London pubs with fireplaces are one of the best things about the colder months in the capital. Toasting your toes by a roaring open fire, drink in hand, is sweet succor after a chilly weekend walk, or a long week at work. Here are our (and our readers') favourite comfort pubs across the capital.
Pubs with real fireplaces in central London
The King Charles I, King's Cross
This diminutive drinking hole, just a spit from King's Cross station, is exactly the kind of place you nip into 'just for one', but before you know it, it's closing time. Wood panelling, stained glass, a wide selection of beers, a bloody good jukebox — and a crackling fire — we feel cosy just writing about it. King Charles I, King's Cross
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, City of London
A predictable inclusion, but worthy all the same. Dating back to the 16th century, the Cheshire Cheese is among London's oldest boozers. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London, there's a certain irony to the fact that its open fire is now one of its biggest draws. Add a bottle of porter and a pork pie into the mix, and this is a shoo-in for a winter bevvy. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, City of London
Pubs with real fireplaces in north London
The Pineapple, Kentish Town
Located on a rainbow-hued backstreet a minute or so from Kentish Town station, this much-loved pub has a vibrant community spirit (see for instance, its yearly Easter bonnet parade), and if that doesn't warm your cockles, then its Thai grub and four — yes four — functioning fires certainly will. The Pineapple, Kentish Town
The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
That smoky aroma of the log fire is the first of your rewards having reached this out-of-the-way boozer, which is perhaps a mile's walk from the nearest tube. Wood-panelled rooms upstairs, a rich (possibly apocryphal) history involving a certain highwayman, and plenty of beers (a rotating selection of cask and keg), make this a very agreeable spot to cosy up indeed. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
The Holly Bush, Hampstead
It's law that after a wintry stroll on Hampstead Heath, you must regroup here among the wealthy locals and dog walkers, with a pint of Pride. An ornate glass back-bar, dark wood panels and pew-style seats contribute to an aesthetic which has barely changed since the 19th century, while an added quirk is the chalked-up weather forecast on a blackboard. Best to assume it's cold and wet and stay put by the fire. The Holly Bush, Hampstead
The Alpaca, Islington
The only gold fireplace on our list, the Alpaca's bling mantlepiece gets particularly festive over the Christmas season, when stockings are hung above it. Otherwise, anytime between October and April, those fireside armchairs make a smashing spot for a G&T. The Alpaca, Islington
The Wrestlers, Highgate
Recline with a jug of bitter in this snuggly, wood-panelled hostelry (which claims to date back to 1547), while putting your feet up in front of the roasting fire. And if that doesn't warm you through, the (decently priced) roasts and sticky toffee puddings surely will. The Wrestlers, Highgate
The Flask Tavern, Highgate
In the chiller months, the Flask in Highgate (not to be confused with The Flask in nearby Hampstead) sparks up its fireplaces (and candles), making it a deeply atmospheric place in which to enjoy a glass of wine, and leaf through something penned by one of its former punters, like Byron, Shelley or Keats. The Flask Tavern, Highgate
The Southampton Arms, Kentish Town
We've never seen this Gospel Oak pub — which specialises in cask beers and ciders — when it's not packed; you could surely heat it by collective body temperature alone. Nonetheless, it's got a lovely tiled fireplace, adding to the atmosphere of an already-sublime establishment. The Southampton Arms, Kentish Town
Pubs with real fireplaces in south London
The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon
Two open fires await at the Crooked Billet, once you've done meandering across Wimbledon Common. Giving off distinct country pub vibes, this place is very dog-friendly; they even do homemade dog biccies. The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon
The Clapham Tap, Clapham North
There's no dearth of decent pubs in this neck of south London, but the Clapham Tap get plaudits from us for two reasons: the beer (a cornucopia of craft offerings from the likes of DEYA and Kernel), and come wintertime, the cosy corner with a real fire — a rare thing for an earnestly craft beer bar. The Clapham Tap, Clapham North
The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich
