Best Real Ale Pubs

In a world of chrome-and-glass wine bars and gastropubs that try too hard, The Red Lion in London stands as a defiant reminder of what makes British pubs truly special. Tucked away in the heart of old Bromley, this beloved watering hole has been serving perfectly poured pints and fostering friendships for longer than most of us have been alive. It's the kind of place where the regulars might give you a curious glance when you walk in, but you'll likely be sharing stories with them over a Harvey's Best within the hour. From the moment you cross the threshold, you realize The Red Lion isn't trying to be anything other than what it is - a proper London pub with enough character to fill a Dickens novel. The warm glow of vintage light fixtures catches the condensation on well-kept beer glasses, while the gentle hum of conversation creates that unmistakable pub atmosphere that simply can't be manufactured. It's like stepping into your favorite pair of well-worn boots - comfortable, reliable, and exactly what you need. The real magic of The Red Lion lies in its ability to maintain the delicate balance between preservation and progress. While the bones of the place remain gloriously traditional - think dark wood panels and a bar that's witnessed countless celebrations - there's nothing dusty or dated about the experience. The five rotating cask ales are kept with the kind of attention to detail that would make a Swiss watchmaker proud, and the selection rivals any modern craft beer bar, just without the pretense or eye-watering prices. Speaking of prices, you'll find them refreshingly reasonable for London, especially considering the quality on offer. A perfectly poured pint won't require a second mortgage, and the pizza menu (a relatively recent addition that somehow feels like it's always been there) offers exceptional value. These aren't your average pub pizzas either - they're proper hand-stretched affairs with generous toppings that pair beautifully with whatever's on tap. The jukebox deserves its own paragraph, if not its own sonnet. Unlike the digital monstrosities that have invaded most pubs, this one still has soul. It's curated with the kind of eclectic taste that spans decades and genres, creating the perfect soundtrack for everything from quiet afternoon pints to lively evening sessions. And yes, you can actually hear the music without it drowning out conversation - a rare feat in modern pub life. Then there's the dartboard - not some forgotten relic gathering dust in a corner, but a properly maintained setup complete with decent lighting and enough space to ensure your wild throws won't endanger any innocent bystanders. It's details like these that make The Red Lion feel like a living museum of pub culture, preserving traditional pastimes while keeping them relevant for new generations. The outdoor seating area, while modest, offers a perfect perch for people-watching on warmer days. There's something deeply satisfying about sitting outside The Red Lion with a pint, watching the world rush by while you remain in your own little bubble of contentment. It's like having a front-row seat to a London street theater, complete with refreshments. The staff deserve special mention - they're the kind of publicans who remember your usual after a couple of visits and can read the room like seasoned diplomats. They know when to chat, when to leave you be, and most importantly, when someone's glass needs refreshing before they even realize it themselves. This isn't trained customer service; it's genuine public house hospitality that comes from understanding what makes a great pub tick. For sports enthusiasts, the pub strikes that perfect balance of showing the important matches without letting screens dominate the atmosphere. You can catch the game without feeling like you're in a sports bar, and there's enough space to find a quiet corner if you'd rather avoid the excitement altogether. Here's the thing about The Red Lion in London - it's more than just another pub. It's a reminder of why pubs became the cornerstone of British social life in the first place. Whether you're a Bromley local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and spend an evening here. Order a pint, maybe grab one of those surprisingly good pizzas, and let yourself become part of a tradition that's been serving London proud for generations. Just don't blame us if it becomes your new favorite spot - we warned you.

Nestled in an unassuming corner of London, the Long Pond whispers rather than shouts its presence. Like many of the city's most cherished secrets, this micropub reveals itself slowly to those who know where to look. From the outside, you might mistake it for any other shopfront, but regulars to this corner of London know better - the Long Pond holds something far more precious than its modest exterior suggests. Step inside, and the transformation is immediate. The space exhales warmth, releasing the rich oak-and-hops perfume that only real ale houses seem to master. Here, conversation flows as smoothly as the expertly kept cask beers, uninhibited by the gentle house rule against mobile phones - a small act of rebellion against our perpetually connected world that somehow makes the Long Pond feel more connected than ever. The bar stands as the heart of the room, its polished wood bearing the gentle patina of countless elbows and satisfied sighs. Kent's finest ales flow from the carefully maintained taps, each pull of the handle a small ceremony in itself. The landlord's expertise shows in every perfectly conditioned pint, the foam settling into a creamy crown that catches the warm lighting just so. This isn't just beer service; it's craftsmanship honored through decades of tradition. Wanderers from nearby Oxleas Woods often find their way here, their cheeks still flushed from autumn winds or summer sunshine. They settle into the welcoming embrace of this London hideaway, where simple pleasures take precedence over pretense. The Long Pond offers sustenance for both body and spirit - hearty ploughman's lunches and bar snacks that speak to the pub's commitment to traditional hospitality without unnecessary frills. The space encourages natural clustering, with small groups forming and reforming throughout the evening like gentle eddies in a stream. Here, a pair of old friends lean in close over their ales, there a friendly debate blooms among newcomers who arrived as strangers but will leave as acquaintances. The absence of digital distractions means conversations must do what conversations were meant to do - meander, surprise, delight. Time moves differently within these walls. The Long Pond operates on its own gentle rhythm, marked not by smartphone notifications but by the subtle shifts in natural light through windows that have watched over countless gatherings. The merit of a London pub isn't measured in elaborate cocktail menus or trendy furnishings, but in how it makes people feel, and this place excels in creating genuine comfort that money alone cannot buy. For those seeking to extend the experience beyond their visit, the Long Pond offers five-liter kegs to take home - a thoughtful touch that bridges the pub's communal spirit with private celebration. It's characteristic of a place that understands its role in the community: not just as a purveyor of drinks, but as a curator of moments worth savoring. The payment process is refreshingly current despite the traditional atmosphere, with the Long Pond embracing both old-world cash transactions and modern contactless methods. It's a small detail that speaks to larger truths about this establishment - while it honors the timeless essence of what makes a pub great, it refuses to be bound by unnecessary constraints. As evening settles over this corner of London, the Long Pond glows with an inner warmth that beckons to passersby. It stands as a testament to what we're really seeking when we step into a pub - not just a drink, but a moment of genuine connection, a pause in the city's relentless rhythm. Whether you're a weary walker seeking respite after exploring Oxleas Woods, or a local in search of the perfect pint, the Long Pond offers something increasingly rare in modern London: a space where time slows down and every visitor feels like they've found their way home. Come be part of this continuing story. The Long Pond waits patiently in its corner of London, ready to welcome you into its gentle rebellion against the ordinary, one perfectly poured pint at a time.