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A London pub lover is on a mission to visit every single one of the capital's drinking institutions - and is already 75 per cent of the way to achieving his goal.

In seven years, 41-year-old Stewart Junk has visited 2,701 pubs, with a goal of having a half pint at every one within the M25.

At a 2018 count, there were 3,530 pubs open in London. If Mr Junk was to visit one a day, he’d complete his odyssey in just over two years.

So far, his years-long pub crawl has shown him the highs and lows of London pub culture. Along the way, he has gate-crashed a wedding reception and was also chased down the street by one patron who was eager to buy him another beer.

“There's no pub I've been into that's absolutely dire,” he told the Standard.

“They're just pubs going about their everyday life and you can go see a snippet of them for 15, 20 minutes.

“You can go into a pub where it might have a musty smell or be a little rough. I would say I'd go back to almost all the pubs I've been to, except for one or two where the locals maybe don’t expect you and can be a bit intimidating.”

The 50 best pubs in London 50 show all The 50 best pubs in London 1/50 50. The Dublin Castle, NW1 The Hawley Arms may be more famous thanks to an association with noughties Indie kids, but Camden’s best pub is the Dublin Castle. It seems to both have inspired and absorbed the epitome of Camden culture, right down to the lashings of military red on the walls — take a shot if you remember the Libertines’ Imperial jackets. From the outside, it looks almost grand; inside it’s a place to drink cheap lager and have your head blown off by boys and girls with guitars. That’s what everyone’s been doing for decades already anyway; its reputation started to grow when Madness first made it here, but then Blur got a leg up in the place too, and Amy Winehouse supposedly pulled pints behind the bar from time to time. If you’re headed up Camden Road toward Holloway, the Lord Stanley is a must stop-in too. Decidedly more upmarket than the Castle, it’s perfect for a Sunday Roast and a decent glass of wine. DE Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 2/50 49. Ye Olde Rose and Crown, E17 London has a proud tradition of theatre pubs, offering the chance for young playwrights, comics and performers the perfect space to cut their teeth. Honourable mentions go to the likes of the Old Red Lion and the recently refurbished King’s Head in Islington, but Walthamstow’s Ye Olde Rose & Crown is our pick of the lot. The upstairs theatre at this east end boozer is an intimate space, playing host to a diverse mix of productions. The characterful downstairs space more than holds its own too, and features a lovely old bar, covered from floor to ceiling in beer pump badges. It’s no surprises that its multi-award winning, having been names best theatre bar in east London at the Off West End Awards and the best pub in east London by CAMRA. HF 3/50 48. The Little Green Dragon, N21 One of the less conventional pubs in north London, The Little Green Dragon is housed in a former hairdressers in Enfield and has developed a strong reputation for itself since opening a few years back. The charming micropub is a quirky prospect, but the excellent selection of beers and ciders saw it recognised as the best pub in Greater London by CAMRA earlier this year. After ordering at the small, but perfectly formed bar, punters here can relax in a sofa, a church pew or bus seats — it just proves that interesting pubs are still springing up all over London, and they don’t have to be traditional to offer great experiences. HF CAMRA 4/50 47. The Yorkshire Grey, W1W Little Langham Street boozer the Yorkshire Grey might be small, but it packs a punch. Sam Smith's looks after some of the most charming pubs in the city, and the Fitzrovia spot is one of their most likeable. The pub is an inviting, cosy drinking space, with a pillared bar stretching down one wall. It’s frequently busy, so do your best to grab a table if you can. The pub is famous for being a haunt of BBC staff, who work just around the corner in Portland Place. It was allegedly even referred to as “Studio YG” in some quarters, and it’s easy to understand people’s affinity towards it. HF Ian S/Creative Commons 5/50 46. Hamilton Hall, EC2M This surprise package is a perfect meeting place for a quick drink off the train at Liverpool Street while the affordable drinks make it idea for a longer session too. The interiors are surprisingly grand for a Spoons, with the boozer housed in a former ballroom of the Great Eastern Hotel. There is ornate detailing throughout, as well as huge ceilings — along with Spoons’ famously lairy carpets, of course. It gets incredibly busy both after work and after weekends, but it’s more than worth tackling the crowds to get served at bar here. It’s the standout London station pub and if this place was run by an independent, or a more premium chain, perhaps, people would rave about it. HF JD Wetherspoon 6/50 45. The Hare, E2 Looking about one evening for a decent, no frills boozer, we first popped into the Hare after a tip off from Chris Moore, the ex-Savoy bartender behind Bethnal Green’s Coupette. The Hare is the epitome of a ‘good, honest pub’, which is to say it’s defiantly old fashioned. This in itself doesn’t account for any greatness – plenty of old boozers shut because they were bloody awful, not because developers forced their hand – but it does lend the place a certain personality. It pours plenty of real ale, is proud of its whisky, has a pool table and attracts the kind of locals who aren’t afraid to say something to newcomers, but are welcoming with it. There’s something winning about it – not something that is quite tangible, but perhaps its being on this list says enough. DE 7/50 44. The Bill Murray, N1 Comedy fans will know all about the Bill Murray — a brilliant stand-up venue, theatre space and pub. Some of the biggest names on the UK comedy circuit do regular work in progress shows here, with the likes of Eddie Izzard and Sara Pascoe having performed recently. It’s more than just a comedy venue though, with a well-stocked corner bar and comfortable seating out front room marking one of the most relaxing spaces to spend time in the area. Interestingly, Bill himself didn’t give the venue his blessing, so the pub is officially named after William Murray, the First Earl of Dysart who lived in the 17th century. A shame, then, as we imagine the actor would love this place. HF 8/50 43. The Prospect of Whitby, E1W A pub has stood on The Prospect of Whitby’s spot since the 16th century. Back then it was known as the Devil’s Tavern, named after the nefarious activities of the sailors that used to frequent it. The pub is far more than just a historic novelty though, blessed with a spacious downstairs drinking area, a great beer garden and unparalleled views of the Thames. Parts of this loveable boozer might be over 400 years old, but the pub still has so much to offer visitors in 2018. It’s still timeless rather than trendy though, which is fine by us. HF 9/50 42. The Crosse Keys, EC3V Punters should leave preconceptions about Wetherspoons at the door when they head to the Crosse Keys by Leadenhall Market. The pub is a great mix of affordability and quality, matching tasteful decor — including marble columns, vaulted ceilings and a curved island bar — with the reasonable prices punters expect from a Spoons. The fact that rounds don’t cost the earth here makes it perfect for an outing after work, while Spoons’ usual solid selection of beers and spirits is on offer. We named it the best Wetherspoons pub in zone one a few months back and we stand by that claim — it's certainly the best option for an affordable drink in the City. HF Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 10/50 41. The Red Lion, E11 This charming Victorian corner pub on Leytonstone High Road is the best place for craft beer in the area, with five keg options on rotation and ten hand pumps serving up a wide selection for ale connoisseurs. The food is far better than your average boozer too, serving seasonal contemporary British cooking. There’s plenty going on here, including regular quiz nights on Mondays and DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays, and there’s a massive outdoor space too — great for bigger groups looking to spend time in on warm summer evenings. It's also Damon Albarn’s local, and the singer once gave an impromptu performance here a few years back. Like most nights here, it was all a bit of a blur. HF Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 11/50 40. The Westminster Arms, SW1P This old-school boozer is the politicians’ pub of choice, given it's a short stroll from the Houses of Parliament, and also a historic haunt of political journalists on the lookout for their next scoop. The pub, run by Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, is famous for its division bell, which alerted politicians to when they needed to dash back to the Commons in time to vote. Today you can find plenty of lovely old period features, like the beautiful illustrated signwork above and around the bar, which adds to the appeal of the place. The pub gets pretty busy after work, but propping up the bar here and watching the pub’s local character’s mill around is a joy in itself — comfy and secluded booths dotted along the far wall, which must have hosted their fair share of deal-making and political plotting in their time. HF 12/50 39. The Alexandra, SW19 The Alexis a Wimbledon favourite, with good reason. A Young’s, it’s not cheap, but it’s run the right way by landlords Mick and Sarah Dore. It’s a big old place: by the front windows are booths to devour Sunday lunch in, there’s four different bars, and upstairs is a roof terrace without much of a view but pints of atmosphere. When there’s sport to watch, the TVs will have it on, and the place gets busy with fans that like to shout along. Cracking. The refurbishment a couple of years ago did the place a world of good, and the upstairs burger shack is a nice touch. Food in general is reliable, they run a damned good quiz and know how to throw a party. They’ve a kind streak, too: this is the place that lays on Christmas lunch for free to anyone on their own. To be frank, when a pub’s this size, the soul of them tends to get lost. Here, it’s the opposite - they’re all heart. DE 13/50 38. The Culpeper, E1 The Culpeper gets rammed enough that drinkers spill out onto the pavement until the road seems to simply be getting in the way of an ever-growing crowd. A few years ago this old Truman’s pub was a certified boozer that seemed to snarl at newcomers. Then it was taken over, carefully and thoughtfully redone as a place for a pricey(ish) pint, but just as a likely a glass of natural wine, a small batch bourbon or a newly distilled gin. It’s fashionable, in other words, but it’s also properly decent; the roof terrace is charming, the first floor restaurant serves finely done, delicate plates that regularly change. It’s built for after-work drinks, a date, a quiet glass at lunchtime, a rowdy catch up with old friends. It stays open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, when you’ll find the local bartenders slowly drinking themselves undone after their shifts. Is there any better endorsement? DE 14/50 37. The Grenadier, SW1X The Grenadier’s striking white, red and blue exteriors are unmissable on quiet side street Wilton Row in Belgravia — standing in contrast to the lovely, understated wood panelling, etched mirrors and studded leather interiors. The downstairs rooms are some of the most handsome spaces to