‘Tis the season for a festive extravaganza. If you’ve not done so already, it’s high time you organise those group chats and get booking, fast. Be it a blowout, a bargain, a boozer with a fireplace or just a particularly festive hangout, we’ve got you covered.
But in the world of pubs, and with so many in London at risk of closure, we can never have enough. This is the time of year to get cosy within that most beloved British tradition: the boozer. Find something with a red carpet, nooks and wood panelling. If there’s Brewdog on tap, avoid; if you can find a pint of Murphy’s, revel in it.
While our 50 best list gets fettled and finessed, seek succour in one of these particularly festive haunts. Tinsel, trees and a tipple: what could be more Christmas than that?
Churchill Arms
The festive maximalism on display at the Churchill Arms knows no bounds. The lights, the tinsel, the never ending fir, pine and baubles. It’s tantamount to a grotto for grown-ups, making it the best place for festive pints this December.
119 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN, churchillarmskensington.co.uk
The Sherlock Holmes
Certainly not a hidden gem, no pubs really are, but a gem that few talk about, sure. Found round the corner from Embankment, a stone's throw from Trafalgar square, this might be one of the best pubs in one of London’s most oppressively touristy areas.
10 Northumberland Street, WC2N 5DB, greeneking.co.uk
The Guinea Grill
The Guinea feels festive even in March, owing in no small part to its fabulous carpets, dark wooden panelling and silver service. In December, a discreet selection of festive decorations go up to remind us that while time may stand still in the dining room, Christmas is indeed just around the corner.
30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL, theguinea.co.uk
Coach and Horses
Bang in the middle of touristy Covent Garden is this cosy boozer well worth making a beeline for. The Coach and Horses on Wellington Street is far nicer (read: less tacky) than some of its nearest pub neighbours and when the Christmas decorations go up and Mariah comes on over the speaker, you’ll forget all about those pesky visiting Americans.
42 Wellington Street, WC2E 7BD, instagram.com
Star and Garter
Hardly a hidden gem, but a lesser-talked about one, sure. The Star is a just off busy Broadwick Street, but it’s a cosy web of interconnected little nooks, which have a furtively festive feel this time of year. Wood-panelled ceiling and real ales too.
62 Poland Street, W1F 7NX, instagram.com
The Mayflower
The historic Mayflower is festive for plenty of reasons. Yes there is a touch of tinsel and a few fir branches about the place, but the riverside views, fireplace and pooch-friendly pub has plenty going for it to make it feel extra Christmassy this season.
117 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 4NF, mayflowerpub.co.uk
The Canton Arms
Lambeth’s finest pub becomes awash with festive adornments each year. This typically manifests itself as wreaths and stockings hanging about the place, but the kitchen also pumps out a handful of Christmas favourites.
177 S Lambeth Road, SW8 1XP, cantonarms.com
The Grapes
Imagine a long bar, red walls, a gentle fireplace and riverside views; the Grapes has it all. There are lashings of extra Christmas flair with festive flora and fauna, alongside a menu of Christmas pub classics.
76 Narrow Street, E14 8BP, thegrapes.co.uk
The Audley
Probably London’s glitziest pub, the Audley has all the trappings of glamour mixed this month with all the trappings of the festive season. Elegant wreaths and baubles decorate a room already replete with the warmth of a pub and the chicness of Mayfair.
41-43 Mount Street, W1K 2RX, theaudleypublichouse.com
The Coach and Horses
The Coach, Norman’s, Ally’s, whatever you call it, this is one of the finest pubs in town, a haunt for hacks, and the Christmas season starts when the decorations go up on Greek Street. The hand-painted windows and festive interiors make this one a must this time of year. Settle in, and enjoy.
29 Greek Street, W1D 5DH, coachandhorsessoho.pub
