Belgravia has so much to offer for the London resident or visitor that wants to experience a modern city with options for activities and experiences throughout the day and night. This elite neighbourhood has charmed the capital’s elite for centuries and still maintains a quintessential English air with its marvellous Georgian terraces and inviting open green spaces that were so purposefully curated by the master planner Thomas Cubitt centuries ago. It represents a community that has all the prestige of its bigger neighbours of Chelsea and Knightsbridge, with a rather more connected and village atmosphere.
And there is perhaps no more fitting way of showcasing this idea than through Belgravia’s wonderful collection of pubs. These are locations of quite some distinction that have welcomed patrons such as Noel Coward, Elizabeth Taylor, Sir Alec Guiness and Peter O’ Toole. The creator of James Bond, Ian Fleming, was a regular visitor here too, no doubt taking time for a quiet Martini, shaken not stirred.
Here is our guide to the very best pubs in Belgravia for 2025.
The Nag’s Head
Kinnerton Street enjoys a little more discretion than most locations in Belgravia as it sits away from the majority of tourist footfall, and that makes it the perfect home for The Nag’s Head. This place was originally opened as an ale house in the 1800s when this part of Belgravia was occupied by the tradesmen and shopkeepers that would serve their wealthier neighbours. All of which adds to the delightful nostalgia evoked as you pass through the front of this pub, with a façade that has largely remained untouched for decades.
It almost serves as a museum to a Belgravia gone by with its décor of pictures, brass ornaments and vintage beer advertisements taking pride of place on the walls. The ‘no mobile phone’ policy that has been observed here for years is a great way to encourage conversation and foster an understanding of exactly what London pubs used to provide. A place where all walks of life would come together to exchange stories and ideas in an intimate and comfortable way. Classic British beers such as Fuller’s London Pride and Young’s Bitter occupy the pumps here with a choice of guest ales always providing an interesting alternative. Warm, friendly and authentic, The Nag’s Head is an example of a real London Pub that is increasingly hard to find.
The Thomas Cubitt
Thomas Cubitt was instrumental in the creation of Belgravia’s identity of elegance and timeless style. His master plan was always to provide the setting to support a flourishing social scene within his architecture of Georgian splendour and sophistication. It seems perfectly appropriate then that the pub that bears his name is a monument to a marriage of classic London sensibilities with ever-evolving modern elements and facilities. The high ceilings and tall windows throw natural light on to the hard wooden floors and antique accents in an inviting way for its throng of patrons.
The offerings available are careful to cater for a broad mix of tastes. The stable of lager and traditional ale drinkers are well-represented alongside the more refined cocktails and concoctions, such as the well-balanced Cubitt Martini, for long brunches and the early evening crowds. Its prime spot on Elizabeth Street amongst the boutiques and galleries means that it always benefits from a great mix of drop-ins and meetups for a unique and energetic atmosphere.
The Grenadier
All great London pubs have a story attached to them that’s worth telling. The Grenadier on the lovely mews of Wilton Row can lay claim to at least two that span three centuries within this incredible building. It was originally created as an Officer’s Mess for the Duke of Wellington’s Grenadier Guards in 1720 before becoming a famous public house almost a century later. Due its military beginnings, it was the favourite of officers and soldiers through the generations and still bears the adornments and insignias of its storied past on the walls. Legend even has it that a young soldier that once met an untimely demise due to a game of cards here still haunts the floor, providing another English pub tradition into the mix: the apocryphal ghost story.
In the present, there is an intimate snug set up away from the bar that provides an opportunity for quiet conversations while the more traditional bar retains its convivial atmosphere. If you do find yourself looking for a bite to eat, then the Beef Wellington and fish and chips dishes from the food menu could not be more perfectly placed as London Gastro Pub fare.
The Star Tavern
The Star Tavern on Belgrave Mews West holds a fascinating position in Belgravia’s social history that involves royalty and robbers alike. This place supposedly served as the planning hub for the infamous Great Train Robbery of 1963 which adds an intriguing association to the folklore of London so well explored in popular culture. However, it also provided the backdrop for the high society of the capital with captains of industry and royal luminaries such as Princess Margaret often seen here attending informal events. A thrilling mix indeed.
The décor is carefully crafted to remain loyal to its Victorian roots with a traditional public house feel of polished mahogany surfaces and antique brass fixtures that surround warm, and slightly worn, upholstery.
It can often be overwhelming for the uninitiated to decide which drink to try in London pubs such as this to provide the most appropriate experience. Seafarers Ale by the renowned London brewer Fuller’s is a great way to go if you find yourself in The Star Tavern. The blend of English malt and Admiral hops deliver that classic ale taste in a more subtle way and remains light enough to pair with lunch too. Much like the pub itself, it is a great all-rounder.
A trip to the pub in London is still a well-recognised and important tradition that unites generations in conversations and leisure. The pubs of Belgravia, with their fascinating architecture, associations and stories might just be the best way to experience them too.