enjoy a drink by Hyde Park, and the 17th century building is seeped in character. It’s also famously said to be haunted. Throughout the three hundred years the pub has stood on the spot, drinkers and landlords have reported spooky apparitions here. Objects have allegedly moved without explanation, yells have been heard from the cellar and people have claimed to have had their pints spilled by mysterious spirits — we’d probably try that excuse too if we dropped our drink in this great pub. HF Ewan Munro/Pixabay 15/50 36. The Trafalgar Tavern, SE10 Greenwich is blessed with a selection of great pubs — especially on Royal Hill, which features both craft ale specialists Greenwich Union and traditional boozer Richard I next door to each other. However, The Trafalgar is arguably the most impressive in the area. It’s huge in stature, imperiously overlooking the Thames, and pleasing on the eye too — so much so that it’s commonly used as a wedding venue. It’s steeped in history, having welcomed drinkers since 1837, and the outside areas and spacious interiors split over three floors makes it an idyllic meeting point for residents in south east London. HF 16/50 35. The Running Horse, W1K The Punchbowl may be the better known Mayfair place, thanks to Guy Ritchie’s go at playing barman, but the Running Horse is our pick. There since 1738, it’s been packed since reopening in 2013. It’s beautifully done, kitted out like the kind of country house sitting room that Tatler use for photo shoots. It has that very British feel, which is backed up by all the food and drink on offer, sourced from across the UK. This includes plenty of Chase spirits – distillery founder James Chase helped restore this place with Dominic Jacobs, who made his name at sketch. Though the food is particularly good here, and the upstairs dining room a genuinely lovely place to spend some time in, the pub is usually rammed downstairs too with a spendy after work crowd. Good atmosphere. DE Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 17/50 34. Old Bank of England, EC4A One of the most incredible pub interiors in the whole city can be found at the Old Bank of England — a stunning place with high, ornate ceilings and grand chandeliers makes drinking here an experience in itself. The usual solid selection of Fuller’s beers can be found behind the lovely island bar, while the kitchen serves up good, honest pub grub. As the name suggests, the pub is houses in the old Law Courts’ branch of the Bank of England, which operated from 1888 to 1975. Interestingly, the building sits in between the barber shop owned by Sweeney Todd and the pie shop owned by his mistress Mrs Lovett — a grizzly detail in an otherwise resplendent London pub. HF 18/50 33. The Glory, E2 The Glory couldn’t be more aptly named. The Haggerston pub has it all going on: have a quiet(ish) pint in the early evening, followed by a drag show, then a dance party in the basement. It’s small and cosy and a regular haunt for east London’s creative types. Under the watchful eyes of drag superstars Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, the Glory has grown into one of London’s best queer spaces. At a time when LGBTQ+ pubs have been closing left, right and centre – the Black Cap in Camden and the Joiners Arms in Hackney have been two such losses – the Glory is where to go if you’re looking for inclusivity and a warm welcome. Zoe Paskett 19/50 32. The Newman Arms, W1T Fitzrovia haunt the Newman Arms went from traditional boozer to plush foody pub after a recent refurbishment, breathing new life into a handsome space on Rathbone Street. There’s a smart, but still friendly feel to the space — all dark panelled dining rooms and corners decked out with comfy sofas. It’s a nice setting to enjoy the excellent British menu served out of a small kitchen, not forgetting the great range of homemade pies on offer. It’s certainly not a boozer — go for the food rather than the beer — but it’s one of the smartest pubs in the area, and a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal, a craft ale and a few hours of serenity. DE Philafrenzy/Creative Commons 20/50 31. The Well and Bucket, E2 Bethnal Green Road spot the Well & Bucket is a relative newcomer, having been reopened after a few dormant years by Barworks — the people who run the Black Heart in Camden and the Slaughtered Lamb in Clerkenwell. The food menu includes fabulous oysters and seafood platters. The stylish main bar has 12 beers on draught, with dozens of bottle options besides, while the basement bar is the place to head to for cocktails and spirits. It's always rammed, which adds to the character of the place, but the venue’s small beer garden is a nice spot to unwind in the summer if you can bag a place. All in all, this is a pretty perfect east London pub, and the best ‘new’ boozer in the area. HF Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 21/50 30. The White Swan, TW1 The outdoor veranda and sitting areas at this Twickenham gem are simply stunning, helping make this one of the prettiest spots in west London. Inside, punters may struggle a little for space, but the exteriors more than make up for it. The waterside spot feels a world away from rush of the city, resembling a lovely old country pub more than a bustling city boozer. A summer afternoon spent idly looking out across the river, sampling the exhaustive craft ale and wine selection and catching up with old friends here is a real joy. HF 22/50 29. The Spread Eagle, E9 The Spread Eagle in Homerton has single-handedly been dispelling myths about veganism since opening in 2017, proving that it’s a whole lot of fun to go meat and dairy-free. It’s London’s first ever totally vegan pub, and absolutely everything in here, from the bar snacks to the sofas, is 100 per cent vegan. Expect fantastic cocktails from the beautiful central bar (the boozy Bloody Mary is a perfect option with brunch) and excellent food from Club Mexicana served from the kitchen. Importantly, while the pub is best known for its vegan cause, it never feels worthy or pretentious — ultimately, it’s just a great pub, which anyone would enjoy spending time in. HF Jade Nina Sarkhel 23/50 28. The Old Ship, W6 Hammersmith is spoiled for choice when it comes to picturesque riverside pubs, but The Old Ship might be the most beautiful of the lot. In fact, it actually resembles a luxurious villa more than a pub — with the striking white building something of a waterside landmark in W6. Punters have been coming here for drinks in a relaxed atmosphere since 1722, and it's no surprise to see it as popular as ever. The fantastic riverside terrace out the front offers unparalleled views of the Thames and its always one of the most popular stops during the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. HF 24/50 27. The Drapers Arms, N1 From the off, we should point out that the Draper’s is owned by Ben Maschler, son of the Standard’s restaurant critic Fay. Take that as you will. Despite losing its Bib Gourmand from Michelin, the place still turns out an excellent plate of food, the Sunday beef being especially good, and it feels somewhere comfortable to settle into. It’s not quite flashy, but still decidedly upscale; very Islington, in other words. The place is proudly independent, which is perhaps its biggest strength: things change often, keeping an otherwise standard-but-smart place interesting. The green bar is still a lovely touch, all these years on. DE 25/50 26. Ye Olde Mitre, EC1N Ye Olde Mitre is a magnificent, memorable place that has, over the years, earned itself something of a fabled reputation. To be fair, it’s had plenty of years to do so. Hidden away down Ely Court, a toothpick of an alley off Hatton Garden, the Grade II listed building was built in 1773, though a pub’s been there since the mid 1500s. Queen Elizabeth used to dance on the land here, which, owing to a Bishop and some quirky bylaws, technically belonged to Cambridgeshire until the 1970s. The interior dates to the 1930s and is gorgeously homely, all heavy oak and nick nacks, and the pub is really quite tiny, especially in the front room, which is just right for a pint of Pride. It’s made it into films – the Deep Blue Sea and Snatch among them – but nevertheless, because it’s so tucked away, and so cute, getting in here feels like discovering a beautiful little secret. DE Fullers 26/50 25. The Tipperary, EC4Y This narrow little boozer on Fleet St twinkles with Irish charm. On the outside is a billboard that purports to tell the history of the place, which is mostly a yarn. It’s not the first Irish pub outside of Ireland, as it boasts, though it has been around since at least 1443, when it was still the Boar’s Head. Known as the Irish House until the late 60s, the place is a narrow treasure trove, a wood-panelled snug of Irish whisky and tiled shamrocks in the floor. Though there’s plenty of Irish decoration, it feels authentic rather than affected. It serves a Guinness worth travelling for and accordingly has its fair share of regulars, most of whom are chatty types. Crowds seem to come and go altogether, so if you’re staying long enough, the place will go from bursting full to empty to bursting full again in its own strange cycle. The loos are a steep old stagger upstairs, but you can’t have everything. DE darkestlondon.com 27/50 24. The Hemingford Arms, N1 1DF The exterior of this Islington pub is a thing of beauty, with a floral display perfectly kept all year round. The Hemingford is similar in some ways to the Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, both are beautiful corner pubs significant in stature, with Thai food on the menu and knick knacks hanging from ceiling — the decor is decidedly quirky, with a model plane suspended in perpetual flight above the bar. The overly-plush upstairs area is a little full on, perhaps, but the stunning downstairs bar is perfect for a relaxed drink amongst a local crowd. A highly recommended north London pub. HF Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 28/50 23. The Faltering Fullback, N4 The Faltering Fullback, nicely tucked away down a leafy road around the corner from Finsbury Park station, is one of the very best sports pubs in the city. Inside the flower-covered front, you’ll find a small central bar serving up a good selection of craft beers. It’s an Irish pub but the kitchen serves up Thai food, which is ideal for soaking up the drink on boozy Saturday afternoons. The front room, decked out with rustic benches and a pool table, is a top place to watch all kinds of live sport shown across two big screens and fills up to capacity for the Six Nations. The outside terrace spread over two floors is a brilliant space too, although you’ll be lucky to get a seat in the summer — it’s really no surprise that this place gets very busy. HF 29/50 22. The Holly Bush, NW3 This beautiful 18th century pub stands proud at the top of Holly Mount, a short walk from Hampstead Heath. Ale fans are well catered for, with ten tap options and five cask ales on rotation, but its the kitchen where the pub really excels. The pub serves a great roast dinner on Sundays in smart but comfortable surroundings in the dining rooms around the back and upstairs. The cosy interiors are synonymous with cosy winter evenings, but the outside seating area out the front of the pub is a nice spot for summer drinks too. HF 30/50 21. Chesham Arms, E9 Impressing outsiders is one thing, but the best pubs rally a defensive loyalty in their locals.Kentish Town boozer The Pineapple helped set the template in 2002 when it was saved by ‘Old Pineapplers, whom it still welcomes today. In 2015, in Hackney, the Chesham Arms went through