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When winter wraps London in its familiar chill, few things beat the glow of a pub fireplace. Across the city, you’ll find historic inns and neighbourhood gems turning up the warmth — log fires crackling, the scent of Sunday roasts in the air, and locals gathering for mulled wine and comfort food. These pubs aren’t just watering holes; they’re part of the city’s fabric, offering the perfect escape from frosty walks and grey skies.

Whether you’re after a quiet corner in Hampstead, a refined Chelsea gastropub, or a friendly North London local, the capital’s best fireplace pubs offer atmosphere and authenticity in equal measure. Here’s our guide to London’s cosiest pubs with fireplaces — ideal for winter evenings, weekend roasts, or warming up after exploring the city’s festive lights.

1. The Holly Bush, Hampstead

  • Website: hollybushhampstead.co.uk
  • Location: 22 Holly Mount, Hampstead, NW3 6SG
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)
  • Vibe: A hidden gem near Hampstead Heath with wood-panelled walls, vintage décor and an intimate open fire. Perfect after a Heath walk on a frosty afternoon.

2. The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

  • Website: thecadoganarms.london
  • Location: 298 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UG
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4)
  • Vibe: A recently restored Chelsea landmark mixing heritage and modern comfort, complete with a roaring fireplace and exquisite British fare.

3. The Rose & Crown, Stoke Newington

  • Website: roseandcrownn16.co.uk
  • Location: 199 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 9ES
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4)
  • Vibe: A lively local with a welcoming fire by the door, hearty pub classics, and Sunday roasts that draw in families and friends alike.

4. The Hero of Maida, Maida Vale

  • Website: theherow9
  • Location: 55 Shirland Road, W9 2JD
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)
  • Vibe: An elegant gastropub with multiple fireplaces, an upstairs library bar and a relaxed, candlelit ambience for winter evenings.

5. The Albion, Islington

  • Website: the-albion.co.uk
  • Location: 10 Thornhill Road, Islington, N1 1HW
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4)
  • Vibe: A Georgian beauty with open log fires, a leafy garden, and a quintessentially British pub charm. Known for its Sunday roasts and cosy winter setting.

6. The Pineapple, Kentish Town

  • Website: thepineapplepubnw5.com
  • Location: 51 Leverton Street, Kentish Town, NW5 2NX
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6)
  • Vibe: A community favourite with a crackling coal fire, mismatched furniture and a relaxed, bohemian feel. A must for North London winter nights.

7. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

  • Website: yeoldecheshirecheese.london
  • Location: 145 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BU
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3)
  • Vibe: One of London’s oldest pubs, rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666. Dark, historic rooms and real fires make this one of the city’s most atmospheric winter haunts.

8. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead

  • Website: thespaniardshampstead.co.uk
  • Location: Spaniards Road, Hampstead, NW3 7JJ
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4)
  • Vibe: Steeped in legend and literature, this 16th-century pub offers log fires, oak beams and hearty fare — a quintessential winter retreat.

9. The White Horse, Parson’s Green

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  • Website: whitehorsesw6.com
  • Location: 1-3 Parsons Green, Fulham, SW6 4UL
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3)
  • Vibe: Known as “The Sloaney Pony,” this West London institution pairs its roaring fire with excellent ales and a refined crowd.

10. The Avalon, Clapham South

  • Website: theavalonlondon.com
  • Location: 16 Balham Hill, Clapham South, SW12 9EB
  • Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3)
  • Vibe: A sophisticated South West London pub combining grandeur and comfort. Expect a roaring open fire in the lounge, elegant décor, and a menu featuring refined seasonal dishes. Ideal for cosy dinners and relaxed Sunday afternoons near Clapham Common.

Conclusion

London in winter is made for pubs like these, where the crackle of a fire, hearty meals and comforting atmosphere turn cold nights into something special. Whether you are tucked into a corner in Hampstead, sipping a pint in Chelsea or exploring Islington’s Georgian charm, these fireplace pubs promise warmth in every sense.

Winter in London brings a special kind of magic, with twinkling lights, festive markets and crisp walks through parks dusted with frost. It is also the perfect season to explore the city’s pub scene, where open fires and hearty menus create a welcome retreat from the cold. If you prefer riverside strolls, discover our Best Pubs on the Water in London or start your day right with the Best Brunch in Islington. Pair your fireside afternoons with Essential Living’s London apartments, perfectly located for enjoying everything the capital offers this winter.

For design inspiration and home heating ideas, visit Homequarters.co.uk, your go-to source for interiors and lifestyle tips.

FAQ — Pubs with Fireplaces in London

Q: Which pubs in London have real open fires?

A: Try The Holly Bush in Hampstead, The Albion in Islington, or The Hero of Maida in Maida Vale — all have real fireplaces and cosy winter atmospheres.

Q: What are the best fireplace pubs near central London?

A: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street is a central classic with a centuries-old charm. For something modern, The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea is a standout.

Q: Do London pubs light fires all winter?

A: Most light fires from late October through March, depending on regulations and weather conditions.

Q: Which fireplace pubs are near Hampstead Heath?

A: The Holly Bush, The Spaniards Inn, and The Duke of Hamilton are all within a short walk of the Heath.

Jacinta Clancy

Author

Jacinta is an expert traveller with her current sights set on exploring the hidden gems of London. She is a food enthusiast and constantly looking for the new hotspots of London to share them with her readers.