Insider Guide
A curated Google Map of the best pubs in London
Hidden gems and historic locals, handpicked by London guides who actually drink in them.
Finding a great pub in London is harder than it looks
London has over 3,500 pubs. Finding the best pubs in London isn't just about knowing where to look — it's knowing which ones are worth your time. The city has been a pub culture since long before the word existed. Taverns were here before the Great Fire. Some of the pubs on this map were pulling pints before America was a country. That history is real, and part of what makes drinking in London genuinely special.
But for every pub with a story worth knowing, there are a dozen more running on tourist footfall alone — average beer, overpriced food, and a vague sense that you've wandered into a film set rather than a real local. From the outside, it is almost impossible to tell the difference.
That's exactly why we built the London Pub Map.
What's inside
- 50+ pubs across central London
- Organised by neighbourhood
- Insider notes on each pub — what makes it worth the visit
- A mix of historic gems and undiscovered local favourites
- Details on character, atmosphere, and what to drink
- All within easy reach of the main visitor areas
- Regularly updated as we discover new favourites
What people say
“I've came to visit London on a very short trip, I stayed here for 3 days, and I am so glad I found this guide! It was so easy to use, and I loved all the places that I went to, my personal favourite was Attendant in Fitzrovia I would never found it without this guide. Thank you and I cannot wait to visit London again and try more spots from this map.”
Martin
“This map is really well put together and so easy to use. I found outstanding coffee all across London and every place I tried was 100% worth the visit. Finally a genuinely tested guide from people who actually know the city.”
Lisa
Frequently asked questions
Is the London Pub Map really free?
Yes. The London Pub Map is free to access with support-based pricing. You choose the amount that feels fair (minimum £1 to cover processing and hosting). If the map helps you find the best pubs in London for your trip and saves you from wasting an evening in the wrong place, you can choose to support the project. It works the same way as our free walking tours: no upfront cost, just value first.
How do I access the pub map after unlocking it?
As soon as you unlock the map, you'll receive an email with a direct link. The map opens instantly in Google Maps on your phone, tablet or desktop. There's no account to create and no login required. Once unlocked, you'll have lifetime access, and any updates we make will automatically appear when you open it.
Does the map work on mobile?
Yes — and that's exactly how most people use it. The London Pub Map is built directly in Google Maps, so it works on iPhone and Android without any additional apps. You can navigate to any pub from wherever you are, check the insider notes while you're walking, and save it for your entire trip.
What are the best pubs in London for tourists?
A mixture of historic pubs with centuries of genuine history behind them and hidden neighbourhood locals that most visitors never find. What they all have in common: they are worth visiting for reasons beyond proximity and opening hours — and none of them are on the map because they paid to be there.
Are the pubs organised by area?
Yes. The map covers central London and the neighbourhoods most visitors stay in and walk through, so you'll always find a good option nearby without needing to travel far.
How do you choose the best pubs in London for the map?
Every pub is personally chosen by the local guides who lead our free walking tours — people who know these streets and drink in these pubs. Each one includes a short insider note on what makes it worth visiting, whether that's a hidden courtyard, a remarkable history, or simply the fact that it's where actual Londoners drink.
Ready to explore London like an insider?
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Unlock the Map