Great British Pubs

Best Pubs in Southwark

Looking for the best pubs in Southwark? Bankside riverside pubs, Borough Market hostelries, and coaching inns along the old Kent Road. From long-established locals to busy borough-centre bars, drinking out in Southwark reflects the wider pub culture of London. Whether you want real ale, pub food, or a quiet corner for a pint, Southwark's top hostelries are a fine introduction to the area.

The best pub in Southwark Must visit
The George Inn Pub
Historic Coaching inn National Trust

The George Inn★★★★★

77 Borough High Street, Southwark, London, SE1 1NH

London's last remaining galleried coaching inn, dating to 1676. Shakespeare is said to have performed in its courtyard.

5-star rated Website listed Local favourite MapsWebsite

  1. Highly Recommended

    Placeholder image for The Mayflower
    Highly Recommended Riverside Pilgrim history

    The Mayflower★★★★★

    117 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 4NF

    Riverside pub named after the ship that sailed to America. Original 1620 mooring point with Thames views from the terrace.

    Terrace 5-star rated Website listed MapsWebsite

  2. Recommended

    Placeholder image for The Anchor Bankside
    Recommended

    The Anchor Bankside★★★★★

    34 Park Street, Bankside, SE1 9EF

    Rebuilt after the Great Fire, this Thames-side pub offers stunning views of St Paul's and a lively atmosphere year-round.

    Bankside Thames views Riverside MapsWebsite

More pubs in Southwark

  1. Placeholder image for The Market Porter
    Borough Market

    The Market Porter

    9 Stoney Street, Borough Market, SE1 9AA

    A Borough Market institution opening at 6am for market workers, with Harvey's ale and a no-nonsense real-ale reputation.

    Real ale Early opener Website listed
  2. Placeholder image for The Rake
    Craft beer

    The Rake

    56 Borough High Street, SE1 1TU

    A tiny Borough Market beer bar with an exceptional range of bottled and draft craft beers from around the world.

    Borough Market Specialist bar Website listed
  3. Placeholder image for The Dean Swift

    The Dean Swift

    87 Tower Bridge Road, SE1 4TW

    A Bermondsey gastropub from the Tom and Ed Martin group, with excellent food, cask ale, and a polished neighbourhood feel.

    Gastropub Real ale Pub food
  4. Placeholder image for The Garrison

    The Garrison

    67-68 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UD

    A Bermondsey Street favourite with seasonal food, craft beer, and a stylish crowd near the White Cube gallery.

    Bermondsey Street Craft beer Pub food
  5. Placeholder image for The King's Arms

    The King's Arms

    43 Borough High Street, SE1 1NA

    A historic Borough High Street pub with wood-panelled rooms, cask ales, and a proper coaching-inn atmosphere.

    Borough Historic Real ale
  6. Placeholder image for The Ship & Whale

    The Ship & Whale

    2 Gainsford Street, Rotherhithe, SE1 2NE

    A Rotherhithe riverside pub with Thames views, pub food, and a relaxed crowd near the Surrey Docks farm.

    Riverside Rotherhithe Thames views
  7. Placeholder image for The Doggett's Coat and Badge

    The Doggett's Coat and Badge

    1 Blackfriars Bridge, South Bank, SE1 9UD

    A Nicholson's pub on the Thames with panoramic river views, named after the oldest rowing race in the world.

    Thames views South Bank Riverside