Find craft beer bars London locals love, plus best pubs
This London craft beer guide points you to compact bottle shops, lively pubs, and small breweries across central neighbourhoods. Find rotating taps, relaxed beer gardens, and a few top rated London pubs serving well kept cask ales where locals sip and chat. Head out to Clerkenwell and Islington for polished interiors and guided tap lists, or to Bloomsbury and King’s Cross for easy stops between stations. Start your day with a takeaway can for a picnic, or plan an evening tasting at one of the best breweries in London. The listings focus on brilliant basics: easy location, friendly staff, clear recommendations. Use this guide to pick a route, relax with a great pint, and discover craft beer bars London visitors and locals rate highly.
The Euston Tap
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Pocket-sized pub, epic tap list, suntrap beer garden perfect for a pre- or post-train pint.
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What to expect
Expect a focused beer-led menu with plenty of rotating taps, a cosy indoor bar area, and a spacious outdoor deck that catches the sun. Service is friendly and informal, the vibe is lively on fine days and commuter times, and a tight spiral staircase leads to the loos upstairs. Seating favours the outdoors, so the spot works best for quick stops or relaxed catch-ups while watching station life roll by.
Plan your visit
Head over before or after a train for an easy pit-stop, or drop in mid-afternoon to soak up the beer garden atmosphere. The interior is small, so choose outside when the weather allows. Order at the bar, take a table, and enjoy the constantly changing taps. Pack a light layer for cooler evenings, and be prepared for a narrow spiral staircase if accessing the toilets upstairs.
The Perseverance
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A buzzy Bloomsbury boozer for sharp drinks, friendly staff, and proper neighbourhood charm.
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What to expect
Expect a classic neighbourhood pub that balances a lively vibe with simple comforts. Find friendly, efficient staff who make room for solo visitors and larger groups alike. Seating ranges from pavement tables to a snug upstairs room, and the bar keeps a varied drinks selection on offer. Music lifts the mood in the evening, while daytime visits feel calm. Card-only payments and dog-friendly policies keep arrival and departure straightforward.
Plan your visit
Drop in in the afternoon for a quieter pace, or head out after work to join the buzzy crowd. Sit outside for people-watching, or head upstairs for a calmer corner. Card-only payments speed things up, and staff are used to accommodating spontaneous groups and solo pit stops.
The Craft Beer Co. Clerkenwell
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Find rotating ales, friendly faces and classic pub charm beside Leather Lane's market.
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What to expect
Step into a traditional pub atmosphere, light bouncing off a mirrored ceiling and chandelier. Settle at the bar to browse a changing roster of cask and keg beers, and ask staff for clear recommendations and tasting tips. The room stays relaxed, so chat, catch up with friends or relax solo. Dogs are welcome, and Leather Lane Market makes it easy to bring in street food for a personalised pairing.
Plan your visit
Head here for a casual meetup or a low-key after-work pint. Ask the bartender for a tasting suggestion if unsure what to pick. Bring food from Leather Lane Market to create a custom pairing. Pop in mid-afternoon for a quieter vibe, or arrive early on weekends to secure a table.
King Charles I
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Old-school charm, well-kept ales and a proper neighbourhood welcome.
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What to expect
Enter a compact, characterful pub with an inviting, unpretentious vibe. Knowledgeable staff steer a solid selection of real ales and wines, while the jukebox supplies familiar favourites at a friendly volume. Interiors are eclectic and homely, creating pockets for conversation and quiet corners for solo visitors. The clientele ranges from regulars to visitors who have sought it out, making for warm interactions and a genuine neighbourhood feel.
Plan your visit
Pop in for an afternoon pause or an early evening drink, whether travelling solo, meeting friends or heading to a nearby exhibition. Bring a postcard or a good chat, settle into a corner booth, and strike up conversation with bar staff who know their beers. This is ideal for those looking for an authentic London pub moment, away from the tourist trail.
The Three Johns
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Striking interiors, a lively bar and friendly service combine for a memorable Islington night out.
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What to expect
Expect an arresting interior, ornate ceilings and a carefully styled bar that sets the tone. Staff are warm and knowledgeable, happy to suggest drinks and provide attentive table service. The crowd is diverse, ranging from locals to weekend visitors, and the mood shifts from relaxed afternoons to upbeat evenings. The Back Room offers a semi-private space for celebrations or small events, while the main floor buzzes with conversation and music.
Plan your visit
Perfect for meeting friends, a casual date or a small celebration; consider reserving the Back Room for a private feel. Arrive earlier on busy nights to secure a good spot, and ask the staff for cocktail or beer recommendations. Service is friendly and attentive, making it easy to relax and enjoy the atmosphere whether on a quick visit or a longer evening out.