Best Pubs and Bars Near Buckingham Palace

Enjoy top drinking spots close to Buckingham Palace.

Published: April 3, 2025
Buckingham Palace

A visit to Buckingham Palace offers a peek into the grandeur of British royalty, and what better way to complement your experience than with a stop at one of the nearby pubs or bars? Whether you're in the mood for a chic cocktail lounge or a cozy traditional pub, you'll find plenty of options around this historic landmark.  

High-end 

The Goring Bar 

Walking distance: 5 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: Victoria
Known for: Classic cocktails and luxurious setting
Google rating: 4.5 

The Goring Bar at The Goring Hotel is known for its classic cocktails, expertly crafted by experienced mixologists, all within a plush and stylish setting. 

The bar's refined interior, complete with sumptuous furnishings and elegant decor, provides the ideal backdrop for enjoying a cocktail like the signature Goring Negroni. The attentive service and intimate ambiance make it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. 

The Goring Bar combines heritage with luxury, making it an exceptional choice for those near Buckingham Palace seeking a touch of class.  

Dukes Bar 

Walking distance: 15 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: Green Park
Known for: Iconic martinis and classic charm
Google rating: 4.6 

Dukes Bar, nestled within Dukes Hotel, is famed for its martinis, offering a quintessentially British experience. The intimate and sophisticated atmosphere makes it a favourite for those seeking an upscale evening out. 

Renowned for their Martini menu, crafted tableside, the bartenders at Dukes offer an unmatched level of expertise.  

With its iconic drinks and distinguished ambiance, Dukes Bar provides a luxurious treat for those near Buckingham Palace. 

The Rose Lounge 

Walking distance: 10 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: Green Park
Known for: Elegant teas and refined cocktails
Google rating: 4.4 

The Rose Lounge inside the Sofitel St James is a haven of elegance. Known for its exquisite teas by day, it transforms into a delightful cocktail lounge by night. 

The lounge’s cocktail menu showcases refined creations with floral and botanical influences. Try their signature Lavender Bliss, a fragrant blend of gin, lavender, and citrus.  

The Rose Lounge provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it a perfect choice near Buckingham Palace. 

The Stafford Wine Cellar 

The Stafford Wine Cellar 

Walking distance: 12 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: Green Park
Known for: Extensive wine selection and historic ambiance
Google rating: 4.5 

The Stafford Wine Cellar offers a unique experience with its vast collection of fine wines set in an atmospheric and historic cellar.  

The cellar’s expert sommeliers are available to guide you through wine selections, ensuring an enriching tasting experience. The rustic setting, with its vaulted ceilings and storied walls, provides the backdrop for some vintage grape action. 

For those near Buckingham Palace with a taste for excellent wine and rich history, The Stafford Wine Cellar is a must-visit. 

Mid-range 

The Clarence 

Walking distance: 7 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: St. James’s Park
Known for: Traditional ales and classic British fare
Google rating: 4.3 

The Clarence is a charming pub that welcomes you with its traditional British warmth and a selection of classic ales, located a short walk from Buckingham Palace. 

The interior features cozy seating and classic pub décor, providing the perfect setting for enjoying a pint of London Pride or a hearty meal like fish and chips. 

With its authentic feel and quality offerings, The Clarence is an ideal spot for those seeking a true British pub experience near Buckingham Palace. And sometimes, that’s all you want. 

The Dog and Duck 

Walking distance: 12 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: Green Park
Known for: Craft ales and lively atmosphere
Google rating: 4.4 

The Dog and Duck excellent selection of craft ales make it a favourite for those seeking a lively night out just a few minutes' walk from Buckingham Palace. 

The bar offers an impressive range of ales, rotating taps that showcase the best of local and regional brews, making it great for sessions or just a jar or two. 

With its mix of tradition and contemporary touches, The Dog and Duck offers a delightful experience for visitors near Buckingham Palace. 

The Albert 

The Albert 

Walking distance: 8 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: Victoria
Known for: Victorian charm and hearty British meals
Google rating: 4.2 

The Albert is a Victorian-era pub that oozes historical charm with its beautifully preserved architecture and inviting atmosphere. Known for its traditional ales and hearty meals, it offers a genuine taste of British history. 

The menu features classics like bangers and mash, complemented by a selection of well-kept ales. 

With its rich history and welcoming ambiance, The Albert makes for a memorable visit just a short walk from Buckingham Palace. It’s a perfect spot for those wanting to enjoy a bit of nostalgia along with their pint. 

The Lord Moon of the Mall 

Walking distance: 15 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
Known for: Great value and traditional pub food
Google rating: 4.3 

The Lord Moon of the Mall offers a delightful mix of value and traditional British pub charm. Situated close to Buckingham Palace, this pub is a beloved haunt for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a pint. 

The pub serves a range of classic ales and traditional dishes like steak and kidney pie. The spacious interior and friendly atmosphere make it a welcoming spot for everyone. 

The Lord Moon of the Mall stands out for its value and classic pub experience, making it a great choice for those near Buckingham Palace. 

Budget-friendly 

The Buckingham Arms 

The Buckingham Arms 

Walking distance: 8 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: St. James’s Park
Known for: Traditional pub charm and budget-friendly options
Google rating: 4.2 

The Buckingham Arms is one of the most popular spots near Buckingham Palace. Known for its budget-friendly selections, this pub provides a cozy retreat in the heart of the city. 

You’ll find a variety of affordable ales and comfort food, such as shepherd’s pie and fish and chips.  

The Buckingham Arms is perfect for those looking to enjoy a traditional pub experience on a budget. It promises warmth, character, and value just steps from Buckingham Palace. 

