Bars
The 6 Best Pubs in Wimbledon
Common-side fires, a 1950s ale house frozen in time, and a proper village Sunday roast, all within a short walk.
In short: our top picks are The Fox & Grapes, The Hand in Hand and The Sultan. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Wimbledon splits neatly in two, and its pubs follow suit. Up the hill in the Village you get the postcard set: old coaching inns and Common-side locals with deckchairs on the grass and log fires by October. Down by the station and out towards Merton the drinking gets more honest, and the single best pint in the postcode comes from a plain brick pub that most visitors never find. We have picked six that cover both worlds, from a polished Common-side gastropub to a CAMRA-loved cellar that has barely changed since the war.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Fox & Grapes | Wimbledon Common | £££ |
| The Hand in Hand | Wimbledon Common | ££ |
| The Sultan | South Wimbledon | ££ |
| The Crooked Billet | Wimbledon Common | ££ |
| The Alexandra | Wimbledon | ££ |
| Rose & Crown | Wimbledon Village | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Fox & Grapes
Why we pick itAn 18th-century pub on the edge of the Common that leans hard into gastropub cooking, with seasonal plates, a serious Sunday roast and three boutique rooms upstairs if you overdo it.
gastropub
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The Hand in Hand
Why we pick itA former 1830s bakery turned dog-friendly Young's local, with a suntrap courtyard, home-made pies you can still eat in the old oven room and its own beer festival.
traditional pub
-
The Sultan
Why we pick itHop Back Brewery's only London pub, a two-bar 1950s survivor rebuilt after the war, pouring cheap cask ale with folk and quiz nights but no fruit machines.
traditional ale pub
-
The Crooked Billet
Why we pick itA Young's house since 1881 facing straight onto the Common, with open fires in winter and deckchairs set out on the grass all summer.
traditional pub
-
The Alexandra
Why we pick itAn 1876 landmark two minutes from the station, a Young's pub with four distinct bars and a lively roof terrace that draws a crowd on summer weekends.
roof-terrace pub
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Rose & Crown
Why we pick itWimbledon's oldest pub on its original site, standing since at least 1659, with a proper walled garden, real ales and seasonal British plates.
historic tavern
Before you book
For the Village pubs, walk up from Wimbledon station (National Rail, District line, tram) or hop the 93 bus, since the hill is steeper than it looks. The Fox & Grapes, Hand in Hand and Crooked Billet all sit right on the Common and welcome dogs and muddy boots; book ahead for Sunday lunch. For the Sultan, aim for South Wimbledon on the Northern line instead.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Fox & Grapes is our editor's choice: An 18th-century pub on the edge of the Common that leans hard into gastropub cooking, with seasonal plates, a serious Sunday roast and three boutique rooms upstairs if you overdo it. The Fox & Grapes, The Hand in Hand and The Sultan 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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