The 30 Best Ale selection in London

“Went here a few night with a couple of work colleagues, we had a different meal each night, great value, great options and daily specials roo. The food was great each time. Service was great and it was a proper traditional pub. See you next time we're in the area..”

“We turned up as a party of 4 with 2 young children without a booking at 5pm. The staff could not have been more accommodating despite being quite busy. We were advised the wait was 30 minutes to order but were offered a table and some christmas drawing activities to keep the children occupied. A nice touch. Food was exceptionally good, with both children polishing off all their plates. Steak and ale pie & highland venison duo are highly recommended for adults! Very warm and welcoming pub. Highly recommend & will certainly be calling in again in the future after a visit to Polesden Lacey.”

“We arrived to a stunning display of hanging baskets outside the pub, walked in to meet two lovely hosts who were really jolly and showed us to a table. The meal itself was delicious (and huge, we both had roasts that we had to take portions home) but I think what set it apart was the service. Everyone was so attentive and the aforementioned hosts were making conversation with the guests and showing genuine interest in everyone. It was a really really lovely pub. Highly recommend!”

“Great pub with great beer from a big selection! If you don't know what to order the staff will help you and you can try different beers. Food was also really good! Tip class cheese burger made fresh. Service is excellent!! Highly recommended!!!”

“The restaurant is located next to numbers of embassies, and amazing park. The food taste itself was amazing, and the lighting and atmosphere were perfect Special thanks to Kata. The service she provided was exceptional. She tried to see what’s going on our table, asking about the food taste or needs. I strongly recommend this wonderful place to others.”

“Ale, Fire & Charm at The Gipsy Queen – Kentish Town Tucked away on Malden Road, The Gipsy Queen is a proper North London pub with a twist — craft beer, seasonal food, and a log-burning stove that makes winter evenings feel like home. It’s spacious but cozy, with wooden floors, vintage mirrors, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The bar boasts an impressive selection of local and international craft beers, rotating regularly, plus wines, cocktails, and low-alcohol options. Staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide you through the taps — whether you’re after a hoppy IPA or a rich stout. Food is a highlight. The kitchen serves modern British pub fare with flair: think wild mushroom risotto, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and vegan-friendly options that go beyond the usual. Sunday roasts are particularly popular — generous, beautifully plated, and full of flavour. There’s a garden out back, perfect for summer pints, and the pub hosts live music, quiz nights, and community events that keep the energy fresh. It’s dog-friendly, family-friendly, and ideal for everything from solo reading sessions to lively group dinners. Final thought: If you’re after a Kentish Town pub that blends comfort, craft, and character, The Gipsy Queen is a standout — soulful, spacious, and quietly unforgettable.”

“Met antipodean friends for dinner. Lovely food - lots of it - great lively atmosphere and fantastic service. So lucky to have this pub so near to us. Thoroughly recommended.”

“We booked a table through their website to ensure that they could accommodate our hiking group of 9 on a Monday during the busy Christmas period. They responded the next day to say that they had booked the reservation. We later had to make a change to the reservation and they were able to do so promptly and without fuss. The pub is in a small but beautiful old building in a residential road near Greenwich Park. Service was superb, with orders for drinks and food taken at our table. The staff were extremely polite and attentive. They have a good selection of wines and beers. The food was wonderful. We can highly recommend this pub and will return again when we are in the area.”

“Friendly staff, nice little garden area and pool table.”

“The pub is amazing. Less than a 10 minute walk from Stratford. It is like a trip down to memory lane. It is the pub that Iron Maiden had their first ever gig. Atmosphere great. Food delicious and very reasonably priced. Memorabilia available to buy. If you are in the area don't miss it”

“Great friendly micropub with loads of rotating cask and keg beers available along with a couple permenant beers and many flat ciders spirits etc. definitely recommend a visit!”

