Leicester Square may be packed with cinemas, theatres and restaurants, but there are still some excellent pubs tucked around the surrounding streets. Whether you want a traditional London boozer, somewhere for a pre-theatre pint or a livelier pub for an evening out, these are five of the best pubs near Leicester Square.
1. The Harp, Covent Garden – best for a proper pint
Just off the busiest West End streets, The Harp feels like the sort of London pub worth actively seeking out. It has a strong choice of cask ales, traditional ciders and perries, and has previously won CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year.
Address: 47 Chandos Place, London WC2N 4HS
Best for: Real ale and traditional pub atmosphere
Visit The Harp website
2. The Bear & Staff – best historic pub close to Leicester Square
The Bear & Staff is only a short stroll from Leicester Square and has a history stretching back to 1714. The present building dates from 1878 and Charlie Chaplin is said to have been a customer. Expect British pub classics, pies and a good range of beers and ales.
Address: 10–12 Bear Street, London WC2H 7AX
Best for: History, pub food and pre-theatre drinks
Visit The Bear & Staff website
3. Waxy O’Connor’s London – best for atmosphere and live music
Waxy O’Connor’s is one of the most distinctive pubs near Leicester Square. This huge Irish pub spreads across several levels with multiple bars, twisting staircases and a giant old beech tree at its heart. There is regular live music as well as big screens showing major sport.
Address: 14–16 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DD
Best for: Guinness, live music, sport and a lively night out
Visit Waxy O’Connor’s website
4. The Porcupine – best for a traditional pub by the Tube
Sitting on Charing Cross Road close to Leicester Square Underground station, The Porcupine is another pub with serious history. A pub has stood here since 1725, while today it offers real ales and traditional British pub food in a particularly convenient West End location.
Address: 48 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BS
Best for: A quick pint before a West End show
Visit The Porcupine website
5. The Coach & Horses, Soho – best for old-school Soho character
Walk a little further into Soho and you reach the Coach & Horses on Greek Street. It is one of the area’s best-known historic pubs, with cask ales, craft beers and plenty of old-fashioned London pub character. It is also within easy walking distance of Leicester Square, Chinatown and the West End theatres.
Address: 29 Greek Street, London W1D 5DH
Best for: Classic Soho pub atmosphere
Visit The Coach & Horses website
If you only have time for one, The Harp is a strong choice for a traditional pub experience. For somewhere closest to Leicester Square itself, The Bear & Staff is hard to beat, while Waxy O’Connor’s is the one to choose if you want a livelier night out.
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