Food & Drink

20 best pubs in Central London to lounge and have fun

BEAT London
The Cocktail Club

Looking for the best pubs in Central London? Whether you’re after a lively spot to watch the football, a cosy Soho boozer with history, or a great-value pint near Oxford Street, we’ve got you covered. From Irish favourites to hidden foodie pubs in Fitzrovia, these 20 picks are perfect for lounging, snacking and soaking up the local vibe.

Best pubs to watch football in Central London

1. Greenwood Sports Pub & Kitchen

  • Address: 170 Victoria St, London SW1E 5LB, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours: Daily 11 AM – 12 AM (closes at 11 PM on Sundays)
  • Best for: Premier League matchdays with a buzzing crowd
  • Must-try item: Buttermilk fried chicken with buffalo sauce

Greenwood is where sports fans come alive. This stylish Victoria spot fuses traditional pub culture with modern comforts—think big screens, booming atmosphere, and quality food that holds its own. Expect a mix of die-hard fans and casual viewers, all drawn by Greenwood’s game-day energy.

 

 

 

 

 

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 2. Sixes Social Cricket

  • Address: 170 Great Portland St, London W1W 5QB, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
     Mon 2 PM – 10 PM
     Tue – Thu 12 PM – 11 PM
     Fri 12 PM – 12 AM
     Sat 10 AM – 12 AM
     Sun 10 AM – 10 PM
  • Best for: Competitive socialising with sport on the side
  • Must-try item: The Cricket Burger

Being one of the prominent pubs on Great Portland St, Sixes is a full-on experience. With indoor cricket nets, live sports on screen and crowd-pleasing grub, it’s ideal for groups wanting fun alongside footy. Its Fitzrovia location makes it a local gem for both midweek matches and weekend sport-and-socials.

 

 

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3. One Tun

  • Address: 58-60 Goodge St, London W1T 4ND, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours: Sun – Wed 11 AM – 11 PM, Thu – Sat 11 AM – 11:30 PM
  • Best for: A lively yet laid-back football watch party
  • Must-try item: Sunday roast with all the trimmings

Hidden in Fitzrovia’s heart, One Tun is perfect for fans who love good sport and pub vibes at Fitzrovia. Classic interiors meet a lively crowd, and whether it’s a Champions League night or a low-key fixture, the vibe is always right.

 

 

 

 

 

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“Under the radar” pubs with amazing food in Central London

1. The Argyll Arms

Tucked in Oxford Street, The Argyll Arms surprises with a Victorian setting and serious kitchen game. With heritage recipes and perfectly poured pints, it’s the food-first destination in disguise.

 

2. The Newman Arms

A Fitzrovia institution since the 1700s, The Newman Arms serves legendary pies in a snug, wood-panelled setting. With a literary past, it’s an under-the-radar treasure for those in the know.

 

 

 

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3. Cock & Lion

Cosy yet refined, the Cock & Lion punches above its weight when it comes to food. A step from Selfridges but worlds away in vibe, it’s the perfect reset with comfort plates that satisfy.

 

 

Irish pubs in Central London

1. Philomena’s Irish Sports Bar & Kitchen

A spirited Irish bar in Central London where live sport meets warm hospitality. Guinness flows, fans cheer in unison, and the menu is as hearty as the crowd.

2. O’Neill’s Carnaby Street

A staple in Soho’s bar scene, O’Neill’s brings a big-hearted Irish welcome. DJs, drinks deals and classic comfort food mean every visit feels like a party.

3. The Toucan

The Toucan is a love letter to Guinness, poured to perfection in a tiny Soho setting. It’s small, it’s iconic, and every sip feels like Dublin in a glass.

4. Waxy O’Connor’s London

Waxy’s is a sprawling Celtic labyrinth of bars, alcoves and stained glass. When a match is on, it’s electric—expect cheers, music and the warmest kind of chaos.

Awesome cheap pubs in Central London where you can get a pint for under £7

1. Soho / Oxford Circus:

  • The White Horse (Rupert Street): £5.50 Sam Smith’s Organic Lager, £5.70 Taddy Lager
  • The Duke of Argyll (Brewer Street): £6.00 Greene King IPA, £6.80 Amstel
  • The Blue Posts (Rupert Street): £5.80 Samuel Smith’s Pale Ale, £6.00 Stout

2. Covent Garden / Leicester Square / Charing Cross:

  • The Chandos (St Martin’s Lane): £4.90 Sam Smith’s Alpine Lager, £5.20 Dark Mild
  • The Harp (Chandos Place): £6.00 Real Ale, £6.50 Guest Lager
  • The Lyceum Tavern (Strand): £5.90 Doom Bar, £6.50 Guinness

3. Mayfair / Marylebone:

  • The Coach and Horses (Bruton Street): £6.00 Greene King IPA, £6.50 Lager
  • The King’s Arms (Shepherd Market): £6.50 Ale, £6.80 Lager

Whether you’re after value or vintage charm, these budget-friendly pubs prove you don’t need to splurge for a good time in central London.

Fitzrovia Quarter pub scene

Oldest pubs in Central London for a cosy pint

1. The Lamp & Flag

Once a haunt of Dickens, this Covent Garden relic offers wood-panelled snugness, timeless pints and a proper London pub experience.

2. The George

  • Address: 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
    • Mon – Wed 11 AM – 11 PM
    • Thu – Fri 11 AM – 12 AM
    • Sat 10 AM – 12 AM
    • Sun 10 AM – 11 PM
  • Best for: Heritage pub vibes in a bustling Borough location
  • Must-try item: George’s Pie Platter

Part National Trust, part pub – The George’s coaching inn past is felt in every timber beam and flagstone floor.

3. The Salisbury Pub

With etched glass, velvet banquettes and a regal bar, the Salisbury feels like time travel with real ale on tap.

4. Old Shades

  • Address: 37 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
    • Mon – Wed 11 AM – 11 PM
    • Thu – Sat 11 AM – 11:30 PM
    • Sun 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Best for: Cosy corners near the corridors of power
  • Must-try item: London Pride on draught

Minutes from Downing Street but full of charm, this traditional boozer is perfect for political pundits and pint lovers alike.