London’s pub crawl scene isn’t just about moving from one bar to another-it’s about the stories you collect, the strangers who become friends, and the ridiculous challenges that turn a simple drink into a night you’ll never forget. If you’ve ever done a pub crawl in London and thought, ‘This feels a bit too predictable,’ you’re not alone. The city’s got over 3,000 pubs, from historic ale houses in Smithfield to craft beer dens in Shoreditch, and the best ones aren’t just serving pints-they’re hosting experiences. This guide flips the script on the classic pub crawl by adding games, dares, and local twists that make your night unforgettable.
Start Smart: Choose Your London Pub Crawl Route
Forget the generic ‘Soho to Camden’ route. London’s charm lies in its neighbourhoods. Pick a theme based on where you are or where you want to go. A classic? Start at The Spaniard in Soho (established 1890), sip a pint of London Pride, then head to The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping-the oldest riverside pub in London, built in 1520. From there, walk to The Anchor in Bankside for a view of Tower Bridge and a pint of Fuller’s London Porter. Each stop has history, character, and enough foot traffic to keep things lively without feeling overcrowded.For a more modern vibe, begin at The Blind Pig in Peckham (known for its vinyl nights), move to The Blue Anchor in Brixton (a 19th-century cellar bar with live jazz), then end at The Prince Albert in Kentish Town-a pub with a rooftop garden and a reputation for turning strangers into karaoke duets. These routes aren’t just about drinking; they’re about walking through London’s soul.
Game 1: The London Pub Quiz Challenge
No pub crawl in London is complete without a quiz. But instead of waiting for the weekly quiz night, make your own. Before you start, prepare a list of 10 local trivia questions. Examples:- What year did the last tollgate on the London to Brighton road disappear? (Answer: 1872)
- Which London pub claims to be the birthplace of the sandwich? (Answer: The Pelican in St James’s)
- What’s the name of the pub that used to be a 17th-century plague pit? (Answer: The Grapes in Limehouse)
- Which famous author drank at The George in Bloomsbury? (Answer: Charles Dickens)
At each pub, one person draws a question. If they answer wrong, they buy the next round. If they get it right, they pick the next pub. This keeps everyone engaged, sharpens your knowledge of London, and stops the crawl from becoming a blur of pints and bad decisions.
Game 2: The £10 Challenge
Here’s a classic with a London twist. At the start of the crawl, everyone gets £10 in one-pound coins. The goal? Spend every pound on something-anything-at each pub. It could be a shot of gin, a bag of crisps, a pub game token, a sticker from the bar, or even a donation to the busker outside. The catch? You can’t save money. You can’t change it. You can’t buy alcohol and call it ‘a drink’-it has to be a purchase that adds value to the experience.At The Lamb in Lambeth, someone bought a handmade clay mug. At The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, another person paid for a flower from the famous floral display. By the end, you’re not just drunk-you’ve got souvenirs, stories, and a whole new appreciation for how weird and wonderful London’s pubs can be.
Game 3: The Tube Stop Dares
London’s Underground is the perfect backdrop for pub crawl chaos. Before you leave, assign each person a Tube line. When you reach a station on your line, you have to do a dare. Examples:- At King’s Cross, you must sing ‘I’m a Londoner’ to a stranger and get their selfie.
- At Waterloo, you must order a drink using only emojis.
- At Camden Town, you must convince the barman to let you try one of their experimental brews for free.
These dares keep energy high, break the ice between people who don’t know each other, and turn the Tube into part of the adventure. Bonus points if you manage to do it without getting kicked off the train.
Game 4: The Local Ingredient Hunt
London’s pub culture is deeply tied to local ingredients. At each stop, challenge your group to find something uniquely British on the menu. It could be:- A pint of Adnams Southwold Bitter (from Suffolk)
- Stilton cheese on a platter (from the East Midlands)
- A pork pie from a local butcher (like the ones at Pies & Pints in Shoreditch)
- A gin made with London foraged elderflower (try The Botanist at The Barge in Wandsworth)
Whomever finds the most obscure local item wins bragging rights-and a free round. This game turns your crawl into a mini food and drink tour of the UK, and you’ll leave with a better understanding of what makes London’s pub scene different from anywhere else.
Game 5: The Final Pub Duel
End your crawl at a pub with a reputation for late-night games. The Prospect of Whitby has darts. The Anchor has pool. The Princess Louise in Holborn has a 1905 bar counter and a legendary ‘Who’s the Drunkest?’ game (ask the barman to start it). But the real finale? The Pub Crawl Crown.At the last stop, everyone votes on:
- Who did the best dare?
- Who found the weirdest local item?
- Who drank the most without passing out?
The winner gets crowned with a paper crown (bring one from home) and gets to choose next month’s route. It’s silly. It’s British. And it’s the kind of tradition that turns a night out into a recurring ritual.
Pro Tips for a Smooth London Pub Crawl
- Wear comfy shoes. London’s cobbled streets and uneven pavements are no joke.
- Carry a small towel or wet wipes. You’ll thank yourself after a pub game involving cider.
- Use Citymapper. It’s better than Google Maps for pub routes and Tube delays.
- Don’t rely on card payments. Some older pubs still prefer cash, especially for small purchases.
- Respect the locals. Pubs like The Harp in Soho or The Old Bank in Islington are community hubs-not party zones.
Why This Works in London
London’s pub culture thrives on eccentricity. From the Victorian beer halls of the East End to the hidden gin dens of Mayfair, the city has always celebrated the weird, the wonderful, and the slightly chaotic. A pub crawl with games isn’t just fun-it’s a way to connect with London’s rhythm. You’re not just drinking. You’re exploring, laughing, learning, and bonding over the quirks that make this city unforgettable.Next time someone says, ‘Let’s do a pub crawl,’ don’t just say yes. Say, ‘Let’s do it with a twist.’
Can I do a pub crawl alone in London?
Absolutely. Many London pubs are solo-friendly, especially in areas like Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and Camden. The key is to pick places with a community vibe-pubs with dart boards, board games, or live music. The Anchor in Bankside and The Prince Albert in Kentish Town are great for solo crawlers. Just be upfront with the bar staff-you’ll likely end up chatting with someone who’s doing the same thing.
What’s the best time of year to do a pub crawl in London?
Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer can be too crowded, and winter is often too cold for walking between pubs. Late March to May and September to early November offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and pub gardens that are still open. Plus, many pubs host seasonal events-like real ale festivals in April or Halloween pub quizzes in October-that add extra fun.
Are pub crawl games legal in London?
Yes, as long as you’re not breaking licensing laws. Games like trivia, dares, and challenges are perfectly fine. But avoid anything that involves public intoxication, disorderly conduct, or encouraging excessive drinking. The Metropolitan Police don’t shut down pub crawls-they often see them as part of London’s cultural fabric. Just keep it respectful and you’ll be fine.
How do I find pubs with good pub games?
Look for pubs with dartboards, pool tables, or board game shelves. The Harp in Soho, The George in Bloomsbury, and The Red Lion in Islington all have regular game nights. You can also check the Pub Games Society’s website (a UK-based group that lists pubs with active game nights). Many of these pubs offer free game play with a drink purchase.
What should I do if someone gets too drunk?
London pubs are trained to handle this. Most staff will stop serving someone who’s clearly over the limit. If a friend is struggling, don’t push them to keep going. Take them to a quiet corner, offer water, and call a cab. Many pubs in London (like The Anchor or The Prospect of Whitby) have partnerships with local cab services and can help arrange a safe ride. Your safety-and theirs-is more important than finishing the crawl.
