Top 10 Fuller’s Pubs in London, and the Brewery
Fuller’s Brewery and Pubs: A Taste of London’s Brewing Heritage
Fuller’s Brewery, with its roots stretching back to the 17th century and its official founding in 1845, is a cornerstone of London’s brewing history. For generations, their pubs have served as beloved local institutions, renowned for their high-quality, traditionally brewed ales, most famously London Pride.
While the brewing arm was sold in 2019, Fuller’s still operates a significant number of pubs, particularly across London and the South of England, maintaining their reputation for classic pub atmosphere and a commitment to quality.
An extra trip to consider is to the Brewery in Chiswick. For connisieurs of Traditional real ale, a guided tour of this ancient brewery is a must, sampling their range of drinks, such as London Pride, ESB, HSB and others.
Top 10 Fuller’s Pubs in London.
1. The Admiralty (Trafalgar Square):
Perfectly situated on Trafalgar Square, The Admiralty is a bustling, modern pub from the Fuller’s chain, ideal for tourists and post-gallery drinks. Its opening hours are typically from 11:00 am until 11:30 pm daily, though checking ahead is always wise.
It is renowned for its classic British food menu, serving everything from hearty pies and fish & chips to Sunday roasts, available throughout the day. The pub offers an excellent range of beers, prominently featuring Fuller’s own acclaimed cask ales like London Pride, alongside a solid selection of international lagers, cider, and a full cocktail bar.
While it welcomes families during the day, its central, often-busy nature means it’s more suited to adults. It is child-friendly until early evening (usually 7 pm), with high chairs and a kids’ menu available. However, the spacious interior can get very loud, especially during post-work and pre-theatre peak times (5-7 pm). Due to its prime location, prices are at a premium, but you’re paying for the unparalleled atmosphere and convenience. Booking a table is highly recommended.
2. The Antelope (Belgravia):
Located in the heart of Belgravia, The Antelope is a charming and historic pub that expertly blends traditional character with modern comforts. Its opening hours are generally from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm on Sundays, though these can vary.
The pub serves a classic, high-quality food menu focused on British gastropub favourites. This includes everything from gourmet burgers and pies to roasted seabass and a popular Sunday roast, catering well to a lunchtime and evening crowd.
Its range of beers is excellent, featuring a well-kept selection of real ales from local and national breweries, alongside a strong line-up of premium lagers, international bottled beers, and a comprehensive wine and spirit list.
The Antelope is child-friendly during the day, welcoming families until early evening (typically around 7 pm). It offers a dedicated children’s menu and high chairs. However, its cosy, multi-level layout can get busy, especially during weekend lunch services and after work, when the atmosphere shifts towards a more adult, professional crowd. Booking is advised for dining.
3. The Barrowboy and Banker (London Bridge):
Nestled in a grand, former banking hall near London Bridge, The Barrowboy & Banker is a stunning Fuller’s pub renowned for its impressive architecture and buzzing atmosphere. Its standard opening hours are from 11 am until 11 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12 pm until 10:30 pm on Sundays.
The pub excels in serving a extensive food menu that spans classic pub staples, gourmet burgers, stone-baked pizzas, and traditional Sunday roasts. Its large operation ensures food is served all day, making it a reliable spot for both lunch and dinner.
It boasts an excellent range of beers, prominently featuring Fuller’s own award-winning cask ales like London Pride and ESB, alongside a wide selection of continental lagers, craft beers, and cider on tap. The vast bar also offers a full spectrum of wines and cocktails.
While it welcomes families during the day, its immense popularity with the after-work City crowd means its child-friendly status is limited. It is best suited for families for weekend lunches, as the atmosphere becomes overwhelmingly adult and boisterous during weekday evenings. The vast space means it can accommodate large groups, but booking is highly recommended.
4. The Harp (Covent Garden):
The Harp is a celebrated and traditional pub located in London’s vibrant Covent Garden, known for its award-winning status and focus on “real ale and real conversation.” It operates from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Sunday.
The pub is a true destination for beer lovers, boasting ten hand-pumps at the bar that serve a constantly rotating selection of classic cask ales and guest brews from across the country. The beer range is extensive, including a wide variety of styles from different breweries. They are also well-known for their traditional ciders and perries.
While the primary focus is on an exceptional drink selection, The Harp serves a small menu of traditional pub fare, including bar snacks, sandwiches, and pork pies. It’s a “football-free zone,” creating an environment for conversation. The pub is a cozy, intimate space that can get quite crowded, with patrons often spilling out onto the pavement. Given its atmosphere, it is generally considered an adult-oriented venue and may not be the most suitable for children.
5. The Lamb & Flag (Covent Garden):
A true historical gem, The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden is a London pub with a rich and storied past. Nicknamed “The Bucket of Blood” due to its history of bare-knuckle boxing, this pub has been serving patrons since at least 1772, with Charles Dickens himself being a regular.
Open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Saturday and from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM on Sunday, The Lamb & Flag offers a classic pub experience. Their menu features traditional British pub fare, including classics like fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and a popular Sunday roast. They also offer a range of sandwiches, burgers, and vegetarian options.
The pub is a destination for beer enthusiasts, with a constantly changing selection of cask ales, craft lagers, and ciders. They are known for their Fuller’s beers, including London Pride and ESB, and often feature guest ales. With its historical ambiance and traditional offerings, The Lamb & Flag creates a welcoming atmosphere. It is generally considered child-friendly and even has a kids’ menu, making it a great option for a family meal or a rest stop while exploring Covent Garden.
Top 10 Fuller’s Pubs in London.
