London Pub Crawl: Your Guide to an Epic Night Out

A pub crawl in London isn't just a night out—it’s a rite of passage. The city packs over 3,500 pubs, from ancient haunts by the Thames to speakeasy-style bars tucked in Soho. If you've never mapped a route through this maze, you're not alone. Locals know every area has its own pub character: the historic, wood-paneled oldies around Fleet Street, the indie vibe in Hackney, or the riverside classics winding through Greenwich.

Start by picking your patch of the city. Central London is easy for getting home after, with handy Tube connections like the Northern or Central Line. For something legendary, Carnaby Street packs some of the quirkiest bars and makes for an easy walking route. If you’re chasing that old-world feel, nothing beats a crawl ending at The Mayflower in Rotherhithe—the oldest pub on the Thames, and yes, you can actually drink where pilgrims once did.

Don’t forget the basics. Weekends mean crowds, so booking a table at your first or final stop (especially a larger pub like The Porterhouse in Covent Garden) saves hassle and queue time. And it’s not just about the beer. London’s craft scene is booming: try a Gin & Tonic at The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead or a small-batch cider at The Euston Tap. Snacks aren’t an afterthought either—grab a Scotch egg or chips, as the kitchen hours can be unpredictable, especially after 10pm. Hydrate, pace yourself, and don’t be shy about ordering tap water with your round—London tap is free and totally safe.

• Mapping the Perfect London Route
• Local Gems and Can't-Miss Stops
• Smart Planning: Timing, Groups, and Budget
• Dos, Don'ts, and Little-Known Essentials

Mapping the Perfect London Route

If you want your London pub crawl to run smooth, do some planning. First, pick a neighbourhood that keeps travel time short between pubs. Central London is the obvious starting point—think Soho, Covent Garden, or Fitzrovia—where you’re spoiled for choice within a few blocks. Try starting at The Crown & Two Chairmen in Soho (it’s a lively spot with great ales) and work east towards The French House, famous for its beer served in half-pints and old-school London vibe.

If you fancy something more scenic, head to the riverside and walk from The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping to The Mayflower in Rotherhithe. You’ll cross cobbled streets and walkways right along the Thames—snapping pretty unbeatable sunset photos between stops.

For a proper North London route, Camden’s your go-to. Start at The World’s End by the tube, then hit The Hawley Arms (where Amy Winehouse was a regular), and swing by BrewDog Camden for something craft. Everything’s within five minutes’ stroll, so you’re not stuck walking miles or wasting money on Ubers.

Here’s a simple way to plan your crawl:

• Pick 4-5 pubs max. More than that and you’ll lose track of time, and likely your stamina.
• Keep walking time between stops under eight minutes. Google Maps is your friend—don’t trust guesswork.
• Check closing times. City pubs sometimes shut surprisingly early (some close at 11pm).
• Factor in food. Make sure at least one pub serves something proper if you want a meal during the crawl.

For bigger groups, call ahead. Pubs like The Irish Times in Holborn or The Euston Tap are used to groups but still get busy. If there’s an event at one of the nearby stadiums or a major football match that night, expect crowds and maybe even packed-door policies. Always keep a backup pub in your plan—London pubs can fill up out of nowhere, especially around Oxford Circus or Shoreditch on Fridays.

Local Gems and Can't-Miss Stops

There’s no shortage of classic pubs and standout bars when you’re planning a London pub crawl. Chances are you’ll spot a historic pub on nearly every corner, but a few places really stand out—not just for their drinks, but for the stories, the atmosphere, and the crowds they attract.

The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill is impossible to miss with its wall of flowers and Churchill memorabilia—plus, they serve up solid Thai food, a rare find in a British boozer. Meanwhile, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street claims Shakespeare as a patron and keeps its gas lamps glowing and sawdust floors in place. In Soho, the French House has been the watering hole for everyone from Dylan Thomas to The Sex Pistols; they serve half-pints only, so pace yourself.

The Euston Tap is famous for squeezing 27 taps of craft beer into a tiny gatehouse by Euston Station. For riverside charm, The Dove in Hammersmith dishes up beautiful sunset views over the Thames, and The Grapes in Limehouse boasts Ian McKellen among its owners. If you fancy a change of scenery, head to The Old Bank of England for Victorian glam or The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, where Dick Turpin (the highwayman) supposedly drank.

