Discover the best informal bars in London, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or a casual date. This selection includes cosy pubs, bars with a local vibe, and quirky spots where you can enjoy drinks and good company. Explore options in Covent Garden, Soho, and beyond, offering everything from craft beers to unique cocktails in unpretentious settings. Find your next favourite place to unwind in the British capital.
Picturesque restyled 18th century pub
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This picturesque wooden pub offers views of Tower Bridge and is located in London's historic docks. Its special charm and stunning views make it ideal for a relaxed and picturesque pub experience.
Great atmosphere
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This pub is famous for its spectacular floral decoration in summer and Christmas decoration in winter, making it an iconic and much-photographed spot. It offers a cozy and traditional atmosphere, ideal for a casual pint and Thai food.
Features 60 taps of draft beer
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This Brewdog stands out for offering bowling, ping-pong tables, a slide, and a hidden speakeasy, making it a fun and original bar. It's ideal for letting out your inner child, with multiple activities and a very informal atmosphere.
A favourite for bottomless brunch
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This popular rooftop bar and club offers city skyline views, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. It's ideal for enjoying live music, DJ sets, and themed events in an informal setting with great views.
Wonderful historic London pub
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This classic pub, hidden down an alleyway, has been serving pints for over 400 years and retains its original charm. It offers a feeling of having stepped back in time, ideal for enjoying 'Real Ales' and sandwiches in a historic and discreet setting.
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Charming and atmospheric setting
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This small and charming pub offers a classic, almost Parisian atmosphere, ideal for chatting with Londoners. It's known for its lively 'after-work' vibe, providing an authentic pub experience in bustling Soho.
Modern gastropub with classic British food
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This rooftop bar in the former BBC Television Centre building offers sofas, a relaxed atmosphere, and impressive views. It's a spacious and laid-back spot to enjoy drinks and food with panoramic views.
Legendary live music pub
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This Victorian pub has transformed into a vibrant live music venue, attracting a young and modern crowd. It's an iconic place to discover new music in a lively, unpretentious pub atmosphere.
Top quality cocktail bar
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Despite being a cocktail bar, its quirky and playful approach makes it informal and fun for trying unique creations. It offers inventive drinks and playful decor, ideal for an unpretentious cocktail experience.
Lively and fun atmosphere
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This rooftop bar on a Peckham car park is famous for its negronis and impressive city views. It offers an informal atmosphere and is ideal for enjoying outdoor drinks during the summer season.
Nice decor
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This pub offers a stunning view of the River Thames and the Tower of London from its small terrace. It's the ideal spot to watch the sunset, combining history and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
London's original arcade bar
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This arcade bar combines craft beers, cocktails, and dozens of old-school games, making it a fun and nostalgic spot. It's perfect for a casual and playful atmosphere, ideal for enjoying drinks and games.
Rough-around-the-edges dive bar
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This casual bar is known for its excellent craft beers and outdoor space under the arches of Peckham Rye station. It's a premium spot in South London for an afternoon drink, with a relaxed atmosphere and an industrial touch.
Large garden terrace
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This neighborhood bar and event space features a large all-weather garden terrace, offering tank beers and tacos. It's a very informal and versatile spot in Southeast London, with special offers and DJs on weekends.
Retro-glam pool hall
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This new bar, opening in March 2026, combines the authenticity of traditional pool halls with a modern twist and AI technology. It offers cocktails and what is claimed to be the best Guinness in the city, ideal for a fun and competitive atmosphere.