Cosiest pubs in SE1 and SE16 London
We asked our BSE1 Contributor Jenni Shaw to recommend her top 10 Pubs to Hibernate in for the Winter around London Bridge, Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and Borough.
1.
The Boot & Flogger
Located on a small cut-through street near London Bridge, the entrance to The Boot & Flogger is narrow and easy to miss. But climb the stairs and you’ll find a warm and cosy pub-meets-wine-bar, with dark wood panelling and chesterfield furniture. Very Mad Men. The wine list is extensive and there’s a great view of the Shard.
📍 10-20 Redcross Way, London SE1 1TA
2.
The Britannia
This backstreet pub near London Bridge feels cosy all year round, thanks to its garden packed with plants and fairy lights. Inside The Britannia is just as welcoming, and the menu by SMOK’D guarantees exceptional BBQ food.
📍 44 Kipling St, Kipling Estate, London SE1 3RU
3.
The Mayflower
Probably the prettiest pick on our list. The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is the oldest pub on the river Thames, dating back to the 1550s. Think hanging flower baskets, framed pictures of the pub’s history, dusty candles on the tables, and a roaring fire – the Mayflower is full of charm and makes the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
📍 117 Rotherhithe St, London SE16 4NF
4.
The Libertine
When it’s cold, the windows at the front of The Libertine mist up so that you can just make out the dark interior with warm fairy lights, the giant plants, and a sense of the buzz inside. With super friendly staff and reasonable prices, this is the perfect place to either spend the evening, or have some warm-up drinks . With 3 Jagerbombs for £10, who can say no?
📍 125 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 1PQ
5.
The Rose
The Rose is perfectly situated for a post-lunch pint, being so near to the great restaurants around Snowsfields, Bermondsey Street and London Bridge. In fact, its owners also run Andanza, an incredible tapas bar just opposite. The Rose itself is an inviting, Victorian pub with booth style seating and a knock-out food menu.
📍 123 Snowsfields, London SE1 3ST
6.
The Woolpack
Cosy but by no means hidden away, The Woolpack is in a great location, right in the middle of Bermondsey Street. The main appeal is its huge beer garden, especially if you nab one of the private booths. The whole garden is covered and heated, meaning you can drink outside and pretend it’s 2020 lockdown (if that’s something you want?)
📍 98 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB
7.
The Gladstone Arms
Take two of the most warming meals you can think of – pie and curry – and now put them together. That’s exactly what The Gladstone have done with their Anglo-Indian menu, featuring such delights as the chicken tikka pie and chips. Every bit as delicious as it sounds. With a great selection of beers too, it doesn’t get cosier.
📍 64 Lant St, London SE1 1QN
8.
The Roebuck
Tucked away in a leafy, residential part of Borough is The Roebuck, with its striking orange canopies and beautiful flowery facade. The best option is to grab a table at the front by the huge ceiling-to-floor window, so you can feel snug and warm while watching the people pass by.
📍 50 Great Dover St, London SE1 4YG
9.
The King’s Arms
In our opinion, one of the best decorated pubs in SE1 – The King’s Arms is packed full of quirky trinkets, paintings and furniture. Every time you visit you’ll spot something new. It’s an oasis on the busy Tooley Street, making for a great people-watching spot. For maximum cosiness, check out their Watercolour Wednesdays, where you can get creative while you drink.
📍 251 Tooley St, London SE1 2NZ
10.
The Horseshoe Inn
The Horseshoe Inn is tucked away behind London Bridge station and yet feels like it’s off the beaten track, frequented more by locals than by tourists. While the front may look quaint, it is deceptively huge inside, with lots of cosy corners to hide with a pint.
📍 26 Melior St, London SE1 3QR
Do you have a favourite cosy pub not included here? Checkout our Pub Guide on Instagram for more pubs in SE1 and SE16 London.
Discover great pubs, delicious beer and new openings in SE1 and SE16 with Jenni.