• If you like live music: The Dublin Castle in Camden is where Madness started out and bands still play nightly.
• For a proper quiz night: Try The Horseshoe in Clerkenwell or pub-trivia obsessed The Queen’s Head in King’s Cross—both draw big crowds on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Need great food with your pint? The Harwood Arms in Fulham is London’s only Michelin-starred pub and does epic venison Scotch eggs.

Getting around is easy if you use London’s Night Tube (Friday and Saturday on key lines like the Victoria and Jubilee). It’s handy if your pub crawl takes you from east London’s quirky bars in Shoreditch to classic City institutions in Bank.

With all these choices, the toughest part is narrowing it down. Choose a cluster in the same part of town to maximise your night. Pubs with decent outdoor space are winners when the weather’s good—The Ship in Wandsworth throws legendary summer parties. And for a true local feel, go for neighborhood gems rather than chain pubs. That’s where the real London stories (and characters) show up.

Smart Planning: Timing, Groups, and Budget

If you want your London pub crawl to hit every mark, planning ahead makes all the difference. Londoners know that timing matters: Most pubs start getting packed after 7pm, especially on Fridays. If you want to grab a spot with your mates, launching your crawl between 5 and 6pm means you land the early bird tables and beat the after-work crowds. Plenty of pubs close by 11pm, but bars like Simmons or Be At One (which has happy hour deals) often stay open later—handy if you don’t want the night to end early.

Group size is a deal-breaker. More than eight people? Call ahead or check if your chosen pubs even allow big groups (some in central London have limits, especially post-pandemic). Stick with four to six for smoother moves and less waiting at the bar. Use WhatsApp or a simple group chat so nobody gets lost between stops. London’s streets get busy, phone signals fade, and herding a big crowd across Oxford Circus can easily turn into chaos.

Now for the money bit. London isn’t cheap. You’re looking at £5–£8 for a pint in most central pubs and a fiver for basic spirits. Some popular chains like Wetherspoons keep prices low, but expect to pay a premium if you hit iconic spots. Split the bill with an app like Monzo or Revolut—makes settling up less awkward and stops the tallying drama at the end of the night. Bring a contactless card; many bars in Soho and Shoreditch are now completely cashless.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll spend on a crawl:

If you’re watching your wallet, look for pubs with weekday deals or loyalty apps. Some chains offer “buy one get one free” on certain nights. Don’t forget late-night transport: The Tube runs until around midnight on most lines, but the Night Tube on Fridays and Saturdays covers main lines like Central and Victoria—perfect for keeping the crew together into the small hours without splashing out on Ubers.

• Start early and pace your rounds.
• Keep to 4–6 in your group for easy pub-hopping.
• Book ahead for popular or large pubs.
• Use payment apps to keep things fair and quick.
• Check last orders and closing times before circling your crawl.

Dos, Don'ts, and Little-Known Essentials

London’s pub scene has its own unofficial rules. If you want your crawl to go smoothly—and not annoy the locals—here’s what you really need to know.

• Do order at the bar. There’s no table service in most London pubs, so don’t sit and wait.
• Don’t try to split bills for every round. In London, folks usually buy in "rounds." Take turns, and don’t skip your go—it’s noticed.
• Do bring your ID. Loads of city pubs scan IDs on weekends, no matter how old you look. Digital copies aren’t accepted everywhere.
• Don’t forget the last orders rule. Once the bell rings (usually 10:45–11:15pm), that’s your warning and you can’t buy more after closing. Here’s a quick glance at pub closing times by area:

• Do grab a "session" beer. These are lighter and easier to drink over several pubs, so you don’t burn out halfway through.
• Don’t count on hiring a cab outside every venue. Use apps like Uber or Bolt, or grab a black cab at a rank. Night Tube runs on major lines most weekends, but check TFL’s website first.

Want to make a "London pub crawl" memorable? Try these pro tips:

• Always order at least one local brew—ask what’s brewed nearby.
• Download an Oyster card or use contactless. Pubs often close at the same time, so Tube stations get packed. Planning your exit means you beat the chaos.
• Get a group WhatsApp going. Pubs can get loud, and you’ll lose people in the crowd, so keep everyone in the loop.
• Look out for pub quizzes or open mic nights—they’re a London staple and a fun way to meet people.

The best pubs in London will have a mix of locals and visitors, old photos, and weird little corners. If you spot a blue plaque, check it out—some were once hangouts for Dickens or punk legends. Keep an eye on your bags (even in the nicest pubs, stuff goes missing) and steer clear of heavy rounds too early in the night. A great London crawl is about laughs, stories, and enjoying the city’s weird and wonderful watering holes—not just downing pints.