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London is not so far from Ireland, the land of beer and pubs. Because of that, it is no surprise that even the most luxurious neighbourhoods of London would adopt the pub tradition. The best pubs in Mayfair maintain the high quality of everything served around them, pulling from Irish traditions and blending them with local flavours and techniques.
The result is a unique experience with flavourful and refreshing beer, lots of snack and finger foods, and environments that will make you travel to other nations.
The Punchbowl
The Punchbowl is one of the oldest and best pubs in Mayfair. The place is hidden in a quiet street, serving fantastic food and drinks in a cosy environment. This is where people come to dine, meet, and unwind, all over a bottle of wine or pint of beer. The Punchbowl is perfectly suitable for those who want to sit on a stool and sip on premium beer with a small snack. That’s fine. For those who wish to a complete dining experience, only some of the finest British restaurants in the neighbourhood exist.
The a la carte menu offers small plates like spiced parsnip soup with chestnut pesto. Pub classics like a British brisket burger on a brioche bun served with Koffman chips and tomato relish are also available. A steak and dark ale pie is perfect for those who want to taste their culinary culture’s roots.
On the first floor is Judy’s on One, a dining and whisky room that plays with the most unique whisky mixest. Dwell on the theatrical menu and rich interior design. Celebrate, indulge, and explore a blend of drinks and good food.
Website: The Punchbowl
Address: 41 Farm St, London W1J 5RP
The Windmill
The Windmill is strategically located just off Regent Street. Walk a few steps and arrive at Oxford Circus Station. This is a small reason why this venue is featured on our list of the best pubs in Mayfair. Their award-winning pies and seasonal classics are another. Now, mention the rich selection of cask ales straight from some of the best local breweries around London, and you have reasons to visit the Windmill.
The Windmill is divided into three spaces, each offering a different experience. The pub is where you can taste the best pie and sip some craft beer to freshen up. Craft beers, gin, and cocktails also decorate the drinks menu, which taste perfectly when paired with fresh British food. Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and fish and chips are also present for the delight of traditionalists.
The upstairs room hosts a private hire space where you can enjoy intimacy and share experiences with friends and family. Finally, take advantage of the roof terrace. But make sure you make reservations ahead of time because the place tends to fill up fast. Sip on mulled wine under a heater and some blankets, and relax.
Website: The Windmill
Address: 6-8 Mill St, London W1S 2AZ
The Market Tavern
When we imagine a traditional pub, a dimly lit space, usually with beer pints flying around and lots of stools around a bar, comes to mind. The Market Tavern doesn’t quite work like that — that’s probably why it has become one of the best pubs in Mayfair.
Here’s the best part: The place combines classic English pub hospitality with innovative character and charm. Built in 1808, The Market Tavern exudes a Victorian design, tucked away between the boutique shops and London cafés. It is the perfect place for a laid-back and memorable experience. Fine drinking and dining await you, and a lazy lunch never belonged so perfectly anywhere else.
The menus are explorative and authentic, served inside a home-like, bright environment. The wood-panelled interiors and Victorian features turn this into an aesthetic paradise. The upstairs room is available for private hiring if you want to host a cosy and memorable dinner party.
The seasonal dishes carry the best ingredients of British cuisine, like a sharing platter of rosemary and garlic camembert baked in sourdough. The main dishes are all creative and fresh, where meat and vegetables dance on the plate to create unique and mouthwatering flavours.
Website: The Market Tavern
Address: 7 Shepherd St, London W1J 7HR
The Footman
The Footman brings elegance and modernism into the world of classic British pubs. While doing so, it still manages to keep its original charm, all embedded into the fact that it is one of the oldest pubs in London. Since 1749, the place has stood as a boozy shelter for the footmen in service of Myafair households. It used to be called The Running House until it rebranded into something that carries the true luxury of Mayfair to the fullest.
The Footman is spread over three floors and hosts a pub and dining room perfect for private events. The food here is traditional but presented with flair and style—and there is nothing better than that for those who want lavish authenticism. Although food service starts at midday, the place opens earlier for coffee, cocktails, and an occasional business meeting.
The menu uses some of the best English ingredients and classic dishes. A ham hock terrine with spiced apricot chutney and seeded crackers is an excellent way to start your meal. An oven-roasted lemon sole with capers, samphire, spring greens, and a parsley dressing follows suit perfectly.
