There’s nothing quite like a roaring fire to warm your cockles in the depths of winter. Combine that with some of the best grub in the business and a pint of bitter to wash it all down and you have yourself a very merry time. Luckily, there are a ton of cosy pubs and snug restaurants with real fires in London that make this soul-warming experience a reality come winter time.
While we will forever mourn the end of summer and alfresco dining on London’s most beautiful terraces, the season of mist and mellow fruitfulness is not without its own charms, not least curling up with a pint next to a roaring fire in a cosy pub. It's impossible to resist the onomatopoeic crackle of a proper wood fire, with its leaping flames and all-encompassing heat. In a way, the appeal of a fire is made all the more potent the more torrential the weather outside. So, show us your worst, wind! Keep on chucking it down, rain! We’ve got this list of the best pubs with real fires to see us through the storm.
That’s not to say that proper fires are confined to pubs. We’ve included a selection for the best restaurants with fireplaces in London, too, if you’re after something a bit more elegant, while still looking for places that bring the cosy-factor. From the ever-elegant dining room at Clos Maggiore to the characterful Scarfes Bar inside the Rosewood Hotel (ok, this technically isn’t a restaurant, but it does serve a very tempting bar snacks menu), there are plenty of restaurants with real fires in the capital to snuggle down in.
So, instead of shivering at home while Googling ‘places with fireplaces near me’, make sure to consult our handy list of restaurants and pubs with fires in London first.
The best pubs with real fires
From snug gastropubs to much-loved locals, these London pubs deliver fine food and drink amidst the glow of a roaring fire.
The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
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What: With its central Chelsea location, the newly-renovated Cadogan Arms has been restored to retain plenty of old pub charm, just with a few modern flourishes - think a hand-carved bar, ornate timber paneling and crystal chandeliers. It really comes into its own in the winter months when it introduces its Sunday roast menu, which is naturally made all the more comforting when enjoyed in the vicinity of a roaring fire. Note that The Cadogan Arms is dog-friendly, too!
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
Boom now: The Cadogan Arms
The Ivy House, Peckham
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What: Formerly a Truman’s pub, this 1930s Grade II-listed Peckham boozer deserves a special mention. Founded in 2013 as a co-operatively owned free house, it’s a re-born social hub listed under the Localism Act as an Asset of Community Value – a phenomenon we hope to see replicated elsewhere. A rotating roster of craft beers include brews from Villages, The Kernel, Brick Brewery and Canopy & Four Pure, and there’s a good selection of accessibly priced wines and comfort food too. Other notable features include a glitzy stage, a bench-lined beer garden and, of course, an open fire.
Where: 40 Stuart Road, SE15 3BE
Boom now: The Ivy House
Pride of Spitalfields, Spitalfields
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What: Hundreds of empty beer bottles line the walls of this unreformed East End local – a pint-sized bolthole not much bigger than a couple of wood-furnished living rooms. All sorts drop in here for the gritty, but amenable atmosphere and the very reasonably priced ales. Cider and lager fans also have plenty to be pleased about, and the food is a standard roster of pub grub with chips (plus traditional Sunday roasts). The fire keeps locals coming back for more.
Where: 2 Heneage Street, E1 5LJ
Boom now: Pride of Spitalfields
Anglesea Arms, Hammersmith
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What: One of the leading lights of the 90s’ gastropub explosion, the Anglesea Arms has a lower profile these days – although it still does good business and Hammersmith locals still treat it like home. Inside, it has a pared-back, almost rustic charm, while blackboards reveal a decent wine list with plenty by the glass and carafe, some carefully nurtured ales and unpretentious dishes. Enjoy the likes of pan roasted venison steak, with celeriac dauphinoise, watercress, red wine and blackberries next to the open fire in winter.
Where: 35 Wingate Road, W6 0UR
Boom now: Anglesea Arms
The Albion, Islington
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What: Many know The Albion best for its beer garden in summer, but its well-stocked log fire is reason enough to pay it a visit during the cooler months. Find refuge at this Islington-based local for one of its lagers, beers, real ales and ciders, or something from its extensive wine list.
Where: 10 Thornhill Road, N1 1HW
Boom now: The Albion
Clapton Hart, Clapton
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What: Launched on the site of the notorious nightclub Chimes (aka Crimes), this place looks only halfway finished – but that’s part of the appeal. Inside, it opens out to reveal a back room set up for dining under a massive skylight, with many original features and lots of junk-shop oddities added. There’s a rotating roster of real ales (including London-brewed locals) and some keenly priced wines, plus a short, bargain-priced menu running from devilled whitebait with lemon, black pepper and garlic mayo to bangers and mash for under a tenner.
