London Bridge has some of the best pubs in the capital – provided you know where to go. 

Enter Square Mile. Our guide rounds up the best pubs in and around the London Bridge area

Yes, Borough and Bermondsey pubs are represented as well. You've got to be thorough about these things. 

And that's not all... We've also included the vital information on the beer selection, food menu, outdoor seating and opening hours – everything you need to know, basically, plus the odd bonus tidbit thrown in.

Please note: the pubs arranged with the most recent additions at the top – they're not being ranked by quality!

All are great in their own way. And all are within a short walk of London Bridge station.

Don't simply drink in the best London Bridge pubs – drink in the best pubs for you. We'll be updating this list regularly so be sure to check back and see what's new.  

Still thirsty? Check out the Best Cocktail Bars in London Bridge.

Burgers from Bunsmith, cider curated by The Real Ale Company, the Hoopla Impro comedy club upstairs – oh, and a helluva lot of beer on tap. There's never a dull moment at The Miller. 

What's the beer selection like?

Copious. Twelve keg lines including London favourites Camden, Beavertown and Brixton Brewery, as well as classics such as 1664, Guinness, Amstel, Birra Moretti. The pub stocks a rotating selection of bottled beers from London breweries such as The Kernel, Partizan, Weird Beard, Ora, Pressure Drop and many more.

There’s a strong focus on low and no alcohol, with Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects on tap, bottles from Big Drop, and softs and non-alcoholic cocktails from Square Root Soda. If you want an alcoholic cocktail, Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is the overriding favourite

There are four real ciders on hand pull – the aim to always have at least one dry, a medium, a sweet / fruity cider and a Perry. Ciders are curated by The Real Ale Company

The Miller is home to Londons' largest independent cider festival Ciderdog: every year the pub has 100 bag-in-box ciders on a special purpose-built bar in the beer garden. Unfortunately Ciderdog couldn't go ahead this year, but hopefully in 2021!

How's the food? 

Chow down on burgers by Bunsmiths, from the classic Cheeseburger to fiery specials like the El Diablo (Blue cheese, bacon, beef patty, in-house made Diablo hot sauce, crispy fried onions and jalapeño peppers, garlic mayo in a charcoal bun). Plus loaded chips and wings, naturally.

Vegans and vegetarians are well looked after with the Black Bean Bun, Halloumi Bun and Cauliflower Wings and more.

(Our sister magazine Foodism included The Miller on the Best Burgers in London.)

Is there a beer garden?

Yes – plus seats out front. Check out the garden in the gallery above.

Anything else to note?

There’s a comedy club upstairs run by Hoopla Impro, which will hopefully reopen soon with a new socially distanced layout

What are the opening hours?

  • Tuesday-Thursday: 4pm - 10pm
  • Friday: 12pm - 11pm
  • Saturday: 1pm - 11pm
  • Monday-Sunday: Closed

Please note, these opening hours may change in the coming months, COVID permitting.

96 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SS; The Miller

The Market Porter is another fine London Bridge pub that’s situated in the ever-busy Borough Market.

What’s the beer selection like?

The Market Porter has a varied selection of beers across the taps, offering 16 different lagers, pale ales and ciders. This includes four hand pumps offering real ales on constant rotation.

The wine and spirit selection also is broad with no less than 12 different gins to choose from at any time.

How’s the food?

The pub prides itself on the home cooked food, with a menu celebrating traditional and modern British pub fare. All ingredients are sourced from British farmers and suppliers.

Portion sizes are generous – try the popular ‘Pie of the Day’, or the Steak & Ale pie served with creamy mash, greens and gravy.

There’s also the Sunday Roast: beef, pork, chicken and vegan roasts all served with a medley of trimmings. 

Is there a beer garden?

No but there are outside tables looking onto the market. It’s a great spot for people watching while enjoying a cold pint.

Anything else to note?

‘Happy Monday’ is a real treat of an offer .... fresh beer-battered haddock and chips with a pint of beer for £14, served all day every Monday.

What are The Market Porter’s opening hours?

