The 30 Best Pubs for a Pint in England

England is blessed with thousands of pubs, from tiny village boozers to grand coaching inns which have stood the test of time. Many of them are hubs of activity in small towns, while others are hidden gems down back alleys in bustling cities. Some are famed for their beer, some for their history, and for the sweet spot, find one that's loved for both.

From historic interiors and roaring fireplaces to excellent draught beers sold at fair prices, these are the 30 best pubs for a pint in England.

These are the 30 best pubs for a pint in England

30. The Dun Cow – Durham

The Dun Cow, with its Tudor-style exterior, is found in the heart of one of England’s most historic cities: Durham. 

Despite its central location, The Dun Cow retains a historic pub charm, with its open fireplace, separate drinking areas, and wide selection of local beers, including the County Durham-brewed Castle Eden Ale, which holds down a regular spot among its excellent tap lineup.

With no full menu except a few toasties on occasion, The Dun Cow is laser-focused on good beer, engaging conversation, and even better company. A must-visit in Durham city centre.

29. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – Nottingham

While Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to be one of England’s oldest pubs – allegedly being a stop-off point for the English troops heading to fight in the Crusades in 1189 – this has never been proven. We're willing to believe it, though. 

There is evidence that Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem has operated as a pub since 1760, though – since before the United States of America existed – and its old walls hold countless stories.

The pub is built directly above caves which lead to Nottingham Castle. Some are used as natural refrigerators for ale storage, while others hold myths and legends surrounding this iconic Nottingham pub. 

While the pub’s historical claims may be up for debate, the atmosphere certainly isn’t, and this is easily one of the best pubs in England for a pint.

28. The Royal Standard of England – Beaconsfield 

Widely considered one of the oldest pubs in England, with parts of the building traditionally dated back to 1086, The Royal Standard of England is one of those pubs where the building is almost as much of an attraction as what’s served behind the bar.

Inside, you’ll find a wonderful country pub atmosphere, with timber beams, open fireplaces, and lots of historic character. It's the sort of place that transports you back in time, it's remained unchanged for decades.

This is a proper pint pub, but there is hearty pub grub on the menu too. Perfect spot for a Sunday lunch after strolling through the countryside, or their famous fish and chips.

27. The Craven Arms – Appletreewick

Tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales, The Craven Arms is exactly what you want from a rural country pub.

With real log fires, gas lighting and properly cask-conditioned beer, The Craven Arms creates the perfect cosy atmosphere for a good pint. The almost 500-year-old pub was also used for interior scenes of The Drover’s Arms in the TV series All Creatures Great and Small.

Surrounded by the rolling hills and seemingly endless walking routes of Wharfedale, The Craven Arms is an obvious post-walk pit-stop: muddy boots, tired legs and a pint by the fire is a pretty difficult combination to improve upon.

26. The Victoria – Birmingham

One of Birmingham’s standout traditional pubs, The Victoria is the perfect demonstration of the Second City’s ability to combine a vibrant drinking scene with the city’s history and culture.

With a characterful interior and a beer selection designed to appeal to cask ale enthusiasts, craft beer drinkers and traditional bitter fans, this is a beer-first, anything-else-second type of pub – a rare find in a city centre these days.

Because of its central location, it makes for a great stop-off if you’re visiting the city for a day or night out, and the comfortable vibes inside ensure that with good friends and good beer, a great time ahead awaits you in The Victoria.

25. The Ye Olde Mitre – London

Hidden away in Ely Court, there has been a pub on the site of The Ye Olde Mitre since 1546, although the current building dates back to the 18th century. The building itself is Grade II listed.

The two bars and snug are packed with wood panelling, adding to the deeply historic character, and feeling a world away from 21st-century London.

Cementing its Proper Pub status, the only food offerings are classic pub snacks – toasted sandwiches, sausage rolls and the odd packet of crisps or nuts. A perfect historic pub for a pint in Central London. 

24. The Star Inn – Bristol

If traditional locals are your thing, then look no further than The Star Inn.

While Bristol is known for its lively nightlife, especially among the student community, The Star Inn attracts a totally different audience.

With its characterful interior and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to sit down for a quiet pint with a newspaper or a book, and somewhere that you can comfortably spend a long afternoon or evening with good company.

Rather than heading to the livelier spots in Bristol, a visit to The Star Inn is the perfect place for a quiet drink.

23. The Grapes – Sheffield

Sheffield’s reputation as a good beer city has shot up in recent years, with numerous independent breweries calling the Steel City home.

And one place that combines good beer with an even better atmosphere is The Grapes.

The atmosphere centres around well-kept beer, a comfortable bar and a classic pub interior rather than a gimmicky cocktail menu or a student bar vibe.

If you want a traditional pub experience in Sheffield with the bonus of locally brewed, excellent beer, then a visit to The Grapes is a must.

