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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.