Sit at the bar with a pint of beer and eat a salt-beef sandwich— even the most authentic experiences make up The Footman.
Website: The Footman
Address: 5 Charles St, London W1J 5DF
The Guinea Grill
The Guinea Grill specialises in dry-aged, grass-fed British beef from an open grill. Say no more because the charred crust on the meat already speaks for itself. As one of the best pubs in Mayfair, the place has been a timeless institution since it opened in 1952.
The Guinea Grill works with two lunch and two dinner seatings, where you will be shown to your reserved table. Once seated, await the juiciness of the fillet. The meat is carefully selected each morning by the chefs inside the kitchen; you expect nothing less than perfection once you take the first bite.
Order from the a la carte menu and taste smoked salmon, devilled kidneys, prawn cocktails, and oysters. The award-winning pies are worth a taste but leave plenty of space for any of the seven cuts of meat and their sides.
Aside from the food, explore the Young Ale’s selection at the bar. The wine list is also rich, and you can order labels from all over the world. Book a room for private events and celebrate special occasions with meat-loving friends and family.
Website: The Guinea Grill
Address: 30 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6NL
The Iron Duke
The Iron Duke is a hidden gem in Mayfair. When the flowers overhang the doorway, expect to see a crowded pub filled with people who want to enjoy a pint of beer and dwell in a cosy atmosphere. Serving classic pub foods, the place uses fresh and delicate ingredients and only serves the best versions of any imaginable dish.
You can indulge in traditional British food here, from fish & chips to juicy burgers and tuna melt sandwiches. Try the Fuller’s Black Cab ham with beer mustard and Cheddar cheese toastie. For those who love to pair pub food with drinks, The Iron Duke holds a rich collection of cask-conditioned ale. Aside from that, you can also order craft lagers, cider, spirits, and exclusive wines.
Take advantage of their private dining experience, too. Whether you want to host a business meeting or celebrate a birthday or two, The Iron Duke has function rooms that allow you all the privacy you want.
This place blends the traditionality of British pubs with the flair of Mayfair. Enjoy wood-panelled interiors and bright lighting during the day. At night, sip on some ale and munch on toasties, all while sharing the experience with those you love the most.
Website: The Iron Duke
Address: 11 Avery Row, Mayfair, London, W1K 4AN
The King’s Head
The King’s Head merges different experiences into a single space. It is a pub, a theatre, and a jazz club, combining the best of each to create a memorable experience. The first thing to notice is their great selection of craft beers, which automatically turns this venue into one of the best pubs in Mayfair. Secondly, we should focus on worldwide wines and G&T trees. Then, savour their picked goods and toasties, which go perfectly with the environment and proposal of the place. You get the idea.
The King’s Head was founded in 1970, making it the first theatre pub in London since Shakespeare’s time. This place offers a unique adventure by blending theatrical jazz performances with classic pub food, drinks, and decor. As expected from a jazz club, the cocktails here are house twists on traditional drinks—they say the negroni is a must, and we believe them.
Order snacks, toasties and sharing boards. Watch opera and rodeo-themed performances while drinking well-elaborate cocktails, or chat with friends over a pint of beer. The King’s Head welcomes all vibes and tastes; you will always find something to mesmerise you.
Website: The King’s Head
Address: 115 Upper St, London N1 1QN
Coach and Horses
Coach and Horses states it is the last remaining vestige of proper pub-keeping. The venue opened in 1744 and is the oldest pub in Mayfair. It is in a neighbourhood that hosts designer fashion houses and boutique shops, so it has a renowned and luxurious reputation. Serving fine ales to locals and tourists alike, Coach and Horses is undoubtedly one of the best pubs in Mayfair.
Inside the place, you can find many of its original features. An old-fashioned cold room holds on to the pub’s origins, and centuries-old cellars attract wine enthusiasts from all over London. The bar is charming and filled with character, decked out with dark wood and completed with a fireplace. There are comfy spaces in all corners, and the cosiness of the pub attracts those who want to feel warm and nostalgic.
Savour a pint of beer or ale while catching up with friends. Although their kitchen is temporarily closed, the wide selection of drinks will keep you well beyond entertained. The historic building features a white façade that takes you back to Victorian times, and you will most likely feel like you’re in an episode of Bridgerton.
