If you’re a fan of good food and drink, exploring the best local pubs and gastropubs in the United Kingdom should be on your bucket list. From the historic ale houses of London to the trendy gastropubs of Manchester, there is no shortage of fantastic pubs to discover throughout the UK. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best local pubs and gastropubs in the United Kingdom, where you can savor delicious food and drink while experiencing the unique character of each location.
London
London is home to some of the world’s most historic and famous pubs, making it an excellent starting point for your pub tour. One of the oldest pubs in London is The Prospect of Whitby, located in Wapping. This pub dates back to the 16th century and offers stunning views of the River Thames. Another historic pub is The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden, serving customers since the 17th century.
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For a more modern pub experience, head to The Harp in Covent Garden.
This pub has won numerous awards for its selection of real ales and ciders and is a local favorite. Another trendy spot is Prince Albert in Camden, which features an extensive beer garden and hosts live music events.
Manchester
Manchester is known for its thriving pub scene, combining traditional and modern establishments. Start your tour at The Briton’s Protection, a historic pub operating since the early 19th century. This pub offers a wide selection of local and international beers and has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
To taste the city’s trendy gastropub scene, visit The Marble Arch. This pub features a rotating selection of cask ales and a menu of delicious, locally-sourced food. Another popular spot is The Gas Lamp, which serves craft beer and cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city full of history and charm; its pubs are no exception. The Royal Oak in the Old Town is a must-visit for any pub enthusiast, with its traditional Scottish atmosphere and selection of real ales. For a more modern experience, head to The Hanging Bat in the New Town, which has gained a reputation for its excellent craft beer selection.
If you’re looking for a cozy, intimate atmosphere, check out The Bow Bar in the Old Town. This pub has been serving customers since the 1980s and is known for its selection of cask ales and single malt whiskies. Another popular spot is The Last Drop, located in the Grassmarket area, which offers a wide range of local and international beers and live music events.
Belfast
Belfast has a vibrant pub scene, with plenty of historic and modern establishments to explore. Start your tour at The Crown Liquor Saloon, a beautiful Victorian pub operating since the 1800s. This pub features ornate tilework and stained glass windows and serves up a range of local and international beers.
To taste the city’s gastropub scene, visit The Garrick Bar. This pub features a menu of traditional Irish fare and a wide selection of local beers and ciders. Another popular spot is The Duke of York, which has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of local and international beers.
Cardiff
Cardiff is known for its lively pub scene, with plenty of options for traditional and modern pub-goers. Start your tour at The Goat Major, a historic pub from the 1800s. This pub features a range of real ales and traditional Welsh pub fare.
For a more modern experience, visit The Cambrian Tap in the city center. This gastropub offers a rotating selection of craft beers and a delicious, locally-sourced food menu. Another trendy spot is The Potted Pig, located in a former bank vault and featuring a menu of modern British cuisine and an extensive wine list.
Glasgow
Glasgow has a strong pub culture, and plenty of historic and modern pubs exist to explore. Start your tour at The Scotia Bar, which has been operating since the 1790s and features live music every night of the week. To taste the city’s trendy gastropub scene, visit The Finnieston, which offers a menu of Scottish-inspired cuisine and an extensive selection of whiskies and cocktails.
Another popular spot is The Pot Still, which features over 700 whiskies worldwide and a traditional Scottish pub fare menu. Finally, if you’re looking for a cozy, intimate atmosphere, check out The Belle, which offers a selection of real ales and ciders in a charming, old-world setting.
Bristol
Bristol is a city known for its vibrant food and drink scene, and its pubs are no exception. Start your tour at The Old Duke, a historic jazz pub operating since the 1700s. This pub features live jazz music every night and a selection of local beers and ciders.
To taste the city’s gastropub scene, visit The Kensington Arms in the Redland area. This pub offers a seasonal, locally-sourced food menu and an excellent selection of craft beers and ciders. Another popular spot is The Love Inn, a trendy bar and live music venue serving creative cocktails and craft beers.
York
York is a city full of history and charm; its pubs are no exception. Start your tour at The Maltings, a historic pub operating since the 1800s. This pub features a range of real ales and traditional pub food in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
For a more modern experience, visit The House of Trembling Madness in the city center. This gastropub offers a range of craft beers and a menu of delicious, locally-sourced food. Another popular spot is The Eagle and Child, which has a charming, old-world atmosphere and a great selection of local and international beers.
Brighton
Brighton is a seaside city known for its vibrant nightlife; its pubs are a big part of that scene. Start your tour at The Basketmakers Arms, a historic pub that has been operating since the 1800s. This pub features a range of real ales, traditional pub food, and regular live music events.
To taste the city’s gastropub scene, visit The Ginger Dog in the Kemptown area. This pub offers a menu of creative, locally-sourced food and an excellent selection of craft beers and ciders. Another popular spot is The Mesmerist, a quirky pub and live music venue serving inventive cocktails and craft beers.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city with a rich musical and cultural history, and its pubs reflect that heritage. Start your tour at The Cavern Club, a historic music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in rock and roll. This pub features live music every night and various local and international beers.
To taste the city’s gastropub scene, visit The Art School Restaurant in the city center. This pub offers a menu of creative, locally-sourced food and an excellent selection of craft beers and wines. Another popular spot is The Ship and Mitre, which has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of real ales and ciders.
These are just a few more of the best local pubs and gastropubs in the United Kingdom to add to your itinerary. No matter where you go in the UK, you will find a pub that suits your tastes and preferences.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is home to a diverse and exciting pub scene, with something to offer everyone. From historic ale houses to trendy gastropubs, exploring the best local pubs and gastropubs in the United Kingdom is a great way to experience the country’s unique culture and cuisine. So why not plan your pub tour and discover the hidden gems of the UK pub scene?