22. The Black Bull – Coniston

The Black Bull in Coniston has the requirements of a great post-walk pub down to a fine art. The building is around 400 years old, and once served as a coaching inn. Today, it serves Coniston Brewing Co’s award-winning real ales, which are brewed next door. It doesn’t get much more local than that!

And these are not just standard beers, either: Bluebird Bitter won Champion Beer of Britain in 1998, while No. 9 Barley Wine took the same title in 2015. The pub’s fish and chips are even cooked in beer batter using their own brews. Beer is truly at the heart of everything The Black Bull does.

With exposed stone, oak beams and an open fire, you’ve got a perfect Lake District pub, with both excellent food and beer.

21. The Tanners Arms – Alnwick

The Tanners Arms is a superb example of a pub that doesn’t need a huge footprint to make a big impact.

The ivy-covered stone walls of The Tanners Arms sit just on the outskirts of Alnwick, and it has just one singular drinking room, complete with a flagstone floor and a unique tree-shaped beer shelf.

The beer selection changes frequently, making it a haven for those who enjoy sampling new brews, with the majority of beers coming from local breweries, including Allendale, Born in the Borders and Tempest, which are all local favourites.

20. The Neptune Beer Emporium – Chesterfield

The Neptune Beer Emporium does exactly what it says on the sign.

This backstreet free house has a surprisingly good selection of beers, with around six changing real ales, two regular beers and a plethora of continental and craft beers, making it a must-visit for any beer enthusiast.

The central bar helps to divide the room into two distinct drinking areas, and while the layout may be old-fashioned, the pub itself and the range of beers certainly isn’t.

There's always live music on, too. A great pub to spend a Friday or Saturday evening along with good friends, music, and beers.

19. The Free Press – Cambridge

The Free Press is a beautiful example of a pub that has managed to retain its soul over time.

It first became a pub in 1834, when home brewer Sarah Horne opened her cottage to sell her own beer.

One of the most remarkable features of The Free Press is its snug, which measures just 1.8m by 1.5m (6ft by 5ft). Despite the snug’s small size, The Free Press is well known for its large selection of beers, with a strong focus on guest beers from Cambridgeshire-based breweries as well as standards like Timothy Taylor’s Landlord being a regular feature on the bar.

18. The Jenny Lind Inn – Hastings

With eight handpumps operating at any given time, The Jenny Lind is one of southern England’s best pubs for a proper pint.

With seven of the pumps offering local real ales, and one offering a locally-brewed cider, this is an excellent pub to visit for the chance to try new beers in a historic pub setting.

The pub also hosts an annual 'Stout Out’ festival, while also partaking in Hastings’ October Tap Takeover, ideal for both visitors and locals who want to support the local beer-based economy.

Whether you want cask ale or cider, or you’re a regular or a visitor, The Jenny Lind is well worth stopping by for a pint.

17. The Tinners Arms – Zennor

Built in 1271, The Tinners Arms has been a part of Zennor’s history for over 700 years, satisfying thirsty drinkers ever since. And their passion for beer has never stopped, either, now offering a range of local and regional brews as well as those from further afield.

Surrounded by some of Cornwall’s most spectacular scenery, the pub has all of the ingredients of a classic Cornish drinking hole: old stone, traditional interiors, local character and a strong connection to the surrounding area.

16. The Old Windmill – Coventry

The Old Windmill is Coventry’s oldest pub, with the building dating to 1451.

The timber-framed building on Spon Street was originally known as The Windmill until the 1840s, when the ‘Old Windmill’ became a more popular name for the boozer, and it has retained this ever since.

The Old Windmill is the type of historic pub where the building does most of the talking – enjoy a pint in the archaic surroundings, where you get the feeling that the pints have flowed in here for centuries and generations before you’ve taken your seat inside.

15. The Old Green Tree – Bath

A tiny and wonderfully unspoiled pub, The Old Green Tree in Bath occupies a 300-year-old building in the city centre, creating a historic and warming atmosphere for visitors to this legendary pub.

The pub itself is split into three distinct areas: a traditional drinking lobby, a snug, and a comfortable back bar – again, very traditional settings of pubs of years gone by.

With up to six cask options at any given time, including the pub’s own Green Tree Bitter brewed by the nearby Blindman’s Brewery, The Old Green Tree also makes a point of stocking beers from local microbreweries, as well as Belgian beers and malt whiskies for those after something stronger.

During the winter months, a regular stout or porter makes an appearance, adding to the cosy and seasonal vibe of the pub. Perfect for a winter’s afternoon.

14. Golden Rule – Ambleside

Found at the foot of Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District, Golden Rule is a classic Cumbrian boozer.