  • Monday-Friday: 11am-11pm
  • Saturday: 12pm-11pm
  • Sunday: 12pm-10:30pm

9 Stoney Street, SE1 9AA; The Market Porter 

Known as 'the hidden pub under the bridge', the Wheatsheaf is worth seeking out. Not to be confused with the Sheaf, another London Bridge pub with a very similar name. (The owner of The Sheaf used to run the Wheatsheaf before it temporarily closed in 2009.) 

What's the beer selection like?

The Wheatsheaf aims to have something on hand for everyone.

The pub stocks both premium European lagers and those brewed closer to home. The craft beers range from the more recognisable London brewed fair on the taps to some slightly lesser known in cans and bottles.

The real ale range is limited but high quality. 

How's the food?

The food is traditional pub classics with a twist – be it lager battered cod and chips with fried capers to new favourite the plant based burger.

However the staple is the famous sausage roll, which is home baked daily and a firm favourite with the regulars.

Pile up the sausage rolls the Wheatsheaf served last year, their height would be 2.5 times the height of The Shard. (We’re taking the pub’s word on this: we didn’t count them all.) 

Is there a beer garden?

The pub is nestled under a ThamesLink railway bridge so as a result the beer garden is a little different. It’s entirely covered and heated in the winter. Music is always playing so it’s a lot like being in the pub itself with a bit more of a breeze!

Anything else to note?

Most of Borough Market is closed on a Sunday but the Wheatsheaf is still very much open and serving a pretty great roast! Couple that with some great music and the house Bloody Mary and you’re all set for a great Sunday in London Bridge. 

What are the Wheatsheaf's opening hours? 

  • Monday–Saturday: 11am–11pm
  • Sunday: 11am–10.30pm

6 Stoney Street, Borough, SE1 9AA; The Wheatsheaf

The 'other' Sheaf, minus the Wheat, The Sheaf is an underground bar that shows live sport and a good time. It's connected with Katzenjammers, the German beer hall – but not the Wheatsheaf.  

What's the beer selection like? 

Currently The Sheaf only has two real ales on draught, around six draught lagers and six draught craft ales. Expect these numbers to rise once the pub is back up and running.

There is a selection of more than 20 gins from all over the world, although The Sheaf isn’t currently offering cocktails. There is normally a happy hour and two-for-one lunch on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesday.

How's the food? 

The Sheaf serves proper pub food; burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, loaded fries, although the menu has been cut back for the initial reopening. The homemade nachos are definitely one to try!.

Is there a beer garden? 

Due to the pandemic the loading bay out back has been transformed into a pop up beer garden. It’s mainly undercover so even nice on a rainy day.

Anything else to note? 

There are several TVs inside that show all major sporting events, plus a couple of dartboards for you to play on. The Sheaf is only allowing seated guests at the moment and only groups of up to eight people.

What are The Sheaf's opening hours? 

  • Monday-Thursday: 5pm-11pm
  • Friday-Saturday: 12pm-11pm
  • Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm.

24a Southwark St, London SE1 1TY; The Sheaf

Few pubs have their own Wikipedia page but then few pubs boast The George’s storied history. It dates backs to at least 1543 – a contemporary map marked it as ‘Gorge' – and is the only surviving galleried London coaching inn.

What’s the beer selection like?

The George is run by Greene King so while craft beer connoisseurs may prefer its neighbour The Rake, the drinks menu is pretty expansive. There is wine, spirits, cocktails, and plenty of beer on tap.

How’s the food?

Again, Greene King, so expect the standard pub fare – burgers, fish and chips, etc – and a variety of sharing plates. If you fancy something a bit more exotic, Borough Market is right across the street.

Is there a beer garden?

Yes, and how! The George’s huge outdoor courtyard is a major selling point and the perfect location to drink away a sunny afternoon. You’ll rarely find it empty.

Anything else to note?

The George is a very popular watering hole right on the high street and you’ll want to book to be sure of a seat. Charles Dickens – a regular patron – never had to worry about such things.

What are The George’s opening hours?

