Whether you're looking to raise a glass in a pub with a backdrop of the London riverfront or enjoy a Sunday roast with a view, choose from one of London's top pubs on the river Thames.
Top riverside pubs on the Thames
Take in the riverside charm at these iconic London pubs next to the river Thames.
1. Trafalgar Tavern
Take in the riverside views at Trafalgar Tavern, a Greenwich pub that's perfectly in keeping with its surroundings. Featuring paintings and busts depicting the area's maritime history, and huge windows offering spectacular views over the Thames, this grand pub is an ideal stop-off between visiting Greenwich's many attractions.
Where: Greenwich (Park Row, London SE10 9NW)
2. Prospect of Whitby
Raise a tankard at the Prospect of Whitby in Wapping, an historic pub that was once the haunt of smugglers, pirates and thieves. Other famous patrons include Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys, and artists Whistler and Turner; while another, Judge Jeffreys, is remembered with a replica of a hangman's noose outside.
Where: Wapping (57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH)
3. Anchor Bankside
Enjoy a drink or two at this historic pub on the south bank of the river Thames. Nestled between Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and The Golden Hinde, Anchor Bankside is always a popular drinking spot, with many people flocking to drink on its waterside terrace in the warmer months. Arrive early on sunny afternoons if you want to bag a prime position.
Where: South Bank (34 Park St, London SE1 9EF)
4. The Gun
Set in London's Docklands, The Gun is a cosy gastropub with a large outdoor terrace and dining space, boasting idyllic views across the Thames. Book a table on the terrace in advance and tuck into elevated pub classics, or enjoy the views from inside next to a crackling fireplace in the winter.
Where: Docklands (27 Coldharbour, London E14 9NS)
5. Town of Ramsgate
Head to the Grade II-listed Town of Ramsgate in Wapping, a traditional London pub steeped in history, dating to 1545. Walk through the cosy inside with beamed ceilings, gold framed pictures and the smell of classic pub fare and you'll reach the outside space situated on the water – the perfect spot to watch boats go by on a summer's day.
Where: Wapping (62 Wapping High Street, London E1W 2PN)
6. The Oyster Shed
Savour panoramic views from The Oyster Shed, close to London Bridge on the north bank of the river. One of the few City of London riverside pubs, this modern pub is the perfect pit stop between sightseeing. Despite its name, there's more than oysters on the menu, with a wide range of British classics to enjoy.
Where: City of London (1 Angel Ln, London EC4R 3AB)
7. The Mayflower
Venture into one of several pubs that lay claim to being the oldest pub in London on the Thames. The Mayflower is a small but perfectly formed gem in sleepy Rotherhithe, an area steeped in history as a former port, the site of the world's first subterranean river tunnel, and the 1620 departure point of the Pilgrim Fathers' Mayflower ship.
Where: Rotherhithe (117 Rotherhithe St, London SE16 4NF)
Best pubs to watch the Boat Race
Secure your spot at one of these London pubs with views of the annual Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race.
8. The Dove Hammersmith
Step into this classic London riverside pub and you'll find the world's smallest bar room, as certified by The Guinness World Records. The Dove has all the charm and atmosphere you'd want from a traditional English pub, plus great views of the Thames. Its Hammersmith location also makes it a coveted vantage point for spectators of the annual Oxford vs Cambridge boat race.
Where: Hammersmith (19 Upper Mall, London W6 9TA)
9. The Blue Anchor
Choose from a selection of beers on tap before grabbing a table outside at The Blue Anchor, a friendly neighbourhood pub that has become a riverside icon. The nautical theme continues inside with trinkets scattered across the walls and windows, a great spot along the Thames to while away an afternoon come rain or shine.
Where: Hammersmith (13 Lower Mall, London W6 9DJ)
10. The Crabtree
If you're looking for a lively west London pub with views of the Thames, The Crabtree is a great choice. Loved for its spacious pub garden and sports screenings, crowds flock to this landmark watering hole on weekends, so be sure to get down early for a good table on the riverside during the boat race.
