Top 10 pubs in London in 2026

This is now my 3rd year of doing the top 10 pubs in London and the first time I had too many to choose from and had to create a ranking system to figure out the top 10 and the order.

This year’s list has largely been influenced by classic styles of beer and I’ve found myself reaching for a nice lager more than anything else but will never refuse a good cask if it is on.

1. The Kings Arms

Bethnal GreenWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

The Kings Arms on the corner of Derbyshire Street

Always an incredible line-up of beers. For the classic styles they’ve pretty much got permanent lines for Augustiner Helles (best lager in the world), Budvar (2nd best pilsner) and Beamish (maybe best stout) along with great tap takeovers and vinyl DJ sets.

2. Beer Merchants Tap

Hackney WickWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

Took the top spot last year and is right near the top again this year. Easily one of the biggest fridge selections in the country, will have something for anyone, even some of the crazy imported stuff from the US, Belgium or Sweden.

3. The Pembury Tavern

HackneyWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

The much more beautiful sister to the Five Points Taproom. Impeccable selection of cask beers, all very well kept and very tasty pizza. Almost impossible not to stop by if I’m in the area.

4. The Dovetail

ClerkenwellWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

A Kwak in its wooden stand at The Dovetail

A new entrant for this year as the local for my work which is less than a stone’s throw away. This is as close as you can get to Belgium without being in Belgium. Something like over 100 different Belgian beers. Will almost always get the Kwak with the wooden glass stand.

5. Macintosh Ales

Stoke NewingtonWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

The bar at Macintosh Ales and its two handpumps

The only pub on the list to make an appearance every year. Tucked away in a converted barn, fits about 10 people and only serves 2 beers; the most incredible place. Without fail I’ll order the cask bitter and it’s guaranteed to be the best thing I’ve drunk that month.

6. The Kernel

BermondseyWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

One of the most creative yet classic breweries in the country, often reviving styles I’ve never seen or tried before. Very solid beers and very hard to go wrong by blind picking anything from the menu.

7. Sutton Arms

ClerkenwellInstagram (opens in new tab)

Another work local with a tap list so good for absolutely no reason, only problem is it is also very popular with all of the other locals and will be almost impossible to get a space inside after work, luckily it is a great atmosphere with the overspill into the street.

8. Anspach & Hobday

BermondseyWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

Coincidentally, the last 3 pubs on the list are all places for a nice creamy stout. London Black, the signature beer at Anspach & Hobday, is basically the slightly more smoky and flavourful cousin of Guinness and there is something special about getting it straight from the source (I think it’s something to do with the nitrogen-to-CO2 ratio).

9. The Devonshire

SohoWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

A row of Guinness settling at The Devonshire

I really didn’t want to put this on the list because it is so overhyped and busy all the time but… the Guinness is so delicious that you’ll pop in for a quick one at lunch and leave after 5.

10. The Auld Shillelagh

Stoke NewingtonWebsite (opens in new tab)Instagram (opens in new tab)

The more traditional place and better atmosphere for a Guinness, also absolutely top tier if you’re looking for a cracking stout. Right next to Macintosh Ales so worth doing both while you’re in the area.