  • Sunday-Thursday: 12–10pm
  • Friday-Saturday: 11am–10pm 

75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH; The George

Tucked down an alley off Borough High Street, this friendly, no frills London Bridge pub is the perfect stopoff for a quick one before you head to the station.

What’s the beer selection like?

There’s a decent range of ales (including Harveys of Sussex & St Austell Tribute), lagers, and wine.

How’s the food?

Traditional pub food but it’s off the menu for now – watch this space.

Is there a beer garden?

No, but King's Head Yard on front doubles up as one – chairs outside and everything. You can even watch the football there!

Anything else to note?

There’s an upstairs function room equipped with two TVs, a pool table and a dartboard. Use it wisely.

What are the Old King's Head opening hours? 

Monday-Sunday: 11-12am

King's Head Yard, SE1 1NA; The Old King's Head

There are a number of Draft Houses scattered throughout London, but this concerns the Tower Bridge iteration. Like its siblings, it’s a place of style and soul.

What's the beer selection like? 

There are 20 beer taps, with some exclusive house beers that are made for Draft House with some top breweries from around the UK and further afield.

There’s also a steady rotation of fresh craft beers, sourced locally from London, mainly from round the corner on the Bermondsey beer mile.

How's the food?

Modern twist on a traditional pub food menu. The menu changes seasonally, as you would expect.

Order the Fish Pie: salmon, smoked haddock and king prawns in creamy leek sauce, served with tenderstem broccoli.

Is there a beer garden?

No, but there is a great little cellar bar, which is a lovely spot to host a private party. 

Anything else to note?

A lot of great food promotions, as well as 2-for-1 Cocktail Happy Hour between 4pm – 8pm every day.

  • Monday is half price burgers. 
  • Wednesday 2-for-1 Wings.
  • Thursday 2-for-1 on the Plant Based Menu.
  • Sunday Roasts with unlimited Yorkshire pudding and gravy.

What are the Draft House's opening hours? 

  • Monday-Saturday: 12–11pm
  • Sunday: 12–10:30pm

206-208 Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP; Draft House

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This is a cracking little venue just a couple of minutes from London Bridge station. But it's on Bermondsey Street so the name is understandable.

What's the beer selection like?

Pick from eight draught options including cider and Guinness, local beers and common beers. Feeling thirsty? There are four-pint jugs available.

Further offerings include 20 different wines, eight different gins, eight different vodkas including fruity flavours, and nine cocktail mixes. Preferably not in one evening. 

How's the food?

James Donnelly has created a menu which brings together fresh, seasonal, sustainable and ethical UK grown produce. Enjoy delicious British plates combined with cooking techniques picked up on the teams' travels from around the world.

All ingredients are reared, grown and loved in the UK. Menus change regularly and with the seasons. 

Is there a beer garden?

Yes, there's a large outside space, including a front driveway and a backyard full of seating. It shows live sport as well. 

Anything else to note? 

There are plenty of events and pop-ups, including live DJs on the big nights. Get the jug in.

What are Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen's opening hours?

Monday-Saturday: 10am - 11pm 
Sunday: 10am - 6pm

40 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UD; Bermondsey Bar and Kitchen

The Old Thameside Inn

Situated on the bank of the Thames, literally opposite the Golden Hind, The Old Thameside Inn is about as London Bridge as you get.

What to drink?

The Old Thameside Inn is a Nicholson’s pub so you know what to expect: a competitively priced selection of booze that includes craft beer, cocktails and a decent range of whiskies. Find a table, enjoy the views and quite literally drink it all in.

How’s the food?

British staples: burgers, fish and chips, roast on Sundays. If you’ve visited a Nicholson’s – and you almost certainly will have done – then you know the drill here.

Is there a beer garden?

There’s a beer terrace bang on the waterfront, with the Golden Hind looming in the background. (Or foreground, depending on which way you’re sitting.) As USPs go, it’s a strong one.

What are The Old Thameside Inn’s opening hours?

  • Monday - Saturday: 10am-11pm.
  • Sunday 10am-10pm.

Anything else to note?