Where: 231 Lower Clapton Road, E5 8EG
Boom now: Clapton Hart
The Pineapple, Kentish Town
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What: Located in a Kentish Town backstreet, The Pineapple is a solid favourite amongst locals. Stop by for a selection of organic ciders and beers before settling in by the fire, adjourning to the conservatory or venturing into the decked garden with its smart parasols on finer days. The place has resisted full-on gastro-improvement, opting instead for a selection of Thai street food. Staff are friendly souls, the venue is dog-friendly and it hosts regular quiz nights every Monday. We're sold!
Where: 51 Leverton Street, NW5 2NX
Boom now: The Pineapple
The Gun, Canary Wharf
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What: If you’re planning a group outing this autumn, why not feast at The Gun’s Red Room which offers a traditional pub atmosphere, open fireplace and full views over the terrace. Belt-busting dishes, meanwhile, include the likes of braised venison shank with rosemary crumb, white bean fricassée, wilted lemon spinach and blackberry jus, and a pork and fennel sausage roll with HP sauce.
Where: 27 Coldharbour, E14 9NS
Boom now: The Gun
Grapes, LimeHouse
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What: This historic riverside boozer is definitely one for the traditionalists, and that means a flaming fire comes as standard. A traditional Victorian bar lies at the helm and is complemented by chalk board menus, burgundy walls and oil paintings. If it’s good enough for Charles Dickens (the author is reputed to have danced on the tables), it’s good enough for us.
Where: 76 Narrow Street, E14 8BP
Boom now: Grapes
The Holly Bush, Hampstead
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What: Set in a pretty, residential nook at the top of Hampstead, this is a quintessentially English pub. The building looks peachy from the outside; inside it’s snug and toasty, a warren of softly lit wood-clad rooms with pictures cluttering the walls. Fuller’s took over the place in 2010, so regular pints include London Pride, but there are also guest ales such as Butcombe Bitter. The culinary offering is just as tempting, starting with bar snacks like truffle popcorn and leading on to fish and meat-focused mains. Keep cosy next to the fire while dining on the likes of a Cornish cider brined pork chop with Café de Paris butter, pak choi and Bramley apple.
Where: 22 Hollymount, NW3 6SG
Boom now: The Holly Bush
The best restaurants with real fires
Fancy establishments can have fireplaces, too! Take a look at these glorious dining rooms with open fires.
Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden
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What: Known as one of the most romantic restaurants in London, it seems that diners aren’t the only ones getting cosy at this high-end French, where both the dining room and blossom-filled conservatory boast log fires in the winter months. There’s a huge wine list to explore, while the menu of indulgent French classics includes chicken breast with croquette, mushrooms, potato fondant and celeriac.
Where: 33 King Street, WC2E 8JD
Boom now: Clos Maggiore
Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London, Holborn
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What: Named in honour of political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, whose satirical works hang on the walls, this bar has character in spades thanks to its swinging soundtrack, velvet armchairs and open fire. The highlight is the whisky selection and the punchy, properly mixed cocktails, with sips such as the Wrecking Ball, which mixes cognac, lychee and shiso, citra hops and sparkling sake, causing a stir.
Where: 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
Boom now: Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London
L'Escargot, Soho
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What: Set inside a Georgian townhouse, L’Escargot in Soho serves up classic French cuisine in the Parisian grand brasserie style. If you’re lucky enough to score a seat in its front dining room, you can feast on the likes of celeriac remoulade, lobster bisque and its signature escargot in front of a roaring fire.
Where: 48 Greek Street, W1D 4EF
Book now: L'Escargot
Il Borro, Mayfair
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What: Amidst the sweeping neutral tones of this upmarket Italian in Mayfair, there is in fact a flickering, if very smart, fireplace which ignites the space with a sense of warmth. Imagine it’s the heat of the Tuscan sunshine while you dine on a menu of luxurious pasta plates.
Where: 15 Berkeley Street, W1J 8DY
Book now: Il Borro
Noble Rot, Bloomsbury
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What: Noble Rot on Lamb’s Conduit Street comes from the same owners who are responsible for the cult wine magazine of the same name. The wine bar is now considered one of the best in London, attracting foodies and celebs alike. You can eat from a rather spectacular menu, too, but if you want to get really cosy by the fire, then stick to the wine list served in its main bar area.
Where: 51 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB
Book now: Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit Street
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