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.
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.
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.
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.
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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That looks like so much fun! London is on my travel bucket list, someday!
Have a great day!
Thank you for reading, Jen. It’s a fabulous city! Please let me know if make a trip here. I’d love to help with any aspects of planning or questions.
I have been to the Maple Leaf and the Porterhouse and loved them both. I also love the street performers in Covent Garden, always good fun
Thank you, Sammy! Have you checked out La Tasca (Spanish Tapas) next to Porterhouse? I ate there a few days ago and am getting ready to write a review. It was great!