Hidden Gems & Local Insider Secrets in London
Verified local insider hidden gems and curated independent spots in London.
Curated Insider Spots
Historic 1733 Political Tavern with Division Bell on Parliament Street
The Red Lion (Parliament Street)
Centuries-old political meeting ground between Downing Street and Parliament serving traditional British cask ales with an active division bell.
Pro Tip: Look for the division bell mounted on the wall that rings 8 minutes before parliamentary votes.
Best Time: Weekday late afternoon 4:30 p.m. before the government crowd gathers.
Westminster · London, UKVictorian 1873 Pub Directly Facing Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower
St Stephen's Tavern
Original ornate Victorian pub mirrors, wood paneling, and an original Parliamentary division bell directly opposite the Palace of Westminster.
Pro Tip: Head upstairs to the first-floor dining room for direct vantage points of Big Ben.
Best Time: Mid-afternoon 3:00 p.m. for a quiet window table.
Westminster · London, UKQueen Anne 1729 Alehouse Tucked Along Dartmouth Street Near St James’s Park
Two Chairmen
One of the oldest licensed pubs in Westminster, named after the sedan chair carriers of Georgian London, serving cask bitter and hearty pies.
Pro Tip: Sit downstairs in the flagstoned cellar snug for absolute tranquility.
Best Time: Early evening 5:30 p.m. on a Wednesday or Thursday.
Soho · London, UKLegendary 1949 Frith Street Espresso Institution & Neon Clock in Soho
Bar Italia
Unbroken post-war Italian coffee culture, chrome Gaggia espresso machines, cannoli, and late-night football camaraderie since 1949.
Pro Tip: Stand at the zinc bar counter rather than waiting for pavement tables.
Best Time: Late morning 10:30 a.m. or post-midnight after West End theater shows.
Soho · London, UKHistoric Bohemian Dean Street Pub with Half-Pint Tradition & No Phones
The French House
Beloved Dean Street cultural sanctuary frequented by writers, actors, and artists serving artisan cider, pastis, and pints strictly in halves.
Pro Tip: Keep your mobile phone strictly in your pocket to avoid a playful reprimand from the bar.
Best Time: Weekday late afternoon 4:00 p.m. to catch Soho regulars at the bar.
Soho · London, UKLondon’s Oldest 1871 French Pâtisserie on Greek Street in Soho
Maison Bertaux
Handmade almond croissants, fruit tartlets, eclairs, and loose-leaf tea served in an eccentric tea room established in 1871.
Pro Tip: Head up the winding stairs to the quirky first-floor salon with velvet cushions.
Best Time: Morning 9:30 a.m. just as the first fresh pastries emerge from the ovens.
Shoreditch · London, UK24-Hour Traditional Jewish Bakery & Salt Beef Beigels on Brick Lane
Beigel Bake Brick Lane
East End cultural landmark boiling and baking authentic Jewish bagels 24/7 since 1974, stuffed high with hot salt beef, gherkins, and mustard.
Pro Tip: Buy a dozen plain bagels to take away—they stay chewy and freeze exceptionally well.
Best Time: Late morning 11:00 a.m. or post-midnight after East London shows.
Shoreditch · London, UKBombay Irani Cafe Heritage, Black Daal & Verandah Cocktails on Boundary St
Dishoom Shoreditch
Homage to Bombay’s historic Parsi cafes serving 24-hour slow-cooked House Black Daal, fragrant biryanis, and chai in a leafy verandah.
Pro Tip: Enjoy complimentary hot spiced chai from the verandah attendants while waiting.
Best Time: Weekday breakfast 9:00 a.m. for zero wait times and iconic bacon naan rolls.
Shoreditch · London, UKAtmospheric Victorian 18th-Century Public House Facing Spitalfields Market
The Ten Bells
Historic Grade II listed East End tavern with ornate 19th-century tilework, heritage craft ales, and natural wines opposite Old Spitalfields.
Pro Tip: Check out the historic pictorial tile murals along the side wall before finding a seat.
Best Time: Tuesday or Wednesday 5:00 p.m. for relaxed evening conversation.
Camden · London, UKIndie Rock Camden Institution with Sunlit Roof Terrace Near Camden Lock
The Hawley Arms
Legendary Camden music pub at the center of London’s 2000s indie renaissance, boasting an open fireplace, secret roof terrace, and craft ciders.
Pro Tip: Climb up to the hidden rooftop terrace for open-air seating above the Camden tracks.
Best Time: Weekday late afternoon 4:30 p.m. to grab prime roof terrace seats.
Camden · London, UKCamden Music Hall of Fame Pub on Parkway Where Madness & Blur Played
The Dublin Castle
Storied four-room music pub on Parkway hosting grassroots rock bands since the 1970s, serving proper Irish stout with zero pretentious attitude.
Pro Tip: Check the back gig room doors—live unsigned acts perform almost every evening.
Best Time: Early evening 6:00 p.m. before ticketed evening band performances start.
Camden · London, UKRetro 1950s Jukebox Chipper with Line-Caught Haddock on Hawley Crescent
Poppie's Fish and Chips Camden
East End veteran chippy master Pat ‘Poppie’ Newland’s retro Camden shop frying sustainable line-caught haddock and triple-cooked Maris Piper chips.
Pro Tip: Order at the retro takeaway counter if you want to eat beside Regent’s Canal.
Best Time: Weekday lunch 12:00 p.m. or early dinner 5:30 p.m.