We love an independently owned pub because they just don't have to play by the same rules as the chains... they can serve whichever drinks they like, serve whatever food they like, play whatever tunes they like - and charge whatever they like to win your custom.
All this adds up to a great big dollop of individuality - which wins big brownie points, in our book.
We've been busy researching - yes, it's a chore - and we've come up with our list of top independently-owned pubs in London.
The Queen's Head 15 Denman Street W1D 7HN Region: Soho Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus
AIL Says: Despite its mega-touristy location moments away from Piccadilly Circus this freehouse is a haven for fans of traditional boozers and British ales. There’s a classic pub menu (fish and chips, homemade pies) and a pre-theatre special of two courses for just £14.
OUR REVIEW 7/10
USERS 10/10
Euston Tap 190 Euston Road NW1 2BN Region: Regent's Park Nearest Station: Euston Square
AIL Says: The choices around train stationstend to be limited to the usual traveller’s options i.e. Café Rouge andNando’s, but here there’s the Euston Tap, an independently owned pub in a boxy building that used to be a mail processing lodge. Their beers frequently change, but as a rule you’ll find handpicked beers from small breweries rather than mass-produced ones.
OUR REVIEW 8/10
The Southampton Arms 139 Highgate Road NW5 1LE Region: Kentish Town Nearest Station: Gospel Oak (0.2 miles)
AIL Says: This Highgate pub specialises in ale and cider from small independent breweries as well as charcuterie boards. If you like old fashioned pubs ( they don’t even take cards here) you’ll love this one.
USERS 10/10
The Jerusalem Tavern 55 Britton Street EC1M 5NA Region: Clerkenwell Nearest Station: Farringdon
AIL Says: With its prime location in Clerkenwellit’s little wonder the after work crowd spills out onto the pavements after 5pm. The beer is from St. Peter’s Brewery in Suffolk and there’s a delectable, meat-heavy menu with produce from local farmers.
AIL Says: Part of a group of five gastropubs, The Anchor & Hope on The Cut has some of the best food in the area (chopped octopus with aioli, Hereford beef ragu). There are ales on rotation and cocktails as well as a comprehensive wine list.
RESTAURANT & BAR
OUR REVIEW 9/10
USERS 9/10
Old Fountain 3 Baldwin Street EC1V 9NU Region: The City Nearest Station: Old Street (0.1 miles)
AIL Says: A favourite of ale drinkers and fans of London breweries like Camden Town, Hackney and the Meantime Breweryin Greenwich.Old Fountain also benefits from a roof top garden complete with wooden decking and greenery.
AIL Says: Since 2013 this Islington pub has been brewing its own beer, but they also have a selection of over 100 ales and lagers from all over the world which you can drink here or buy to take away. An on-trend menu of pulled pork burgers, arancini and cheeses from Spitalfields’ Androuet completes the experience.
OUR REVIEW 8/10
Tamesis Dock Albert Embankment SE1 7SG Region: Lambeth Nearest Station: Westminster (0.4 miles)
AIL Says: This floating pub is set on a 1930s barge moored by Vauxhall Bridge, where you can sip a drink while taking in the views of the Houses of Parliament (Tamesis is the ancient name for Thames you see). Highlights include Yakima Meantime and Camden Pale Ale on draught, as well as stodgy pub classics like fish pie and deep fried Brie.
AIL Says: As with all the watering holes on Kingsland Road, The Haggerstonis super-hip and super-busy at all times. There are ales from the nearby De Beauvoir Brewery, some excellent pizzas and DJ sets at the weekends.
OUR REVIEW 8/10
USERS 8/10
The Highbury Barn 26 Highbury Park N5 2AB Region: Highbury Nearest Station: Drayton Park (0.3 miles)
AIL Says: Once rough round the edges, since its refit The Highbury Barn has become a fully-fledged gastropub working with local food suppliers like Godfrey’s butchers. A popular pub among Arsenal supporters, expect it to be packed to the rafters on match days.
OUR REVIEW 7/10
USERS 1/10
The Latest User Reviews of London's best independently-owned pubs
Gavin, West Ham Added: Sep 2015
Great list, London's full of great independent pubs, there's really no excuse to go to any of the chains.