Website: Coach and Horses
Address: 5 Bruton St, London W1J 6PT
The Clarence
The Clarence is strategically located right in the middle of the Picadilly hustle. It is a few steps from London’s 1960s counterculture scene, surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Find the Royal Academy of Arts, the Photographer’s Gallery, Green Park, and many other landmarks. This is a small reason why The Clarence has become of the best pubs in London.
Other reasons include the individual style and exciting stories behind the pub’s design; an amazing view of The Ritz; great hospitality and service, working with the finest ale and speciality foods; and a beer library that excites your afternoon, presenting literature, artefacts, and engraved tankards. And that’s to name a few.
The Clarence is where you come if you want to explore London’s architectural history since the 1800s flair surrounds the place. But don’t be mistaken for thinking that’s all you’ll get. Once inside, dwell on the highest quality pub food you can find. The pies here are exceptional, served under creamy mash or buttery pastry. Order a perfectly poured casket ale, a whisky dose, or a G&T made with one of the many gins on display to follow suit.
Website: The Clarence
Address: 4 Dover St, Greater, London W1S 4LB
Goat Tavern
At the front door, you can spot the Goat Tavern by its signature goat statue. The place was built in 1686 as a famous public house for the British Navy, which launched the craze for pub food, drinks, and the environment. This is where officers would meet up with spies in the afternoon, hoping a pint or two of beer would help them get information to sink enemy ships.
Today, it is one of the best pubs in Mayfair. Run by the Green King company, the country’s leading pub retailer and brewer, Goat Tavern manages to serve some of the best ale and beer in the country. Aside from the fantastic fresh beer, the pub also serves classic foods that please the palate. You’d expect to find fish & chips, burgers, pies, and many other dishes in a pub. This is the place to come if you want an authentic and uncomplicated pub experience.
However, the main catch here is the venue’s rich history, which attracts many locals and tourists who want to travel through time. Snap a picture before the goat statue at the entrance and enjoy an afternoon of good food, drinks, and stories.
Website: Goat Tavern
Address: 3 Stafford St, London W1S 4RP
The Audley Public House
The Audley Public House is a restored Victorian pub that blends historical charm with contemporary art. Originally constructed in 1888 by architect Thomas Verity, famous for designing the pavilion at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the establishment has been transformed by design studio Laplace, which has preserved its listed exterior and interiors.
The Audley offers a curated selection of draught beers and ciders, featuring brews from independent suppliers like Sambrook’s Brewery in Battersea, one of London’s oldest brewers, alongside classics such as London Pride and Guinness. The food menu emphasizes traditional British fare, showcasing bar snacks like Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and oysters. Signature dishes include the Cornish haddock, chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce, and the Durslade Farm shepherd’s pie. On Sundays, patrons can enjoy a traditional roast.
The pub’s interior is characterized by deep mahogany wood panelling, brown leather booths, and plentiful natural light. A standout feature is the ceiling installation by London-based artist Phyllida Barlow, comprising a mosaic of hand-painted paper that adds a contemporary artistic flair to the historic setting. The walls are adorned with artworks, including a neon ‘FRIENDS’ sign by Turner Prize winner Martin Creed and framed photographs of Winston Churchill, who once resided above a nearby cigar shop.
A unique aspect of The Audley is its integration of art throughout the space. This fusion of art and hospitality is further exemplified by the Mount St. Restaurant above the pub.
Website: The Audley Public House
Address: 41-43 Mount St, London W1K 2RX
The Chesterfield Arms
Inside Mayfair’s historic Shepherd Market, The Chesterfield Arms is a gastropub blending centuries-old charm with contemporary elegance. Established in 1737, this Grade II listed building has been a cornerstone of the local community for over two centuries. In 2021, it underwent a refurbishment, restoring its original name and enhancing its timeless appeal.
The Chesterfield Arms offers a menu that celebrates British culinary traditions. Patrons can enjoy bar snacks such as smoked olives, sausage rolls, and venison and duck scotch egg accompanied by curry ketchup. Signature dishes include the Beef Wellington served with celeriac purée and wild mushrooms and a classic fish and chips with marrowfat mushy peas and tartare sauce. The pub also caters to diverse palates with options like roasted squash, chickpea salad, and a harissa folded halloumi dish. The beverage selection features a curated list of draught beers and wines.
