Want to avoid the crowds? Head to The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich. It’s white, grand, and looks like a wedding cake. Go for the upstairs rooms with the bay windows. Order a seafood platter. Stare at the river. Breathe. You’ll feel like a Victorian gentleman, but with better WiFi.
The Cutty Sark pub is literally right next to the famous ship. It’s a Greene King chain pub, so the beer is fine, not fabulous. But the seats? They’re on the water’s edge. You can practically touch the sailboats. Perfect for watching the sunset without the Instagrammification of the city center.
And for the love of all that is holy, go to The Angel in Bermondsey. Not that one. The one. Tucked under the railway arches, right by the river path. It feels like a secret clubhouse. The jukebox is excellent, the pies are legendary, and the terrace catches every last ray of sun. You will stay for “one more” until the tide comes in.
45 London Riverside Pubs & River Thames Pubs 2026 - CK Travels
A Few Words of Advice (From a Friend)
Don’t bring a fancy bag. The breeze off the Thames will smell like “history” (read: wet mud and diesel). Wear layers. One moment you’re roasting, the next a wind whips up from the North Sea and you’re shivering into your cider.
Also, book a table. Seriously. The river pubs are a magnet. If you show up on a Saturday at 3 PM without a reservation, you will be standing in a puddle of someone else’s raincoat. Use OpenTable. Your future dry socks will thank you.
And here’s the secret sauce: go in winter. Yes, it’s freezing. But the pubs are warm, the mulled wine is potent, and the river looks dramatic under grey skies. You get a window seat, a roaring fire, and the smug feeling of being a true Londoner. Plus, fewer tourists.
So, which one will you pick? The Mayflower for the history? The Ship for the chaos? Or The Angel for the pie? Honestly, you can’t lose. The river is the star. The pubs are just the perfect frame. Cheers, mate. Drink up. The tide waits for no one.