Bad weather forces you indoors? There’s also a Cellar Bar that’s working checking out. It’s downstairs, if you hadn’t guessed.

Pickfords Wharf, Clink St, SE1 9DG; The Old Thameside Inn

The Dean Swift is a lovely independent pub serving craft beer and tapas. 

What's the beer selection like?

Choose from 19 taps, three of which are cask. The pubs offers many local breweries like Kernel, Bianca Road, Moor, as well as Hackney Brewery, Signature Brew and many more. There's a stock selection of Belgian beers in the fridge as well.

What to eat?

The Dean Swift offers Spanish tapas Mon-Sat and a great Sunday roast. All food is prepared on premises and the pub also has a lunch specials menu (different baguettes for office workers).

Is there a beer garden? 

Nope – you do your smoking on the street like in the old days. 

Anything else to note? 

There is a quiz on Sundays (starts 6:30pm) and a function room on the first floor available for hire.

What are The Dean Swift's opening hours? 

  • Monday-Saturday: 12pm–11pm
  • Sunday: 12pm–10.30pm

10 Gainsford St, SE1 2NE; The Dean Swift 

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Situated on the bank of the Thames, this pub unsurprisingly gets its name from the practice of …mudlarking (rummaging around riverbanks for goodies, FYI).

Apparently, the Mudlark has been an old favourite with Borough market traders for years. We think this one’s worth checking out – especially if you fancy a dash of history in your spritzer.

What’s the beer selection like?

There’s Nicholson’s own pale ale on tap, alongside Doombar and other regional ales. Expect plenty of gins and whiskeys to choose from, and some interesting ‘beers from around the world’ (though they all seem to be European).

There’s also a cocktail list and some non-alcoholic house sodas.

How’s the food?

If you’re looking for a hearty meal, look no further. From Steak and Ale Pie to Ham, Egg and Chips, you’ll find a variation of all of your favourite home cooked meals here. There’s a couple of vegan and vegetarian options, though not many.

The Landlord’s platter – a selection of bar snacks – has everything you could possibly need for a snack: Sticky beef croquettes, calamari, chicken pieces, Padrón peppers and mac & cheese bites. Banging.

Is there a beer garden?

There is – with plenty of umbrellas and heaters. Enjoy a tipple outside, whatever the weather.

Anything else to note?

If you need somewhere to watch Rugby in London Bridge, The Mudlark have you covered. We’d recommend booking ahead of time to ensure you get a table.

There’s also a list of football fixtures on the website, but no confirmation whether they’re actually showing the games… footy fans might want to check before going.

What are The Mudlark's opening hours? 

  • Monday-Wednesday: 12-10pm
  • Thursday-Saturday: 12-11pm
  • Sunday: 12-7pm

Montague Cl, London SE1 9DA; The Mudlark

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This beer hall style bar is pretty much an all year round Oktoberfest. Whether you’re a sports fan, a German beer lover or love a good kebab (or a combination of the three), you’re in the right place.

What’s the beer selection like?

There’s a great selection of Bavarian beers, five on tap and five in bottles. There’s also some local beers, including Bermondsey Beirkeller’s own ‘Bermondsey Bravo’ beer. Try saying that after drinking a few.

They also serve plenty of the usual spirits, cocktails, wines, seltzer’s and even stein cocktails – heaven!

How’s the food?

Mouthwatering. Schnitzel, doner kebabs, chicken wings, pizzas, hotdogs, dirty fries, you name it.

Veggies – do not fear. The Veggie Lover burger and Veggie Dog are there for you, alongside classic meat-free pizzas and salads.

The pièce de résistance? The Traditional Apple Strudel. We’re sold.

Is there a beer garden?

There’s not. But there’s so much happening indoors, it’s unlikely you’ll want to step outside!

Anything else to note?

Enjoy a game of darts, shuffleboard, American pool, table football or table tennis with some friends, or simply sip your stein and enjoy live sport on one of the big screens.

If games aren’t for you, every month they do an ‘ABBA sing-along fest’. Not quite German, but it sounds super (trouper…).

What are the Bermondsey Bierkeller's opening hours?

