London is far from short of brilliant boozers. In fact, the capital has more than 3,500 of them, hidden down alleyways, sitting pretty on street corners and perfectly positioned on the edges of parks. And, at this time of year, they really come into their own. Is there anything better than a crisp evening spent hunkered down in one of the city's best? We don’t think so… And so, here are four of the capital’s finest pubs, from The Pelican in Notting Hill to The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea.
The Holly Bush, Hampstead
Not too far from the Heath itself lies The Holly Bush, a Grade II-listed pub in the heart of Hampstead . Originally built to be a private residence in the 1790s, before becoming Assembly Rooms in the 1800s and then a pub in 1928, it has undergone many iterations over the past three centuries (though we have a particular soft spot for The Holly Bush as it stands today).
Tucked away down a quiet street at the top of a hillside – and fittingly signposted by a series of prim holly bushes – this boozer is steeped in history. The wood-panelled interiors are full of old-school charm and leave the impression that we’d want to listen if walls could talk. After all, it’s known for being frequented by historic characters, such as artist George Romney, wordsmith Dr Samuel Johnson and biographer James Boswell, as well as many famous faces, from Liam Gallagher to Jude Law. Thankfully, there are plenty of cosy corners to curl up here, whether by the roaring fire, perched at the mahogany bar or in the grand dining room.
The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
This handsome pub dates to the 1700s, a particularly turbulent time in British history, when it was formerly known as the Rose and Crown. In 1838, shortly after the King’s Road became a public thoroughfare, the boozer was rebranded The Cadogan Arms after the prestigious namesake family. Today it remains one of Chelsea ’s longest-standing and most-loved institutions.
Its most recent refurbishment, however, happened a handful of years ago, when it was decorated in a sumptuous scheme (defined by period features, marvellous moody colours and opulent materials) that pays homage to its heritage. From the gorgeous ground-floor bar to the elegant dining room and rouge-hued ‘The Rose Room’ in the basement, The Cadogan Arms now comprises a trio of truly decadent spaces. With culinary director James Knappett and executive chef Alex Harper overseeing the menu, the dishes served – think elevated takes on quintessentially British classics – are also exceptional.
The Audley Public House, Mayfair
The Audley Public House is proof that not all boozers were created equal. While there are a plethora of pleasing pubs in Mayfair , this Victorian gem is perhaps our favourite. What makes it so exceptional, we hear you say? Well, it’s currently owned by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the gallerists and founders of Hauser and Wirth. You can bet, then, that inside this 19th-century beauty are walls lined with art by the likes of Martin Creed and Don McCullin. The Technicolor ceiling, meanwhile, has been hand-painted by Phyllida Barlow.
While The Audley Public House – originally designed by renowned English theatre architect Thomas Verity and built in 1888 – serves delicious and homely food; its sister restaurant that sits upstairs is also worth a visit. Mount Street Restaurant and Rooms showcase a double helping of extraordinary food and extraordinary art. How does lobster pie with a view of Andy Warhol’s Lobster sound? Rather lovely indeed.
The Pelican, Notting Hill
The Pelican has stood tall on the corner of All Saints Road in Notting Hill since 1872, but it hasn’t always had the exquisite interiors it does today. Inside, appealing neutral walls, toffee-toned leather banquettes and a beautiful blonde bar sit alongside a characterful bare-brick fireplace and handsome wooden floors. The whole scheme is a delectable feast for the eyes – and then there’s the menu…
Yes, one of this boozer’s biggest draws is its polished take on pub grub. The Pelican prides itself on sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients from local sustainably minded producers, such as Paddock Farm and Whittington Lodge Farm. Mouthwatering plates include turkey and bacon pie, lemon sole with brown butter and lamb rump served with marrowfat peas. True foodies, however, should direct their eyes straight to the mirror, which is where you’ll find the specials: think sirloin, ribeye, porterhouse and T-bone steaks, as well as lobster and monkfish pie. The drinks menu, which features an excellent assortment of both classic and skin-contact wines, is also exceptional, as are the cocktails.
