Things to do in London, classic pubs and cask ales
This guide makes it easy to find classic pubs and well kept cask ales across London, so you can enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation, characterful rooms, and unfussy snacks. Use this Things to do in London guide to choose where to go by mood or moment, whether you want a cosy corner for a pint, a lively backroom for a weekend evening, or a quiet weekday pub for tasting a well kept cask. Each entry explains what to expect, from beer quality and atmosphere to accessibility and food options, with practical tips for timing, payment, and pairing. Read it before you go to save time, drink better beer, and have a straightforward, authentic London pub night.
1. The Greyhound - Peckham
Image / ratemyrave
A low-key Peckham bar for easy drinks and good company.
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What to expect
Unfussy interior with a compact bar, a few tables and a friendly, down-to-earth team. Drinks lean to beers, wine and simple cocktails. The vibe is lively without being loud, suited to conversations and relaxed socialising.
Plan your visit
Drop in for a short stop or settle in for an hour or two. If you’re alone, sit at the bar for easier conversation. Small groups should try to arrive a little before peak times to secure a table. Combine a visit with a walk around the nearby neighbourhood.
2. Mare Street Market
Image / Mare Street Market
A lively Hackney hangout, where chandeliers, plants and sunlit terraces meet.
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What to expect
Expect a reimagined market feel, with multiple areas that suit different moods: a striking chandelier room with tall windows, open-plan seating for groups and a relaxed outdoor terrace for sunny days. The menu leans from casual to more refined plates, and a deli corner adds local craft touches. Staff are welcoming even when busy, but noise can rise at peak times, so pick a corner table for a quieter visit or head outside for fresher air.
Plan your visit
Visit mid-morning on a weekday for a calmer table, or go on a weekend evening for a lively scene. Choose the chandelier room for atmosphere or a terrace table when the weather is good. The space suits groups, couples and solo visitors seeking a laptop-friendly corner. Arrive a little early at peak times to secure the spot we want.
3. Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea @ Sanderson London
Image / Afternoon Tea Online
A theatrical Alice in Wonderland tea, served with playful detail at Sanderson London.
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What to expect
Expect a theatrical, family-friendly afternoon tea wrapped in Alice in Wonderland motifs: quirky crockery, 'drink me' touches and optional dress-up for children. Portions are generous, tea is routinely topped up, and staff are practised at explaining each element, with staff such as Filip and Jose frequently singled out in reviews. The setting sits within the Sanderson hotel, offering a polished backdrop that balances playful design with thoughtful service.
Plan your visit
Book ahead to secure a preferred time, especially at weekends. Arrive slightly early to settle in and photograph the table setting. Mention dietary needs when booking, and consider pairing the visit with nearby central London sights for a full afternoon out. Staff are used to celebrations, so this suits birthdays and special occasions.
4. Unwined in Waterloo
Image / Web
Cosy, stylish wine bar, expert recommendations and a lively South Bank mood.
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What to expect
Expect a focused wine list and staff who can guide tasting choices with clear, helpful advice. Seating is a mix of intimate tables and a heated terrace, creating a versatile tone from quiet conversation to a buzzy evening. Small plates are designed to complement the wines, bottles can be bought to take away, and the overall feel is polished yet approachable.
Plan your visit
Easily reached by public transport from Waterloo and the South Bank, this spot pairs well with a stroll along nearby Leake Street. Reserve ahead for busier evenings, dress for a cooler terrace if visiting after dark, and arrive ready to enjoy attentive service and thoughtful wine pairings.
5. Mother Mercy
Image / Mother Mercy
A secret basement bar blending bold cocktails with late-night soul.
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What to expect
Expect a compact, atmospheric basement: neon steps lead down to low ceilings, curved tables and exposed brick, creating an intimate setting. Staff deliver table service and confident cocktail suggestions, with a playful random-choice option for those who cannot decide. The playlist leans to original RnB and rap, lending evenings a soulful, late-night energy. Ideal for couples, small groups, or business drinks where atmosphere matters.
Plan your visit
Book ahead or aim to arrive early, this tucked-away spot fills up quickly. Mention any dietary needs on arrival, accept staff recommendations if unsure, and consider a weekday for a quieter night. Bring ID and a camera for the neon staircase and intimate interiors.
6. Hawksmoor Liverpool
Image / Hawksmoor Liverpool
Steak, seafood and cocktails in central Liverpool
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What to expect
Charcoal-grilled steaks and straightforward seafood plates, served in a low-lit room with timber fittings. Expect attentive service, a short wine list tuned to red meat, and cocktails made to order. The mood leans calm and grown-up rather than loud and trendy.
Plan your visit
Book ahead for evening sittings and weekend dates to avoid a wait. If you prefer a quieter visit, choose a weekday lunch. Arrive at the bar for pre-dinner drinks or a shorter visit without a booking. Ask staff about allergen and vegetarian options when you reserve.
7. Oriole
Image / www.oriolebar.com
Speakeasy glamour, inventive cocktails, and live jazz in an intimate Covent Garden hideaway.
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What to expect
A theatrically styled cocktail bar with a speakeasy feel, split between an elegant upstairs bar and a moodier, intimate downstairs room. Cocktails arrive as small productions, often with unusual garnishes and precise ice, while the soundtrack ranges from quiet jazz to lively sets, so the volume can rise on peak nights. Service is knowledgeable and attentive, staff are happy to explain choices, and the setting rewards slower, focused nights rather than quick drinks.
Plan your visit
Aim for the downstairs room to catch the full speakeasy atmosphere and nearest seats to the stage, and consider booking ahead for busy evenings. If sensitivity to loud music is a concern, choose an earlier slot or a table upstairs. Combine the visit with a theatre outing nearby for an effortless London night out.
