our list of the best cosy pubs in London. With the gentrification of Dalston into one of London’s hippest areas has come the transformation of many of its boozers. This pub is a favourite with the trendy young crowds of Hackney and it’s not hard to see why. The watering hole has a rustic and relaxed vibe, with an excellent Juke Box, interesting things to admire on the walls and little seating areas wrapped around a square bar – perfect cosy corners that invite you to settle into for the afternoon.
Image courtesy of theprincegeorgepub.co.uk
The Prince George, 40 Parkholme Road, E8 3AG
3. The Pineapple, Kentish Town
Check this cosy pub and taste London’s proper backstreet boozers
Tucked away behind a row of houses in Kentish Town, The Pineapple easily makes it onto our list of the best cosy pubs in London. With its dark wooden interiors, spacious rooms, open fires and plenty of board games to choose from you’ll be glad you ventured here for a weekend outing. If you’re hungry, their offering of hearty Thai food really hits the spot on a cold winter’s evening. With a semi-annual beer festival and a pay-what-you-can cheese board, we love the proper community feel of this local favourite.
The Pineapple Pub, 15 Mehetabel Road, E9 6DU
Image courtesy of thepineapplepubnw5.com
4. Chesham Arms, Homerton
Book your cosy pub spot and experience this ‘Asset of Community Value’ for yourself!
The people of Hackney have fought fiercely to rescue Chesham Arms from the clutches of developers. After many years, plans to redevelop the site into yet more ‘luxury’ apartments have been thwarted and the pub recently won its status as an Asset of Community Value. With a postcard-worthy exterior and a classic British pub interior with some London twists, we’re oh so glad this pub is still around. Cosy up next to the fire, grab a local ale and settle in for a game of scrabble. If you get the munchies tuck into a cheeky sausage roll or pork pie – or order in from local pizza experts Yard Sale Pizza! The Chesham Arms, 15 Mehetabel Road, E9 6DU Book here
Image courtesy of twitter.com/cheshamarms
5. The Antelope, Tooting
Sip your drink at The Antilope, and check its cosy village hall feel and roaring fires
The Antelope is a Tooting institution and it’s not too hard to see why. With fires in not one, but three of its rooms (the bar, the dining room and the games area) you’ll be sure to feel properly cosy wherever you go. Founded in the 1800s, The Antelope has been a mainstay for Tooting residents for many years. Get involved with one of their many events which include a quiz, live music nights, drawing classes and even banjo lessons! The interior feels a lot like a 1950’s village hall with wood panelling, church pews, stained glass and a good bit of bunting thrown in for good measure. This cosy pub could be a great place to hang out with friends!
The Antelope, 76 Mitcham Road, Tooting SW17 9NG
Image courtesy of standard.co.uk
6. The Spaniard’s Inn, Hampstead
Don’t miss out on this romantic cosy pub for a glimpse of British History, after a walk on the heath!
The Spaniard’s Inn has played a significant role in London’s literary history. The 16th-century establishment is one of London’s oldest pubs and has been immortalised in Bram Stocker’s Dracula and Charles Dickens’s The Pickwick Papers. It is also thought to be where Keats wrote Ode to a Nightingale. These days, it welcomes in weary ramblers who have been walking on London’s famous Hamstead Heath. With toasty fires, mulled wine in the colder months and a food menu that changes daily, we heartily recommend The Spaniard’s Inn as one of the best cosy pubs in London. The Spaniard’s Inn Spaniards Road, NW3 7JJ Book here
7. The Clapton Hart, Clapton
Make sure to book your cosy spot and enjoy live jazz music every Sunday!
The Clapton Hart is refreshingly spacious, yet with its open fire and cosy nooks and crannies, you’ll be sure to feel snug as a bug at this local favourite. This friendly pub was re-opened and fully refurbished in 2012. Their kitchen serves up seasonal British grub and hand-crafted bar snacks. Their Sunday Roasts are eternally popular and must absolutely be consumed with one of their legendary homemade Bloody Marys. For ale aficionados, you’ll find a great selection of craft beers and real ales from both local and international microbreweries.
The Clapton Hart, 31 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 8EG Book here
Image courtesy of thenudge.com
Looking for more pubs and bars in London?
If you enjoy discovering the best cosy pubs around London but you’re looking for more outdoor bars in the sunshine!
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