Whenever we read news about historic pubs closing down in London, our hearts ache—there’s no doubt about that. But there’s another side to the coin. As we wander through the city’s streets, we come across such fantastic new openings and venues rising from the ashes that we witness the resilience of London’s pub culture and get excited all over again.
We have compiled a list of London’s best new pubs that opened their doors within the last year—some of which became our instant favorites from day one, and others where we simply enjoyed a crisp, fresh pint. If you ever find yourself over here, be sure to check out this route before raising your glasses!
The Black Cap, Camden Town
Address: 171 Camden High St, NW1 7JY
We remember the painful closure in 2015 of The Black Cap, one of North London’s most established and iconic LGBTQ+ pubs, as if it were yesterday. The community and locals’ years of tremendous struggle finally paid off, and the venue reopened its doors in March 2026. Stepping inside and feeling that old enthusiasm and glitter again was priceless. With its drag bingo nights, karaoke sessions, and endless energy, the place is buzzing once more. In fact, if you happen to overindulge a bit during the night, you can even rent one of the rooms upstairs and stay the night!
The Black Eel, Dalston
Address: 41 Kingsland High St, E8 2JP
When you look from the outside, you might think you are entering an ordinary pie and mash shop… and in fact, you are! However, as you venture deeper into The Black Eel, a world full of surprises reveals itself. Moving into the back rooms, you are greeted by stylish drinking areas, a fun games room, and a massive garden out back. It is one of the most characterful and surprising places we’ve discovered recently.
The Golden Tooth, Stoke Newington
Address: 79 Green Lanes, N16 9BU
This is actually a delicious restaurant with a charming pub attached to the front. In this new project by chef Matthew Scott—who took London Fields by storm with his restaurant Papi—we absolutely loved the bar area. With around a dozen tables, a rich draught selection written on a chalkboard (no cask draughts, but the tap selection is fantastic), and Dexys Midnight Runners and ELO tracks blasting from the speakers, the atmosphere is simply amazing.
Hand and Marigold, Bermondsey
Address: 244 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UH
A true neighborhood darling! This independent venue (sister to our beloved The Trafalgar in Merton) stole our hearts with its ever-changing cask beer selection sourced from small craft breweries. Although its interior design initially gives the impression of an authentic early 20th-century venue, it’s actually a very successful illusion. Still, the warm and timeless atmosphere it creates is flawless.
The Horsemen, Broadgate
Address: 1 Broadgate, EC2M 2QS
On paper, it’s described as an “American-Irish” fusion pub, but when you see the crowds surging toward the bar on weekday evenings, you completely forget about cultural nuances. As the only true pub remaining in Broadgate after the former White Horse closed down, it’s exceptionally lively after work hours. Our advice is to head there early before the evening crowd hits to enjoy that handsome wooden bar and the Guinness taps reminding you of the Irish spirit.
Mary Wollstonecraft
Address: 181 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0UL
A bar with a narrow entrance but an immensely appealing interior. While the layout resembles Auld Shillelagh, what they offer is completely different. Alongside fun keg options on the draught list, there are eight different cask selections from craft producers. Its lovely back garden was closed for a private wedding event when we visited, but the overall vibe of the venue is enchanting. Named after early feminist writer (and mother of Mary Shelley) Mary Wollstonecraft, who opened a boarding school in nearby Newington Green, it brings a distinct intellectual spirit to the venue.
Ninety One, Brick Lane
Address: 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
Located in the former Brewmaster’s House building on Brick Lane, Ninety One was already among our favorites due to its courtyard, which we enjoyed during the summer months. Their recent collaboration with the “Jurkish” team—who blend Jamaican and Turkish cuisines—has taken things to a whole new level. They serve incredible dishes ranging from plantain hummus to goat meat manti (dumplings). The main space, with its open layout in front of the bar and intimate surrounding corners, simultaneously evokes the feel of a classic pub and a modern bar.
The Pocket, Upper Street
Address: 25 Canonbury Lane, N1 2AS
A name we’ve heard frequently since its opening in March 2025, The Pocket quickly solidified its place among London’s best pubs. This success comes as no surprise, considering it comes from the team behind Southampton Arms in Gospel Oak, regarded as a temple for beer enthusiasts. A true paradise for beer and cider lovers, the venue offers nearly two dozen options on tap and cask. Though its name implies something small like a “pocket,” it feels quite spacious thanks to its large back area and upper floor.
The Stranded, Strand
Address: 430 Strand, WC2R 0JR
The Strand has always been an area where we felt a lack of good pubs, aside from Coal Hole and The George. Although The Stranded has more of a modern bar feel than a classic pub, hats off to the high-quality beers served. Coming from the team behind Euston Tap and Jackalope, it gets full marks from us. A strong selection of Continental European lagers and ales, especially Budvar variations, awaits you.
The Trafalgar, Chelsea
Address: 224-226 King’s Rd, SW3 5UA
King’s Road desperately needed a genuinely good and friendly pub. Housed in a converted former NatWest bank building, The Trafalgar carries Chelsea elegance while maintaining a thoroughly welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The side room is reserved for foodies, but the main bar area is arguably the most pleasant spot for a drink in the neighborhood. Plus, seeing Harvey’s beer on tap—a rare sight in London—warmed our hearts.
Walham Green, Fulham
Address: 472 Fulham Road, SW6 1BY
A slap in the face to anyone biased against the Wetherspoons chain! Set inside a former tube station ticket office, Walham Green is a true time capsule filled with railway memorabilia. Beyond its historic charm, seeing Wetherspoon prices (drinking Ruddles for £1.99? Absolutely yes!) instantly made it one of our favorites. The chain has recently opened new venues in places like Waterloo or London Bridge, but for us, this one is undeniably postcard-perfect.
The Wild Swan, Holborn
Address: 99 Fetter Lane, EC4A 1BT
When you step inside, it’s hard to believe this is a brand-new building built from scratch. The venue manages to feel both modern and fresh while somehow feeling nostalgic and old at the same time. Connected with Yorkshire brewer Thornbridge, the pub offers a fantastic selection of cask ales that could be considered exotic for us Londoners. If the ground floor gets crowded, we suggest sneaking away to the stylish room upstairs.
On Our Radar: Pubs Opening Soon!
In London’s ever-vibrant pub scene that we can never get enough of exploring, here are the exciting new spots we are looking forward to in the coming months:
The Hero’s Return: A massive Pink Floyd-themed pub opening at Battersea Power Station (Late Summer 2026).
Talli Queen: A colorful venue preparing to open in Shepherd’s Bush with Indian touches (Late Summer 2026).
Piccadilly Hall: A huge Wetherspoon project on Shaftesbury Avenue (October 13, 2026).
Benjamin Franklin: A new Wetherspoon venue opening at 11 Strand (November 24, 2026).
Kong: An extraordinary pub with a Chinese-style concept opening at the former Water Poet site in Norton Folgate (Late 2026).