8. Fairgame
Image / Fairgame
Games, cocktails and retro charm, an arcade bar that turns a night out into a memory.
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What to expect
A compact, high-energy space with neon-lit lanes, skee-ball-style games and skill challenges that reward competitiveness and laughter. Staff give concise briefings and keep play moving, while leaderboards add friendly rivalry. The venue includes a bar and small food stalls, cloakroom facilities and clean restrooms. Sound can be lively but remains manageable, and a nearby riverside area offers a quiet place to pause between rounds.
Plan your visit
Book a slot through the venue to reduce waiting, especially at weekends. Arrive with comfortable shoes and a charged phone for photos, use the cloakroom if carrying bags, and settle at the bar before starting. Finish the evening with a short riverside walk to take in the skyline and let scores settle.
9. Nightjar
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Hidden doors, live jazz and cocktails that tell a story.
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What to expect
Expect a tucked-away entrance that signals the start of an immersive night, dim, elegant interiors, and seating that ranges from stools at the curved bar to cosy booths. Cocktails arrive as crafted presentations, bartenders are confident and welcoming, and live jazz or small bands set the pace. The venue is atmospheric and lively rather than loud, snacks are limited, and the crowd skews toward curious locals and visitors seeking a memorable evening.
Plan your visit
Book ahead for a guaranteed spot, arrive early to enjoy the full drama of the serves, and allow a little time to find the discreet entrance. Dress smart-casual, carry ID, and plan to travel by public transport or taxi, as streets nearby can be busy at night. For a calmer experience, choose a weekday evening.
10. Electric Shuffle London Bridge
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Shuffle, sip and spar with friends at Electric Shuffle London Bridge, where competition meets cocktails.
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What to expect
Expect neon-lit lanes and a lively, social atmosphere that centres on group play. Three game formats keep each round fresh, and staff offer clear guidance so newcomers pick things up fast. Table service and a call button keep drinks flowing, while upbeat music and communal seating encourage friendly rivalry. The space suits small parties and larger groups alike, with quieter slots available midweek if a more relaxed visit is preferred.
Plan your visit
Pre-booking is sensible for evenings and larger groups, although smaller parties sometimes find walk-in availability. Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to get briefed and settle in. Mention any special occasion when booking so staff can prepare seating. Expect easy-to-learn games, lively music and attentive service.
11. Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two
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Step behind the bars for a playful prison caper, where sharp actors, photo ops and cocktails collide.
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What to expect
Arrive prepared to join a scripted, improvised prison narrative, with actors recruiting the room and keeping momentum through set pieces and jokes. Drinks are personalised from a sealed bottle that must be provided, and mocktails are available on request. Group seating in shared cells encourages bonding, while photo opportunities are built into the experience. There can be quieter stretches between scenes, so bring a sense of humour and a room-ready attitude for the full theatrical payoff.
Plan your visit
Book a ticket in advance and aim to arrive a little early to settle in and score group seating. Bring a sealed bottle for the cocktail mixes and carry ID. Dress for fun rather than formality, as orange jumpsuits and props are part of the experience. Groups of four to six make the cell dynamic, and arriving with friends magnifies the laughs and photo potential.
12. Kricket Brixton
Image / Kricket
Modern Indian small plates in Brixton, best shared over cocktails.
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What to expect
A short, rotating menu of small plates designed for sharing. Expect bold spice blends, vegetable-led choices alongside meat and seafood dishes, and a concise cocktail and beer selection. Service is informal and efficient, staff can advise on portion sizes and pairings. The space is compact, tables are close together and noise levels rise in the evening.
Plan your visit
Book a table for weekend evenings, or arrive early for bar seating. Order several small plates to share rather than one large dish per person. Tell staff about dietary needs; there are vegetarian options and staff can suggest combinations. If you’re solo, ask for a spot at the bar or a counter to watch the pass.
13. Cherry Tree
Image / The Cherry Tree
A relaxed neighbourhood bar for daytime drinks.
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What to expect
A compact, unpretentious space with a short drinks list that leans on beer, wine and simple cocktails. The atmosphere is informal and steady rather than loud. Expect a mix of morning and afternoon trade, including people meeting for coffee or an early drink.
Plan your visit
Drop in rather than plan a long stay. If you are a group, check whether they take bookings before you go. Bring ID if you plan to drink alcohol. Pair a visit with a short walk around the area to make the most of the neighbourhood setting.
14. The Commercial
Image / The Commercial
A calm local bar for easy drinks and small plates.
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What to expect
Low-key interiors with a mix of seating, a concise drinks list and a short food menu. Service is informal and friendly. The crowd is mostly local: a mix of solo visitors, couples and small groups rather than late-night revellers.
Plan your visit
Aim for the late afternoon if you want a quieter table. If you have a group, check whether the venue accepts bookings before you arrive. Bring photo ID for drinks, and look up the current menu online to confirm dietary options. Allow time for a short walk from nearby transit or a quick taxi if you are carrying luggage.
15. The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden
Image / CAMRA
Old London pub tucked behind Covent Garden
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What to expect
Low ceilings, wooden beams and close-set tables create an intimate feel. Atmosphere shifts from calm in the morning to lively at lunch and early evening. The menu sticks to classic pub dishes and the staff move with purpose; this is a straightforward, no-frills pub with personality.
Plan your visit
If you want a quieter table, aim for mid-afternoon on a weekday. Book ahead for groups, otherwise arrive a little early at peak times. Combine the visit with a short walk around the local streets. Expect compact seating, so plan accordingly if you have mobility needs.