Dating back to the 1680s, this Grade II listed building has remained unchanged for centuries. Inside, you’ll find several cosy rooms, a log fire, bench seating and old black-and-white climbing photographs adorning the walls.

An ideal pub for walkers and climbers, the pub is perfectly located for a post-walk or post-climb pint or two.  With a good selection of well-kept ales on offer, it’s hard to beat a creamy pint by the fire after a gruelling day on the Kirkstone Pass. 

13. The Square & Compass – Swanage

The Square & Compass is one of those pubs that feels like it was specifically designed for walkers.

It’s an ideal place to stop after exploring the Jurassic Coast, and even more so if you have spent hours battling torrential rains and winds.

The rural setting, traditional character and reputation for good beer have made it one of Dorset’s most celebrated pubs.

With an array of regional ales, ciders and even wines on offer, there’s something for everyone in this quintessentially English pub.

12. The King’s Head – Norwich

Norwich has long been associated with a strong pub and brewing culture in England, so for anyone visiting the city in need of a good drink, there is nowhere better to stop than the King's Head.

The pub is packed with character, and rooted in its local community, so you can expect friendly punters and a welcoming atmosphere when you walk through the doors. 

Very few city centre pubs can claim to offer the same, and The King’s Head is definitely the type of place where you can comfortably settle in for the afternoon or evening and make new friends while sipping on some of East Anglia’s finest brews.

11. The King William IV – London

The King William IV in Hampstead is a historic Grade II listed pub which was first opened as a coaching inn in 1767.

It has long since been associated with London’s LGBT+ community, making it one of the oldest gay pubs in London.

A traditional pub with a strong identity, alongside a generous offering of real ales and a large beer garden, this is an excellent pub to visit in the capital, especially if you're searching for one with a warm, inviting and inclusive atmosphere.

Live music and community events are also frequently hosted at the pub, making it an excellent place to spend an afternoon or evening with good vibes, friends and beer.

10. The Magnet – Stockport

If you judge a pub by its beer selection, then The Magnet is an easy contender for one of the best pubs in England for a pint.

Reopened in 2009 after a difficult period, the family-run pub has firmly established its reputation as one of northern England’s top boozers, picking up CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year awards in 2011, 2015 and 2020.

With no fewer than 14 handpumps, supplemented by keg craft beers and a substantial bottle selection, the pub even founded its own on-site microbrewery in 2014, which has since become Mount Crescent Brewing.

Food is also kept casual, with the main focus being on the beers. A pizza vendor operates at weekends, while the outdoor spaces at the pub offer spectacular views of Stockport’s famous railway viaduct. A true real ale and beer-lover’s pub.

9. The Blisland Inn – Bodmin Moor

A mecca for real ale drinkers, The Blisland Inn on the village green on the edge of Bodmin Moor is easily one of the best pubs in England for a pint.

Since opening its doors in 1989, The Blisland Inn has served over 4,000 different real ales: that’s an average of 108 every single year since it has been open!

With different options from IPAs to stouts, bitters to milds and porters to lagers, this pub is a must-visit for real ale enthusiasts. Located around the famous Camel Trail and other numerous walking routes, the pub is an ideal place to stop off after your walk.

They also offer food, making it a good chance to grab something to eat and enjoy some local beers and real ale that we can guarantee that you’ve never even heard of before, let alone tried.

8. Roscoe Head – Liverpool

Roscoe Head in Liverpool is very small, traditional and serious about good quality cask ale.

This four-room Liverpool pub has one of the strongest reputations in the pub world, being one of CAMRA’s ‘Magnificent Five’ pubs: it is one of only five pubs featured in every edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. It’s easy to see why, too: the pub is designed in the classic way: rooms surrounding a central drinking lobby make it feel traditional and cosy.

The pub is also family-run and has been for over 30 years, which gives it a real, authentic community pub feel. To add to that, quizzes are hosted on Tuesday evenings and cribbage is hosted every Wednesday, making it as much of a perfect stop-off for locals as it is for visitors.

With a deep history which includes its name – named after William Roscoe, the Liverpudlian poet, historian and anti-slavery campaigner – this is a genuine historic gem of a pub in Liverpool.

7. The Blue Bell – York

York is known for its incredible history dating back to Roman Britain, and while The Blue Bell is not quite that old, it is nevertheless one of the most historically important pubs in the city.

Established in 1798, the current interior dates back to a 1903 refurbishment, and the building itself is Grade II listed. It is also one of the smallest pubs in the city, with a strict no-groups policy, and people occasionally have to be turned away because the seating capacity is so small.

The beer speaks for itself, too: there are five permanent cask ales on draught, with several more changing guest ales, so the selection never feels stale. Food is also limited to toasted sandwiches and pork pies, with a free cheeseboard on Sunday evenings.

