Top 10 Pubs with Open Fires
There really is nothing better than cosying up in front of a fire at this time of year. Isn’t it lovely to dive into a snug pub, escape the Christmas shopping, and, treat yourself to a nice pint or glass of wine? Where are those perfect pubs with roaring fires? Ever found yourself in London looking for that holy grail? Here’s our Top 10 London pubs with fires, for you to explore on these long Winter nights.
The Jerusalem Tavern, Farringdon
A charming pub tucked away by St John’s Gate in Farringdon, The Jerusalem Tavern is an independent pub owned by St Peter’s Brewery. ONscotland thinks that it might be the best pub in London. “The building dates from 1720, and inside you’ll find a welcoming coal fire… All the beers and ales are naturally from the St Peters brewery, and the wooden pumps are built into the wall behind the bar. Bottled beers are also served, in beautiful oval bottles, and the service is friendly.”
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet St
This gorgeous London stalwart boasts a lovely open fire on the ground floor. The smell of the fire hits you as you walk in the door. Located just off Fleet St, chrisp loves this “fascinating place, with caverns that go right underground and supposedly one of the oldest pubs in London. Consequently it hosts a mix of curious tourists (Zagats in hand) and city workers, although the vibe is generally friendly”.
The Princess Louise is a lovely old Sam Smith’s pub, split into three sections, with cosy booths and a roaring fire. greedoe thinks that “this place is awesome. All chrome and glass and cheap drink. The fact that there are three bars you need to go onto the street to change between is awesome.”
Tucked away off the main street in Islington, this popular local pub serves real ales and has a cosy fire. qwghlm thinks that this is “one of the few pubs in Islington that’s actually nice, and which I regularly return to. Comfy and well-maintained inside, with tables outside in the summer. Food’s not bad either - had a nice lunch there the other day… The upstairs holds regular poetry and comedy nights which are also worth going to.”
The Churchill Arms, Notting Hill
Over 200 years old, this eclectic local and very busy pub, serves thai food and has a big fire. oogywawa thinks that it’s deservedly popular and that “this pub reminds you of the terrific effect that a good host can have on an establishment. I popped in there whilst walking down to Kensington High St and left over 2 hours later! Not short of a word or a joke, Gerry the Irish landlord ensures that all goes swimmingly whilst bustling around serving pristine pints of “London Pride” and taking plates of Thai to tables in the back.”
This city pub has a country pub feel to it. Alsation says that it’s “cosy, compact and friendly pub in the heart of residential Belgravia. They have some perfectly cellared Fullers on tap – you just can’t go wrong with a pint of Pride in this pub. The downstairs lounge bar has a large open fire and tends to be the most popular spot.”
This lovely little riverside pub is a favourite for the Oxford/Cambridge boat race and has an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for the smallest bar in Britain (4 feet by 7 feet!). ceedoubleu loves it there. “I’ve popped in and out of the Dove for years now and it never disappoints. It seems to be able to maintain it’s position as a neighbourhood/local pub despite it’s great location on the river and the fact that it is a “destination” pub. For those of a patriotic leaning, “Rule Britannia” was composed there in the 18th Century.”
This old traditional pub, is one of the few remnants of old Soho and boasts a fire to boot. chrisp says “it’s one of a very few remaining “traditional” drinking dens in Soho, and no matter what time you go, it’s packed to the rafters. However there’s a good reason for its popularity - excellent real ales served in cozy and attractive surroundings, all served with an atmospheric slice of Olde London history.”
This gorgeous pub on the Kilburn High Rd is incredibly cosy in Winter, with high ceilings, big windows and a roaring fire, it’s the perfect spot to watch the world go by. London_Grrl says that “the first thing you notice when you get inside the Black Lion is the amazing interior. The Grade II listed gold embossed ceiling, brass hangings and working fireplace combine to give a unique and welcoming interior perfect for a wintry Sunday drink.”
The Old Queens Head, Islington
A popular spot, with a roaring fire, Sami says “yet another music bar cum club cum pub in Angel but they put a lot of effort into putting together their lineups and the djs are actually pretty good. I wouldn’t necessarily say that they cater to niche music, but it’s a change from the usual Angel crowd and people here seem like they’re really having a good time. Whoever does the booking does a fantastic job at staying current with music trends and there’s always something for everyone here.”
Is there a great pub with a fire missing from this list? We want your reviews of your favourite pubs! Review them on TrustedPlaces.
Photo credit: Day 100 - Sitting by the fire by Iain Farrell (CC License)
Technorati Tags: Top 10, TrustedPlaces, London, Open Fires, Pubs, Winter
November 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 am
For those that fancy a trip into deepest Surrey, The Three Compasses at Alfold has one of the best big open fires I’ve seen for decades. Food is very good, most of which is sourced locally and cooked fresh on the premises, wide selection of wines, spirits and of course real ales. Tourists, it’s located beside the Wey / Arun canal which is under restoration and Dunsfold Airfield which as many of you know is home to the Top-Gear productions and of course the place where the Harrier Jump Jet was developed. Prices are very competitive for Surrey.
December 4th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
The Shepherd in Blackmore Road,Essex. Has a lovely log fire in the winter
A very cosy pub.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Fred & c dean - thanks! Great recommendations.