Eat, drink, and be merry: The most festive pubs in London
Heading to London this Christmas? Even the biggest Grinch can't help but get into the festive season spirit in the capital. From the magical atmosphere to the twinkling lights, it’s like walking into a giant snow globe.
There’s endless things to do, but at Greene King, we’ve got a seasonal soft spot for a trip to the pub. Picture the scene; you start with a frosty pint in hand and end with a tasty pudding. Then fill the time between with classic carols and questionable Christmas jumpers. What a time.
Why London is the place to be during Christmas
Sure, there's something pretty special about the seaside at Christmas, and we'll admit the countryside has its own classic charm. But nowhere does the festive season quite like London.
Our country’s capital doesn’t just dangle a few lights here and there. It practically blasts the city in sparkle, as if Mariah Carey herself was appointed chief decorator. Everywhere you turn, there’s illuminations and lights to behold. Big monuments become like Christmas ornaments, and the mere act of walking down the street suddenly feels like something out of a film.
From ice skating at Somerset House to gawping at Oxford Street lights, hunting for quirky gifts at Covent Garden to carol-singing by St Paul’s, the city offers up more seasonal sparkle than your nan’s tinsel drawer. And when your feet are feeling as tired as a Christmas Eve reindeer, and your cold nose is as red as Rudolph’s, where can you head to hang up your Santa hat?
A Greene King pub is waiting to welcome you with cosy nooks, hearty grub and enough Christmas spirit to rival the North Pole. Seriously if Santa didn’t have such a packed schedule this festive season, we think he’d pick our pubs for a post sleigh sip. Then again, he’s not one to drink and drive...
Festive things to do in London
If you’re plotting what to do in London at Christmas, here are a few essentials for your festive bucket list:
See the Christmas lights
From Oxford Street to Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Canary Wharf, each other tries to outshine the other. It’s a proper treat for the eyes.
Visit Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park’s iconic Christmas event has ice rinks, rides, stalls, and more bratwurst than you can shake a candy cane at. It does get pretty busy though, so if you fancy something a little more low key, you could head to the Southbank Centre Winter Market or check out Winter by the River at London Bridge for some incredible views of the skyline.
Go ice skating
From Skate at Somerset House to Glide at Battersea Power Station, the Tower of London, and even Canary Wharf, you’re spoilt for choice with picture-perfect rinks.
Watch a Christmas show
From the Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker to a West End panto (oh yes it is!) London's stages really shine at Christmas.
Christmas traditions, London style
Every city has its quirks, and London’s festive traditions are as charming as they are unique:
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree
A gift from Norway since 1947, decorated in classic Nordic style with vertical strings of lights.
The Lord Mayor’s Christmas carols
A tradition of community singing that brings the city together.
Pantomime season
A peculiarly British mix of slapstick, silliness, and shouting “he’s behind you!” at the top of your lungs.
Festive pub crawls
Not officially a tradition, but let’s face it, it might as well be.
The most festive pubs in London
Now, let’s take a sleigh ride through some of our most Christmassy pubs, each with its own personality, charm, and plenty of seasonal magic. Keep a lookout on 14th November and experience your very own pub light switch on!
The Albert - Victoria
Standing proudly in Victoria, the Albert is a pub that feels like it was built for Christmas. With its Victorian architecture, warm corners, and a hearty festive menu, it’s a merry retreat just a snowball’s throw from Buckingham Palace. Who knows - you might even spot a royal popping in for a sneaky mulled cider.
Visit The AlbertThe Anchor - Bankside
The Anchor is history and Christmas rolled into one. Sitting right on the Bankside, it’s the sort of pub where you can sip a mulled wine while gazing out over the Thames. Add in the buzz of Christmas revellers and the smell of roasted chestnuts via Borough Market, and you’ve got yourself a festive postcard scene come to life.