The Antelope
The Barrowboy and Banker
The Harp
The Lamb & Flag
6. The Red Lion (Westminster):
A stunning Victorian gin palace located in the heart of Westminster, close to Parliament. Beautiful architecture and a sense of history. This makes it a popular haunt for politicians, journalists, and tourists seeking an authentic London experience. Its opening times are typically from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm on Sundays.
The pub serves a traditional food menu focused on classic British pub fare, including pies, fish and chips, and sandwiches, catering primarily to a lunchtime crowd. While the food is solid, the main draw is the political history and atmosphere.
Its range of beers is respectable, featuring well-kept cask ales from national breweries, a selection of standard lagers, and a good offering of wines and spirits, perfectly suited for a classic pint.
Given its small, narrow, and often incredibly busy interior, The Red Lion is not particularly child-friendly, especially during peak times. The atmosphere is overwhelmingly geared towards adults, particularly during weekday evenings when it is packed with professionals. Its proximity to major landmarks means it is perpetually busy; visiting during off-peak hours is advised for a better chance of finding a seat.
7. The Counting House (Bank):
Housed in a magnificent, grand banking hall built in 1893, The Counting House in Bank is a spectacular Fuller’s pub that oozes Victorian splendour with its high domed ceiling and central circular bar. Its opening hours are typically 11am-11pm Monday to Friday, with limited weekend opening, reflecting its City focus.
The pub excels in serving a high-quality food menu, featuring classic pies, gourmet burgers, and a popular roast on Sundays. Its vast space includes a dedicated dining area on a mezzanine level.
It boasts an excellent range of beers, including Fuller’s flagship ales like London Pride and a wide selection of international beers and craft options on tap.
Due to its financial district location and formal, bustling atmosphere, The Counting House is not child-friendly and is primarily a venue for the after-work professional crowd. Booking is essential for dining, especially during weekday lunchtimes.
8. The Churchill Arms (Kensington):
A true London icon, The Churchill Arms in Kensington is famously one of the city’s most photogenic pubs, renowned for its breathtaking exterior blanketed in flowers and Union Jack flags. Its history dates back to the 18th century, with a strong connection to Winston Churchill’s grandparents, who were regulars.
Standard opening times are 12pm-11pm (Mon-Sat) and 12pm-10:30pm (Sun). It serves an excellent range of beers, including well-kept cask ales and popular lagers.
However, it is arguably more famous for its outstanding Thai food. The bustling, authentic restaurant at the rear is a huge draw, serving a full menu of popular curries and noodle dishes.
The incredibly busy, narrow, and crowded interior means it is not child-friendly, especially in the evenings. Its unique character makes it a must-visit for tourists, but visiting on a weekday afternoon offers the best chance to appreciate its charm.
9. The Coach & Horses (Soho):
A legendary institution in the heart of Soho, The Coach & Horses on Greek Street is steeped in history as a famed haunt for journalists, cartoonists, and bohemians since the mid-20th century. It retains a wonderfully traditional, no-frills atmosphere.
Its opening times are typically from 11am-11:30pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm-10:30pm on Sundays. It serves a solid range of beers, focusing on well-kept cask ales like Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and classic lagers, perfectly suited for a straightforward pint.
The pub is known for its simple, classic pub food, such as pies and sandwiches, upholding its unpretentious character.
Due to its small, often cramped, and perpetually busy interior, which is dominated by standing drinkers and a vibrant, adult crowd, The Coach & Horses is not child-friendly. Its atmosphere is purely geared towards adults seeking a classic, sometimes raucous, Soho experience. Booking is not available, adding to its spontaneous appeal.
10. The Viaduct Tavern (Newgate):
The Viaduct Tavern is a magnificent Victorian gin palace, built in 1875 opposite the Old Bailey. Its history is palpable, with original features like etched glass, ornate mirrors, and a rare surviving gas lighting system. Local lore suggests its cellars were once holding cells for the old Newgate Prison.
Standard opening hours are 12pm-11pm (Mon-Wed), 12pm-12am (Thur-Fri), and closed weekends. It serves a solid range of beers, including well-kept cask ales and classic lagers, but its true heritage is in gin, offering a vast selection.
It only serves bar snacks like pies and sandwiches, not full meals, prioritising its role as a drinking establishment.
Given its central City location, incredibly busy after-work atmosphere, and historic, narrow layout, The Viaduct Tavern is not child-friendly. Its unique, atmospheric interior is best experienced by adults during off-peak hours to fully appreciate its grandeur.
The Brewery
The Legendary Fullers Griffin Brewery@ Chiswick
Nestled in Chiswick, West London, the Fuller’s Griffin Brewery is a historic cornerstone of British brewing, operating continuously on its original site since 1845. However, its brewing heritage stretches back even further to the 1600s, making it a site of immense industrial and cultural significance. The brewery is famed for creating some of the UK’s most beloved cask ales, including the iconic London Pride, ESB, and Chiswick Biter, using a unique blend of traditional methods and modern innovation.
For enthusiasts, the brewery offers tours that are widely regarded as among the best in London. These tours provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the entire brewing process, from the gleaming coppers to the vast fermentation vessels. The experience culminates in the expert-led tutored tasting of core beers in the Brewery Tap room, where visitors can appreciate the complex flavours firsthand.
While you cannot simply ‘drop in’ for a casual drink at the main brewery, the on-site Brewery Tap is a dedicated pub that welcomes visitors for a pint or a flight of freshly brewed beers. Furthermore, the adjacent Shop is a prime destination for any fan, offering a wide array of supplies. You can purchase everything from bottled and canned beers, including exclusive limited editions and vintage ales, to brewery merchandise and unique gifts, making it the perfect place to collect your own supplies directly from the source.
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