I visited six of London's most distinctive pubs

London pubs aren't just drinking holes; they're a window into the city's soul. Here are 6 of the best ones to sip at.

There are pubs, and then there are London pubs. They personify everything that makes the London metropolis vibrant, diverse, intimate, and arresting. 

Take, for example, The Toucan, a delightful pub on the edge of Soho Square. Despite the winter chill that pierces my spine, warmth spills out onto the street as people gather with plastic pints of Guinness in what would be considered lax liquor licensing laws anywhere else.

London's pubs represent a fascinating dichotomy, from historic taverns to trendy spaces offering elevated menus and craft beer, no two pubs are alike. They capture London's ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating nostalgic and refreshingly modern spaces.

London pubs are the ultimate fusion of tradition and modernity. Picture: Jeremy Drake

Take The New Devonshire, just a short stroll from The Toucan. It's a reinvention of an old space: a new pub designed as an old pub, with entirely relevant décor, a carefully curated menu, and an irresistible appeal to modern young drinkers.

So, if you're chasing a place to get cozy, warm, and just a little bit tipsy on a grey winter's day, here's my guide to six of Central London's most distinctive pubs:

Ye Old Cheshire Cheese

This place is proper. Picture: Jeremy Drake

Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1667, this Fleet Street classic practically oozes history. A plaque on the wall greets you as you enter, listing all the monarchs it has seen since opening, starting back to King Charles II. The smell of a crackling fire greets you at the door, and you might wonder if the creaky floors and dimly lit nooks have secrets they'll never share. Don't be frightened to walk downstairs to the cellar, where the ceilings are low, the beer is even colder, and the atmosphere is electric. 

The Lamb & Flag

You wouldn't have wanted to say the wrong thing here back in the day... Picture: Jeremy Drake

Nestled in Covent Garden, this pub feels like you're stepping back in time. The cobblestones outside may still bear the scars of old brawls (according to its website, there were so many fights here in the early 19th century that its nickname was 'Bucket of Blood'). Still, inside, it's all warm wood panelling and well-pulled pints. I meet two other Aussies propped up at the bar, also here for the stories and ephemera that decorate the walls. After 3 more points, we joke about heading outside for a good old-fashioned Lamb & Flag scuffle in the cold.

See also: 20 things every Aussie should do in London

The New Devonshire

This one has a bit more of a modern buzz about it. Picture: Jeremy Drake

A modern take on a classic pub, The New Devonshire in Soho balances old-school charm with contemporary energy. Think sleek yet cosy brown leather interiors, craft beers on tap, and a kitchen experience that needs to be booked weeks in advance. It's a charcoal kitchen experience, where steaks and food are cooked over an open flame. Don't hesitate to find a stool in a window and watch the world go by on this busy corner.

The Wigmore

Looking for a Man in Finance? Here's your spot. Picture: The Wigmore

This Marylebone gem's deep, green, brushed brass interior is slightly over 12 months old. Still, it blends the best of pub tradition with refinement. The snacks are top-notch, and the Tanquary gin is a real treat as the night gets later and later. As the pub is in the bowels of The Langham Hotel, you'll meet an investment banker or two here. Be prepared for food, drink, and company, all served in a vibrant, stylish, and unashamedly indulgent space.

The Old Queen's Head

The Old Queens Head is lightly eccentric and you'll love it for it. Picture: Jeremy Drake

This quirky, offbeat pub on Essex Road in Islington combines Victorian charm with a lively modern edge. It's the kind of place where the vintage décor and old Roman busts somehow pair perfectly with the live music or a buzzing DJ set on a Saturday night. There's an unpretentiousness about The Old Queens Head. Drinks here are cheap, but they punch above their weight in terms of the service you can expect from the antipodean bar staff. Many Australians live in this part of London, so no doubt they keep the city well-hydrated at joints like this.

The Toucan

Not a bad spot to demolish a Guinness or three... Picture: Jeremy Drake

Finally, there's The Toucan, right on Soho Square. Its Guinness is legendary, the crowd is eclectic, and even in the depths of winter, the vibe spills joyfully onto the street. You can only imagine how electric it must feel on a balmy summer's evening. There are two parts to The Toucan, upstairs and downstairs. Downstairs, you could be forgiven for thinking you're drinking in someone's living room. There's a secret staircase back up to street level where most revellers gather in the street dodging black cabs.

London pubs aren't just places to drink; they're where the city's soul comes alive.

Whether you're after a quiet pint by the fire or a lively night with a couple of mates, these spots each tell their own story, woven as part of the tapestry of this fascinating city.

Originally published as I visited six of London's most distinctive pubs