4 top London pubs with rooms
The Alma, in all her green-tiled-glory comes into view from the moment you pull into Wandsworth Town train station. It’s centrally placed, great for a pint and some good eats, and to watch a bit of sporty stuff on the telly.
Having a drink at the bar, or a belly-bursting Sunday roast in the Orangery, you’d never know there are 23 boutique-y bedrooms above and adjacent to this lovely pub. It’s is a hub-bub of life, thrumming with action, all sorts of people coming through the doors with stories to tell, but when the bell rings at the end of the night, all is still and quiet.
Its perfectly proportioned rooms are dotted around the ground, first, and second floors. Some have space for cots for little ones, fold-out beds for bigger little ones, and some have room for a doggy bed (or two) too. All feature an uber-comfy bed, ensuite shower, honesty bar stocked to the brim with treats & tipples, a Nespresso coffee machine, and dedicated working space (or perhaps somewhere to write those postcards home).
This pub with rooms is run by Phil & his pub dog Eddie, who loves to share a sausage roll. Be sure to give him a little nibble, along with a wee tickle under the chin (Eddie – not Phil).
And whilst we’re on the subject of dogs, if you’re travelling with your furry bestie, there’s King George’s park just around the corner too. It’s perfect for an early evening pooch mooch before you turn in for a paw-fect nights kip.
Planted in leafy Hammersmith, Brook Green pub and rooms is a more hotel-y option for the intrepid traveller to enjoy a stop-over.
This three-storey landmark pub (a former coaching inn) is just the place to while away the hours. Whether that’s by sunning yourself in the garden (with a generous splodge of factor 30 of course) or by cosying up with a glass of red by the impressive fireplace in the main bar – it’s a tip-top choice whatever the season.
Beneath the wooden floorboards of this bustling pub lies a little secret. Smith’s Cocktail Bar in the cellar has been recently renovated to transform it into wholly instagram-able venue in its own right. Expect selfie-worthy décor, beautiful patrons and sumptuous signature cocktails – including a wild Suntory Whisky creation with wild mushroom and shiitake bitters (guaranteed to make you the fun-guy at the party).
The joy of this kip-over spot is that you can do a pub crawl within the walls of this one single building. Decent pint at the bar – check. Great food – check. Cocktails and dancing – double check. Comfy (and peaceful) room to lay your head after a busy day – oh yes. Brook Green ticks tonnes on your holiday bucket list, so simply check-in and chill-out at this please-all London pub with rooms.
If you’re interested in history, food and Victorian architecture – of course you are – then the Fox & Anchor, Farringdon is the perfect place to lay your hat.
This historic beauty is Grade II listed – which means that everything looks pretty much as it did when Queen Vic was kicking around. It’s nostalgic, with polished wood and brass and although the sun may be shining outside (or maybe not) the back rooms remain dark and atmospheric. You’ll discover inviting little snugs and cubby-holes that are made for whispering secrets, conspiring, or stealing a moment of peace for a drink. You can almost smell the mystery and history in the woodwork.
Six secret rooms hide away atop the pub. Stylish with generously stocked honesty bars, a handful of freestanding rolltop tubs, and a private terrace even awaits you up the curling staircase and along the higgledy-piggledy walkways.
After an epic night’s sleep, an early morning (and yes, we mean properly early) guided tour of neighbouring Smithfield’s Market is a must-do. It’s worth rising before the crack of dawn to get the full flavour, and truly immerse yourself in the hustle-and-bustle of London’s oldest, (and last surviving) meat market.
Harking back to their history of being the go-to spot for Smithfield’s market traders for centuries, at the pub you’ll see pork T-bone, venison steak, and hefty cuts of Côte de boeuf are the stars of the menu.
A fascinating place to squirrel yourself away if you’re looking for something a bit different for your London getaway.
We know that not every jaunt to London is for fun and frolics, but if you find yourself in the neighbourhood on business, Brewer’s Inn is living proof that staying in a pub beats staying in a hotel, hands down.
Chain hotels offer consistency for the business traveller – you always know what you’re going to get in any town or city in the UK. Staying in a pub is proudly the antithesis of this. Who knows what knick-knicks will be on the mantelpiece in your room? The fascinating locals you’ll meet, the toiletries that await (we’ve got some gooduns), or the irresistible snacks, treats and tipples in your room? There are comforting little touches in abundance and there’s also just an undeniable air of ‘togetherness’ about staying in a pub.
Brewer’s Inn stands tall (and proud) on the corner of East Hill, overseeing Wandsworth Town Hall, and is jam-packed with characterful bedrooms, knocks up a cracking plate of food, and has a cheery team on hand 24/7. Not only is the pub handily placed for hopping on-and-off buses, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s an abundance of space and storage in the rooms for you to unpack your delicates too.
The pub’s rooms are perched on top of the pub – meaning great food & drink (plus a chin wag with the friendly locals) is just a staircase away. Or, if you’re all ‘peopled’ out by the end of your busy-and-important workday, a click of the Young’s On Tap app brings the sweet eats right to you.
All in all, this pub makes a sublime stop-over if you’re travelling through Wandsworth.