“Awesome bar. Very short walk from Hackney Wick station. Or a slightly longer one from Stratford. First of all, the selection of beer is enormous. Cans in fridges are split up into different styles so you can quickly choose your beer by looking at what you’re favourite style is. I can’t remember how many taps there was but there was lagers, IPAs, DIPAs, stouts and a sour. Just an incredible selection and the staff really seemed to know what they were talking about when talking beer! Also had a German pretzel which was great. Warmed and served in butter with mustard. Served to the table. Back soon!”

“Love love love this bar… always have the best time whenever we visit. The live music events they do are always sooo good. Staff are super friendly & always make us feel welcome & even remember what we like to drink!! It’s a great addition to the area”

“I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Foresters for their launch night, and it certainly did not disappoint! The atmosphere was fantastic - friendly people of all ages chatting and dancing together - the new owners Claudio & Holly were so warm and welcoming and instantly made me wish I lived closer to this cozy gem of a pub - very much looking forward to returning!”

“Lovely food, great atmosphere. We sat out in the garden and lots of tables and little snugs. They have a pizza stone back oven inside the pub. Lots of choice of menu”

“Really lovely place with so much character. An amazing Sunday roast dinner was had. The meat was succulent, tender and full of flavour. The veg was cooked to perfection. Super tasty Yorkshire puds and gravy. We shared a super serving of cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets. Sat next to a roaring fire. Bliss. Highly recommend this place 100%.”

“Visited today for my mums birthday - we booked last minute after a change of plans. We had 3 courses and every single one was delicious. Highly recommend the Sunday roast and the sticky toffee! The service was great - special thanks to the two young guys (I didn’t catch their names but a really young lad and the barman with plaits) for looking after us. We will be back!”

“Amazing pub. Picture perfect and totally delivered. The pub is absolutely charming. The food and staff make it a 10/10. Staff could not be more helpful and friendly. Will definitely return again for the Sunday roast . Keep up the good work”

“We frequently stop here on our Sunday dog walks for breakfast and drinks - lovely inside & out and very dog friendly… have also had yummy long lunches here…. Always a friendly welcome!”

“Really fun and friendly pub, has a daily happy hour. Unbelievably reasonable prices and funny decorations”

“Five star service and a five star place! The staff is very friendly, welcoming and we were looked after throughout our lunch. The place itself is really nice, cosy and it felt like home. We loved the food as well! We had the sausage, the pie and the cod and all was nicely flavoured and so tasty. It’s a dog friendly place and even our dog was looked after, which we will appreciate. It was worth our car trip!”

“Dropped by on a Friday evening and enjoyed an excellent meal, served promptly by friendly staff. Our dog was welcomed, toilet facilities were clean and well maintained and there was plenty of space to find a quiet corner. Only drawback is the limited parking locally.”

“A wonderful place, a proper local. A lovely freehouse well looked after by the team. A large selection of drinks at decent prices. It's always a great welcoming atmosphere and recent outdoor revamp makes this pub even more of an oasis. Pop in if you are in the Wembley Central area.”

“We recently had a 50th birthday celebration at the Marquis in the conservatory area. It worked really well; great atmosphere and the pre arranged buffet arrived on time and was excellent. Thank you to the team for making it a great night.”

“Came across this lovely pub so clean. Ronnie the barmaid was very helpful and friendly. Lovely outside area and atmosphere. Even the toilets were very clean and nice. Would definitely recommend this pub. Definitely a return visit, Good selection of music in the beer garden & good people, Keep it up !!! Thank you Rachel & Ben”

“Nice pub. Drinks reasonable, great stuff!”

“Had the most amazing night. A fabulous atmosphere with lots of great people. How a pub should be. Well done guys.”

“Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was upscale yet relaxed, and soft music creating a cozy vibe. The staffs were friendly and attentive, I will definitely return for another delightful meal!”

“Decent range of drinks, real ale included, and a pleasant rear garden. Doom Bar at £4.40 a pint in 2024! And, in London, that's something to remember. Is it that moody and smooth, decor to dream about? Well, no. But does it make you feel you've just come home? Wow, yay!! PS. It's a pub, not a restaurant. Forget nosh!”

“I took my grandchildren to the pumpkin carving evening. They made a real effort, atmosphere was lovely, lots to do and children loved it. Would definately recommend.”