The Lamb and Flag Pub is situated on Rose Street, between Floral Street and Garrick Street. It is near the Leicester Square station. I recommend entering through the alley that connects Floral Street to Rose Street.

We greatly enjoyed this charming pub which is tucked away from the main street in the lovely Covent Garden district. To thoroughly enjoy its charm, start by walking there the classic way, which is through its narrow alleyway Lazenby Court, which connects Floral Street to Rose Street. You will pass by a side entrance on the right to the Saloon Bar but I suggest continuing down the path which lets out at Rose Street and the pub’s main entrance.

Established in 1623, it is one of the oldest pubs in the area and was a favorite of Charles Dickens, who would enjoy a pint or two during his travels. The pub also had a reputation for bare-knuckle prize fights, earning it the nickname “The Bucket of Blood”. Adding to the pub’s history, in 1679 the poet John Dryden was attacked by thugs said to have been hired by The Earl of Rochester.

On the day of our visit, there were no bar fights or famous writers, just an energetic vibe and delicious beer on tap! It was a bustling and busy afternoon, but the extremely diligent staff did a great job pulling beers and serving food as quickly as they could. We enjoyed standing outside along with other tourists, as well as locals who were there enjoying a pint. The venue is small and reservations are recommended if you plan to go for a sit-down meal.

This pub was one of the smallest and less “window dressed” than others we had on our list, but it ended up being one of my favorites! Its history, quaint location, and authentic London Pub feeling it gave me puts it at the top of my list.

Mr. Fogg’s Tavern

58 St. Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4EA
Tube Station: Leicester Square

Mr. Fogg’s Tavern is a quirky old English pub and gin parlour that transports visitors to Victorian London and was inspired by the tale of Phileas Fogg and his Great Aunt Gertrude. The Tavern’s menu offers a selection of appetizers and traditional British pub grub, as well as cocktails and beer, served in pewter cups, unique glassware, and traditional tankards. The drink menu is filled with intriguing specialty cocktails, and “Phileas’s Punches” (available for single or group-size servings). This was a delightful change of drink options.

The tavern’s ground floor room has a cozy wooden interior with artifacts from the 19th century decorating the walls and ceiling. A big aviary is authentically decorated in Victorian style with plants, stuffed birds, and other oddities serves as the room’s center point. Union Jack flags adorn the ceiling and antique nick-nacks are everywhere, including a hidden mirror in a book I discovered near our table. 

The Crown & Anchor is a beautiful classic-style two-story British pub situated in the bustling Seven Dials neighborhood of London’s Covent Garden. It is conveniently located near Euston Station and close to most major West End productions in the theater district, making it a great option for pre-or-post theater meals.

This pub was on our “must-see” list because we knew by its pictures that it was Instagram-worthy if nothing else, but to experience it in person was breathtaking. The gorgeously painted red exterior and the planters filled with fresh and vibrant flowers outside every window adds to the charm.

The staff was pleasant and fast, and the patrons at the pub seemed like a mix of tourists and locals. We opted to enjoy our pint outside and absorb the atmosphere although there was plenty of seating inside at the time of our visit.

The upstairs area of the pub is a good option for larger groups of diners or drinkers and has a more relaxed atmosphere.  The pub serves classic British pub fare and an exciting mix of continental lagers, traditional cask-conditioned British ales, wine, and London gins.

The Camden Head is on Camden Passage in the heart of Islington, an area well-known for its antique markets and eclectic local stores.  Minutes from our AirBnB in Islington, we weren’t walking for more than 5 minutes before we were drawn to this hidden gem and the lovely garden terrace that looks out over Camden Passage’s popular market booths.

With etched glass walls, ornamental tiles, and an island bar illuminated by intricate decorative Victorian lamps, the pub’s original elegant interior is still present. This bar is a unique instance of a traditional gin palace. Since 1849, The Camden Head has operated as a bar on Islington Green and was restored in 1899.

The pub frequently offers free comedy shows during the week, which we hear are very popular however we did not attend the shows.

At the time of our visit in September, the pub was not very crowded, and the staff accommodating and friendly. The bartender kindly allowed us to sample various beer on tap before making our selection. 

This was one of the few pubs we ordered food but like most in London, there is no table wait staff. Food orders are placed at the bar and once ready it is delivered to your table. Our party ordered Fish & Chips and a Meat Pie. The portions were sizable and tasty.

Our first meal and beer in London was a pleasant one!

The Albert, located in the busy Westminster area is another beautiful Victorian Pub famous for its attractive and eye-catching frontage. It boasts a traditional dark wood interior and is filled with ornate decorative details including hand-etched frosted glass windows, iron balconies, and a charming bar with a large clock as the centerpiece.

The pub was built in 1862 and has a rich history. It was named The Albert as a tribute to Queen Victoria’s husband.  The pub the only remaining building from the original development of Victoria Street.

One of the allures to visiting this pub is observing the stark  contrast of this exquisite Victorian building against the large modern buildings that tower over this pub. The juxtaposition of the scene emphasizes its beauty even more

The Albert was the second pub we ate at in London. During our lunchtime visit, the pub was not crowded and plenty of seating available. Although the drinks and food were good, the service and how the pub’s kitchen operates left much to be desired.

 Like many pubs, there is no table wait staff, so  orders are placed at the bar. Each person in our party placed their order, one right after the next, yet none of our food came out together. We also ordered appetizers assuming the starters (soup) would come before the main dish. They did not. One person in our party waited an exceptionally long time for her food by the time it finally came, everyone else was done.

I did enjoy the soup and a burger I ordered, but the service and delays would keep me from returning.

The Shipwrights Arms was built in 1884 and has an original tiled mural of the ‘Shipwrights’ at work. The pub has been purposefully kept classic in appearance, preserving the unusual central island bar and serving up to six real ales and a large selection of continental lagers.

Much like The Crown & Anchor, the beautiful online pictures of The Shipwrights Arms are what earned it a spot on our “must-see” Pub list in London.  The building’s bright royal blue exterior with ornamental sculptures and planters filled with vibrant flowers did not disappoint. We took some great pictures outside but that is where our experience at this pub ended. 

Upon entering did not feel the same warm and welcoming environment that we had at other pubs. For such a beautiful pub in a busy location, we were surprised at how empty it was inside. We waited at the uncrowded bar for several minutes to order. After the bartender passed by a few times without acknowledgment, we left. 

Maybe we were there on a bad day but having read reviews online after returning from London, I believe we made the right decision.

The Lamb Tavern is situated on the cobbled streets of Leadenhall Market in the City of London, just a short distance from Liverpool Street, Bank, and Monument stations. 

The Tavern specializes in exquisitely made vintage real ale, including Young’s Original, a favorite among City workers during the workweek. In addition to a quality ale, the pub offers a selection of seasonal British cuisine to go with your pint, including lighter lunch options as well as the typical pub fare. Since 1780, the Lamb Tavern has been a part of the fabric of the City of London and is still a popular and thriving spot today.

We visited the Tavern on a late Monday afternoon in September before our reservation at the nearby Sky Garden. The atmosphere at the Tavern was lively, the beer was cold, and we enjoyed mingling with locals there enjoying a pint after a long day of work.  

Of all the pubs we visited, this was the least Victorian or stunningly beautiful outside, but it gave us an enjoyable look inside what it might be like to live in London and meet friends after work for a drink.