something similar, and poured its first pint after two hard years of local campaigns. Sat in a row of houses on a quiet street, the Chesham is good-looking-in-a-quiet-sort-of-way and proved it was worth the effort early on, being named CAMRA’s pub of the year in 2016. Today, it serves a first rate choice of beers, with regular guest ales, but still don’t do food. This has a hidden boon – they’re happy for punters to order in from the nearby Yard Pizza. It’s by no means flashy, looking very much the way a pub might do for a smart sitcom, but something about it just works. In winter, it’s nice to curl up by the fire; in summer, it’s perfect to unwind in the beer garden. DE Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 31/50 20. The Jerusalem Tavern, EC1M Beer fans are very well catered for at this Clerkenwell haunt, which is the London base of Suffolk’s St Peter’s Brewery. The draft selection is excellent, and the rustic decor makes for pleasant surrounding to spend time in. The pub is no hidden gem — it’s nearly always bustling with drinkers sampling the ale selection, and guest will be lucky to bag themselves a seat. The pub is full of inviting corners though to set up camp in though, and the fire adds a cosy feel to the whole place. Also, while it might have the feel of an authentic 17th century pub, it’s relatively new, after a revamp in 1990 gave it the appearance of a Dickensian den. Embrace the folly of it all and it’s a lovely place to escape in the heart of the City. HF 32/50 19. The Grapes, E14 This historic pub in Limehouse might be owned by Ian McKellen and the Standard's owner Evgeny Lebedev — but that’s not the only reason it’s included here, promise. It’s one of the very oldest pubs in the city, dating back to the 16th century, and it’s also one of the most characterful. It’s nestled in idyllically by the river, with a charming bar and one of the most inviting interiors in east London. McKellen’s influence is obvious too — the staff used on the set of Lord of the Rings hanging up behind the bar is a dead giveaway, and he's known to run the quiz from time to time. If you’re after a cosy setting not far from Canary Wharf, this is the place to go. HF 33/50 18. The Toucan, W1D We have to be careful with this one – the last time we recommended the Toucan, the landlord complained. It’s a tough looking little pub, which is part of its brusque appeal. Independently owned, it’s too often overlooked by those stumbling into Soho, and barely any online presence helps keep the secret. Inside, it’s warm and eccentric; as the name suggests, they have long been in the throes of a wonderfully kitsch love affair with Guinness, and have decorated accordingly, with posters and memorabilia used the way most places use wallpaper and paintings. This makes the Toucan: it’s quite unlike anywhere else and a little bit mad to boot. Upstairs, sat at the bar in the dim glow of the pumps, it feels like being out of London, like finding a bolthole bar by an abandoned stretch of seaside. DE 34/50 17. Bradley's Spanish Bar, EC2A Perhaps the clue to Bradley’s brilliance is its frontage, done in thick red paint. It isn’t far off ugly. If a place doesn’t look much and has been there forever, the logical end is that it must be good enough not to need to draw a crowd, as there must be one already. And at Bradley’s, there usually is, and a devoted crowd at that, who all have some mad memory of the place. There since the 60s, the place is split over two floors. Down well worn concrete steps, past a whiffy men’s loo, the basement tends to be a loud, fun place with the TV on, where the bar pours a few Spanish lagers and the usual stuff, while upstairs is the size of dishcloth and has a proper, old fashioned jukebox that sounds magnificent, and tends to play Bowie or the like. A seat at the bar is the one – stay long enough and you should end up dancing. Earlier this year it extended its license for another 10 years. We’ll drink to that. DE 35/50 16. The Marksman, E2 This award winning pub was named Michelin Pub of the Year 2017 and the setting is one of the most impressive in Hackney — no small feat. The interiors are stylish and comfortable in equal measure, and the craft ale selection is pretty top notch. It’s the food which really excels though. Chefs Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram, both formerly of the Michelin starred St John restaurant in Clerkenwell, are responsible for an excellent, contemporary British menu, while the upmarket venue also puts on a fantastic Sunday roast. It’s a multi-faceted space too, hosting regular DJ nights and live music events and also boasting an inviting roof terrace. Hackney is spoiled for choice when it comes to pubs, but this is the most accomplished of the lot. HF Kerry L/Flickr 36/50 15. The Crown and Sugar Loaf, C4Y Sometimes forgotten and underloved, the Sugarloaf is slotted away on Bride Street, just off Fleet Street. It comes with all the usual advantages of a Sam Smith’s – little prices, Taddy lager, Old Brewery bitter – but has swayed further up the list than most of its peers for simply being quite beautiful. It is tiny, a single room about the size of a Victorian sitting room, with an often lit fireplace one end and leather seats below the window, facing the marble-topped bar. Under an ornate ceiling, the room is all wood panelling and etched glass, lamps like flower heads, a tiled floor. It is entirely old fashioned; I’ve never seen evidence they stretch to even a ham roll, though they do have crisps. Never especially busy, it has that feeling of being a secret, and it’s fun to watch the suits who work nearby slowly get sloshed. For a quiet, uninterrupted pint, it is entirely perfect. Just don’t have the stout – Smith’s black stuff from the barrel is reliably dreadful. DE 37/50 14. The Coach and Horses, WC2E For a long time, I avoided this one like the plague, partly from loyalty to the Romilly Street place, and partly because this sits opposite one of the mouth to Covent Garden. Somehow, and despite a stray American accent cluttering things up, this one room place remains firmly a proper locals’ pub and not a tourist trap. It is a cosy room, and proud of its Guinness – it claims to serve the best in London, which is debatable, but there is certainly a sense of ceremony on ordering one. They also pour a cracking pint of Southwold Bitter and Tribute, while the whisky list is fearsome, with even an old bottle of Port Ellen behind the bar. The walls are a ragtag of old newspaper clippings and pictures, and old fashioned mirrors. Staff are friendly, chatting to their regulars, and service is quick. On a rainy day, it is an utter refuge. Beyond a surprise, this was a very happy shock. DE Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 38/50 13. The Southampton Arms, NW5 Time seems to have passed this Highgate gem by a little, and it’s all the better for it. The cash-only bar is stocked with a huge variety of craft beers, around 20 in fact, but only two varieties of wine — a lavish gastropub, this ain’t. Despite the extensive ale selection, which specialises in beers from London’s smaller breweries, the place still has the feel of a proper boozer, with a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere. The pub’s dog-friendly policy and a lovely open fire make it a really cosy option in NW5 with a refreshingly down to earth feel — a key requirement in many a great London boozer down the years. HF 39/50 12. The Commercial Tavern, E1 Loving a pub is rarely entirely rational. The Commercial Tavern seems occasionally to have forgotten its opening hours, has a pool table in awful nick and serves quite piercingly dreadful cocktails upstairs – but to its regulars, is nothing short of magnificent. The building is outwardly conservative enough – a Grade II listing sees to that – but inside, it’s a compendium of eccentricity. Fluorescent magazine covers are plastered against twee, flowery wallpaper. Monster chandeliers drape over wonky tables, antlers jut threateningly from drunken headboards, old clocks tick entirely on their own time. It is almost comically east London, then, but it has enough kitsch, strung-out Warhol charm to draw people back over and again. The beer is good, the spirits selection surprisingly broad, and upstairs, with the orange of the street light warming the bar, it’s somewhere to fall in love with. DE 40/50 11. The Angel, SE16 The Angel has had a life. A pub, or at least somewhere to drink, has been on or by the site since the 1500s – Samuel Pepys thought enough of it to jot it down in his diary as ‘the famous Angel’ – and the present building has been pouring out pints since 1830, when it would draw in smugglers and pirates, and artists too – JMW Turner is said to have painted The Fighting Temeraire here. By the 1950s, the handsome place was surrounded by buildings and courted a celebrity crowd. Over time, both went. Walking past 15 years ago, it was a tattered, forgotten place, stood out on its own, staring into the Thames as if contemplating jumping in. But the Courage brewery let it go to Sam Smiths, who did wonders polishing it up and making it gleam, without tearing everything out for a soulless refit. DE 41/50 10. The Auld Shillelagh, N16 This Stoke Newington pub is a jewel. When it first opened, in 1991, it was as basic as could be, a proper old boozer with darts board and all. Though it’s winningly old fashioned, covered in newspaper clippings and the odd sports trophy, it isn’t twee, and it hasn’t been forgotten. The view from outside is an illusion – it’s nowhere near as tiny as it seems – and inside, it is an authentic Irish place. The Guinness is exceptional; if you don’t believe the black stuff can be different depending on where it’s served, come here. It’s not all about the Stout. The Irish staff behind the bar are a friendly lot, there’s live music most weeks (foot-stomping traditional stuff, usually), and when the rugby’s on, there are few places with better atmosphere. Stoke Newington may be a right pain to get to, but it’s worth the trip. 42/50 9. The Harwood Arms, SW6 A decade ago, Brett Graham – the bloody good chef behind the bloody good Ledbury – was one of the gang behind this place, which picked up a Michelin star in 2010. Pubs so into their food can lose what makes them pubs in the first place, but this one has stuck around, and remains as good as ever. Sally Abé looks after the food, which is all British plates, game heavy, plenty of clever little twists and turns folded into what’s on. Scotch eggs are the thing here, as are the lemon curd doughnuts. Granted, both sound simple, but try them – they’re anything but. DE 43/50 8. The Dove, W6 The Dove is a great waterside drinking spot, with the terrace out the back capturing expansive views of the river. It’s been a little too close to the Thames for comfort down the years though, and there’s a plaque that marks the worryingly high levels reached over the years. The outdoor area is a beautiful space in the summer, but this loveable pub really comes into its own over the colder months — inside you’ll find a really cosy setting, with an open fire and snug split-level seating room. Beamed ceilings add to the charm, while the usual selection of Fuller’s beers can be found behind the teeny wood-panelled bar. If you can bag a seat here on a chilly winter’s evening, don't give it up in a hurry. Fullers 44/50 7. The Churchill Arms, W8 Back when the Standard regularly named a pub of the year, this place was a winner. Outside, festooned in flowers (or Christmas trees), it remains London’s prettiest pub. Through the doors and staring up at the ceiling is like looking down into a treasure chest: it is a trove of oddities, from sailor’s lamps to gas masks, copper pots to old tin clocks. When the fire is stoked, it’s not only the prettiest pub in town but the cosiest too. Among all this stout Britishness? A cracking Thai restaurant at the back, there since the mid 80s. Apparently it’s named not for Winston but his grandparents, the seventh Duke of Marlborough and Lady Frances Anne Emily Vane, who swung by often in the 1800s. Perhaps, but the name only came about after the Second World War, and the pub opened in 1750. The truth is only a matter of perspective. Whatever it is, Fuller’s have long done themselves proud with this magnificent place. 