The Ultimate Guide to London Pub Crawls: Top Routes and Tips

The pub scene in London is legendary, offering everything from centuries-old taverns to trendy gastropubs buzzing with modern flair. A well-planned pub crawl is a great addition to a London food tour as it gives you the chance to experience the city’s diverse drinking culture and the lively local atmosphere. 

Why Join a Pub Crawl in London?

Joining a pub crawl in London is a fantastic way to explore the city’s epic nightlife. Most organized crawls offer VIP entry to popular bars and clubs, saving you time and hassle at the door.

You’ll also score great drink deals, including free shots and discounts on pints and cocktails. These drink deals help make the pub crawls very affordable.   

How Do Pub Crawls Work?

An organized pub crawl in London typically follows a structured itinerary. Everyone meets at a designated meeting place where you’ll check in and receive a wristband or drink vouchers.

Your host will then lead the group to a series of pubs and bars, usually spending 45 minutes to an hour at each stop. Along the way, you’ll enjoy exclusive drink deals, free shots, and sometimes party games or themed challenges.

The pub crawl usually ends at a lively club allowing everyone to dance into the early hours. Safe transportation from there is typically easy to arrange, allowing you to stay out as late as you want.  

Top Pub Crawl Routes in London

London offers an incredible variety of pub crawl routes, each showcasing a different side of the city’s nightlife. From historic pubs and underground speakeasies to trendy cocktail bars and live music venues, there’s a route for every kind of drinker. Whether you’re into classic British pubs or alternative rock scenes, these routes offer something for everyone.

Camden Pub Crawl

Photo credit: Camden Town London

A Camden pub crawl with its live music scene makes it the rock and roll or punk-music-inspired route. Expect stops at gritty dive bars, historic music venues, and lively pubs filled with alternative crowds and indie tunes. This is a must-try pub crawl for live music lovers.

Shoreditch Pub Crawl

If you love craft beers, quirky cocktails, and a stylish hipster crowd, Shoreditch is the go-to pub crawl route for you. With its mix of converted warehouses, rooftop bars, and hidden speakeasies, this area delivers a vibrant and artsy night out.

The Circle Line Crawl

This ambitious pub crawl follows the famous London Underground Circle Line. It typically includes stops at classic pubs near major stations. It’s a fantastic way to mix sightseeing with cocktails on a nice night out.

Central London Crawl

The central London pub crawl route is perfect if you love buzzing nightlife vibes and want to stay out all night. This route explores Covent Garden’s classic British pubs before diving into Soho’s cocktail bars and neon-lit clubs. Expect a mix of tourists, and locals enjoying the city’s most energetic drinking spots.

Special Occasion Pub Crawls

If you’re looking to celebrate in style, themed pub crawls offer a fun and unique way to enjoy London’s nightlife. Whether it’s a special occasion like a birthday bash, a wild stag or hen party, or a festive night out on Halloween or New Year’s Eve, London has it all.

There are tailored pub crawls to match the occasion and the city has tons of pub crawl organizers offering customized experiences. This can include VIP entry into popular or exclusive clubs, themed drinks, and party games that keep the energy high.

 Pub crawls tied into seasonal events bring even more excitement. Halloween pub crawls in London typically feature spooky-themed bars and costumed crawlers. While Christmas pub crawls involve festively decorated pubs serving mulled wine and seasonal ales.

Tips for an Unforgettable Pub Crawl

To make the most of your London pub crawl, it’s essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water will keep you going strong throughout the night and help prevent a rough morning after. Many pubs in London accept contactless payments, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.

Safety is another crucial factor, especially when moving between pubs in an unfamiliar area. Stick with your group, plan your route, and have a predetermined meet-up point in case anyone gets separated. Also, make sure your phone is charged in case you need to call a cab or find your way home.

London’s public transport runs late on weekends. If you’re out past Tube hours, apps like Uber or licensed black cabs are reliable options.

London’s Must-Visit Pubs on a Crawl

The following offer just a small taste of the must-try bars and clubs you’ll find on a London pub crawl.

Photo credit: The World’s End

The World’s End on Camden Pub Crawl is a massive two-story pub with a rock-and-punk vibe that fits perfectly with the neighborhood’s music scene. Known for its lively atmosphere and excellent selection of ales, it’s a must-stop when diving into Camden’s vibrant nightlife.

Photo credit: The Ten Bells

The Ten Bells on the Shoreditch Pub Crawl is steeped in history, famously linked to the Jack the Ripper story. Its cozy candlelit interior and rotating craft beer selection make it a favorite among both locals and pub crawlers looking for an atmospheric stop.

Photo credit: The Lamb & Flag

The Lamb & Flag on the Central London Pub Crawl is tucked away in Covent Garden. This 17th-century pub is one of London’s oldest and was once known for its bare-knuckle boxing matches. Today, it offers a warm, traditional ambiance and serves up classic British ales.

Photo credit: The Victoria

The Victoria on the Circle Line Crawl is just a short walk from Paddington Station, this beautifully preserved Victorian pub is known for its intricate woodwork and stained-glass windows. The menu features hearty pub classics and a solid selection of cask ales.

Photo credit: The Old Blue Last

The Old Blue Last on the Shoreditch Pub Crawl is famous for its live music scene and late-night energy. With tons of indie rock gigs, the venue is a must for those who want to combine their pub crawl with some great live entertainment.

Pricing and Booking Information

London pub crawl tours typically range from £10 to £25 per person, depending on the route, perks, and night of the week. This is the cost of the tour host and typically doesn’t include the cost of individual drinks.

However, many pub crawl tickets include VIP entry to multiple venues, free shots or drink deals as part of the tour. Discounts are often available for group bookings, making pub crawls a budget-friendly option for birthdays, stag and hen parties, or casual nights out with friends.

Most tours allow online reservations through official websites or platforms like Eventbrite and Viator. Some crawls also accept walk-ins at the designated meeting point, though spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Sources:

The World’s End. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from http://www.theworldsend.co.uk/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). London. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/

The Ten Bells. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://tenbells.com/

Lamb & Flag. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.lambandflagcoventgarden.co.uk/

The Victoria Paddington. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.victoriapaddington.co.uk/

The Old Blue Last. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.theoldbluelast.com/