The Cross Keys Covent Garden Pub | London Pub Crawl

Covent Garden Pubs Worth the Hype

 Thirsty in the West End? A Covent Garden pub crawl might be just what your London trip needs. 

It’s one of the most popular areas to explore while visiting London. And because nearly everyone wants recommendations for London pubs to see while here, we’ve put together this list of seven spots that deliver the buzz, the views and the stories!

Just remember- if you attempt to hit all the locations on our Covent Garden pub crawl, you’ll want to eat food along the way. So, we’ve also indicated which pubs on the list we suggest for that too. Not every London pub that serves food is great. We’ve selected our favourites.

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Punch and Judy

Location: 40 The Market, Covent Garden Piazza

Atmosphere

Bustling and bright, this pub spills out onto Covent Garden Piazza with street performers below and mostly tourists on the balcony.

what makes it special

Perched on the balcony overlooking the action, it’s one of the most iconic Greene King pubs in central London. The name nods to the puppet shows once performed here. It’s a little chaotic and a lot of entertaining.

Why we love it

You don’t come for a quiet pint; you come for the spectacle. Grab a drink (if you can get to the bar) and enjoy the best people-watching in London. It’s great for your first London trip.

Punch and Judy Covent Garden Pub Crawl

The Maple Leaf

Location: 41 Maiden Lane

Atmosphere

Lively, loud and proudly Canadian. Hockey jerseys on the walls, poutine on the menu and all the live sport you could want.

what makes it special

It’s a home-from-home for Canadians, but a novelty for anyone else. Fourteen screens mean there’s no bad seat during a match. And the beer is ice cold.

Why we love it

Having lived near the Canadian border in Buffalo, I sometimes duck in here for a dose of nostalgia. Bonus points if any of my Buffalo friends can vouch for the wings!

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The Porterhouse

Location: 21-22 Maiden Lane

Atmosphere

Multi-floor madness! It’s part beer hall, part rugby den. Dark wood, loud music and 30+ taps.

what makes it special

This Irish-born beast pours some of the best craft beer in Covent Garden and pulls in a loyal crowd for live music, GAA and Six Nations. You’ll also find tap takeovers and one of London’s more spirited Oktoberfests.

Why we love it

I’ve eaten here a few times. Their bangers and mash are really nice. This Covent Garden pub is a good food stop if it isn’t too packed.

Maple Leaf Covent Garden Pub Crawl Canadian Pub in London
Porterhouse Covent Garden Pub Crawl Pub in London

Marquess of Anglesey

Location: 39 Bow Street

Atmosphere

Polished but not pretentious. Think dark wood pub downstairs, refined lounge upstairs and a brilliant rooftop above.

what makes it special

It nails all the classics. It has Sunday roasts, cocktails and a sleek roof terrace with views over London’s Theatreland.

Why we love it

Whether it’s pre-theatre dinner or a golden hour drink, this one always feels like a win. Cosy enough for cold nights, breezy enough for summer days. It’s a Young’s pub so we rank it the highest for food.

Marquess of Anglesey Covent Garden Pub Crawl Pub in London Rooftop Bar in London
Marquess of Anglesey Covent Garden Pub Crawl Pub in London Rooftop Bar in London
Marquess of Anglesey Covent Garden Pub Crawl Pub in London Rooftop Bar in London

Hotels for a Covent Garden Pub Crawl

f you want to make a proper night of it, I’ve incorporated a map showing Covent Garden hotels mapped by location and price.  Because sometimes it’s smarter not to take the Tube home or travel too far if you’re hitting lots of London pubs at once!

Bow Street Tavern

Location: 37 Bow Street

Atmosphere

Historic and homey. But please watch your step on the stairs. They’re steep and numerous!

what makes it special

Dating back to 1763, this pub has ties to the original Bow Street Runners (London’s first police force). It’s now a Young’s pub with reliable food and a great rooftop for sunsets.

Why we love it

It’s the kind of place you discover by accident, then wish you’d booked. It’s also recently been renovated, so we’re excited about that too!

Covent Garden Pub Crawl: Cross Keys

Location: 31 Endell Street

Atmosphere

Moody, local and dimly lit- in the best way.

what makes it special

It doesn’t pander to tourists, which makes it all the more intriguing. The kind of place where the regulars might clock you for being new. If you’re too intimidated to stay, at least grab a photo of the floral exterior.

Why we love it

It’s a quiet classic. One for the seasoned pub crawl pro or those who like their pint with a bit of grit.

Bow Street Tavern Covent Garden Pub Crawl Pub in London Rooftop Bar in London
Cross Keys Covent Garden Pub Crawl Pub in London

If you’re booking a trip to London, consider grabbing our London Travel Planner, which includes Mr Sunny’s pub crawls combined with a 3-day iconic london itinerary. Or if you need help assembling more for your London trip, you can book a one-to-one consultation. And we’ll plan your crawl together.

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Covent Garden Pub Crawl: Final Thoughts

So, Sunny friends, which Covent Garden pub is your favourite? Leave a comment below to let us know. There’s a few we didn’t feature here. But, you can find a few in our Best Hidden Pubs in London article!

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