London Pub Crawls: Exploring Unusual Locations Across the City

If you’re stuck in the usual Soho loop or winding up at the same chain pubs after work, it might be time to shake things up. London’s pub scene is wild beneath the surface—you’ll find pubs with crooked floors in Hampstead, hidden speakeasies behind false doors in Shoreditch, and boozers tucked away under railway arches in Hackney. But here’s the thing: most of these gems never make it to tourist maps or Insta guides.

Think about it. Why settle for overpriced pints at Leicester Square when you could sample craft ales in a pub that’s also a laundromat, or sip something strong in an old Victorian gin palace no one knows exists? Unusual pub crawls in London aren’t just about drinking—they’re about discovering new neighbourhoods, oddball traditions, and stories you’ll bring up for years.

The best bit? You don’t need a big group or fancy dress—the thrill is in exploring new places and meeting a mix of Londoners along the way. If you’re after nights you’ll actually remember (at least some of them), forget the obvious and dive into London’s underground scene. Stay with me, because I’m about to show you how to do it right, avoid rookie mistakes, and actually enjoy the adventure.

• Why Go Off the Beaten Path?
• Weird and Wonderful Pubs to Hit
• Planning Your Alternative Pub Crawl
• Local Tips and Essentials
• Stay Safe While Having Fun

Why Go Off the Beaten Path?

Sticking to the standard London pub crawl means you’re seeing the same faces at The Chandos or The Globe—nice, but hardly memorable. Venture away from these tourist hotspots and you’ll hit spots that only locals or the seriously curious ever find. What's in it for you? Unusual settings, quieter crowds, and often, much better prices. Plus, these pubs are all about character—think old-school jukeboxes, board games on every table, and regulars who’ll actually chat with you between rounds.

Digging into London’s true drinking heritage isn’t about following the River Thames from pub to pub. Some of the oldest pubs, like The Flask in Highgate (dating back to 1663), are tucked in leafy suburbs or down unexpected side streets. Did you know there are more than 3,500 pubs in London, with nearly half hidden away from main streets and tourist areas? These places often have wild backstories—old smuggler tunnels, secret societies, and even resident ghosts. When you go off the beaten path, there’s a good chance your night will come with an epic story.

And it’s not just about the atmosphere. Pubs outside Zone 1 usually have better beer choices, less markup, and staff that actually care what’s in your pint. Breweries like Five Points or Redemption often have limited release kegs you won’t find at a typical West End boozer. If you’re a fan of local gins, try spots in Hackney or Camberwell—these neighbourhoods have small-batch labels you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the UK.

Here’s a quick breakdown showing what you get by ditching the obvious and heading further afield:

If you want to say you’ve truly experienced London’s London pub crawls, you’ve got to get off the main drag. Trust me, once you try that out-of-the-way microbrewery or that corner pub with live jazz on Tuesdays, you won’t be itching to return to Piccadilly any time soon.

Weird and Wonderful Pubs to Hit

London’s packed with pub crawls, but only a handful will blow your mind. Here’s where things get interesting: some of the city’s wildest nights out happen in places you’d never expect. Want a crawl that makes you brag a bit? Target these oddballs around town.

London pub crawls get an upgrade when your first pint starts at Cahoots in Soho. Here, you’ll sip cocktails in an old Tube carriage, surrounded by 1940s decor. People love it for its underground theme (literally) and its no-nonsense drinks, not some fussy menu. Every Friday, it’s packed with locals and savvy tourists who did their homework.

Next, head toward Clerkenwell and pop into Jerusalem Tavern. This place looks straight out of a Charles Dickens story, except you get craft beer on tap. The building itself dates back to the 1720s, so you’re getting a real slice of London history with every pint. Prices are better than in central Soho, too.

If you want modern weird mixed with old-school, check out Beer + Buns up near Liverpool Street. It’s half Japanese izakaya, half craft beer den, literally hidden above the K10 sushi place. The wings are spicy, the craft beers are strong, and the pinball machine is a killer retro touch.

• The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (Spitalfields): Walk through a Smeg fridge inside The Breakfast Club. Secret passwords get you in. Quirky cocktails await.
• Ye Olde Mitre (Holborn): Tucked down an alley, once owned by the Bishop of Ely—this is all Tudor oak, hand pumps, and regulars who’ve drunk here for decades.
• The Four Quarters (Peckham and Hackney): Classic arcade games and craft beers. Swap £1 coins for tokens. Beat your mates at Pac-Man while sipping local brews.

If you want something even weirder, try Disrepute in Soho. You’ll need to either book or charm your way into this underground cocktail bar. Staff here know their mixology and there’s a 1960s speakeasy vibe. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for—drinks you can’t get anywhere else in the city.

The key to a memorable night? Mix up these stops across different parts of the city and take public transport or grab a cab rather than walking for miles. Most of these spots stay open late on weekends, but double-check closing times to avoid showing up to locked doors. Bring a sense of adventure—and maybe a mate who’ll laugh if you accidentally walk into a broom cupboard instead of a bar.

Planning Your Alternative Pub Crawl

Building a top-notch London pub crawl isn’t just about stringing a few spots together and hoping for the best. You’ll want to lock in your route, match your crew’s vibe, and make some smart choices so you don’t get stuck queueing outside the usual haunts.