Feel smug as you bypass some of the more touristy places in Greenwich and slip into this proper locals' pub, where the welcome is as warm as the roaring fire. One of the oldest pubs in the area, there's decent food and a fair selection of beers (including brews from Bexley Brewery and Mighty Oak), but it's the cosiness you won't want to leave. Just one more? Oh, go on then. The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich
The Old Sergeant, Wandsworth
A charming pub mixing some odd decor with traditional seating and — if the weather demands it — a crackling fire. Snuggle up, and order some tasty Indian fusion food. The Old Sergeant, Wandsworth
The Alma, Crystal Palace
A freehouse serving a seriously good selection of beers. Probably plump for a London Black or plum porter if it's properly frigid out — but whatever you choose, enjoy it if you can in one of the fleecy chairs by the open fire. The Alma, Crystal Palace
The Park Tavern, Eltham
Whether you've been out for a bracing walk in Avery Hill Park, or visiting local tourist spot Eltham Palace, this smartly turned-out establishment provides a warm and welcome place to put your feet up with a real ale in hand, while thawing out your extremities by the fireside. The Park Tavern, Eltham
The Old Red Lion, Kennington
A crackling fire greets you in the colder months at this half-timbered, stained glass beaut in Kennington. Throw in a good roast dinner, and you might be here for some time. The Old Red Lion, Kennington
Pubs with real fireplaces in East London
The Chesham Arms, Hackney
Maybe you've been watching the footy on the frosty Hackney Marshes and now require something stronger than a Bovril. Perhaps you've been meandering along the canals of east London, and suddenly can't feel your toes anymore. Wherever you've been, wherever you're going, the Chesham Arms, with its super selection of beers, and beautiful wood burning stove — presided over by Pomona, goddess of fruitful abundance — awaits. The Chesham Arms, Hackney
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The Approach Tavern, Bethnal Green
One of the more excellent pubs in a neighbourhood blessed with many, The Approach is a big, high-ceilinged, dog-strewn Victorian boozer on a long, leafy road running up to Victoria Park. In autumn/winter the best seat in the house is by the fireplace. The Approach Tavern, Bethnal Green
The Rose & Crown, Stoke Newington
Gorgeously wood panelled/flagstoned, and offering ultimate comfort dishes (think sausage and mash, chicken & chorizo pie) this Stokey boozer is appealing on any given frosty afternoon of the week. And then there's that fireplace, roaring away like no one's business, Truman's mirror above it, chopped logs waiting patiently to be plopped in one by one. You might want to hang around here till next spring. The Rose & Crown, Stoke Newington
The Gun, Isle of Dogs
This Isle of Dogs institution melds gastropub with traditional boozer, as if that it were the easiest thing in the world. Nautical paraphernalia and deep leather armchairs provide traditional touches, while a stonking view of The O2 lends the Gun wow factor. Those armchairs we mentioned also happen to flank a rather wonderful fireplace. Sink into your seat, sink a real ale or two, and watch the boats (hopefully not sink) on the Thames outside. The Gun, Isle of Dogs
Pubs with real fireplaces in west London
The Dove, Hammersmith
Ancient beams and cosy corners combine with a delightful view of the Thames to make The Dove one of those pubs worth travelling across town for. Hunker down by the open fire in a proper pub chair with a pint of Fuller's, and forget all about that five-mile walk you were going to do. The Dove, Hammersmith
The Mitre, Holland Park
After a redesign in 2023, this Holland Park pub's looking a lot more country estate/hunting lodge than it used to, all heavy leather chairs and chandeliers and sizeable martinis, with the fireplace easily the best thing about the reno. If you can, grab a seat at one of the little horseshoe cluster of tables around the fireplace, and dig into a baked camembert. The Mitre, Holland Park
The Bull's Head, Barnes
Live soul, jazz and blues is a staple of this old boozer that's voguishly done up, and overlooks the Thames. You can make a Sunday afternoon of it here: a beer by the fire, followed by the roast beef, then a G&T backed by saxes and piano, as the day gradually melts into evening. The Bull's Head, Barnes
The White Horse, Parson's Green
The so-called Sloaney Pony is a pub which many a Londoner holds close to their hearts, and for good reason. With at least eight beers on tap and over 80 interesting options by the bottle, it's at the top of its game for ale, and it has genuinely great food, too. Throw in a roaring fire flanked by comfy Chesterfields and you have quite the winter hide-out. The White Horse, Parson's Green
Words by James Drury, Joanne Gould, Ben O' Norum and Will Noble. Thanks to all the Londonist followers who've sent us their own fireplace suggestions too.