The Blue Bell remains intimate, traditional and deliberately resistant to becoming a major tourist attraction, despite the pressure to do so in a 21st-century city.

6. Tucker’s Grave Inn – Faulkland

For a proper, rural Somerset pub, you can hardly get better than Tucker’s Grave Inn.

This isn’t the type of pub that you might accidentally stumble across in a busy town or a city centre; it’s the type of pub that you deliberately seek out, which is exactly what makes arriving there with a thirst on so exciting.

Because of its age (licenced and opened as an inn in 1827), rural setting and traditional character (named after local farmer Edward Tucker, who was buried at the nearby crossroads in 1747), Tucker’s Grave Inn is a fantastic place to enjoy a pint or two after a long day.

Plus, it’s celebrating its 200th anniversary as a licenced pub next year – why not pop in and celebrate this huge milestone with a wonderful pint?

5. The Blue Anchor – Helston

If you’re a beer enthusiast, then a trip to The Blue Anchor is a must.

They brew their own famous Spingo beers on site – including bitter, IPA, Special and seasonal brews – and this beer-brewing past has been connected to the pub for centuries, with it allegedly serving as a resting place for monks and pilgrims as far back as the 15th century.

Inside the pub, a quaint layout of little rooms connected by a central passage adds to the history and character of the building, with a large open fireplace in one room and even a traditional skittle alley in another.

The Blue Anchor continues to produce their own ales – rare in the modern era of gastropubs – serving as one of Britain’s last true home-brew style pubs.

4. The Pelican – Gloucester

Staunch beer lovers have either already visited The Pelican, are planning to visit The Pelican, or have at the very least heard about The Pelican.

This Grade II-listed pub dates from 1679 and has been an alehouse almost continuously since then. It is the current holder of the West Central Region CAMRA Pub of the Year (2025), and has also won the Gloucestershire CAMRA Pub of the Year on numerous occasions.

With all these beer-focused awards, it is no surprise that the pub offers no food. However, you are welcome to bring your own snacks to enjoy with a beer or two, and what better way to spend an afternoon with friends than drinking award-winning beer in one of Gloucestershire’s best pubs?

3. Sinclair’s Oyster Bar – Manchester 

One of Manchester’s best-known traditional pubs, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar makes for a particularly good stop if you’re on a pub crawl in the city.

The historic building and central location make it popular with visitors, but it still retains that classic local boozer feel, too.

Part of the Samuel Smith’s Brewery Group, known for their old-fashioned policies – such as no music, no phones and very affordable beer – this Manchester institution serves up some of Samuel Smith’s most well-known beers: Best Bitter, Taddy Lager and Imperial Stout on draught to name just a few, while a more exotic selection including Chocolate Stout and Raspberry Fruit Beer can be found bottled in the fridge.

The atmosphere and history are one thing, but you’ll also be paying a fraction of the price for a pint compared to other central Manchester pubs, which is another bonus of visiting Sinclair’s Oyster Bar.

2. Birch Hall Inn – Beck Hole

This tiny North Yorkshire pub in the village of Beck Hole is a genuine time capsule.

This cash-only establishment, which is closed on Saturdays, is also Yorkshire's smallest pub. It consists of two tiny drinking rooms with a traditional sweet shop in between, making it one of the most unique pubs in the country.

The current management has owned the pub since 1981, and before that, the previous Landlady, Mrs Schofield, had run the pub for 53 years and insisted that the new owners retain its character – which they have definitely done. This also means that the pub has had two owners in the last 98 years: a huge achievement in itself.

Sandwiches, pork pies and, of course, traditional sweets are as far as the food offerings go, but with a cosy log fire, a pint of the local Beckwatter beer and good company, you can enjoy a pub experience like no other when you visit Birch Hall Inn. Plus, there’s no WiFi and no phone signal, making conversation and good beer the priority.

1. The Sun Inn – Leintwardine

The Sun Inn is one of the most unique pubs on this list, remaining largely unchanged since it began trading in the 1860s.

It is also one of the finest examples of a traditional, rural English pub. It was originally built as a cottage before being transformed into a pub, and the character of the building – as well as the well-brewed local beer – reflects this homey environment to a tee.

This is perhaps best reflected by the fact that it does not have a traditional bar: the beer is stored and served in one room and consumed in another, a very traditional way of drinking in bygone years.

The pub became well-known under the tenure of landlady Florence ‘Flossie’ Lane, who ran it for a remarkable 74 years. She passed away in 2009, aged 94, and her contribution to The Sun Inn is commemorated with a blue plaque today.

Food is mainly snack-focused with the occasional sandwich, although with the recent addition of a beer garden, drinkers can now order fish and chips from the shop next door and enjoy them in the garden on a sunny afternoon. Truly a fantastic pub and one of the best in England for a pint.