Start by picking a neighbourhood that’s good for wandering and not too spread out. Areas like Dalston, Bermondsey, or Hackney Wick are loaded with unique bars and offbeat pubs within walking distance of each other. If you fancy something central, Fitzrovia has its share of weird and wonderful venues tucked behind plain fronts.

Plot your stops ahead of time. Apps like PubHub UK or even a basic Google custom map can help you get your route straight before you’re too many pints in. Remember, some of these hidden gems—like the Vault of Soho or The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town—have unusual opening hours or require advance bookings, like a secret password at the door or a cheeky reservation online. Always check ahead to dodge closed doors and disappointment.

When building your night, mix it up. Slot in a craft beer taproom like Fourpure in Bermondsey, then swing by a traditional Victorian boozer such as The Seven Stars near the Inns of Court. Don’t be scared to stick in a dive bar or an oddball cocktail place—London’s got options from tiki dens to old pie-and-mash shops that moonlight as pubs after dark.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your crawl on track:

• Pick 4-6 pubs to avoid burning out or spending half your night travelling.
• Figure out the last train or bus home—Night Tube is handy on Fridays and Saturdays for most lines.
• Share the route with your mates on WhatsApp or Signal so no one gets lost.
• Bring card and ID; some newer pubs are card-only and strict on checks, especially if you look under 25.
• Look up food stops if you know you’ll need a break—some spots like The Crobar or the Spread Eagle vegan pub have solid late-night grub.

And if you want help, a few local services run guided alternative pub crawls—they’ll take you to spots you wouldn’t find solo, and you’ll get to hear the kind of wild stories only locals know. Just remember, the real magic is finding those unexpected places with great people. Keep an open mind, and you’ll end up with a proper adventure—just the way a London pub crawl should be.

Local Tips and Essentials

Lining up a London pub crawl through the city’s oddest hangouts? You need some solid tricks to make your night a win. First up, always check opening times—loads of the quirkiest London pubs close earlier than you expect, especially on weeknights. Some, like the Seven Stars off Chancery Lane or the Cittie of Yorke near Holborn, even shut doors by 11pm. That can kill your buzz if you haven't done your homework.

Google Maps is fine, but Citymapper is honestly the best for getting around London after a few pints. It covers night buses, late Underground trains, and even out-of-the-way taxi zones, so you won’t get stranded somewhere like Rotherhithe. Bring a contactless card or use Apple Pay—almost nobody does cash anymore, even your local dive bar.

Travelling in a group? Book tables in advance if you can. A lot of hidden or tiny spots (think The Little Scarlet Door in Soho or The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town in Spitalfields) fill up, especially Thursday and Friday nights. If you're heading south, Peckham Levels is worth a shot, but weekends get packed—be ready to hang out in the queue.

• Download the Wetherspoon app if you’re ending up at one of their pubs (someone will inevitably suggest it at 1am). You can order to your table, which speeds things up when you’re flagging down service.
• Taxis from places like King’s Cross or Shoreditch are way pricier after midnight, so try to hop on the Tube before 12:30am. Night Tube only runs Friday and Saturday on key lines—don’t bank on it every night.

If you’re dressing up, remember that some quirky pubs have strict rules—no trainers, no sportswear, and even no stag/hen dos at places like Gordon’s Wine Bar or The Vaults at Waterloo. Just check the spot’s website or socials if you’re not sure.

And don’t forget to eat—grabbing a bite at one of London’s classic late-night spots like Brick Lane Beigel Bake, or a kebab from the Turkish takeaways on Kingsland Road, will keep you going for the next round.

Stay Safe While Having Fun

London is full of surprises, but nothing ruins a great pub crawl faster than getting lost or landing in trouble. Keeping safe in the city isn’t rocket science, but it’s worth being smart—especially if you’re exploring unusual or unfamiliar pubs late at night.

First up: know how you’re getting home. The Night Tube only runs on certain lines—Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria, mostly on weekends. Buses cover the rest, but check the Transport for London (TfL) app for real-time updates, especially with planned strikes or closures. Uber, Bolt, and black cabs are always options, but try to book rides from well-lit areas and avoid hopping into unknown cars. Here’s a quick look at average late-night travel costs:

When you’re out at London pub crawls, look out for your mates. It sounds basic but keeping tabs on each other is key. WhatsApp groups come in handy, especially if you split up. Most pubs in the city centre have free WiFi, but some quirky spots further out don’t always—so swapping numbers before you start is useful. Stick to well-lit routes between pubs, and if a place feels dodgy, trust your instincts and head somewhere else.

Drink spiking happens, even in London. Keep your drink in sight, never leave it unattended, and watch out for your friends. If you feel odd, don’t hesitate to ask bar staff for help—most London pubs have training for this (some display ‘Ask for Angela’ posters, which is actually a code word for bar staff to step in if you feel threatened).

Last one—pay attention to cash and cards. Not all unique or hidden pubs take contactless, especially in older boozers or market bars. Have a bit of cash handy for emergencies, just in case your phone dies or card machine goes down.

• Map out your route and save addresses before setting off.
• Charge your phone fully—portable power banks are a lifesaver.
• Know your limits and try to space out your drinks (ask for water at every stop, London tap water is safe and free).
• Keep your belongings zipped up and watch out for pickpockets, especially on public transport late at night.

Staying sharp and prepared means a night of great stories—not headaches.