Best Community Spirited Pubs

Just what London needs - another pub claiming to be a "proper local." The Lamb in London had me rolling my eyes before I even crossed the threshold. These days, any establishment with mismatched furniture and a carefully curated "authentic" vibe sets off my pretense detector. And yet... I hate to admit it, but this place got under my skin. Not immediately - I'm far too cynical for love at first pint. But somewhere between the third visit and the fifth, The Lamb stopped being just another London pub and became something I found myself defending to other jaded critics like myself. Let's start with what should be irritating: the rotating cast of pop-up food vendors that makes dining here feel like a game of culinary roulette. One week it's Middle Eastern fare that would make your grandmother weep with joy, the next it's artisanal burgers that somehow justify their existence despite London's overwhelming burger fatigue. The inconsistency should be maddening, but instead, it's become part of the charm. It's like dating someone who keeps surprising you with hidden talents - just when you think you've got The Lamb figured out, it throws you a curveball in the form of a life-drawing session or a folk band that doesn't make you want to puncture your own eardrums. The beer selection deserves particular mention, if only because it forced me to eat my own preconceptions. The cask ales are kept with the kind of attention usually reserved for newborn infants or rare orchids. They've got Oakham and Surrey Hills regulars, plus a rotating cast of local breweries that somehow manage to prove there's still innovation possible in the London beer scene. And yes, they serve them with a sparkler, you absolute heathens, and somehow make it work. The space itself is a testament to what happens when you let a pub evolve organically instead of having some corporate design team "create atmosphere." Every surface tells a story, though most of those stories probably aren't suitable for print. The garden - oh, the garden. It's like someone raided a furniture warehouse after an earthquake, creating what should be chaos but instead becomes the most comfortable outdoor seating in London. They even provide blankets in winter, a touch of motherly concern that would be cloying if it weren't so genuinely necessary and appreciated. Live music happens with reassuring regularity, and unlike most pub performances that make you wish for sudden onset hearing loss, these are actually... good? I'm as shocked as you are. Thursday and Sunday sessions have become something of a local institution, drawing crowds that manage to be enthusiastic without being obnoxious - a minor miracle in modern London. The presence of a pub cat named Olive (who apparently has veto power over canine visitors) should be unbearably precious. Instead, it's just another perfectly imperfect detail that makes The Lamb work. The staff know their regulars by name but manage to welcome newcomers without that artificial chain-pub cheeriness that makes you want to flee to the nearest Wetherspoons just for some honest disdain. Perhaps most remarkably in these days of astronomical London prices, you can still get two proper pints for under a tenner. I'd tell you that's incredible value, but then they'd probably raise their prices, so let's keep that between us. For those requiring practical details: it's open daily, though food service times vary wildly depending on which pop-up is in residence. Check their social media if you're planning to eat - or better yet, don't plan at all. Just show up and take what The Lamb gives you. It's an approach that's served me well, much to my continuing surprise. Look, I didn't want to like The Lamb. I've made a career out of being underwhelmed by London's drinking establishments. But something about this infuriatingly genuine pub, with its board game-playing locals and its Marvel-obsessed regulars, its excellent ales and its comfortable chaos, has earned my begrudging respect. Go there. Hate it if you must. But don't be surprised if you find yourself becoming one of the regulars you swore you'd never be. The Lamb in London has a way of doing that to people. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.