45/50 6. The Sekforde, EC1R We didn’t quite stumble across the refurbished Sekforde – the invitation was, quaintly, a handwritten note – but first went out of a sense of curiosity (who’s the barman with the inky fingers? Do they have email?). It was among the happiest surprises of the year. Way back when, then still the Sekforde Arms, it was an unloved, tough old boozer, where the creaking doors seemed like cracked knuckles. Now, though it’s thankfully avoided going gastro, it’s been smartened up beautifully, has gorgeous handmade Scandi furniture, serves a terrific Sunday roast, and has particularly good staff – the kind who know their stuff but manage to fill customers in without being overbearing. The area is lucky to have such a decent local, especially the kind that’s built for long, slightly rambling afternoons. We go back for too many glasses of wine with old friends. 34 Sekforde Street, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HA 46/50 5. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, EC4A Although it's one of the city’s most famous pubs, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese still somehow has the feel of a hidden gem, thanks in part to its location — you could walk Fleet Street for years and never notice it. As you’d expect from a Sam Smith’s, the beer is affordable, and the inexpensive drinks facilitate a great deal of conversation in the small, firelit upstairs bar. There's a rarely-used first-floor space but duck downstairs — mind your head as you go — and the pub seems to expand like a boozy Tardis, opening out into split-level drinking dens. The cellars are blessed with plenty of seating, ideal for bigger groups. The setting is just about as stripped-back as you can get, and the whole pub feels like a Dickensian time-warp, untouched and untroubled by the outside world. It’s a perfect place to lose a few hours, catch up with old friends and revel in a warm, fuzzy glow. HF 47/50 4. The French House, W1D Like the Coach, the French is a towering, stumbling, lovably shabby legend of Soho. It’s the Withnail to the Coach & Horses I – it has airs, a certain faded gentility. It’s a tailored Tweed jacket fraying at the cuffs. There are rules here, eccentricities: beer comes in half pints (an infuriating foible, truth be told, only lifted on April Fools when Suggs comes in), there’s no TV, no music, and food is only served in the evenings on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. But it has stories: Charles de Gaulle commandeered it as his office during the Second World War, Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon adored it and it’s where Fergus Henderson first made his name. Of which, it recently welcomed Neil Borthwick as head chef, who’d previously manned the kitchen at Merchant’s Tavern. He’s done wonders. My favourite time to go is mid afternoon, when all the old actors will open for a chat, and tell you about when they were somebody. DE Ewan Munro/Flickr 48/50 3. The Coach & Horses, W1D Has any pub been so eulogised as the Coach? It probably helps that so many of its regulars are journalists, and often have been. The Private Eye mob used to hold their wine-soaked lunches here, and the Spectator used to ring the bar to get copy from their alcoholic Low Life columnist, Jeffrey Bernard. From the mid-80s onwards, Bernard spent his days perched by the gents drinking countless vodka and sodas, which was beautifully remembered in Keith Waterhouse’s Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell. The Coach still thrives because it hums with a crowd who love it, who sing loudly at the piano on Tuesday and Saturday nights, who put away pints and come in with their idiosyncratic drinks orders. Few live in Soho these days; but for those who love the Coach, it’s something like a home. 29 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 5DH 49/50 2. The Guinea Grill, W1J To understand the Guinea, you must go. Show and tell works sometimes – see: primary school afternoons – but the Guinea and its grill need to be experienced first hand. When it’s at its busiest – lunchtimes, after work – it does not hum but rumble with laughter and chatter, pint glasses tapping on table tops. It’s the grill that’s places this pub is so far up this list. It’s somewhere that’s drawn a glittering crowd: Eric Clapton is a regular; AC/DC stopped by before Christmas. Kylie’s swung by. All will have met the same quaint restaurant – it’s not changed in decades. It is the kind of comfort that quietly encourages another bottle, or another round (on a recent afternoon once couple went through 12 martinis before deciding on the wine). It can be boozy, it is always brilliant. The steak is easily among the best in London. The wine list is fearsome. It is really f****** expensive. It is really f****** worth it. DE 50/50 1. The Harp, WC2N The Harp draws in all sorts — the city’s account managers, street sweepers, artists and piss artists all gather here. It’s not the people, the CAMRA awards, or the staff’s expertise that elevates this old boozer above everywhere else, though, but the ineffable wonder of the place — there’s a little magic to every slurp of ale, every snippet of joyful, inconsequential conversation and every small, but meaningful moment spent in this magnificent pub. The lovely old stained glass windows are swung open in summer months, with punters taking the lazy afternoons at their leisure and leaving in the evenings with sunburnt faces and fuzzy heads. Come winter, the cosy upstairs seating area is a beacon for the shivering drinkers, who gleefully push open the front door with numb fingers. More than that though, it’s a chance to escape the realities of the city for a little while, be welcomed and warmed, and feel like a little part of something wonderful. HF Getty Images 1/50 50. The Dublin Castle, NW1 The Hawley Arms may be more famous thanks to an association with noughties Indie kids, but Camden’s best pub is the Dublin Castle. It seems to both have inspired and absorbed the epitome of Camden culture, right down to the lashings of military red on the walls — take a shot if you remember the Libertines’ Imperial jackets. From the outside, it looks almost grand; inside it’s a place to drink cheap lager and have your head blown off by boys and girls with guitars. That’s what everyone’s been doing for decades already anyway; its reputation started to grow when Madness first made it here, but then Blur got a leg up in the place too, and Amy Winehouse supposedly pulled pints behind the bar from time to time. If you’re headed up Camden Road toward Holloway, the Lord Stanley is a must stop-in too. Decidedly more upmarket than the Castle, it’s perfect for a Sunday Roast and a decent glass of wine. DE Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 2/50 49. Ye Olde Rose and Crown, E17 London has a proud tradition of theatre pubs, offering the chance for young playwrights, comics and performers the perfect space to cut their teeth. Honourable mentions go to the likes of the Old Red Lion and the recently refurbished King’s Head in Islington, but Walthamstow’s Ye Olde Rose & Crown is our pick of the lot. The upstairs theatre at this east end boozer is an intimate space, playing host to a diverse mix of productions. The characterful downstairs space more than holds its own too, and features a lovely old bar, covered from floor to ceiling in beer pump badges. It’s no surprises that its multi-award winning, having been names best theatre bar in east London at the Off West End Awards and the best pub in east London by CAMRA. HF 3/50 48. The Little Green Dragon, N21 One of the less conventional pubs in north London, The Little Green Dragon is housed in a former hairdressers in Enfield and has developed a strong reputation for itself since opening a few years back. The charming micropub is a quirky prospect, but the excellent selection of beers and ciders saw it recognised as the best pub in Greater London by CAMRA earlier this year. After ordering at the small, but perfectly formed bar, punters here can relax in a sofa, a church pew or bus seats — it just proves that interesting pubs are still springing up all over London, and they don’t have to be traditional to offer great experiences. HF CAMRA 4/50 47. The Yorkshire Grey, W1W Little Langham Street boozer the Yorkshire Grey might be small, but it packs a punch. Sam Smith's looks after some of the most charming pubs in the city, and the Fitzrovia spot is one of their most likeable. The pub is an inviting, cosy drinking space, with a pillared bar stretching down one wall. It’s frequently busy, so do your best to grab a table if you can. The pub is famous for being a haunt of BBC staff, who work just around the corner in Portland Place. It was allegedly even referred to as “Studio YG” in some quarters, and it’s easy to understand people’s affinity towards it. HF Ian S/Creative Commons 5/50 46. Hamilton Hall, EC2M This surprise package is a perfect meeting place for a quick drink off the train at Liverpool Street while the affordable drinks make it idea for a longer session too. The interiors are surprisingly grand for a Spoons, with the boozer housed in a former ballroom of the Great Eastern Hotel. There is ornate detailing throughout, as well as huge ceilings — along with Spoons’ famously lairy carpets, of course. It gets incredibly busy both after work and after weekends, but it’s more than worth tackling the crowds to get served at bar here. It’s the standout London station pub and if this place was run by an independent, or a more premium chain, perhaps, people would rave about it. HF JD Wetherspoon 6/50 45. The Hare, E2 Looking about one evening for a decent, no frills boozer, we first popped into the Hare after a tip off from Chris Moore, the ex-Savoy bartender behind Bethnal Green’s Coupette. The Hare is the epitome of a ‘good, honest pub’, which is to say it’s defiantly old fashioned. This in itself doesn’t account for any greatness – plenty of old boozers shut because they were bloody awful, not because developers forced their hand – but it does lend the place a certain personality. It pours plenty of real ale, is proud of its whisky, has a pool table and attracts the kind of locals who aren’t afraid to say something to newcomers, but are welcoming with it. There’s something winning about it – not something that is quite tangible, but perhaps its being on this list says enough. DE 7/50 44. The Bill Murray, N1 Comedy fans will know all about the Bill Murray — a brilliant stand-up venue, theatre space and pub. Some of the biggest names on the UK comedy circuit do regular work in progress shows here, with the likes of Eddie Izzard and Sara Pascoe having performed recently. It’s more than just a comedy venue though, with a well-stocked corner bar and comfortable seating out front room marking one of the most relaxing spaces to spend time in the area. Interestingly, Bill himself didn’t give the venue his blessing, so the pub is officially named after William Murray, the First Earl of Dysart