Monday-Wednesday: 4–11pm
Thursday 4pm–12am
Friday-Saturday: 12pm–1am
Sunday 12–10pm

2, 4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY; Bermondsey Bierkeller

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Part of the Hays Galleria building, the marble countertops and stunning central staircase of this Nicholson’s pub not only make for a great photo op, they’re also a proper part of the city’s history. Frederick Horniman happened to be one of London’s most successful tea dealers back in the 1800s, and the building is an old tea warehouse, too. No doubt you can get a cuppa as you relax on the mezzanine, but if you fancy something fresher to water down your chicken and truffled mushroom pie, try out Nicholson’s own Pale Ale.

Unit 26, Hay’s Galleria, Greater, London SE1 2HD; Horniman at Hays

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Look, even we can’t control the weather. But when the city’s blessed with sunshine, what we can do is highly recommend you go for a drink at this riverside retreat. Nautical-themed, with floor to ceiling windows looking out on the Thames, you’d be hard pressed to find a better spot to catch some rays while you sip your pints or shuck some oysters. From drinks at the Rockefeller Bar to private dining at The Captain’s Table, The Oyster Shed offers food, drink, and stunning views of London’s skyline – anytime of the year.

1 Angel Ln, London EC4R 3AB; The Oyster Shed

 

Best Bermondsey Pubs

Look up ‘pub’ in the dictionary and you might see a picture of The Horseshoe Inn. Gorgeously traditional, the pub has been in the same hands for 24 years.

What's the beer selection like?

A selection of lagers, many of which are served in the garden bar. Plus three real ales that are changed each month. 

How's the food? 

Pub food that uses best quality products. Get this: the honey and herbs come from the rooftop beehives and garden.

Is there a beer garden?

Yes, a big one, plus a seating area out front, and two rooftop terraces. There’s also a function room and two dart boards.

Anything else to note?

Look out for the bear and the two rescue cats. The bear may be a sculpture but the cats definitely aren’t.

What are The Horseshoe Inn's opening hours? 

Tuesday-Wednesday: 12–11:30pm
Thursday-Friday: 12pm–12am
Saturday: 12–11:30pm
Sunday-Monday: 12–10pm

26 Melior St, Bermondsey, London SE1 3QP; The Horseshoe Inn

Marquis of Wellington

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A 20 minute walk from London Bridge station, Marquis of Wellington is a great pub if you want to escape the madness of the crowds. 

What's the beer selection like? 

There's a great selection of craft beers and ales for you to run through, including low-ABV ones if you're trying to behave. (Don't! It's summer!) 

Then you have a cocktail list that spans retro to Cuban (always go Cuban, you cool cat, you) and a whole separate menu for gins. Juniper, floral, flavoured – the gang's all here. 

How's the food? 

Pizza. Many different pizzas, offering most alluring toppings (shredded duck!) that can be paired with the vast selection of beers. Oh, and garlic bread. What more do you want? 

Is there a beer garden? 

Yeah, a cosy little yard out back and plenty of seating out front. 

Anything else to note? 

Like your live sport? You've come to the right place. 

What are the Marquis of Wellington's opening hours? 

12-10pm everyday, except on the weekend when it opens at 11am. 

21 Druid St, SE1 2HH; Marquis Of Wellington

The Rose

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This lovely independent pub has been in its current incarnation since 2013 – although the building dates back far earlier (the above photo is from 1951). After a short stint as a French restaurant – hey, we’ve all experimented – The Rose is now a quality neighbourhood watering hole that won the latest Time Out award for best pub/bar in SE1. 

What's the beer selection like?

Craft beers and continental favourites. Think Beaverton, Brooklyn, Peroni, Estrella, plus guest crafts from the likes of Kernel, BBNO, and Magic Rock. 

(If you like Fosters, Stella, Strongbow et al, you best go elsewhere.) 

There are also barrel-aged cocktails, and a craft gin range. 

How's the food?

The Rose is famous for its parmos, and burgers (especially the truffle burger), as well as an amazing Sunday Roast.

