4 Best Nightlife in London, England

The front patio and wood-paneled bar of this traditional pub next door to Charles Dickens's former residence is invariably crowded, especially after work, but the restaurant to the rear is comfortable and more peaceful. Dishes range from elevated pub classics like burgers with bone marrow crumb or cider-battered fish-and-chips to more sophisticated offerings like venison ragù or celeriac steak. Standards, of both the cooking and the selection of beer and wines, are high. Service is friendly, if occasionally erratic.

Inside St. Pancras International's renovated Victorian station, this pub is the perfect place to grab a pint and some superior pub fare.

If you find yourself craving a drink at 11 am, this traditional London pub, dating back to 1638 (although the name was changed in 1890), is for you. The early opening hour is not because it caters to alcoholics but for the Borough Market stallholders, who have already put in several hours by opening time (in fact, the pub is actually also open weekdays from 6 am to 8:30 am for this very reason). The S-shaped Victorian-era bar, with its walls and ceiling covered in pump badges and beer mats, is packed when the market is busy but calms down during off-peak hours. There are 12 real ales on draught, and decent pub grub using seasonal produce from the market is served in the restaurant upstairs. The pub also provided the location for the Third Hand Book Emporium in the movie version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Originally established in 1602 to cater to Dutch sailors, this charming hostelry somehow survived the Great Fire of London to become the little gem it is today. Located at the rear of the Royal Courts of Justice, you can often find barristers and their clients celebrating or drowning their sorrows. Scrumptious pub food is also served.