9 pubs in (& around) London with the cosiest open fires
Autumn has arrived. It’s officially getting colder, the leaves are turning, we’re almost reaching for the layers and yes, we’re already planning exactly where we’ll be whiling away our lazy Sundays. Our main plan? Curling up at a pub next to a roaring fire with a glass of red in hand of course. Below, we've picked out our favourite pubs in and around London to do just this...
@minniepetersdesign_/InstagramThe Crown Inn in Amersham
The Crown Hotel is an old coaching inn where parts of Four Weddings And a Funeral were filmed. Since its screen debut back in the ‘90s it’s been done up by interior designer Ilse Crawford, who’s famed for the likes of Stockholm’s Ett Hem. You can get there on the Metropolitan line making it perfect for a weekend escape from London. Snag the two enormous armchairs by the open fire in the bar, order a bottle of red and don’t forget an accompanying cheese board.
The Grazing Goat in Marylebone
Possibly the cosiest dining room and lounge area in the centre of the Capital, visiting The Grazing Goat’s roaring fireplace is a must-do during the colder months. Expect traditional English food with a welcome Mediterranean and French influence.
@eva_nemeth/InstagramThe Crooked Billet in Stoke Row
A proper country pub in Henley-on-Thames, The Crooked Billet is a far cry from gastro chains, it’s rustic, made up of lots of little rooms and has charm by the bucket load. One thing we’re sure of, it serves (probably) the best Yorkshire puddings in the area.
@cheshamarms/InstagramThe Chesham Arms in Hackney
Situated on Mehetabel Road, The Chesham Arms is fast becoming a known secret. The traditional East End pub was bought by developers in recent years but was saved by the local residents and is now is hub of the community. In the summer the fashion crowd spill out into the garden but it’s winter when the Chesham stocks up their logs and builds two roaring fires for locals to warm their cockles with a mulled cider.
@mariejoelleparent/InstagramThe Drapers Arms in Islington
The go-to for trendy locals, you’ll find this pub filled to the rafters most weekends but it only adds to its “proper” British pub atmosphere. The food here is excellent (the menu is seasonal) and the fact they have a roaring fire makes it all the more inviting to set up camp for a cozy afternoon.
@thehollybushpubhampstead/InstagramThe Holly Bush in Hampstead
The patron saint of cosy London pubs, the Dickensian Holly Bush has it all: a gorgeous, tucked-away location, the nicest fires this side of Narnia, and incredible pub food. Getting in can be a bun fight, but it’s the perfect place to cozy up for an Autumn afternoon. Fun fact: it’s opposite where Jamie Oliver used to live when he started out as The Naked Chef. It’s rumoured punters used to bang on his door to request bacon sandwiches after close. Yep, he moved shortly after…
@millieashworth/InstagramThe Old Queens Head in Penn
If you want a day trip out of London then opt for The Old Queens Head in Penn. Sitting in a quaint village opposite a (very) picturesque church, it serves delicious food, welcomes dogs and has beautiful walks nearby to work off the indulgent puddings you’ll no doubt gorge on.
@wgtelegraph/InstagramWatsons General Telegraph in Honor Oak
This South London watering hole offers punters the chance to keep warm outside while their fire pits blaze, more than a dozen craft beers on tap and the option of taking their own vinyl on Sunday nights to be played. Sounds good? We think so.
@youngshotels/InstagramThe Greyhound in Carshalton
This takes warming up to the next level. Sure, it’s got open fires but if you want to dine al fresco even in minus temperatures, you totally can. This pub-hotel has outside huts with heaters just waiting to welcome you in.