Is there a beer garden?

Yes, there’s a Boutique Beer Garden – in other words, it’s very small but perfectly formed. 

Anything else to note?

There’s a Street Fighter 2 arcade machine set to free play. Say goodbye to your afternoon.

What are The Rose's opening hours? 

Monday-Saturday: 12–10pm
Sunday: 12–9pm

123 Snowsfields, Bermondsey, London SE1 3ST; The Rose

The Woolpack 

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Take a short stroll from London Bridge station and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Bermondsey Street. While you’re there, you’d be remiss not to check out The Woolpack, which boasts the (self-proclaimed) title of “the best pub in Bermondsey”. Their confidence is far from misplaced: just check out the massive beer garden, complete with a roof, heaters, and cozy private booths. Yes you can bring the dog. Indoors isn’t too shabby, either. Numerous TVs mean you can catch a game or two while you enjoy a charcuterie board to share (or not), burgers, pies, and more classic pub fare. On Sundays, they rustle up a pork-chicken-beef roast combination, in case that walk from the station had you working up an appetite. Thinking of hosting a party? The ceiling of the Woolpack’s function room is decorated with renaissance-style paintings and a swanky chandelier to boot.

98 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB; The Woolpack

Best Borough Pubs

This intimate family-run pub dates back to the nineteenth century (with a rebuild in the 1920s). It even gets a mention in The Pickwick Papers – Charles Dickens was once a neighbour.

What's the beer selection like?

Strong. The Gladstone Arms is a craft beer pub, featuring an ever-changing selection of more than 13 beers on tap, sourced from local breweries like Gipsy Hill, Hammeton and London Beer Factory.

From IPAs, real ales, lagers to cider, there is a great selection of beers to sate even the most discerning of palates.

The pub also boasts a diverse gin selection. One of the most popular is the rhubarb gin by Warner Edwards, paired best with Fever Tree tonic.

How's the food?

The Gladstone specialises in Anglo-Indian food, featuring a great selection of small plates, pies and a unique Anglo-Indian Sunday roast.

The most popular items are the chicken kara-age, chicken tikka masala pie and of course the roasts (served with Bombay potatoes).

Is there a beer garden?

No but there’s a roof terrace and a private function room with a dartboard.

Anything else to note?

Plenty if you’re the socialising type. Choose from:

Pub quiz on first Monday of the month.
Open mic nights on Wednesdays.
Live music every weekend (blues / jazz / electronica / alt-folk / pop).

What are The Gladstone Arms's opening hours? 

Monday-Thursday: 12–11pm
Friday-Saturday: 12pm–12am
Sunday: 12–10:30pm

64 Lant St, London SE1 1QN; The Gladstone

Small but perfectly formed, The Rake in Borough Market is a beer lover's paradise. Plus it offers the most extensive food menu in London: as drinkers are welcome to bring food from the adjacent market. 

What's the beer selection like?

Copious. There are 14 keg taps and four cask pumps, which apart from a few staples, rotate on a keg-by-keg or cask-by-cask basis. 

The Rake aims to always offer a variety which should have something for everyone and also showcase some of the best beers from breweries all over the world.

Similarly the top-shelf spirits change by the bottle, again with an aim to cover all bases at all times but also to provide something new every time you visit.

How's the food?

Without a kitchen The The Rake only offers bar snacks, but more importantly you are welcome to bring in food from Borough Market (the pub sits just on the edge of the hot-food dedicated Jubilee Place in the market).

Lunchtime at the Rake is a selection of everything and anything Borough Market has to offer, alongside the world-famous beer selection.

Is there a beer garden?

Yes there is a beer garden, although it's not much bigger than the bar.

Don't expect any other amenities like pool tables, darts, sports, music, etc. The motto is very much "where the beer comes first" – but when the beer is this good, it's a motto to live by. 

Anything else to note?

The Rake isn't much of a place for promotions but the pub keeps a packed events calendar.

Generally during regular times they will host a Tap Take Over or Brewery event each week, sometimes more than one, when the brewer (and only the brewer) is allowed to sign the walls.