who lived in the 17th century. A shame, then, as we imagine the actor would love this place. HF 8/50 43. The Prospect of Whitby, E1W A pub has stood on The Prospect of Whitby’s spot since the 16th century. Back then it was known as the Devil’s Tavern, named after the nefarious activities of the sailors that used to frequent it. The pub is far more than just a historic novelty though, blessed with a spacious downstairs drinking area, a great beer garden and unparalleled views of the Thames. Parts of this loveable boozer might be over 400 years old, but the pub still has so much to offer visitors in 2018. It’s still timeless rather than trendy though, which is fine by us. HF 9/50 42. The Crosse Keys, EC3V Punters should leave preconceptions about Wetherspoons at the door when they head to the Crosse Keys by Leadenhall Market. The pub is a great mix of affordability and quality, matching tasteful decor — including marble columns, vaulted ceilings and a curved island bar — with the reasonable prices punters expect from a Spoons. The fact that rounds don’t cost the earth here makes it perfect for an outing after work, while Spoons’ usual solid selection of beers and spirits is on offer. We named it the best Wetherspoons pub in zone one a few months back and we stand by that claim — it's certainly the best option for an affordable drink in the City. HF Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 10/50 41. The Red Lion, E11 This charming Victorian corner pub on Leytonstone High Road is the best place for craft beer in the area, with five keg options on rotation and ten hand pumps serving up a wide selection for ale connoisseurs. The food is far better than your average boozer too, serving seasonal contemporary British cooking. There’s plenty going on here, including regular quiz nights on Mondays and DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays, and there’s a massive outdoor space too — great for bigger groups looking to spend time in on warm summer evenings. It's also Damon Albarn’s local, and the singer once gave an impromptu performance here a few years back. Like most nights here, it was all a bit of a blur. HF Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 11/50 40. The Westminster Arms, SW1P This old-school boozer is the politicians’ pub of choice, given it's a short stroll from the Houses of Parliament, and also a historic haunt of political journalists on the lookout for their next scoop. The pub, run by Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, is famous for its division bell, which alerted politicians to when they needed to dash back to the Commons in time to vote. Today you can find plenty of lovely old period features, like the beautiful illustrated signwork above and around the bar, which adds to the appeal of the place. The pub gets pretty busy after work, but propping up the bar here and watching the pub’s local character’s mill around is a joy in itself — comfy and secluded booths dotted along the far wall, which must have hosted their fair share of deal-making and political plotting in their time. HF 12/50 39. The Alexandra, SW19 The Alexis a Wimbledon favourite, with good reason. A Young’s, it’s not cheap, but it’s run the right way by landlords Mick and Sarah Dore. It’s a big old place: by the front windows are booths to devour Sunday lunch in, there’s four different bars, and upstairs is a roof terrace without much of a view but pints of atmosphere. When there’s sport to watch, the TVs will have it on, and the place gets busy with fans that like to shout along. Cracking. The refurbishment a couple of years ago did the place a world of good, and the upstairs burger shack is a nice touch. Food in general is reliable, they run a damned good quiz and know how to throw a party. They’ve a kind streak, too: this is the place that lays on Christmas lunch for free to anyone on their own. To be frank, when a pub’s this size, the soul of them tends to get lost. Here, it’s the opposite - they’re all heart. DE 13/50 38. The Culpeper, E1 The Culpeper gets rammed enough that drinkers spill out onto the pavement until the road seems to simply be getting in the way of an ever-growing crowd. A few years ago this old Truman’s pub was a certified boozer that seemed to snarl at newcomers. Then it was taken over, carefully and thoughtfully redone as a place for a pricey(ish) pint, but just as a likely a glass of natural wine, a small batch bourbon or a newly distilled gin. It’s fashionable, in other words, but it’s also properly decent; the roof terrace is charming, the first floor restaurant serves finely done, delicate plates that regularly change. It’s built for after-work drinks, a date, a quiet glass at lunchtime, a rowdy catch up with old friends. It stays open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, when you’ll find the local bartenders slowly drinking themselves undone after their shifts. Is there any better endorsement? DE 14/50 37. The Grenadier, SW1X The Grenadier’s striking white, red and blue exteriors are unmissable on quiet side street Wilton Row in Belgravia — standing in contrast to the lovely, understated wood panelling, etched mirrors and studded leather interiors. The downstairs rooms are some of the most handsome spaces to enjoy a drink by Hyde Park, and the 17th century building is seeped in character. It’s also famously said to be haunted. Throughout the three hundred years the pub has stood on the spot, drinkers and landlords have reported spooky apparitions here. Objects have allegedly moved without explanation, yells have been heard from the cellar and people have claimed to have had their pints spilled by mysterious spirits — we’d probably try that excuse too if we dropped our drink in this great pub. HF Ewan Munro/Pixabay 15/50 36. The Trafalgar Tavern, SE10 Greenwich is blessed with a selection of great pubs — especially on Royal Hill, which features both craft ale specialists Greenwich Union and traditional boozer Richard I next door to each other. However, The Trafalgar is arguably the most impressive in the area. It’s huge in stature, imperiously overlooking the Thames, and pleasing on the eye too — so much so that it’s commonly used as a wedding venue. It’s steeped in history, having welcomed drinkers since 1837, and the outside areas and spacious interiors split over three floors makes it an idyllic meeting point for residents in south east London. HF 16/50 35. The Running Horse, W1K The Punchbowl may be the better known Mayfair place, thanks to Guy Ritchie’s go at playing barman, but the Running Horse is our pick. There since 1738, it’s been packed since reopening in 2013. It’s beautifully done, kitted out like the kind of country house sitting room that Tatler use for photo shoots. It has that very British feel, which is backed up by all the food and drink on offer, sourced from across the UK. This includes plenty of Chase spirits – distillery founder James Chase helped restore this place with Dominic Jacobs, who made his name at sketch. Though the food is particularly good here, and the upstairs dining room a genuinely lovely place to spend some time in, the pub is usually rammed downstairs too with a spendy after work crowd. Good atmosphere. DE Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 17/50 34. Old Bank of England, EC4A One of the most incredible pub interiors in the whole city can be found at the Old Bank of England — a stunning place with high, ornate ceilings and grand chandeliers makes drinking here an experience in itself. The usual solid selection of Fuller’s beers can be found behind the lovely island bar, while the kitchen serves up good, honest pub grub. As the name suggests, the pub is houses in the old Law Courts’ branch of the Bank of England, which operated from 1888 to 1975. Interestingly, the building sits in between the barber shop owned by Sweeney Todd and the pie shop owned by his mistress Mrs Lovett — a grizzly detail in an otherwise resplendent London pub. HF 18/50 33. The Glory, E2 The Glory couldn’t be more aptly named. The Haggerston pub has it all going on: have a quiet(ish) pint in the early evening, followed by a drag show, then a dance party in the basement. It’s small and cosy and a regular haunt for east London’s creative types. Under the watchful eyes of drag superstars Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, the Glory has grown into one of London’s best queer spaces. At a time when LGBTQ+ pubs have been closing left, right and centre – the Black Cap in Camden and the Joiners Arms in Hackney have been two such losses – the Glory is where to go if you’re looking for inclusivity and a warm welcome. Zoe Paskett 19/50 32. The Newman Arms, W1T Fitzrovia haunt the Newman Arms went from traditional boozer to plush foody pub after a recent refurbishment, breathing new life into a handsome space on Rathbone Street. There’s a smart, but still friendly feel to the space — all dark panelled dining rooms and corners decked out with comfy sofas. It’s a nice setting to enjoy the excellent British menu served out of a small kitchen, not forgetting the great range of homemade pies on offer. It’s certainly not a boozer — go for the food rather than the beer — but it’s one of the smartest pubs in the area, and a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal, a craft ale and a few hours of serenity. DE Philafrenzy/Creative Commons 20/50 31. The Well and Bucket, E2 Bethnal Green Road spot the Well & Bucket is a relative newcomer, having been reopened after a few dormant years by Barworks — the people who run the Black Heart in Camden and the Slaughtered Lamb in Clerkenwell. The food menu includes fabulous oysters and seafood platters. The stylish main bar has 12 beers on draught, with dozens of bottle options besides, while the basement bar is the place to head to for cocktails and spirits. It's always rammed, which adds to the character of the place, but the venue’s small beer garden is a nice spot to unwind in the summer if you can bag a place. All in all, this is a pretty perfect east London pub, and the best ‘new’ boozer in the area. HF Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 21/50 30. The White Swan, TW1 The outdoor veranda and sitting areas at this Twickenham gem are simply stunning, helping make this one of the prettiest spots in west London. Inside, punters may struggle a little for space, but the exteriors more than make up for it. The waterside spot feels a world away from rush of the city, resembling a lovely old country pub more than a bustling city boozer. A summer afternoon spent idly looking out across the river, sampling the exhaustive craft ale and wine selection and catching up with old friends here is a real joy. HF 22/50 29. The Spread Eagle, E9 The Spread Eagle in Homerton has single-handedly been dispelling myths about veganism since opening in 2017, proving that it’s a whole lot of fun to go meat and dairy-free. It’s London’s first ever totally vegan pub, and absolutely everything in here, from the bar snacks to the sofas, is 100 per cent vegan. Expect fantastic cocktails from the beautiful central bar (the boozy Bloody Mary is a perfect option with brunch) and excellent food from Club Mexicana served from the kitchen. Importantly, while the pub is best known for its vegan cause, it never feels worthy or pretentious — ultimately, it’s just a great pub, which anyone would enjoy spending time in. HF Jade Nina Sarkhel 23/50 28. The Old Ship, W6 Hammersmith is spoiled for choice when it comes to picturesque riverside pubs, but The Old Ship might be the most beautiful of the lot. In fact, it actually resembles a luxurious villa more than a pub — with the striking white building