Pubs I like By The Palaces

Right then, let's take a break from museums and monuments and dive into something truly special: the wonderfully unique world of Samuel Smith's Pubs. These aren't your typical London boozers; they are havens of quiet conversation, free from music, TVs, and the constant chime of a mobile phone (yes, they ask you to put them away!). They're a throwback to a simpler time, a place to simply sit, chat, and enjoy a perfectly kept pint.

And speaking of pints, let me share a personal tip: my favourite beer, Sam's Brown Ale, is a very lovely non-alcohol beer, a real game-changer for those who want the taste without the booze. As for the food, you can count on a traditional English dish being good fayre and keeping you going, perfect fuel for more London exploration.

These are places to seek out, not just stumble upon. So, here is a comprehensive guide to some of the best Sam Smith's pubs across London, organised by the key locations you'll likely be visiting.

Near Victoria & Green Park

• The Duke of York
  • Why it's a great choice: A traditional gem located right on the edge of Victoria, making it incredibly convenient for anyone arriving or departing from the station. With its classic wooden bar and quiet atmosphere, it offers a peaceful and authentic pub experience away from the busy main roads.
  • Address: 8 Dacre Street, London SW1H 0DE
  • Google Maps: Duke Of York
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Closest Tube: St. James's Park (District & Circle Lines) or Victoria (Victoria, District & Circle Lines)
  • Kitchen & Menu: This pub has a full food menu featuring starters, main courses, and desserts.
  • Menu Link: https://thedukeofyork.com/menu/
• The Buckingham Arms
  • Why it's a great choice: A proper, old-school pub just a short walk from Victoria and the palaces. It has a classic, welcoming feel with a great selection of Sam Smith's beers on tap. It’s a perfect escape from the tourist crowds and a wonderful spot to start or end a tour of Buckingham Palace.
  • Address: 62 Petty France, London SW1H 9EU
  • Google Maps:The Buckingham Arms
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Closest Tube: St. James's Park (District & Circle Lines) or Victoria (Victoria, District & Circle Lines)
  • Kitchen & Menu: This pub has a kitchen and offers a menu with breakfast, sandwiches, pies, and Sunday roasts.
  • Menu Link: https://www.buckinghamarms.com/food-and-drinks

Covent Garden & British Museum

• The Angel
  • Why it's a great choice: Tucked away just off St Giles High Street, this pub is a beautifully restored piece of history in the heart of modern Covent Garden. It’s a quiet and peaceful retreat, with a stunning historic interior that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. Ideal for a pre-theatre drink or a post-museum de-brief.
  • Address: 61 St Giles High Street, London WC2H 8LG
  • Google Maps: The Angel
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Closest Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central & Northern Lines, Elizabeth Line)
  • Kitchen & Menu: As a Samuel Smith's pub, The Angel has a kitchen that serves traditional, classic pub fare until 9 p.m. (6 p.m. on Sundays).
  • Menu Link: No direct menu link is available online, but the food is described as "the classic Sam Smith's one found across London."
• The Princess Louise
  • Why it's a great choice: A stone's throw from the British Museum, this pub is famous for its stunning, ornate Victorian interior with beautifully restored snob screens and separate drinking compartments. It's an absolutely iconic London pub and a destination in its own right. Perfect for a quiet pint and a traditional pie after a busy day of historical exploration.
  • Address: 208 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BW
  • Google Maps: The Princess Louise
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday - Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Closest Tube: Holborn (Central & Piccadilly Lines)
  • Kitchen & Menu: This Samuel Smith's pub has a kitchen and serves a menu of standard pub food, including fish and chips, pies, and sandwiches.
  • Menu Link: https://samuelsmithshotels.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MENU-2018-SOUTH-Autumn.pdf

Kensington & Knightsbridge

• The Windsor Castle
  • Why it's a great choice: Located on Francis Street, this pub is a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Victoria. With its separate screened drinking areas and a comfortable lounge, it’s a perfect hideaway near Westminster Cathedral and the back of Buckingham Palace. It’s an example of a perfectly refurbished classic London pub.
  • Address: 23 Francis Street, London SW1P 1DN
  • Google Maps: The Windsor Castle
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Closest Tube: Victoria (Victoria, District & Circle Lines)
  • Kitchen & Menu: This pub has a kitchen and offers a detailed menu with pub favorites, steaks, vegetarian options, and desserts.
  • Menu Link: https://windsorcastle-victoria.co.uk/menus/
  • Note: There are no Samuel Smith's pubs in the immediate Knightsbridge or Kensington areas, but The Windsor Castle is a fantastic and nearby alternative, offering that classic Sam Smith's experience.

Near The Tower of London

• The Anchor Tap
  • Why it's a great choice: A short walk from the south side of Tower Bridge, this pub is a true hidden gem. It was once the tap house for the Courage brewery and retains an incredible, authentic character. With its multiple rooms, historic feel, and no-frills attitude, it's the perfect place to grab a pint after visiting the Tower of London and walking across the bridge.
  • Address: 20 Horselydown Lane, London SE1 2LN
  • Google Maps: The Anchor Tap
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday - Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Closest Tube: London Bridge (Jubilee & Northern Lines) or Bermondsey (Jubilee Line)
  • Kitchen & Menu: This is another Samuel Smith's pub with a kitchen that provides a range of simple pub food, including snacks, burgers, and traditional main courses.
  • Menu Link: https://samuelsmithshotels.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Menu-North-2018-1.pdf

So, whenever you need a peaceful respite from the city's chaos, a good beer at a great price, and a bit of traditional pub grub, you know where to go. Enjoy!