These sometimes come with raffles or giveaways of sorts and are very much worth checking out. 

What are The Rake's opening hours?

Monday-Thursday: 12–8pm
Friday 12–9pm
Saturday 11am–9pm
Sunday 12–7pm

Borough Market, 14A Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG; The Rake

Part of the PubLove family, The Rose and Crown offers a huge array of craft beers and an award-winning burger. Genuinely, what more could you ask for? 

What's the beer selection like?

Crafty! Fourteen taps of craft beer heaven including Beavertown and Signature Brew. Rotational delights from the likes of Two Tribes, Lervig, Partizan, Tiny Rebel and Deviant & Dandy. 

The Gin Wall usually has about 10 on the go featuring the likes of Silent Pool, Haymans, Monkey 47 and Portobello.

How's the food?

Pretty filthy....! It's all about dirty burgers, loaded fries and chicken. The signature burger is the (award-winning) Juicy Bastard. 

Is there a beer garden?

Yep! There are benches and barrels out front and a secret garden out back. You can book a table in the garden through the website.

Anything else to note?

There's a hostel up top, so feel free to book ahead and stay over. 

What are the Rose & Crown's opening hours?

Monday-Saturday: 12pm-11pm
Sunday: 12pm-10.30pm

65 Union St, London SE1 1SG; Rose and Crown

Just a stone's throw away from Borough Market, this bank building turned boozer stores its beer in existing bank vaults below the bar. Pretty cool, right? Although these aren’t visible, there’s smaller vaults along the walls, grand columns and lovely chandeliers. Definitely worthy of a photograph, if that’s your thing.

What’s the beer selection like?

There’s a selection of eight ale taps – though only four are on at the moment, including Fuller’s ‘Jack Frost’ blackberry winter ale. Lager taps are standard, including Peroni and Asahi. There’s also some bottled beers, stouts and alcohol-free lagers.

Alongside an extensive gin selection, there’s plenty of spirits to choose from.

How’s the food?

As one of Fuller’s Ale and Pie houses that does what it says on the tin. Expect the classics, including lots of plant based options.

The ‘Dirty Laverstoke Park Farm buffalomi fries with sriracha aioli’ sound interesting. We don’t know what it is, but it sounds delicious.

And of course, pies galore! There’s a separate pie list, mini pies available as ‘bar snacks’ and a pie tasting board. It would be rude not to try one.

Is there a beer garden?

No, but the dining room has views over Southwark Cathedral and Borough Market, so enjoy the outdoors from inside in the warm.

Anything else to note?

Although there’s no accommodation at this specific pub, why not stay at The Wellington Hotel down the road in Waterloo? 

What are The Barrowboy and Banker's opening hours?

Monday-Friday: 12-11pm
Sunday: 12-9pm

6-8 Borough High St, London SE1 9QQ; The Barrowboy and Banker

The Bridge Tap London

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From the Premier League to the PGA tour, from NFL to Aintree: this Southwark pub is the best place to watch whichever big game you fancy. There’s a bunch of screens, so you’re basically guaranteed a good angle, and they’ve got an impressive range of craft beers to keep you – well, let’s call it hydrated. If the only negative reviews say it gets a little noisy when the football’s on, you know you’ve found yourself a good sports bar.

32 Borough High St, London SE1 1XU; The Bridge Tap London

MC & Sons

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Irish pub. Thai food. Classic. Mc & Sons is built on the legacy of London pub legends, the Mc Elhinney family. If you’re lucky, the pub teases, one of them might even be pulling your pint. So whether you’re looking for a porter, stout, or craft ale (from London or Dublin), you know it’ll be a good one. There’s also a solid range of wine and whiskeys, too. Of course, none of this is complete without chowing down on their special ‘Drunken Rice’ – if you think you can handle the spice. If you’ve got some catching up to do, grab a group of friends and book yourselves into the pub’s traditional Irish snug. It seats eight and you’d have your own private access to the bar. All this tucked neatly in the backstreets between Blackfriars Road and Borough.

160 Union St, London SE1 0LH; MC & Sons