Just what London needs - another pub with a cutesy ampersand in its name. The Pig & Whistle in London's North Kensington had me rolling my eyes before I even walked through the door. A flat-roof boozer mere steps from Latimer Road tube station? I was already composing the scathing review in my head. But damn it all if this place hasn't wormed its way into my cold, cynical heart. First, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the pig in the parlor. The prices here are so reasonable for London, I initially assumed I was having some sort of stroke when I saw the board. Sub-£5 pints in zone 2? In this economy? I checked my phone to make sure I hadn't somehow time-traveled back to 2005. The interior is refreshingly devoid of the insufferable "authentic pub" cosplay that plagues so many London watering holes. No carefully distressed furniture or artfully mismatched vintage prints here. Instead, you get proper curved banquettes worn smooth by generations of regulars, a pool table that's seen more action than a soap opera star, and walls painted in what I can only describe as "pragmatic grey." It's gloriously unpretentious. The garden out back is where things get interesting. While most London pub gardens these days feel like they were decorated by someone who's watched too much Love Island, this one keeps it simple with practical benches and partial covering - because yes, sometimes it rains in England. Shocking, I know. They've even managed to squeeze in a pizza operation that turns out surprisingly decent pies. The £10.50 Margherita won't have Naples sweating, but it's proper good drunk food. The clientele is where the Pig & Whistle really distinguishes itself. While most London pubs these days feel like a LinkedIn networking event with beer, this place maintains an actual community vibe. Young professionals rub shoulders with old-timers, and nobody's trying to turn their pint into an Instagram story. The jukebox alternates between Ska classics and current hits, creating a soundtrack that somehow works despite itself. Speaking of entertainment, they've got all the essentials - live music that won't make your ears bleed, sports screens positioned so you can actually see them (revolutionary concept, I know), and a dartboard tucked away where drunk people throwing pointy objects won't endanger the general population. The GAA shirts on the wall aren't just for show either - this place takes its Irish sports seriously. The staff manage that rare balance of being friendly without forcing it. They'll remember your usual after a few visits, but won't subject you to forced banter if you're not in the mood. It's almost like they're actual humans rather than hospitality robots programmed with "quirky pub personality" software. And here's the thing that really gets me - the Pig & Whistle feels like a proper pub should, without trying too hard to be a proper pub. It's the kind of place where you can bring your dog, meet your mates, watch the match, or just sit quietly in the corner questioning your life choices. The fact that it's survived this long in an area that's seen more than its share of gentrification is nothing short of miraculous. Look, I'm as surprised as anyone to be writing this, but the Pig & Whistle in London is the real deal. It's the kind of place that makes you remember why pubs became community institutions in the first place. And while part of me wants to keep it secret, I suppose I have a journalistic duty to spread the word. Just promise me you won't turn it into another "concept" venue with artisanal gin and small plates. Some things in London deserve to stay exactly as they are. Head to Latimer Road, follow the sound of genuine laughter, and give it a go. Just don't blame me when you find yourself becoming a regular. Trust me, I tried to resist too.

Step into The Sultan in London's Colliers Wood, and you'll quickly understand why this 1930s gem has locals gushing about their "best pub in South London." Rebuilt faithfully after WWII bombing damage, this isn't just another watering hole – it's a living piece of London pub history that somehow manages to feel fresher than your mate's latest startup idea. The moment you spot The Sultan's classic facade on its quiet residential street, you know you're in for something special. This isn't one of those Instagram-bait pubs that's all fairy lights and no substance. Instead, you're getting the real deal: a proper London boozer that's been doing things right since before your grandad was old enough to order a pint. What sets The Sultan apart is its increasingly rare two-bar setup – a Public Bar and a Saloon Bar that feel like stepping into different chapters of the same beloved book. The Public Bar, with its original servery and that carpet (trust me, it's a conversation starter), feels like the kind of place where local stories have been shared over pints for generations. Meanwhile, the Saloon Bar shows off its wall panels like proud battle scars, each one telling tales of nights well spent. The walls are practically wallpapered with awards, though they wear them with the quiet confidence of someone who doesn't need to brag. Let's talk about the beer, shall we? As a Hop Back Brewery establishment, The Sultan takes its ales seriously – but not in that intimidating craft beer way where you need a PhD in hop varieties to order a pint. The selection strikes that perfect balance between "proper beer" for the purists and accessible options for those who just want a well-kept pint of something familiar. And here's the kicker – at these prices, you won't need to remortgage your house for a round. The Staropramen comes in under £6, which in London feels like finding a unicorn wearing a party hat. The atmosphere here is something special too. Whether you're catching some live music (yes, they do that), challenging locals to a game of darts, or just settling in with a book in the conservatory (complete with its own book exchange, because of course it has), there's a space for whatever mood strikes. The garden patio out back is a proper sun trap for those rare London sunny days, while the front benches offer prime people-watching real estate. Food-wise, they keep it gloriously simple. No deconstructed this or foam-infused that – just honest pub grub like toasties, pork pies, and scotch eggs that pair perfectly with your pint. It's the kind of food menu that knows exactly what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. The community spirit here is palpable. On any given afternoon, you might find yourself drawn into a conversation with a friendly local who's eager to share their favorite Sultan story. The staff (mostly) strike that perfect balance of friendly without being overbearing, though one regular's review suggests the landlord could occasionally use a reminder that a smile goes a long way. Dog owners, rejoice – your four-legged friends are welcome here, adding to that proper local pub feel. And while you might not expect it, they've embraced the modern world just enough – you can pay by card or phone, but the soul of the place remains delightfully analog. Here's the thing about The Sultan in London: it's the kind of pub that makes you want to move to the neighborhood just so you can call it your local. It's authentic without trying, comfortable without being lazy, and historic without feeling stuck in the past. Whether you're in Colliers Wood by design or accident, do yourself a favor and spend an evening here. Just don't blame me if you find yourself browsing property listings in the area afterward – The Sultan has that effect on people.