Visit The AnchorBarmy Arms - Twickenham
Built in the 1700s, the Barmy Arms was often the hub for rock and roll fans, so it knows a thing or two about throwing a party. Cranking up the lights on 14th November, this fantastic spot is great for live music, quiz nights, and festive folly for the whole family. With traditional British grub, a beer garden (fit enough for snowy pints), and treats for your furry friends, this is the ultimate Christmas cracker!
Visit The Barmy ArmsBunch of Grapes - Brompton
Tucked away in Brompton, the Bunch of Grapes is a real gem when it comes to festive vibes. Imagine twinkling lights and the smell of mulled wine wafting through the air. It’s the perfect pitstop after some last-minute Christmas shopping at Harrods - or an excuse not to finish said shopping at all.
Visit The Bunch of GrapesThe George - Southwark
The George is London’s last remaining galleried coaching inn, which basically means it already looks like a Dickens novel come to life. On 14th November, the pub will have a decked-out tree in the courtyard, a big launch with festive choirs, and snow machines! Add some fairy lights and a festive menu, and suddenly you’re in full Christmas-card territory. If you’re looking for a historic, storybook Christmas, this is your place.
Visit The GeorgeGolden Lion - St James’
Tucked in St James’, the Golden Lion is small but mighty in festive charm. Expect golden glows, frothy pints, and plenty of merriment. It’s the kind of pub where strangers end up singing carols together - fuelled, of course, by a few festive tipples.
Visit The Golden LionMasons Arms - Mayfair
If Santa had a favourite Mayfair hangout, it’d be the Masons Arms. This pub mixes Mayfair elegance with classic festive warmth. Expect glittering decorations, a snug atmosphere, and plenty of fizz for toasting. Perfect if you want to do Christmas with a touch of glamour (and maybe a selfie or two under the mistletoe).
Visit The Masons ArmsPaxtons Head - Belgravia
Nestled in Belgravia, the Paxtons Head offers a proper Dickensian Christmas vibe. With dark wood, twinkling garlands, and enough festive atmosphere to rival a Christmas market, it’s a brilliant spot for a celebratory drink after an evening of admiring Belgravia’s famously glamorous Christmas lights.
Visit The Paxtons HeadPunch & Judy - Covent Garden
Few spots feel more Christmassy than Covent Garden - giant baubles, towering trees, and mistletoe galore. Right at the heart of it all is the Punch & Judy, a pub that comes alive at Christmas. Grab a wine, soft drink, or cheeky spirit, step onto the balcony, and soak up the seasonal buzz of the piazza below. With the huge red shine of the famous Covent Garden tree, it’s Christmas magic like you’ve never experienced.
Visit The Punch & JudyRailway - London
There’s no shortage of history when visiting our festive pubs in London, and the Railway is no exception. Having been around since 1736, the pub loves hosting festive family time, seasonal soirees, and Christmas catch-ups. With stacked menus, jolly events, and drinks tasty enough to complete your present list, this is the place to be.
Visit The RailwaySalisbury - Covent Garden
Secret Santa, work parties, or just an excuse to have a frosty pint, the Salisbury is one of the most festive pubs in London. With signature Victorian decor, walls dripping with art, and only two minutes from Leicester Square station, finding a Christmas escape has never been easier! Get your seats in time to enjoy and see our Christmas lights on 14th November.
Visit The SailsburyWrap your Christmas up with us in the city
London at Christmas is a magical mix of glittering lights, festive traditions, and, most importantly, cosy Christmas pubs ready to welcome you in from the cold.
Whether you’re hunting down the most festive pubs in London, seeking out some tasty Christmas menus, or simply planning what to do in London, it’s not the Christmas season without at least one stop at your favourite local.
So, grab your scarf, your friends, and maybe even a sprig of mistletoe, and let’s make this the merriest Christmas yet. We've got many pubs in London, from special spots close to the landmarks to handy venues near the tube stations. Stop by for festive drinks or settle in for a full-on festive feast. Nowhere does festive celebrations like a festive pub in London with Greene King.