something of a waterside landmark in W6. Punters have been coming here for drinks in a relaxed atmosphere since 1722, and it's no surprise to see it as popular as ever. The fantastic riverside terrace out the front offers unparalleled views of the Thames and its always one of the most popular stops during the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. HF 24/50 27. The Drapers Arms, N1 From the off, we should point out that the Draper’s is owned by Ben Maschler, son of the Standard’s restaurant critic Fay. Take that as you will. Despite losing its Bib Gourmand from Michelin, the place still turns out an excellent plate of food, the Sunday beef being especially good, and it feels somewhere comfortable to settle into. It’s not quite flashy, but still decidedly upscale; very Islington, in other words. The place is proudly independent, which is perhaps its biggest strength: things change often, keeping an otherwise standard-but-smart place interesting. The green bar is still a lovely touch, all these years on. DE 25/50 26. Ye Olde Mitre, EC1N Ye Olde Mitre is a magnificent, memorable place that has, over the years, earned itself something of a fabled reputation. To be fair, it’s had plenty of years to do so. Hidden away down Ely Court, a toothpick of an alley off Hatton Garden, the Grade II listed building was built in 1773, though a pub’s been there since the mid 1500s. Queen Elizabeth used to dance on the land here, which, owing to a Bishop and some quirky bylaws, technically belonged to Cambridgeshire until the 1970s. The interior dates to the 1930s and is gorgeously homely, all heavy oak and nick nacks, and the pub is really quite tiny, especially in the front room, which is just right for a pint of Pride. It’s made it into films – the Deep Blue Sea and Snatch among them – but nevertheless, because it’s so tucked away, and so cute, getting in here feels like discovering a beautiful little secret. DE Fullers 26/50 25. The Tipperary, EC4Y This narrow little boozer on Fleet St twinkles with Irish charm. On the outside is a billboard that purports to tell the history of the place, which is mostly a yarn. It’s not the first Irish pub outside of Ireland, as it boasts, though it has been around since at least 1443, when it was still the Boar’s Head. Known as the Irish House until the late 60s, the place is a narrow treasure trove, a wood-panelled snug of Irish whisky and tiled shamrocks in the floor. Though there’s plenty of Irish decoration, it feels authentic rather than affected. It serves a Guinness worth travelling for and accordingly has its fair share of regulars, most of whom are chatty types. Crowds seem to come and go altogether, so if you’re staying long enough, the place will go from bursting full to empty to bursting full again in its own strange cycle. The loos are a steep old stagger upstairs, but you can’t have everything. DE darkestlondon.com 27/50 24. The Hemingford Arms, N1 1DF The exterior of this Islington pub is a thing of beauty, with a floral display perfectly kept all year round. The Hemingford is similar in some ways to the Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, both are beautiful corner pubs significant in stature, with Thai food on the menu and knick knacks hanging from ceiling — the decor is decidedly quirky, with a model plane suspended in perpetual flight above the bar. The overly-plush upstairs area is a little full on, perhaps, but the stunning downstairs bar is perfect for a relaxed drink amongst a local crowd. A highly recommended north London pub. HF Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 28/50 23. The Faltering Fullback, N4 The Faltering Fullback, nicely tucked away down a leafy road around the corner from Finsbury Park station, is one of the very best sports pubs in the city. Inside the flower-covered front, you’ll find a small central bar serving up a good selection of craft beers. It’s an Irish pub but the kitchen serves up Thai food, which is ideal for soaking up the drink on boozy Saturday afternoons. The front room, decked out with rustic benches and a pool table, is a top place to watch all kinds of live sport shown across two big screens and fills up to capacity for the Six Nations. The outside terrace spread over two floors is a brilliant space too, although you’ll be lucky to get a seat in the summer — it’s really no surprise that this place gets very busy. HF 29/50 22. The Holly Bush, NW3 This beautiful 18th century pub stands proud at the top of Holly Mount, a short walk from Hampstead Heath. Ale fans are well catered for, with ten tap options and five cask ales on rotation, but its the kitchen where the pub really excels. The pub serves a great roast dinner on Sundays in smart but comfortable surroundings in the dining rooms around the back and upstairs. The cosy interiors are synonymous with cosy winter evenings, but the outside seating area out the front of the pub is a nice spot for summer drinks too. HF 30/50 21. Chesham Arms, E9 Impressing outsiders is one thing, but the best pubs rally a defensive loyalty in their locals.Kentish Town boozer The Pineapple helped set the template in 2002 when it was saved by ‘Old Pineapplers, whom it still welcomes today. In 2015, in Hackney, the Chesham Arms went through something similar, and poured its first pint after two hard years of local campaigns. Sat in a row of houses on a quiet street, the Chesham is good-looking-in-a-quiet-sort-of-way and proved it was worth the effort early on, being named CAMRA’s pub of the year in 2016. Today, it serves a first rate choice of beers, with regular guest ales, but still don’t do food. This has a hidden boon – they’re happy for punters to order in from the nearby Yard Pizza. It’s by no means flashy, looking very much the way a pub might do for a smart sitcom, but something about it just works. In winter, it’s nice to curl up by the fire; in summer, it’s perfect to unwind in the beer garden. DE Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 31/50 20. The Jerusalem Tavern, EC1M Beer fans are very well catered for at this Clerkenwell haunt, which is the London base of Suffolk’s St Peter’s Brewery. The draft selection is excellent, and the rustic decor makes for pleasant surrounding to spend time in. The pub is no hidden gem — it’s nearly always bustling with drinkers sampling the ale selection, and guest will be lucky to bag themselves a seat. The pub is full of inviting corners though to set up camp in though, and the fire adds a cosy feel to the whole place. Also, while it might have the feel of an authentic 17th century pub, it’s relatively new, after a revamp in 1990 gave it the appearance of a Dickensian den. Embrace the folly of it all and it’s a lovely place to escape in the heart of the City. HF 32/50 19. The Grapes, E14 This historic pub in Limehouse might be owned by Ian McKellen and the Standard's owner Evgeny Lebedev — but that’s not the only reason it’s included here, promise. It’s one of the very oldest pubs in the city, dating back to the 16th century, and it’s also one of the most characterful. It’s nestled in idyllically by the river, with a charming bar and one of the most inviting interiors in east London. McKellen’s influence is obvious too — the staff used on the set of Lord of the Rings hanging up behind the bar is a dead giveaway, and he's known to run the quiz from time to time. If you’re after a cosy setting not far from Canary Wharf, this is the place to go. HF 33/50 18. The Toucan, W1D We have to be careful with this one – the last time we recommended the Toucan, the landlord complained. It’s a tough looking little pub, which is part of its brusque appeal. Independently owned, it’s too often overlooked by those stumbling into Soho, and barely any online presence helps keep the secret. Inside, it’s warm and eccentric; as the name suggests, they have long been in the throes of a wonderfully kitsch love affair with Guinness, and have decorated accordingly, with posters and memorabilia used the way most places use wallpaper and paintings. This makes the Toucan: it’s quite unlike anywhere else and a little bit mad to boot. Upstairs, sat at the bar in the dim glow of the pumps, it feels like being out of London, like finding a bolthole bar by an abandoned stretch of seaside. DE 34/50 17. Bradley's Spanish Bar, EC2A Perhaps the clue to Bradley’s brilliance is its frontage, done in thick red paint. It isn’t far off ugly. If a place doesn’t look much and has been there forever, the logical end is that it must be good enough not to need to draw a crowd, as there must be one already. And at Bradley’s, there usually is, and a devoted crowd at that, who all have some mad memory of the place. There since the 60s, the place is split over two floors. Down well worn concrete steps, past a whiffy men’s loo, the basement tends to be a loud, fun place with the TV on, where the bar pours a few Spanish lagers and the usual stuff, while upstairs is the size of dishcloth and has a proper, old fashioned jukebox that sounds magnificent, and tends to play Bowie or the like. A seat at the bar is the one – stay long enough and you should end up dancing. Earlier this year it extended its license for another 10 years. We’ll drink to that. DE 35/50 16. The Marksman, E2 This award winning pub was named Michelin Pub of the Year 2017 and the setting is one of the most impressive in Hackney — no small feat. The interiors are stylish and comfortable in equal measure, and the craft ale selection is pretty top notch. It’s the food which really excels though. Chefs Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram, both formerly of the Michelin starred St John restaurant in Clerkenwell, are responsible for an excellent, contemporary British menu, while the upmarket venue also puts on a fantastic Sunday roast. It’s a multi-faceted space too, hosting regular DJ nights and live music events and also boasting an inviting roof terrace. Hackney is spoiled for choice when it comes to pubs, but this is the most accomplished of the lot. HF Kerry L/Flickr 36/50 15. The Crown and Sugar Loaf, C4Y Sometimes forgotten and underloved, the Sugarloaf is slotted away on Bride Street, just off Fleet Street. It comes with all the usual advantages of a Sam Smith’s – little prices, Taddy lager, Old Brewery bitter – but has swayed further up the list than most of its peers for simply being quite beautiful. It is tiny, a single room about the size of a Victorian sitting room, with an often lit fireplace one end and leather seats below the window, facing the marble-topped bar. Under an ornate ceiling, the room is all wood panelling and etched glass, lamps like flower heads, a tiled floor. It is entirely old fashioned; I’ve never seen evidence they stretch to even a ham roll, though they do have crisps. Never especially busy, it has that feeling of being a secret, and it’s fun to watch the suits who work nearby slowly get sloshed. For a quiet, uninterrupted pint, it is entirely perfect. Just don’t have the stout – Smith’s black stuff from the barrel is reliably dreadful. DE 37/50 14. The Coach and Horses, WC2E For a long time, I avoided this one like the plague, partly from loyalty to the Romilly Street place, and partly because this sits opposite one of the mouth to Covent Garden. Somehow, and despite a stray American accent cluttering things up, this one room place remains firmly a proper locals’ pub and not a tourist trap. It is a cosy room, and proud of its Guinness – it claims to serve the best in London, which is debatable, but there is certainly a sense of ceremony on ordering one. They also pour a cracking pint of Southwold Bitter and Tribute, while the whisky list is fearsome, with even an old