Where: Fulham (Rainville Road, London W6 9HA)
11. The White Cross
Whether you’re on you're way to a rugby match at Twickenham, visiting Richmond Park, or are simply exploring the area, you’ll love this friendly Thames-side pub. Perched along the pretty riverside walkway, The White Cross has a front beer garden and ample space to relax on a sunny day. If you time your visit right, you'll see the tide rise up to the pub's doors; the perfect excuse to stay!
Where: Richmond (Riverside House, Water Ln, Richmond TW9 1NR)
12. The Black Lion
Set on the north bank of the Thames, The Black Lion in Hammersmith is a local riverside pub with a countryside feel. Boasting a wide variety of lagers, ales, wines and cocktails, expect a lively atmosphere during the boat race. Join punters as they take to the garden to cheer on the passing boats.
Where: Hammersmith (2 South Black Lion Lane, London W6 9TJ)
13. The Ship
Unwind with a drink or two at Wandsworth institution, The Ship. This south-west London pub overlooking the Thames boasts a decked outdoor space with ample benches to go around. It's especially popular on summer evenings when sunsets are matched with live music nights, annual festivals and quizzes.
Where: Wandsworth (41 Jews Row, London SW18 1TB)
London pubs with riverside walks
Combine a scenic riverside stroll with a pitstop at one of these London pubs along the Thames.
14. The White Swan
Relax on The White Swan’s riverside terrace in sleepy south-west London, as rowers glide by on the river below. This small pub swells on matchdays, as rugby fans enjoy a pint or two at this picture-book pub before and after matches at nearby Twickenham Stadium.
Where: Richmond (26 Old Palace Ln, Richmond TW9 1PG)
15. Founder's Arms
Located the other side of Blackfriars Bridge, the Founder's Arms is a fantastic pub with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor area right on the Thames. Add this spot to your list of pubs a walk away from the South Bank, right next to Tate Modern, the breathtaking Millennium Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral.
Where: Bankside (52 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH)
16. Samuel Pepys
Samuel Pepys is a traditional London pub with striking views of the Thames. Hidden down a quiet street, this establishment has outside bar seating that feels like you're hovering over the water. Wander here from the nearby City landmarks, choose from a fantastic selection of food and drinks, and watch the world go by from your riverside table.
Where: City of London (Stew Lane, London EC4V 3PT)
17. The Waterman's Arms
Dating back to the 1850s, The Waterman's Arms was reopened by the founder of Patty and Bun, one of London's best burger spots. This riverside gem boasts a menu of seasonal modern European fare – book a table here to start or end a stroll along the nearby Thames Path.
Where: Barnes (375 Lonsdale Road, London SW13 8PY)
18. The Cutty Sark
Soak up the sunshine from The Cutty Sark's riverfront terrace after a day spent exploring Greenwich. The area is home to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the famous tea clipper of the same name and leafy Greenwich Park, so options to stroll here are endless!
Where: Greenwich (4-6 Ballast Quay, London SE10 9PD)
19. Doggett's Coat and Badge
Watch the sunset over the Thames from the Doggett's Coat and Badge. Situated right next to Blackfriars Bridge, this makes for a perfect pitstop after a stroll from Big Ben, over Westminster and along the South Bank. Once night falls, see The Illuminated River light show as it glows under the nearby bridges each night.
Where: Bankside (1 Blackfriars Bridge, London SE1 9UD)
20. The Swan
Sit down to enjoy one of the best riverside meals you'll have in London. Whether you'd rather enjoy afternoon tea, a Sunday roast with all the trimmings or simply stop for a drink, The Swan is ideally positioned next to Shakespeare's Globe and makes for a perfect stop off on your journey along London's riverside.
Where: Bankside (21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT)
Still thirsty for more? Check out London's top rooftop bars with views of the city skyline, or grab a spot in one of the capital's best beer gardens. Sink pints at a brewery, or warm up inside a top cosy London pub.
