Cosy London pubs with a fireplace

With autumn in full fall and the winter months almost upon us, we yearn for shelter from the elements. Nothing can beat a cosy pub with a fireplace and some comfy seats to relax and unwind in. Here are five of our best cosy London pubs with a fireplace to get warm by.

The Queens Head, Winchmore Hill 

The Queens Head in Winchmore Hill serves up traditional dishes in welcoming settings. Book a table by their brick fireplace, one that casts an authentic glow all over their cosy dining room. Small-plate starters provide a sociable way to begin your meal; think Southern-Fried Chicken Goujons, Crispy breaded scampi with tartare sauce and Cheesy Garlic Bread. For your main, expect classics like the Double crispy coated chicken burger with burger cheese slices, crispy bacon and mayo or the Mac ‘n’ Cheese, that’s served with a dressed mixed salad.

Opening hours: 12pm–11:00pm

BOOK The Queens Head, Winchmore Hill

The Alexander Hay, London Bridge

The Alexander Hay, London Bridge Inside this quaint, red-brick pub near London Bridge, you will be treated to the authentic, high-end British boozer experience. Popular both among the local professionals and tourists coming to visit this historic part of London, you can secure a table at The Alexander Hay today on TheFork. Here, you will love their refined takes on pub classics: the hearty ham hock & pea terrine is served with lightly toasted rustic bread, caramelised red onion chutney and a crunchy gherkin on the side. Or, char-grilled gloucester sausages, tossed in a deliciously sticky wholegrain mustard and blossom honey glaze.

Opening hours: Thursday-Friday 11am–12am, Saturday 10am–10pm, Monday-Wednesday 11am–11pm

BOOK The Alexander Hay, London Bridge

The Whitecross Tap, Old Street London

This trendy East-End boozer has all the trappings of a traditional pub, but with a modern twist. Serving up delicious homemade pizza with a variety of crowd-pleasing toppings, the cosy Whitecross Tap is the perfect plot for a casual bite at lunch. Their inventive pizza combinations provide plenty of choice. Get A Load of Pepperoni, or perhaps the Easy Cheesy topped with Fresh Basil. The Nice & Spice has BBQ beef, BBQ ’nduja spicy pork, red chillies, Cajun spice and mixed peppers, and the delicious vegetarian Jack the Lad is made from BBQ pulled jackfruit with spring onion, fresh basil and vegan mayo. Any additional toppings of your choice can be added custom, so you can get creative!

TheFork Rating: 8.5, Opening hours: 11am–11:30pm

BOOK The Whitecross Tap, Old Street London

College Arms, Goodge Street London

The College Arms, on London’s Goodge Street, is a local gem, and highly popular among visitors to the nearby British Museum. Providing warm, comfortable lounge seating in a communal setting, you can count on service with a smile as well as a refreshing range of drinks and some fantastic food. Far from serving only British classics, expect some trendy and adventurous items on their menu. Tacos served with guac, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, coriander, pomegranate and spring onion, topped with either Halloumi, Japanese-style Chicken Karaage, BBQ Beef or vegan BBQ Jackfruit. Staying on the Japanese theme, try gyoza dumplings of vegetable or chicken, or Chicken Karaarge with Korean BBQ Sauce. The healthy Earth Bowl is a fresh leaf salad with grilled halloumi, roasted peppers, avocado, cucumber, and more with a lemon & olive oil dressing.

BOOK College Arms, Goodge Street London

Lobster Smack, Canvey Island

Just off the Thames Estuary, near Essex, is the hidden gem of Canvey Island. Well connected to the local fisheries, restaurants here are privileged to serve some of the freshest catch in the British Isles. Chief among these restaurants is Lobster Smack Canvey Island, a charming, cosy pub, replete with authentic maritime decorations and plenty of friendly regulars. The food here puts an emphasis on Lobster and great seafood, served in the British style. Lobster & Seafood Cocktail in a prosecco marie rose sauce, or breaded fishcake with melted cheese served with sweet chilli sauce, avocado and tartare sauce. There are other great dishes on the menu, too, such as Japanese-style vegetable gyoza dumplings glazed with sweet chilli sauce and toasted sesame seeds, or perhaps sharing platters of Nachos or a classic combo of chicken wings, cocktail sausages, onion rings and more!

TheFork Rating: 10.0 Opening times: Thursday 12 - 10pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - 11pm, Sunday - Wednesday 12 pm - 10pm

BOOK Lobster Smack Canvey Island, Canvey Island