The ground-floor bar area retains its historic character with original mouldings and new parquet flooring. Upstairs, the dining room offers a more refined experience, adorned with rich mahogany tones, leather seating, and soft lighting. The recent refurbishment not only revitalized the physical space but also reinstated the pub’s original name, reconnecting it with its rich heritage.
Website: The Chesterfield Arms
Address: 50 Hertford St, London W1J 7SS
The Barley Mow
The Barley Mow is a historic pub that was thoughtfully restored. Dating back to the 1800s, this Grade II-listed building has long been a cherished fixture in the community. In September 2022, it became part of the esteemed Cubitt House group, known for revitalizing London’s iconic pubs.
The Barley Mow’s menu showcases classic British cuisine infused with French elegance. Under the guidance of Head Chef Chris Fordham-Smith, the first-floor restaurant offers dishes such as French Onion Soup with Templegall cheese and brioche crouton, and Venison Tartare accompanied by pommes allumette and truffle aïoli. Main courses feature selections like Grilled Cotswold Chicken with chanterelles and sage-truffle butter, and a Root Vegetable Cassoulet complemented by green sauce. The ground-floor bar provides a selection of bar snacks, including Smoked Haddock & Dill Croquettes with watercress aïoli, and a Hot Meat Bun served with French dip. The beverage offerings are equally impressive, featuring a curated list of wines, draught beers, and signature cocktails.
The ground-floor bar has a full-length bar, dark wood panelling, and an original 1800s back bar. Live music performances every Wednesday and Thursday enhance the lively setting. Upstairs, the first-floor restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience, featuring light-filled spaces, white tablecloths, and refined décor.
The pub partners with reputable suppliers such as Walter Rose & Son for meat and Wright Brothers for seafood, ensuring that all dishes are prepared with the finest produce. This dedication to quality is evident in every dining experience.
Website: The Barley Mow
Address: 82 Duke St, London W1K 6JG
Ye Grapes
Also in Shepherd Market, Ye Grapes is a traditional British pub with a rich history dating back to 1742. Originally established as the ‘Market Coffee House,’ it underwent several transformations, becoming ‘The Grapes’ in 1782, ‘The Bunch of Grapes’ in 1827, and finally adopting its current name, Ye Grapes, in 1882.
Ye Grapes offers a diverse menu catering to traditional British and Thai culinary preferences. Patrons can enjoy classic pub fare like fish and chips, steak and chips, and sausage and mash. Additionally, the pub is renowned for its authentic Thai dishes, including spring rolls, chicken satay, and steamed pork dumplings. The pub’s beverage selection features a variety of draught beers and ciders, including popular choices like Fuller’s London Pride and Doom Bar.
The interior boasts dark wood panelling reminiscent of classic London pubs. The downstairs area provides ample seating, while the upstairs dining room offers a pleasant view of Shepherd Market.
Website: Ye Grapes
Address: 16 Shepherd Market, London W1J 7QQ
The Burlington Arms
The Burlington Arms is a historic pub that has been a cornerstone of the community for centuries. It offers patrons a quintessential British pub experience. The pub takes pride in its diverse menu, emphasizing fresh, seasonal, and homemade dishes. A standout favourite among locals is the homemade Scotch egg, celebrated for its flavorful and hearty appeal.
The menu features a variety of options, including small bites like crispy salt and pepper squid with lime mayo and buttermilk fried chicken served with hot sauce and blue cheese mayo. For mains, patrons can enjoy classics such as beer-battered haddock accompanied by mushy peas, tartare sauce, lemon, fries, and a classic cheeseburger. Vegetarian options are also available. The drinks menu complements the food offerings, featuring a curated selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
The interior is adorned with traditional décor, including wooden furnishings and tasteful accents. The pub is split over two floors, with the main bar on the ground floor and a second on the first floor, which is used as a restaurant during lunches and a function room or bar in the evenings. This layout offers intimate corners for quiet conversations and open spaces for larger gatherings.
The establishment proudly uses 100% renewable electricity, reflecting its dedication to environmental responsibility. Additionally, the pub’s website hosting is 100% green, further underscoring its eco-friendly initiatives.
Website: The Burlington Arms
Address: 21 Old Burlington St, London W1S 2JL
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