In the heart of Portlaoise, The Skies O'er (better known to locals as Scully's) stands as a testament to everything a proper Irish pub should be. This isn't just another watering hole - it's the kind of place where stories begin with "Remember that night at Scully's?" and usually end with a belly laugh and a knowing smile. The moment you cross the threshold of The Skies O'er Portlaoise, you're struck by something that can't quite be bottled or replicated - authenticity. There's no manufactured Irish charm here, no leprechauns or shamrocks plastered on every surface. Instead, you'll find decades of genuine local history etched into every corner, along with the warm presence of Eileen, the pub's legendary landlady, whose reputation for hospitality precedes her like a well-poured pint of the black stuff. Speaking of pours, watching Eileen or one of her expertly trained staff serve a drink is like witnessing a small piece of performance art. They handle each glass with the kind of reverence usually reserved for precious artifacts, and the resulting drinks - whether it's a perfectly settled stout or a carefully selected wine - arrive at your table in a state of liquid perfection. It's the kind of attention to detail that makes regular customers feel like honored guests and newcomers feel like they've just discovered Portlaoise's best-kept secret. The pub's interior tells its own story through a carefully curated chaos of memorabilia and photographs that chronicle both local history and the venue's own journey through time. The wooden bar, worn smooth by thousands of elbows and countless conversations, curves invitingly through the space like a welcoming embrace. In winter, there's something magical about securing a spot near the warmth of the traditional features, while summer evenings see locals spilling out into the outdoor seating area, their laughter mixing with the gentle buzz of Main Street. What sets The Skies O'er apart from other pubs in Portlaoise is its uncanny ability to be exactly what you need it to be at any given moment. Need a quiet corner for a heart-to-heart? There's a snug for that. Looking for some craic and banter? The bar area usually has a cast of colorful regulars ready to welcome new faces into the fold. Want to catch up with old friends? The tables scattered throughout provide perfect gathering spots for groups of any size. The community spirit here isn't just a tagline - it's the beating heart of the establishment. On any given evening, you might find yourself drawn into a friendly debate about county football, learning the local history from someone whose family has lived in Portlaoise for generations, or simply enjoying the comfortable silence that comes from being in a space where you don't have to try too hard to fit in. For those planning a visit, here's some insider knowledge: The sweet spot for arrival is just after 8 PM when the evening is beginning to warm up but you can still snag a prime spot. The parking situation is remarkably convenient for a town center location, with both free street parking and a lot nearby - a rare luxury in many Irish towns. And while card payments are accepted (they've embraced the modern age with contactless options), there's something pleasantly traditional about settling up with cash at the bar. The outdoor seating area deserves special mention - while it might get chilly on those typical Irish evenings (bring a jacket, just in case), it's a prime spot for people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere of Portlaoise's social scene. Plus, it's the perfect vantage point to watch the sky change colors over the town as day turns to night - rather fitting for a pub named The Skies O'er. As Portlaoise continues to evolve and modernize, The Skies O'er (Scully's) remains steadfast in its commitment to providing what people really want from their local - genuine warmth, proper drinks, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger for "just one more." It's not trying to be the biggest or the flashiest pub in town; instead, it excels at being exactly what it is - a proper Irish pub where everyone is welcome and no one stays a stranger for long. Do yourself a favor - next time you're in Portlaoise, skip the obvious tourist traps and follow the locals to The Skies O'er. Order your drink of choice, settle in at the bar, and prepare to experience a slice of authentic Irish pub culture that's becoming increasingly rare in our modern world. Just don't blame me if you end up staying longer than planned - it happens to the best of us.