Find a pub near London Waterloo Station
London never really stops, and you only need to head to Waterloo Station to see for yourself. Trains coming in from every corner of the country, crowds spilling out towards the South Bank, and the constant buzz of hundreds of locals and tourists moving in every direction. Whether you’re in town for work, snapping the city from the London Eye, or just heading home after a long day, you’ll know how hectic it can feel.
That’s exactly when a proper pub makes all the difference. Somewhere close enough to the station to keep things simple, but far enough to give you a breather. A good drink. A tasty meal. A place to catch up with mates, or just to catch your breath.
And if you’re trying to track down the best pubs near Waterloo Station, we’ve got a few we think you’ll love. Our Greene King pubs in the area are big on character, quick on service and friendly from the moment you walk through the door. Some are perfect for a family bite before the train. Others are all set for a quiet pint or a big match on screen.
You’ll find veggie and vegan options, kids’ menus, cold pints, hot food, and staff who genuinely care about making you feel welcome. Because it’s not just about filling time, it’s about making the most of it.
Find a pub near Waterloo Station
Great pubs near Waterloo for food, drinks and downtime
These pubs are all a few minutes from Waterloo Station, easy to get to, and even easier to settle into. Whether you’ve got time to kill before your train, need somewhere to eat after a show, or just searching for traditional pubs near the South Bank, they’re solid picks. Good food, great drinks, and the kind of atmosphere you only get in a traditional London pub.And if you’ve got the dog in tow, no problem: there are some great dog-friendly pubs near Waterloo that’ll welcome you both.
Sherlock Holmes, St’ James’s
Roughly a 10-minute walk from Waterloo via Embankment, the Sherlock Holmes is a London one-off. Inside you’ll find Victorian-style decor, quirky artefacts and even a full replica of Holmes and Watson’s apartment upstairs. It’s tourist-friendly but still a beloved spot for locals and the atmosphere’s always lively. The menu’s packed with comforting classics, while the bar serves up rotating cask ales, crisp lagers and plenty of low-ABV options. Perfect for fans of detective stories, post-sightseeing crowds or anyone after a proper pint in the heart of the city.
Silver Cross, Whitehall
Just over a 12-minute walk from Waterloo, the Silver Cross on Whitehall has everything you want in a central London pub: space, history, and food that hits the spot. There’s a relaxed feel inside, with plenty of seating for groups and big screens showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports throughout the week. The Sunday roasts are a standout, and the menu’s full of big, hearty dishes made for sharing. It’s dog-friendly, welcoming to families, and ideal if you’re searching for pubs near Trafalgar Square or Downing Street.
Maple Leaf, Covent Garden
About 20 minutes from Waterloo and tucked away in Covent Garden, the Maple Leaf is a fun, lively spot with a distinctly Canadian twist. With 14 TVs showing everything from Premier League fixtures to NHL showdowns, it’s one of the best pubs for live sport in London. The menu’s full of North American classics (the poutine is a must), and there’s a solid drinks list to match. With outdoor seating, a casual atmosphere and friendly staff, this is the place for pre-show dinners, weekend matchdays or group get-togethers.
George, The Strand
Just a short stroll over the bridge from Waterloo, the George is one of the most quietly impressive pubs near the Strand, and it feels special from the moment you walk in.
It’s been here since 1723, and still boasts a vintage charm: dark wood, flickering wall lamps and a quiet hum of conversation. But it’s not all show. The food’s spot-on, with seasonal dishes, hearty pub classics and polished plates all making a feature here
There’s an upstairs dining room for bigger groups or pre-theatre dinners, and the pace is never rushed. Calm, comfortable and quietly confident, this is a pub that knows exactly what it’s doing.
Ye Olde Cock Tavern, Holborn
You’ll find Ye Olde Cock Tavern on Fleet Street, about a 20 minute walk from Waterloo, and it’s a proper gem. From the outside it may look small, but step through the door and you’ll discover a rabbit warren of wood-panelled rooms, hidden corners and the kind of atmosphere only centuries of stories can create.
This pub is packed with character, but it’s the warm welcome and delicious food that keep people coming back. You’ve got big screens for sport, a dog-friendly policy, a beer garden tucked out back and space for families too. No matter if you’re sightseeing nearby, looking for somewhere to unwind after catching a play or musical, or heading home from the Strand, this is a cracking spot to pause.
Why choose a pub near Waterloo Station?
There’s no shortage of places to grab a bite near Waterloo, but let’s be honest, not all of them are worth your time. A Greene King pub gives you something better. A seat. A decent meal. A proper drink. And the kind of welcome that makes even a flying visit feel like a proper break.
- Better than a meal deal – enjoy pub classics or lighter bites, freshly cooked and full of flavour.
- Room to breathe – swap the crowds for a comfy chair and a bit of space to relax.
- Easy meeting spots – ideal for catch-ups, pre-theatre dinners or a pint after work.
- Live sport on screen – no need to miss a match just because you’re on the move.
- Family friendly - Family-friendly pubs in central London aren’t always easy to find, but these ones make space for everyone, with relaxed menus and an easy-going atmosphere.
- Dog-friendly – Bring your pet pooch along to many of our Central London pubs.
- Book ahead in seconds – beat the rush and walk in knowing your table’s ready.
Still planning your day in London? Use our pub finder to choose the perfect spot – whether you need somewhere peaceful away from the rush, a post-matinee show rest or somewhere for drinks before heading to a gig.
Fancy a Sunday the way it’s meant to be? We’ve got Sunday roasts worth travelling for across the city.
Book your table now
Got a train to catch? Just seen a show? Or fancy a break from the crowds? Our pubs near Waterloo Station give you the space to sit back, tuck into something decent and enjoy a drink without the rush.
Whether you’ve got time to kill or just want to catch your breath, there’s a pub in London with your name on it, and a team ready to make you feel right at home.