Bars
The 6 Best Pubs in Covent Garden
Alley taverns, etched-glass gin palaces and ten-pump ale houses, all within a few theatrical minutes of the Piazza.
In short: our top picks are The Lamb & Flag, The Harp and The Salisbury. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Covent Garden gets written off as tourist territory, and the streets right around the Piazza earn that reputation. Cut down the alleys and side streets, though, and you find some of the most characterful old pubs in central London. The Lamb & Flag and the Salisbury are worth the trip on looks alone, and the Harp pours cask ale as well as anywhere in the West End. Go early or go late, because every one of these fills the moment the theatres empty.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Lamb & Flag | Covent Garden | ££ |
| The Harp | Covent Garden | ££ |
| The Salisbury | Covent Garden | ££ |
| The Cross Keys | Covent Garden | ££ |
| The Crown & Anchor | Seven Dials, Covent Garden | £££ |
| Nell of Old Drury | Covent Garden | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Lamb & Flag
Why we pick itA Grade II listed Fuller's tavern down a narrow alley, once nicknamed the Bucket of Blood for the bare-knuckle prize fights held upstairs.
historic tavern
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The Harp
Why we pick itTen hand-pumps of cask ale and a wall of painted portraits pack out this narrow Fuller's house, a former CAMRA National Pub of the Year.
traditional ale house
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The Salisbury
Why we pick itLate-Victorian gin palace with etched glass, bronze nymph lamps and a snug, its opulent interior listed by CAMRA as nationally important.
Victorian gin palace
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The Cross Keys
Why we pick itA pint-sized Endell Street local hung with brass, foliage and framed memorabilia, pouring cask ales inside a preserved historic interior.
characterful local
-
The Crown & Anchor
Why we pick itTwo-floor Seven Dials pub on Neal Street doing proper homemade pies, burgers and Sunday roasts alongside cask ales and London gins.
gastropub
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Nell of Old Drury
Why we pick itA snug theatre pub facing the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, reputedly linked to it by a tunnel Charles II used to visit Nell Gwyn.
theatre pub
Before you book
Covent Garden and Leicester Square tubes are closest, with Charing Cross a short walk south. These pubs are small and heave from about 5pm on weekdays, so arrive before the after-work and pre-theatre rush if you want a seat. Book a table at the Crown & Anchor for a Sunday roast; the ale houses are first come, first served.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Lamb & Flag is our editor's choice: A Grade II listed Fuller's tavern down a narrow alley, once nicknamed the Bucket of Blood for the bare-knuckle prize fights held upstairs. The Lamb & Flag, The Harp and The Salisbury lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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