2 min read
Top 10 pubs in London in 2025
A revisited highly opinionated guide to the best pubs in London
It has been just over a year since I did the first top 10 list of bars in London, now that I've been in London for an extra year, I've come across some new places, found myself returning the the favourites and have adapted my taste slightly. Although I've always enjoyed the odd cask ale when done right, I've really had a new found appreciation for it and find myself reaching for cask more often than not when it is available, this has largely influenced this year's list.
1. Beer Merchants Tap
Hackney WickWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
Credit - Beer Merchants Tap
Anytime I get to pick the venue, it is here. Boasting over 20 taps, usually attuned to the season with a great selection of Belgian and American beers it is incredibly hard to find something you wont be amazed by. Lets not forget about the 8 or so huge fridges of beer that is also on offer which could keep you entertained for a while.
2. Pembury Tavern
HackneyWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
With my new found love for cask beer, Pembury Tavern is the best example for modern cask where they really know how to look after it. A venture from Five Points who I didn't give a fair chance when I first move to London but, their Railhouse Porter and Bitter are top class.
3. Tayer + Elementary
ShoreditchWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
I was hesitant to put this one on the list as I'd like to gate keep it for myself. Rated the 4th best bar in the world, it shouldn't be that surprising to see it here. Some of the best cocktails I've ever had and incredibly knowledgable and attentive staff.
4. The Kings Arms
Bethnal GreenWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
The Kings Arms in Bethnal Green is a fantastic example of good classic beers like Budvar from a Czech tap, Beamish and a great cask selection.
5. Great Beyond
HoxtonWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
A micro brewery just down the road from me that took far too long to find, is one of the few places in London where you can get a great beer for a reasonable price.
6. Macintosh Ales
Stoke NewingtonWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
The first of the returning venues from last year, I will say that I haven't been nearly as much as I'd like to but there is still something so charming about this tiny little place that only makes two beers but makes them extremely well. Even unknown to some of London's biggest beer connoisseurs.
7. Cock Tavern
Hackney CentralInstagram (opens in new tab)
Up in the heart of Hackney Central, another classic cozy English pub with a huge selection of beers on keg and cask.
8. Anspach & Hobday
BermondseyWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
When heading into Bermondsey you really are spoiled for choice and it would be quite easy to put this list as only bars in Bermondsey but I've found myself consistently popping into A&H for a pint or two of London Black where it is more delicious than anywhere else you'll find it (something to do with their gas).
9. Indiebeer
HackneyWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
This is where you want to go if you want to be wowed. Probably the craziest fridge selection I've ever seen with beers from all over the world.
10. Mikkeller
ShoreditchWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)
A very dependable bar with something for everyone, almost everything on tap is brewed in the brew pub over in Exmouth Market.