London has endless amazing pubs that are well worth a visit and all offer a different slice of the drinking atmosphere.

Whether it be a gastro pub that serves award-winning food, a micropub that only fits 10 people in or a classic no-fuss pub, you can always find a good pub in London.

While many pubs do offer views, there are only a select few that have a view of the London skyline and are set on the banks of rivers.

Waterfront pubs are great spots for when you want to soak up some heat or fresh air while enjoying socialising and a drink or two. 

Luckily, London is home to many great waterfront pubs and so you don't miss out, we've rounded up some of the best to enjoy.

The best waterfront pubs in London 

Mayflower

Location: 117 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 4N

Set on the banks of the Thames, the Mayflower is one the most historic pubs in London earning its name from the famous ship.

Outside, the decking is above the river with picnic benches dotted around and some heaters offer warmth at night along with some shelter for rain.

On the online review site Tripadvisor, the Mayflower has a rating of 4.5/5 with one guest sharing: "This is a great historical pub located next to the river Thames. There is a deck to the rear over the river Thames with ample tables and chairs. The food is very good quality. The staff are friendly."

@pretty.little.london These are for me 7 pubs you need to visit at lease once in London 🍻🇬🇧 🍺 The Anchor on the Bankside for a pint after one of London’s most iconic walks along the Southbank. ✨ The Crown & Anchor in Seven Dials after shopping in this vibrant part of town, just by Covent Garden. 🕵🏻‍♂️The iconic Sherlock Holmes pub on the Embankment. 🇬🇧 Ye Old Mitre in Holborn, the oldest pub in London, which has been there since 1868. ❤️ The Ship & Shovell in Charing Cross, a unique pub that consists two separate buildings on either side of a street, connected underground by a shared cellar. 🍂 The Holly Bush, a Hampstead institution that serves delicious Thai Food. 💰 The Old Bank of England in Fleet Street, where you can enjoy pies and pints under high ceilings with large artworks in the former Bank of England’s Law Courts. #londonpubs #prettylittlelondon #londra #londres #london #fyp ♬ original sound - prettylittlelondon

The Angle 

Location: 101 Bermondsey Wall East, SE16 4NB

The Angle was once a hotspot for thieves, smugglers, sailors and more but now it's a humble pub welcoming families, tourists and locals.

Backing on to the Thames, Angle is said to have been the place where artist JMW Turner painted The Fighting Temeraire, so you can enjoy a pint and think about Turner in one spot.

One happy guest said: "Fabulous traditional pub, overlooking Thanes, amazing views, nice food and the warmest of welcomes."

The Princess of Wales

Location: 146 Lea Bridge Road, Lower Clapton, E5 9RB

The Princess of Wales is a local favourite in Clapton, and the pub garden is one of the biggest in London with benches, a canopy, fairy lights and some steps leading to a path on the banks of the River Lea.

On Tripadvisor, The Princess of Wales pub has a rating of 4/5 with one guest writing: "Great for al slap-up Sunday roast by the river. Try to book if you are going there over the weekends as it gets busy."

The Ship

Location: 41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, SW18 1TB


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The Ship in Wandsworth was recently named one of the UK's most beautiful beer gardens and there's a clear reason for it.

The pub is set on the banks of the River Thames and offers amazing views of London with rows of tables, fairy lights and well-rated food.

One guest said: "I absolutely love the ambience, the food and the service are fantastic! Ship is a very unique pub different to the rest! Plus, the view overlooking the Thames River!"