bottle of Port Ellen behind the bar. The walls are a ragtag of old newspaper clippings and pictures, and old fashioned mirrors. Staff are friendly, chatting to their regulars, and service is quick. On a rainy day, it is an utter refuge. Beyond a surprise, this was a very happy shock. DE Ewan Munro/Creative Commons 38/50 13. The Southampton Arms, NW5 Time seems to have passed this Highgate gem by a little, and it’s all the better for it. The cash-only bar is stocked with a huge variety of craft beers, around 20 in fact, but only two varieties of wine — a lavish gastropub, this ain’t. Despite the extensive ale selection, which specialises in beers from London’s smaller breweries, the place still has the feel of a proper boozer, with a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere. The pub’s dog-friendly policy and a lovely open fire make it a really cosy option in NW5 with a refreshingly down to earth feel — a key requirement in many a great London boozer down the years. HF 39/50 12. The Commercial Tavern, E1 Loving a pub is rarely entirely rational. The Commercial Tavern seems occasionally to have forgotten its opening hours, has a pool table in awful nick and serves quite piercingly dreadful cocktails upstairs – but to its regulars, is nothing short of magnificent. The building is outwardly conservative enough – a Grade II listing sees to that – but inside, it’s a compendium of eccentricity. Fluorescent magazine covers are plastered against twee, flowery wallpaper. Monster chandeliers drape over wonky tables, antlers jut threateningly from drunken headboards, old clocks tick entirely on their own time. It is almost comically east London, then, but it has enough kitsch, strung-out Warhol charm to draw people back over and again. The beer is good, the spirits selection surprisingly broad, and upstairs, with the orange of the street light warming the bar, it’s somewhere to fall in love with. DE 40/50 11. The Angel, SE16 The Angel has had a life. A pub, or at least somewhere to drink, has been on or by the site since the 1500s – Samuel Pepys thought enough of it to jot it down in his diary as ‘the famous Angel’ – and the present building has been pouring out pints since 1830, when it would draw in smugglers and pirates, and artists too – JMW Turner is said to have painted The Fighting Temeraire here. By the 1950s, the handsome place was surrounded by buildings and courted a celebrity crowd. Over time, both went. Walking past 15 years ago, it was a tattered, forgotten place, stood out on its own, staring into the Thames as if contemplating jumping in. But the Courage brewery let it go to Sam Smiths, who did wonders polishing it up and making it gleam, without tearing everything out for a soulless refit. DE 41/50 10. The Auld Shillelagh, N16 This Stoke Newington pub is a jewel. When it first opened, in 1991, it was as basic as could be, a proper old boozer with darts board and all. Though it’s winningly old fashioned, covered in newspaper clippings and the odd sports trophy, it isn’t twee, and it hasn’t been forgotten. The view from outside is an illusion – it’s nowhere near as tiny as it seems – and inside, it is an authentic Irish place. The Guinness is exceptional; if you don’t believe the black stuff can be different depending on where it’s served, come here. It’s not all about the Stout. The Irish staff behind the bar are a friendly lot, there’s live music most weeks (foot-stomping traditional stuff, usually), and when the rugby’s on, there are few places with better atmosphere. Stoke Newington may be a right pain to get to, but it’s worth the trip. 42/50 9. The Harwood Arms, SW6 A decade ago, Brett Graham – the bloody good chef behind the bloody good Ledbury – was one of the gang behind this place, which picked up a Michelin star in 2010. Pubs so into their food can lose what makes them pubs in the first place, but this one has stuck around, and remains as good as ever. Sally Abé looks after the food, which is all British plates, game heavy, plenty of clever little twists and turns folded into what’s on. Scotch eggs are the thing here, as are the lemon curd doughnuts. Granted, both sound simple, but try them – they’re anything but. DE 43/50 8. The Dove, W6 The Dove is a great waterside drinking spot, with the terrace out the back capturing expansive views of the river. It’s been a little too close to the Thames for comfort down the years though, and there’s a plaque that marks the worryingly high levels reached over the years. The outdoor area is a beautiful space in the summer, but this loveable pub really comes into its own over the colder months — inside you’ll find a really cosy setting, with an open fire and snug split-level seating room. Beamed ceilings add to the charm, while the usual selection of Fuller’s beers can be found behind the teeny wood-panelled bar. If you can bag a seat here on a chilly winter’s evening, don't give it up in a hurry. Fullers 44/50 7. The Churchill Arms, W8 Back when the Standard regularly named a pub of the year, this place was a winner. Outside, festooned in flowers (or Christmas trees), it remains London’s prettiest pub. Through the doors and staring up at the ceiling is like looking down into a treasure chest: it is a trove of oddities, from sailor’s lamps to gas masks, copper pots to old tin clocks. When the fire is stoked, it’s not only the prettiest pub in town but the cosiest too. Among all this stout Britishness? A cracking Thai restaurant at the back, there since the mid 80s. Apparently it’s named not for Winston but his grandparents, the seventh Duke of Marlborough and Lady Frances Anne Emily Vane, who swung by often in the 1800s. Perhaps, but the name only came about after the Second World War, and the pub opened in 1750. The truth is only a matter of perspective. Whatever it is, Fuller’s have long done themselves proud with this magnificent place. 45/50 6. The Sekforde, EC1R We didn’t quite stumble across the refurbished Sekforde – the invitation was, quaintly, a handwritten note – but first went out of a sense of curiosity (who’s the barman with the inky fingers? Do they have email?). It was among the happiest surprises of the year. Way back when, then still the Sekforde Arms, it was an unloved, tough old boozer, where the creaking doors seemed like cracked knuckles. Now, though it’s thankfully avoided going gastro, it’s been smartened up beautifully, has gorgeous handmade Scandi furniture, serves a terrific Sunday roast, and has particularly good staff – the kind who know their stuff but manage to fill customers in without being overbearing. The area is lucky to have such a decent local, especially the kind that’s built for long, slightly rambling afternoons. We go back for too many glasses of wine with old friends. 34 Sekforde Street, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HA 46/50 5. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, EC4A Although it's one of the city’s most famous pubs, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese still somehow has the feel of a hidden gem, thanks in part to its location — you could walk Fleet Street for years and never notice it. As you’d expect from a Sam Smith’s, the beer is affordable, and the inexpensive drinks facilitate a great deal of conversation in the small, firelit upstairs bar. There's a rarely-used first-floor space but duck downstairs — mind your head as you go — and the pub seems to expand like a boozy Tardis, opening out into split-level drinking dens. The cellars are blessed with plenty of seating, ideal for bigger groups. The setting is just about as stripped-back as you can get, and the whole pub feels like a Dickensian time-warp, untouched and untroubled by the outside world. It’s a perfect place to lose a few hours, catch up with old friends and revel in a warm, fuzzy glow. HF 47/50 4. The French House, W1D Like the Coach, the French is a towering, stumbling, lovably shabby legend of Soho. It’s the Withnail to the Coach & Horses I – it has airs, a certain faded gentility. It’s a tailored Tweed jacket fraying at the cuffs. There are rules here, eccentricities: beer comes in half pints (an infuriating foible, truth be told, only lifted on April Fools when Suggs comes in), there’s no TV, no music, and food is only served in the evenings on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. But it has stories: Charles de Gaulle commandeered it as his office during the Second World War, Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon adored it and it’s where Fergus Henderson first made his name. Of which, it recently welcomed Neil Borthwick as head chef, who’d previously manned the kitchen at Merchant’s Tavern. He’s done wonders. My favourite time to go is mid afternoon, when all the old actors will open for a chat, and tell you about when they were somebody. DE Ewan Munro/Flickr 48/50 3. The Coach & Horses, W1D Has any pub been so eulogised as the Coach? It probably helps that so many of its regulars are journalists, and often have been. The Private Eye mob used to hold their wine-soaked lunches here, and the Spectator used to ring the bar to get copy from their alcoholic Low Life columnist, Jeffrey Bernard. From the mid-80s onwards, Bernard spent his days perched by the gents drinking countless vodka and sodas, which was beautifully remembered in Keith Waterhouse’s Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell. The Coach still thrives because it hums with a crowd who love it, who sing loudly at the piano on Tuesday and Saturday nights, who put away pints and come in with their idiosyncratic drinks orders. Few live in Soho these days; but for those who love the Coach, it’s something like a home. 29 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 5DH 49/50 2. The Guinea Grill, W1J To understand the Guinea, you must go. Show and tell works sometimes – see: primary school afternoons – but the Guinea and its grill need to be experienced first hand. When it’s at its busiest – lunchtimes, after work – it does not hum but rumble with laughter and chatter, pint glasses tapping on table tops. It’s the grill that’s places this pub is so far up this list. It’s somewhere that’s drawn a glittering crowd: Eric Clapton is a regular; AC/DC stopped by before Christmas. Kylie’s swung by. All will have met the same quaint restaurant – it’s not changed in decades. It is the kind of comfort that quietly encourages another bottle, or another round (on a recent afternoon once couple went through 12 martinis before deciding on the wine). It can be boozy, it is always brilliant. The steak is easily among the best in London. The wine list is fearsome. It is really f****** expensive. It is really f****** worth it. DE 50/50 1. The Harp, WC2N The Harp draws in all sorts — the city’s account managers, street sweepers, artists and piss artists all gather here. It’s not the people, the CAMRA awards, or the staff’s expertise that elevates this old boozer above everywhere else, though, but the ineffable wonder of the place — there’s a little magic to every slurp of ale, every snippet of joyful, inconsequential conversation and every small, but meaningful moment spent in this magnificent pub. The lovely old stained glass windows are swung open in summer months, with punters taking the lazy afternoons at their leisure and leaving in the evenings with sunburnt faces and fuzzy heads. Come winter, the cosy upstairs seating area is a beacon for the shivering drinkers, who gleefully push open the front door with numb fingers. More than that though, it’s a chance to escape the realities of the city for a little while, be welcomed and warmed, and feel like a little part of something wonderful. HF Getty Images

