The 8 Best London Mews Pubs to Discover

From historic Belgravia locals to hidden Fitzrovia favourites, discover some of the most atmospheric London mews pubs tucked away in and around the city’s most scenic enclaves with our latest blog below.

The history of London mews pubs

London’s mews are among the capital’s most distinctive hidden gems. Characterised by cobbled lanes, converted coach houses and charming architecture, these quiet streets were originally built in the 18th and 19th centuries to accommodate the horses, carriages and grooms serving the grand townhouses that lined London’s elegant squares.

While the horses and stables have long since disappeared, the character of these former stable yards remains. Today, many of London’s mews are highly sought-after residential addresses, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history.

The local mews pubs were just as important to life in these streets. After tending to the horses or completing a day’s work, grooms, coachmen and stable hands would often gather at nearby taverns to enjoy a well-earned drink, exchange stories and catch up with neighbours. Many of these mews pubs continue to serve their communities today, preserving the warm hospitality and local character that have defined them for generations.

Whether you’re exploring London’s hidden mews, enjoying a leisurely walk through historic neighbourhoods or simply looking for a classic British pub with plenty of character, these are some of our favourites.

The Mews Pubs in London

The Queen’s Arms, Queen’s Gate Mews, South Kensington

Tucked away near Queen’s Gate Mews, The Queen’s Arms is a traditional South Kensington mews pub with the welcoming atmosphere that makes London’s neighbourhood pubs so special.

Surrounded by elegant terraces, museums and some of the area’s most desirable residential streets, it offers a relaxed retreat after exploring the nearby mews.

It’s easy to imagine the horses once being led through these cobbled lanes by their grooms before returning to the stables that originally occupied the mews. Today, visitors can enjoy the same peaceful setting while experiencing one of South Kensington’s most charming local mews pubs.

The Star Tavern, Belgrave Mews West, Belgravia

Situated on Belgrave Mews West, The Star Tavern is one of Belgravia’s best-known historic mews pubs and a favourite among locals seeking an authentic London atmosphere.

The pub has an intriguing place in London’s history, famously associated with the planning of the Great Train Robbery of 1963, when members of the gang are said to have met there before carrying out one of Britain’s most notorious crimes.

Long before that chapter of its history, Belgrave Mews was home to the horses, carriages and grooms serving Belgravia’s grand residences. The surrounding streets still retain much of their original charm, making this one of London’s finest places to appreciate the capital’s equestrian heritage.

Today, The Star Tavern remains a welcoming destination for good food, conversation and traditional British hospitality in one of London’s most picturesque mews settings. You can learn more about The Star Tavern by watching our video here.

The Cleveland Arms, near Gloucester Mews West, Paddington

Paddington is home to a surprising collection of charming mews streets tucked away behind its better-known roads and landmarks.

Located at the beginning of Gloucester Mews West, The Cleveland Arms offers a traditional mews pub experience with a genuine neighbourhood feel.

The surrounding mews were once busy working yards where horses were cared for by skilled grooms before London’s streets became dominated by motor vehicles. Walking these quiet lanes today offers a fascinating reminder of the capital’s transformation while preserving much of its original character.

The Three Tuns, Portman Mews South, Marylebone

Marylebone’s mews streets are among London’s most attractive, offering a village-like atmosphere just moments from the West End.

The Three Tuns, located on Portman Mews South, perfectly captures the character of this historic neighbourhood. The surrounding mews once echoed with the sound of horses returning to their stables and grooms carrying out their daily routines, while nearby mews pubs offered a welcome place to rest at the end of a working day.

Today, visitors can still experience much of that timeless atmosphere while enjoying one of central London’s most charming neighbourhood mews pubs.

Horse & Groom, Groom Place, Belgravia

Hidden away in a charming, cobbled mews just off Belgrave Square, The Horse & Groom is one of Belgravia’s best-kept secrets. Dating back to the 1850s, this traditional mews pub reflects the area’s rich equestrian heritage, making it a fitting stop while exploring London’s historic streets.

Once frequented by those working in the nearby stables, including horses, coachmen and grooms serving the grand Belgravia residences, the surrounding streets still retain much of their original character. Inside, warm wood panelling, etched glass and cosy interiors create a welcoming atmosphere, while a menu of classic British dishes, carefully kept cask ales and an excellent wine selection make it an ideal place to linger after discovering the neighbourhood.

The Grenadier, Wilton Row, Belgravia

Tucked away on a quiet street near Belgravia’s elegant mews, The Grenadier is one of London’s most fascinating historic mews pubs. Its reputation extends beyond its excellent food and warm hospitality thanks to a long-standing local legend involving a young soldier said to haunt the building after meeting a tragic end over a gambling dispute. Even today, visitors often leave banknotes pinned to the ceiling in the hope of settling his supposed debt.

Ghost stories aside, The Grenadier is a much-loved neighbourhood pub known for its welcoming atmosphere and carefully prepared seasonal menu. Whether you’re drawn by its colourful history or simply looking for an authentic London pub, it’s a memorable stop while exploring Belgravia’s hidden streets. You can learn more about The Grenadier by watching our video here.

The Ladbroke Arms, Ladbroke Road, Notting Hill

Just moments from the lively streets of Notting Hill, The Ladbroke Arms enjoys a peaceful setting on the corner of Wilby Mews. With its traditional charm and relaxed ambience, it’s equally suited to a leisurely lunch, evening meal or casual drink with friends.

Its attractive façade, colourful seasonal displays and inviting outdoor terrace make it a favourite with locals throughout the year, while the friendly service and carefully prepared menu have helped establish it as one of the area’s standout neighbourhood pubs.

The Victoria, Hyde Park Gardens Mews, Paddington

Standing close to Hyde Park Gardens Mews, The Victoria has long been a favourite among Paddington locals and visitors alike. Full of character and renowned for its warm welcome, it offers everything you would expect from a traditional London pub, from comforting British classics to regularly changing seasonal specials.

The pub also holds a special place in Lurot Brand’s history. When our founder and Chairman, Antoine Lurot, first arrived in London from France in 1956 on his way to boarding school, this was where he enjoyed his very first English meal. Today, located just a short walk from our Hyde Park office, it remains a familiar and much-loved part of the local community, offering visitors an authentic taste of London’s enduring pub culture.

Experience London’s Mews Heritage

Exploring London’s mews offers a fascinating insight into the capital’s past. Beyond the famous landmarks lie hidden cobbled streets that tell the story of horses, grooms and carriage houses that once kept London moving.

The traditional mews pubs found around these historic lanes provide more than somewhere to enjoy a drink, they are part of the social fabric that has connected local communities for centuries, preserving the warmth and character that make London’s mews so distinctive.

At Lurot Brand, we have specialised in London’s mews properties since 1971, helping buyers discover some of the city’s most unique homes. From beautifully converted former stables to peaceful residential enclaves rich in history, London’s mews continue to offer a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the capital. If you’d like to learn more, you can read our blog about London’s hidden mews and their secrets here.