South London’s got some absolute gems when it comes to pubs. Whether you’re after craft beers, a Sunday roast that could fix your life, or just a chilled spot with good vibes, there’s something here for everyone.
Some pubs feel like they’ve been around forever, others are all about that modern craft beer life. But the best ones? They somehow do both—old-school charm with a fresh, buzzing atmosphere. So if you’re looking for your next favourite drinking spot, here’s five of the best in South London.
The Montpelier (Peckham) – The Coolest Local Hangout
Peckham’s changed a lot over the years, but The Montpelier? Still one of the best places to grab a drink and actually enjoy it.
It’s got that classic pub feel—dim lighting, wooden floors, a little bit of chaos on a Friday night—but without the sticky floors and regret. The beer selection is solid, with craft options that actually change rather than the same old stuff every week. And the food? If you’ve never had a Monty roast, sort your life out and get one. Seriously.
The best part, though? It somehow manages to be both lively and laid-back. Perfect for catching up with mates, date nights, or just treating yourself to a solo pint.
Westow House (Crystal Palace) – The Ultimate All-Rounder
Some pubs are good at one thing. Westow House? It does it all.
You want a proper pint? Done. Cocktails? Also great. A massive outdoor seating area? Yep. Live music, DJ nights, pub quizzes? You get the idea.
It’s one of those places you can pop into for a casual drink and somehow still be there four hours later because the vibe’s just that good. And if you really don’t wanna leave—fair enough—they’ve got boutique hotel rooms upstairs. Not saying you’ll need them, but, y’know. Options.
King’s Arms (Wandsworth) – A Beer Lover’s Paradise
If you’re into craft beer, the King’s Arms is the spot.
They’ve got over 20 rotating beers on tap, and they actually put effort into curating their selection. No boring, mass-produced lagers here—expect proper IPAs, stouts, sours, and stuff you might not have heard of but definitely need to try.
The space itself is big and airy, but still has that warm, ‘let’s stay for one more’ kind of feel. And the food? Absolute banger. The burgers are next-level, and if you’re a loaded fries kind of person, you’ll be very happy here.
East Dulwich Tavern (East Dulwich) – A Proper Community Pub
East Dulwich Tavern, East Dulwich
You know when a pub just feels right? That’s the EDT.
Big windows, comfy seating, and the kind of crowd that actually makes you want to be there. It’s got a proper community vibe too—everyone from old-school locals to young professionals who’ve finally accepted that South London is better than North.
Their Sunday roasts are legendary, but even if you just want a pint, it’s a great place to sink into a big sofa and chat for hours. Also, their pub quiz? Genuinely difficult.
Pavilion End (St Paul’s) – Best Pub for Watching Sports
Most ‘sports bars’ are either depressing, way too loud, or just full of people who take football way too seriously. Pavilion End is different.
It’s got multiple big screens, but without that overwhelming ‘WE LOVE SPORTS’ energy. More ‘come watch the match, have a great pint, maybe even eat some actual food that isn’t just frozen chips’. The atmosphere is buzzing on game days, but it never feels too much.
And it’s central, so whether you’re heading there after work or making it the main event, it’s easy to get to. Bonus points for actually decent beer, which most sports pubs somehow forget to care about.
Final Thoughts
So there you go. Five of the best pubs South London has to offer, covering everything from craft beer havens to sports-friendly spots and proper old-school boozers.
There’s something special about a great pub. It’s not just about the drinks (though, let’s be honest, that helps), it’s the atmosphere, the people, and whether you can walk in on a random Wednesday and immediately feel at home.
Got a favourite South London pub that should be on this list? Let me know. Always happy to find an excuse to go ‘research’ more.
