Fires, low beams and fairy lights: ten London pubs for a Christmas catch-up, a winter warmer or a break from festive shopping.

The Holly Bush, Hampstead 

Snug rooms and a real fire, up a steep lane near the Heath. Warm up here after a winter walk.

 

Address - 22 Holly Mount NW3 6SG

The Churchill Arms, Kensington

Its exterior vanishes under Christmas trees and thousands of lights, so go after dark. Inside, stay for a pint and Thai food.

 

Address - 119 Kensington Church St W8 7LN

The Cittie of Yorke, High Holborn

A soaring timber roof, huge barrels and wooden booths made for long evenings. Claim a booth and settle in.

 

Address - 22 High Holborn WC1V 6BN

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

A maze of dark, wood-panelled rooms, narrow staircases and cellars off Fleet Street. The literary history adds to the winter appeal.

 

Address - 145 Fleet St EC4A 2BP

The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden 

On little Rose Street, away from Covent Garden's crowds. A good pint between festive shopping and a West End show.

 

Address - 33 Rose St WC2E 9EB

Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn

Find the narrow passage by Ely Place to reach this hidden alehouse. Arriving feels like discovering a secret.
 

 

Address - 1 Ely Ct, Ely Place, EC1N 6SJ

The Sherlock Holmes

Detective memorabilia downstairs and a recreated study upstairs. A quirky stop before heading back into the West End.

 

Address - 10 Northumberland St WC2N 5DB

The Anchor Bankside

A riverside pub on the Thames, handy for a drink while exploring Southwark.
 

 

Address - 34 Park St SE1 9EF

The Roebuck

Sweeping Thames views from the top of Richmond Hill. A reward after a crisp winter walk.

 

Address - 50 Great Dover Street, SE1 4YG

The Dickens Inn

A converted timber warehouse beside the marina. A memorable finish to a waterfront wander past Tower Bridge.

 

Address - 34 Park St SE1 9EF

If you like this guide, you’ll love our bestselling book, Secret London — now with a handy pocket map.

 

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