The great British pub has been a fixture on London’s streets for the best part of three centuries. And while fashion names, including Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani are more commonly associated with Bond Street today, it may come as a surprise to know that Italians of another kind were responsible for bringing public houses to London some 2,000 years ago. Back then, it is said that an invading Roman army, and a thirsty one at that, was keen to introduce tabernae, shops later known as taverns, alongside busy roads for troops to stop for a tipple.
Soon, these popular watering holes were selling ale and food to the local population, but it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that the pub as we know it today came into its own. For the local 21st-century drinker, sales associates, gallerists and business owners working in and around Bond Street, these historic drinking places provide a more casual alternative to Mayfair’s swish cocktail bars.
So, if you fancy soaking up the atmosphere in some of our oldest public houses or simply crave a thirst-quenching pint after a busy day shopping on Bond Street, then look no further. Our handy guide lists some of the best drinking establishments in the area. Cheers!
The Goat Tavern
Warmer summer days and evenings bring throngs of pub-goers out on to the street and The Goat Tavern is no exception. Built in 1686 and originally a popular public house for the British Navy, this buzzy local draws a stylish weekday work crowd from Bond Street and Albemarle Street’s luxury boutiques and galleries. It also boasts great pub food (the potted Devon crab and salt and pepper squid are best enjoyed with a sparkling English wine). Even better, this is a dog-friendly pub, so your pampered pooch is welcome.
The Goat Tavern, 3 Stafford Street, W1S 4RP
The Guinea
Records indicate that there has been a pub on the same site as The Guinea since 1423, when London was confined to Westminster and the City. In 1952 pub owners Young & Co added the Guinea Grill, specialising in grass-fed beef cooked on an open flame. Today, diners can enjoy the silver service against a backdrop of dark-wood panels, plush green banquettes and 19th-century oil paintings. Alongside arguably one of the best pints of Guinness in London, the pub’s Sunday roast with all the trimmings is hard to beat, and the banana sticky toffee pudding is worth fencing off your greedy dining partner with a spoon.
The Guinea Grill, Mayfair, 30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL
The Iron Duke
This quaint little drinking hole is tucked away down a small side street just minutes from Claridge's. Taking its name from the Duke of Wellington, it features plenty of references to the renowned military officer, from leather riding boots mounted on a wall, to framed coats of arms throughout. With its lightly coloured walls and spacious layout, the Boot Room restaurant is a far cry from the usual ye olde worlde pub decor. Back in the street-level bar, a toastie with a side of pickles is the order of the day. And since it is still summer, what could be nicer than a refreshing elderflower G&T?
The Iron Duke, 11 Avery Row, W1K 4AN
Bonds Mayfair
Take your pick of two pubs directly facing each other on Dering Street – the Duke of York or Bonds. Conveniently located just around the corner from New Bond Street, the aptly named Bonds provides respite between shopping or a gallery visit to Annely Juda Fine Art close by. Meanwhile, the gastropub’s turquoise and mustard-yellow decor also feels decidedly contemporary. Feeling peckish? Choose from traditional pub fare, including bangers and mash or traditional beer-battered fish and chips. And to drink? The spiced pineapple mojito has your name on it.
Bonds Mayfair, 11-16 Dering Street, W1S 1AR
The King’s Head
Dating back to 1710, this pub sits across the street from The Goat Tavern and is a popular place for a post-work pint or early supper. In the elegant upper-floor dining room, with its leather booth seating and glass chandelier, the pub’s famous hand-crafted pies are served along with other hearty pub fare. Highlights include the new British steak and Nicholson’s pale ale pie and the Bramley apple and blackberry crumble. And there are also plenty of classic gins to discover in the pub’s Gin Palace, from the juniper-heavy, to the sweet and fruity.
The King’s Head, 10 Stafford Street, W1S 4RX