The 6 best pubs in Soho and the West End, London

The West End and Soho are packed with some of London’s most iconic and character-filled pubs. Whether you’re chasing literary history, quirky local traditions, or just a damn good pint,  these pubs give you a real taste of London—past and present.

These aren’t just places to drink—they’re places to explore, soak up some history, and experience London like a local.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Most of these pubs are open daily, with late hours on weekends—several stay open until midnight.
• All six pubs serve food, but tables fill quickly—booking ahead is recommended.
• None offer a traditional happy hour, but occasional drink deals pop up—especially around events.
• Expect a mix of historic charm and lively atmospheres, with everything from 1600s pubs to modern beer halls.

Want to know which pub has ties to Charles Dickens—or where you’ll only get beer by the half pint? Keep reading for all the details, including hours, food, vibes, and what makes each spot worth your time.

This article was written by fellow travel blogger Jamie from What’s Down That Street?

Boozing Abroad contains affiliate links throughout the site. If you choose to purchase items through these links, we will earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure policy here**

Map of Pubs

1. The Coal Hole

• Hours: 
  • Sunday- Thursday: 11 AM – 11 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM 
• What they are known for: Victorian décor and historic location on the Strand
• Food available: Yes – book ahead.

Right on the Strand, easy to miss among the traffic and theatres, the Coal Hole feels like stepping into a different age. All dark wood and vintage features, it was built on the site of the Savoy Hotel’s former coal cellar – giving the pub its name. 

It has an old-school, traditional pub vibe without feeling too touristy – which is pretty rare for this part of London! It’s popular with locals and nearby office workers with a good selection of beer.

2. The Nell Gwynne

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Sunday – Monday: 12 PM – 10 PM
• What they are known for: Historic pub hidden up a Central London alley
• Food available: Bar food
• Happy Hour: No, but occasionally has deals such as for sporting events. Check social media.

This tiny, tucked-away spot near Covent Garden is one of London’s best historic pubs. It takes its name from Nell Gwynne – who started out selling fruit in the nearby Covent Garden Market, before making her fame on the stage in the 17th century. She was famously Charles II’s mistress!

Adding to its lore, 19th century actor William Terris was murdered just outside the pub by a stage hand at a neighboring theatre; while in the 1960s, it was frequented by the feared Richardson Gang – a crime gang also known as the ‘Torture Gang’. 

Now, it’s a cosy but lively pub, with a gorgeous dark wood interior, a jukebox, and an excellent selection of ales.

3. Lamb & Flag

• Hours:
  • Monday – Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM 
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
• What they are known for: Being one of the oldest pubs in the area (dating to the 1600s)
• Food available: Yes, but book ahead – it’s often standing room only

Even among this list, the Lamb & Flag is historic. It’s one of the oldest pubs in the area and is a proper London institution. For centuries, it’s been pouring pints for Londoners after a long day. 

It counts none other than Charles Dickens as one of its former regulars – and for many years it was known for hosting bare-knuckle fights.

Now, tourists and locals alike jostle through the Victorian interior to the bar, spill out onto the street as they enjoy a real ale at one of London’s most iconic pubs.

4. The French House

• Hours:
  • Monday – Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
• What they are known for: French-themed pub with good wine selection & no-tech rule
• Food available: There is a small French restaurant upstairs

Originally called the York Minster, this iconic pub was nicknamed ‘the French House’ when it was sold in 1914… to a Belgian. 

Anyway, the name stuck, and the French House is now a French-themed Soho Institution. As you’d expect from its name, this is a place that prefers its wine to its beer. 

In fact, it only sells beer by the half pint – except on 1 April!

There’s some cool history here, too. During World War II, the pub was used by the Free French Forces – France’s government in exile after the German Occupation. Charles de Gaulle himself was a regular, and legend says he even wrote his famous rallying speech in the pub.

With its quirky décor, layers of history, and utterly unique vibe (no music, no TV, no mobile phones), the French House is an unforgettable place for a quick drink in Soho.

5. Dog and Duck

• Hours:
  • Monday – Wednesday: 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Thursday: 12 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Friday and Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
• What they are known for: Gorgeous Victorian interior and literary history
• Food available: Yes

Right in the heart of Soho, this small-but-mighty pub is a must. With one of the best preserved interiors in the area, complete with thousands of glazed tiles, the Dog and Duck is arguably the most beautiful pub on this list. 

It was once a favorite of George Orwell, who has a dining room upstairs named after him. And the celebrity connections don’t stop there – Madonna once popped in for a drink.

Even when it’s packed, there’s something charming about the chaos. It’s a perfect spot for a quick drink in Soho.

6. The Porterhouse

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 11:30 PM 
  • Friday and Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
• What they are known for: Maze-like interiors and wide beer selection
• Food available: Yes

It’s much newer than the other pubs on this list, having first opened in 2000. But what the Porterhouse lacks in history, it makes up for with its atmosphere and drinks. 

Way bigger than most pubs in central London, split across several levels, it still manages to feel intimate. Its wild, maze-y interior is like a labyrinth and you can find new nooks and crannies on each visit. 

There’s always a lively buzz to it, making it one of the favorite pubs in central London. And if you’re into beer, it’s an excellent choice, boasting Porterhouse Brewery’s range of craft beer, along with a few international options. There are TV screens across the pub showing the football (or soccer, as some might call it), and there’s often live music in the basement.

Soho and the West End are stacked with pubs. These are six of the best, but you could easily spend a whole evening (or two, or three) hopping from pub to pub, soaking up the lively vibes and real ale. There’s no better way to discover the city than through its historic pubs.

Thirsty for more? Get inspiration from these posts below:

• Top Boozy Travel Destinations in the United States
• One day guide to Mykonos
• Dive bars in Phoenix, Arizona