London’s pubs have their own unique atmosphere. For instance, in Camden Town, you can visit The Good Mixer, regarded as the cradle of Britpop. Oasis and Blur were regulars there, along with Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave, and in the ’80s, Shane MacGowan—after he was banned from the nearby Devonshire Arms. That pub is still a gathering spot for rockers, metalheads, and punks, and they occasionally host live music events.
Just a few streets away is the cozy Hawley Arms, once a second home to Amy Winehouse. Photos and memorabilia still line the walls, and there’s a huge mural of her portrait on the side of the building.
Another mention-worthy spot is The Elephant’s Head on Camden High Street. It has a chilled atmosphere with a mix of tourists and local rockers. It’s also a favorite hangout for London’s skinheads, who often organize charity events there to raise money for cancer research. Booze & Glory filmed their hit London Skinhead Crew there a few years back. In the evenings, up-and-coming musicians get their shot, and although it’s packed—especially on weekends—the vibe is unbeatable. Absolutely worth a visit.
Now, as is well known, draft beer prices are much higher compared to the Czech Republic—sometimes astronomically so. Typically, you’ll pay around £6.50 (190 CZK) for a pint, sometimes even more. For example, I once ordered a small Budvar in Covent Garden and paid £8.70 (250 CZK) for it. Still, there are pubs with more reasonable prices.
One tip: check out the Wetherspoon’s chain. They operate over 800 pubs across the UK, with dozens in London alone. Before heading out, you can visit their website and find your nearest branch. They’re spread throughout the city and, if you don’t want to spend thousands of crowns on a night out, they’re a solid choice.
It’s easier to ignore the fact that the founder and owner, Tim Martin, is a bit of a tool—he was a prominent face of Brexit, only to later complain about the departure of skilled EU workers and ask for exemptions so he could keep hiring them. At Wetherspoon’s, you’ll find all kinds of beer—from classic English stouts and ales to IPAs and lagers. Of the lagers, I personally like Birra Moretti, Peroni, San Miguel, and Madri, all going for around £5 (145 CZK). Can’t speak for the rest—I don’t drink those. They also serve food, although for the same money, you’ll get better quality at your average Indian or Thai takeaway or kebab shop.
Czech visitors sometimes head to Bohemia House in West Hampstead, where they serve Czech beers like Pilsner Urquell, Radegast, or Budvar, as well as Bohem—a British beer brewed by Czechs in London. They also offer a solid selection of traditional Czech dishes, though the prices are a step up from Wetherspoon’s. Last time I was there, about a year ago, I paid £23 (665 CZK) for a fried cheese plate with fries and a Pilsner. But their spacious and pleasant outdoor garden makes it worth it.
If you want to taste a truly fantastic TANK Pilsner, I recommend Duck & Rice in Soho, where they also serve excellent Asian cuisine. You’ll pay £8.50 (245 CZK) for that perfectly crafted Pilsner—but oh, it’s worth it.
In conclusion, if you’re heading to London, a visit to a pub is a must. Cheers!