The Best Pubs in Covent Garden
There are actually so many pubs in Covent Garden (we’d hate to know what the rent is like). And so many of them are really worth a visit.
Covent Garden is best-known as a powerhouse of pre-theatre dining, but it’s also a charming spot to uncover historic pubs and intimate settings.
Our list of the best pubs in Covent Garden covers readers looking for any of the following: date night options, traditional English pub-grub, a spot in the sun and plenty of history from the 18th century.
In fact, we’re so sure of our list that we want you to do more reviewing for us. Head to one of the venues and tag us on Instagram @getonbloc. We’ll repost all of our favourites!.
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
The Porterhouse is one of the city’s largest pubs, second only to the extravagant Brewdog in Tower Hill, and by that very nature it means there’s a little something for everyone.
Beer lovers have the option of stours, pilsners and IPAs to choose from – with a delightful selection on tap that’ll leave you spoilt for choice.
Daters will love it here too – there are plenty of nooks and crannies throughout the venue to give you a more intimate setting, perfect for getting to know the person on the other side of the table.
The food is great, and there are plenty of large screen TVs meaning a weekend of sport is on the cards too.
With something for everyone, The Porterhouse should be your first choice if you’re looking for a pub in Covent Garden.
Have to try: Beer roulette
Perfect for: All occasions
Approx Price for 2 people: £40
Punch & Judy, Covent Garden
On a sunny afternoon in central London, there is no better spot than the roof terrace at Punch & Judy.
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, attendees’ smug rating skyrockets if they manage to nab a spot in the sun.
Granted, the interior decor and the food menu aren’t the best, but this isn’t what Punch & Judy is all about. It’s all about what’s outside.
For history lovers, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear the pub was named after the infamous puppets who were first unveiled here, all the way back in 1662.
Have to try: Securing a spot on the roof terrace
Perfect for: Sunny afternoons
Approx price for 2 people: £70
Mr Fogg’s Tavern, Covent Garden
Mr Fogg’s Tavern is one of eight pubs in central London named after the well-renowned globetrotter.
Located on St Martin’s Lane, the botanical gin and cocktail options are to die-for and this is a fantastic place to take a first date you are looking to impress.
The decor is easy on the eye too, with a phenomenal portrait of Queen Victoria behind the bar, and there’s even a singalong every Thursday from 8.30pm, for those of you who couldn’t lock down a ticket to the theatre earlier in the night.
Don’t be late!
Have to try: Cocktail sipping
Perfect for: Date night
Approx price for 2 people: £80
The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden
Nothing is more quintessentially British than going to a listed-building erected in 1772 and then purchasing a pint to drink on the road outside.
The Lamb & Flag is a hidden gem, with gas lamps and a cobble street which will make you feel like you’re taking a trip back in time.
A little known fact about The Lamb & Flag is that it used to hold bare-knuckle prize fights and was appropriately nicknamed “The Bucket of Blood” back in the day.
It’s a slightly cheerier affair in 2023 but you’ll still get a sense of the era when you step through the front doors. It dates back to the time of Elizabeth I!
Have to try: A drink on the street
Perfect for: A historic evening
Approx price for 2 people: £30
The Chandos, Covent Garden
The historic venues continue to crop up on our list of the best pubs in Covent Garden and The Chandos is one of our favourites.
Tip number one: arrive at the venue and look up. You’ll see a dashing chap beating a barrel with a mallet, serving a mark of 1700 times.
Fast forward to the modern era, this is now a Sam Smith style pub so you know exactly what you’re getting: decent pub-grub, pleasant value on tap and dazzling decor which is both cosy and welcoming.
Chandos isn’t one to overlook!
Have to try: Grabbing a photo
Perfect for: Pints & pub-grub
Approx price for 2 people: £50
The Harp, Covent Garden
Cheap and cheerful!
The Harp is a Fuller’s run pub but still recognised as an ale haven, bang in the middle of town.
Located just between Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, this is the perfect haunt for a pre or post theatre pint.
Our tip: head to TKTS in Leicester Square, play theatre roulette, pick up tickets to a show, and head to The Harp for an anticipatory pint.
Free Friday night? Do it!
Have to try: Pre-theatre pints
Perfect for: A quick stop-in
Approx price for 2 people: £10
Cross Keys, Covent Garden
The Cross Keys is one for the music lovers. If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere and a wealth of pop memorabilia, the Cross Keys has you covered.
Elvis Presley, The Beatles, you want it, they got it.
The only reason we’ve dipped the ratings of the Cross Keys is because on any given evening, you’ll feel like you’ve jumped onto the rush hour tube.
Expect nothing more than elbow-space and a 3-person deep queue at the bar. Sorry about that!
Have to try: Soaking up the atmosphere
Perfect for: Music lovers
Approx price for 2 people: £20
The White Swan, Covent Garden
Any list of the best pubs in Covent Garden couldn’t be complete without a nod to the best fish and chips provider!
The White Swan on New Row has the classic pub menu covered, with other highlights including a Lamb Rump steak just like your mama made!
We recommend a traditionally English visit. Pub food, a pint and a jolly good evening.
Have to try: Fish and chips
Perfect for: A traditional pub night
Approx price for 2 people: £60