Best Pubs With Real Ale in London
- bjkirk
- Aug 21, 2025
- 2 min read
🍺 London’s Finest Real Ale Pubs: A Toast to Tradition and Taste
London’s pub scene is a tapestry of history, character, and craftsmanship—and nowhere is that more evident than in its real ale offerings. Whether you're a seasoned cask connoisseur or just dipping your toe into the world of hand-pulled pints, these standout pubs serve up the best of Britain’s brewing heritage.
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🏆 The Harp, Covent Garden
A jewel in the heart of the city, The Harp is a shrine to real ale lovers. With its stained-glass windows and cozy two-floor layout, this pub offers a rotating selection of hand-pulled ales and ciders. It’s a CAMRA favorite, and rightly so—expect perfectly kept pints and a warm, welcoming vibe. More about The Harp
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🍔 Cask Pub & Kitchen
Located in Pimlico, this modern pub blends gourmet burgers with a global selection of craft and real ales. It’s a haven for beer geeks, offering rare finds and seasonal brews on tap. The knowledgeable staff are always ready to guide you through the ever-changing lineup. Explore Cask Pub & Kitchen
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🕰️ Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
Tucked away in a historic alley, this 1547 gem is one of London’s oldest pubs. It’s steeped in tradition, with wood-paneled walls and historical memorabilia. The real ales here are lovingly maintained, and the atmosphere is pure old-world charm. Visit Ye Olde Mitre
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🧱 The Royal Oak
Southwark’s Victorian corner pub is the only London outpost of Harvey’s Brewery. It’s a pilgrimage site for ale aficionados, with classics like Sussex Best and seasonal specialties always in pristine condition. Check out The Royal Oak
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🎶 The Queens Head
This compact Victorian boozer near King’s Cross is known for its ever-changing beer menu and live music. It’s a cozy spot with a strong community feel, offering British pub fare and a stellar lineup of real ales from independent brewers. Discover The Queens Head
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🍻 The Kings Arms
In East London’s Buckfast Street, this stylish modern pub reimagines tradition with flair. It serves guest ales and local craft beers in a relaxed setting, perfect for those who appreciate quality without the fuss. Learn about The Kings Arms
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🚉 The Euston Tap
Housed in a Victorian gatehouse near Euston Station, this pub is a quirky delight. It boasts a dedicated cider bar and an impressive selection of cask ales and draught beers. The beer garden is a bonus for sunny afternoons. Visit The Euston Tap
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🌸 The Churchill Arms, Kensington
This flower-covered pub is as famous for its exterior as it is for its real ales. Inside, you’ll find Churchill memorabilia and a unique pairing of Thai cuisine with traditional British beer. It’s eccentric, iconic, and utterly London. Explore The Churchill Arms
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Whether you're chasing heritage, flavor, or just a good old-fashioned pint, London’s real ale pubs offer something for every palate. So raise your glass—there’s no better city to sip and savor.