Mr Junk has come a long way since he started in 2012. In those days, he only went to one pub, a Wetherspoon on Fulham Broadway.

“My girlfriend, now wife, always used to tease me about always going to the same pub,” he said. “I’d go in there and read my book.”

To break the pattern, they ventured to the Pear Tree nearby and then started trying out their other locals in West Kensington.

From there, it snowballed. Stewart went on his first pub crawl from Shepherd’s Bush to Ealing, having a half pint at each one along the way, and then broadened his horizons by visiting all the pubs in west London.

Two years ago, around the same time he and his wife had their first child, he also completed his goal of visiting every pub in the north and south circular.

“It turns out your world doesn’t end when you have a child," he said. "You still have free time, and I really missed it, I loved the exploration side of it."

So, with the support of his young family, he set an ultimate new goal of having a half pint at all the pubs within the M25.

Even with a second child now in the picture, he’s continuing his mission but conceded the trips aren’t as spontaneous. He now forward plans a handful of visits a week.

Mr Junk has captured his pub visits by pinning them on Google Maps and writing a short review of each one. He spends about 20 minutes in each pub.

Once he's finished an area, Mr Junk won't make an effort to return to to see if any new pubs have opened.

“It’s not an exact science,” he added.

He listed his favourites as the Job Centre in Deptford, Rabbit Hole in Streatham and Magic Garden in Battersea​.

Mr Junk said: “When I went to the Job Centre, they were spraying paintings near the front door and it was all hazy as I walked in. It was dimly lit and had good honest people, it just seemed really cool."

He said a good pub will usually have a few of his favourite hallmarks: a homely feel, comfortable seating and high stools near a window that provide people watching opportunities.

Mr Junk added that sometimes the “very local” pubs can be intimidating as newcomers are rare, and that his his oddest experience was being chased down the street by a “merry” punter who insisted he stick around for another pint.

“It was a pub near Paddington and I got to talking to one guy and he refused to let me out without buying me a drink," he said.

“I didn't really want to hang around, I wanted to get to more pubs, but he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"I then slipped out the door and he glanced me. I was literally running down the street, with him running after me trying to get me a pint. But, I escaped."

Asked what drives him to complete the mission, Mr Junk joked: “You could say I do it for the kids. I want them to see that their daddy has achieved something in life.”