Pubs in the UK's Top 10 Cities: A Local Pub Guide
London
You can’t make a turn in the capital without running into a pub with a rich and storied history. Take the Punch & Judy, where you can soak in the sights from its balcony overlooking the vibrant Covent Garden. Or, if you’re a history buff, visit the Museum Tavern, which - you guessed it - stands next to the British Museum in all its glory. For even more culture, you could swing by the Anchor Bankside, positioned between Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Southwark Cathedral and Borough Market while gazing across the Thames and the famous London Bridge.
Birmingham
Let’s turn our focus to the city of a thousand trades - Birmingham. If you’re travelling to Brum for a gig at the Utilita Arena or visiting the aquarium over the river, pop in for a pint at the Malt House, a pub sat just on the corner of the city’s canal old line. And if you find yourself a bit further out from the bustling city centre, make sure to pay a visit to the Old House at Home for a delicious carvery or a drink in the spacious beer garden.
Leeds
In the city of Lioners, you can shop til you drop. And where better to drop, than into the Griffin? This pub is positioned directly in the middle of the Leeds Trinity shopping centre and Leeds Train Station. That means it’s a perfect watering hole if you’re visiting the city for the first time or waving it goodbye. If you’re looking to soak in more of the local culture, you’ll find it hard to go wrong in the beer garden at the Templar Hotel, a short ten-minute walk from Leeds Art Gallery, Museum and Cathedral.
Glasgow
To experience a truly traditional Scottish pub, you have to visit the Rhoderick Dhu. Furnished and upholstered with tartan and leathers, this pub is a stone’s throw away from Glasgow Central Station. And if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed - turn off the bustling Argyle Street and visit Cairns Bar, a pub that specialises in great value food as well as offering shelter to shoppers looking for a quick drink.
Sheffield
Smack bang in the centre of Sheffield, the Museum is right next to Orchard Square shopping centre and just down the road from City Hall. Deeper into the city, positioned between the park and events venue Devonshire Green and the beautiful Pound’s Park, is the Frog & Parrot. This unique pub has booths fashioned to look like birdcages and really shows off the trendy side of Sheffield.
Bradford
In the city of Bradford, just west of Leeds, sits the Halfway House. Nestled near David Hockney's gallery museum in Saltaire, this cosy pub is the perfect spot to kick back, enjoy some delicious food and soak up the lively atmosphere. If you fancy a change of scenery, feel free to venture further out of town to discover the Chapel House, a charming 16th-century pub that serves a specialist selection of cask ales and other brews.
Liverpool
It doesn’t get more historic than the Pump House on Hartley’s Quay in Liverpool docks. Built in 1870 to house a hydraulic pumping system for the docks, this iconic building stands as a testament to the city's maritime heritage. What's more, it's surrounded by the historic dockyard and is only a two-minute walk from the city centre and Liverpool ONE shopping centre. And on your way out of the coastal city, make sure to grab a pint at the Lime Street Central pub, a perfect way to cap off your visit.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital has its own selection of historic and vibrant landmarks – with pubs to match. For example, in the city’s old town, just a two-minute walk from the Doctors pub, is the statue of the famous Greyfriars Bobby and National Museum of Scotland. Doctors is a traditional bar and restaurant bursting with character. The World’s End meanwhile is part of the Flodden Wall, a 16th-century fort that protected the city from attack.
Manchester
Visit the Fountain House in the centre of Manchester for a well-earned drink after exploring the various parts of this walkable city. Positioned on Albert Square and opposite Manchester Town Hall, this area is transformed during the festive season with its Christmas markets and is always a spot for city events throughout the year. For a completely different experience, visit one of Manchester’s oldest pubs, the Lass O’Gowrie. This canal-side alehouse goes back as far as 1844 and still serves hearty food and drinks to this day.
Bristol
Let’s head back down south and explore the thriving city of Bristol. To experience the rich history of the city, be sure to stop at the Shakespeare, the longest serving ale house in Bristol. This 1777 constructed pub is a quick walk away from the famous Queen Square, the dockyard and other cultural hotspots like the Arnolfini Arts Centre and Bristol Aquarium.