The Feathers 

Walking distance: 6 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: St. James’s Park
Known for: Cozy vibe and affordable drinks
Google rating: 4.3 

The Feathers presents a welcoming spot with its cozy atmosphere and affordable drinks, ideal for those visiting Buckingham Palace. 

Renowned for its reasonably priced ales and hearty pub fare, The Feathers serves up classics like beef pie and fish and chips. 

For visitors looking to unwind near Buckingham Palace without overspending, The Feathers is an excellent choice. It combines charm and value, making it a favourite among budget-conscious travellers. 

The Cask and Glass 

Walking distance: 10 minutes from Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: Victoria
Known for: Intimate setting and real ales
Google rating: 4.4 

The Cask and Glass is a hidden gem known for its intimate setting and selection of real ales. This quaint pub offers a cozy escape just a short walk from Buckingham Palace, providing a genuine taste of local London. 

Enjoy a range of well-crafted ales and traditional snacks that deliver on both taste and affordability.  

For a truly authentic and budget-friendly experience near Buckingham Palace, The Cask and Glass is a must-visit. It promises a delightful retreat where you can enjoy quality drinks without breaking the bank. 

For more London fun, check out our Buckingham Palace v Kensington Palace comparison, and burn some pints off on the city’s best walking tours. 

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The Royal Albert Hall Tour: FAQs

What is the Royal Albert Hall? The Royal Albert Hall is perhaps the most famous concert hall in the country. It was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and has since played host to some of the most memorable, revered and notorious events in British cultural history. Take a look round it and learn all about its history on a Royal Albert Hall tour, which is what this article is all about. Why is it called the Royal Albert Hall? It's named in tribute to Albert, Prince Consort and husband to Queen Victoria. Following London’s successful hosting of the Great Exhibition in 1851, Prince Albert pushed proposals for permanent cultural facilities and institutions in the capital. Albert died before his vision could come to life. A memorial to him was planned, with a great hall stood across from it. The Albert Memorial still stands in Kensington Gardens, with the Royal Albert Hall facing it. Why is it so famous? Because of its design... perhaps. 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South Kensington and High Street Kensington are the tube stations closest to the Hall, with both about 10-15 minutes walk away. The nearest step-free tube station is Green Park. Bus-wise, number 9, 23, 52, 70, 360, 452 and 702 stop close to the Hall. Not scratched your London landmark itch yet? Have a go on this.
Matthew Pearson
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour
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Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour: FAQs

So, what is Shakespeare’s Globe? Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the 1599 Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse where many of William Shakespeare’s plays had their debuts. And now you can find out all about it on the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour. Is it the original? No, that was demolished in 1644. This reconstruction stands just 230m from the original site. It is designed to be as faithful to the original as possible and is based on lots of academic research into the features, size, materials and shape of the original. Is it simply an attraction, then? No. Shakespeare’s Globe, like the original, is a working theatre. It is open-air, with an authentic thrust stage that leans out into the audience. The building provides cover for three tiers of seating, but most audience members stand, entirely unprotected from the elements. As such, the theatre puts on performances during the summer only.  There’s a self-guided exhibition area too, which you’re free to take a look at afterwards, or beforehand whilst you wait for your allocated tour time slot. Do the tours run year-round? They are indeed. So whenever you’re looking to come to London, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see the building from the inside and dip your toe into a little London and Shakespeare history. Tours finish at midday during the performance season, which runs from April to October. But no tour is called off due to inclement weather. Because of the open-air nature of the yard, bring appropriate clothing if you think it’s going to rain. What does the tour include? Visitors are taken into the theatre to see the thrust stage and the covered seating of the ‘Wooden O’. You’ll discover how plays were performed in Shakespeare’s time, and how the modern theatre tries to carry on the theatrical legacy of the Elizabethan stage. It’s particularly enlightening to consider the practical problems and considerations that affected the way Shakespeare developed his most famous works. You’ll be guided through the history of the original building and its modern reconstruction, getting introduced to fascinating real-life characters who made the theatre what it was then, and what it is now. Can I stand on the stage? Unfortunately not. It’s for safety reasons though, so fair enough. If you come as part of an educational group, you might be able to during one of the workshops. But for ordinary entry, nope. You do get incredibly close to it though. Just one tiny step and a giant leap from stardom.  Do I get to go backstage then? There isn’t really much to see backstage at Shakespeare’s Globe. So, no. Does it last as long as the Bard's longest play, Hamlet? Blessedly, no. The tour lasts around 40 minutes. Can I book in advance? You can book advance tickets online. 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However, there are free information sheets available on the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour. They come in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Korean, Portuguese, Romanian, Greek and Hungarian. Is the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour fully accessible? Yes, it is. Ask at the ticket office for more details if visiting with someone with hearing or sight difficulties. How do I get to Shakespeare’s Globe? Shakespeare’s Globe is positioned on the Southbank, right by the River Thames. It’s in an enviable position, right in the heart of London, just as the original 1599 Globe Theatre was. This means that it is easy to get to from a number of London locations. Take an easy stroll along the Thames from a nearby attraction. It’s a lovely way to arrive at this centre of theatrical history. You’ll also find it easily accessible by a number of cycle routes. 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With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️
Matthew Pearson
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Wembley Stadium Tour: FAQs

What is Wembley Stadium? Wembley Stadium is a London landmark and perhaps the most famous stadium in the world. It is the largest stadium in the country, and the second largest in Europe by capacity. It was one of the main venues during the 2012 London Olympic Games, and hosted the fondly-remembered and groundbreaking Live Aid charity concert in 1985. And, as all English football fans will know, it was the setting for the England Mens Football Team’s only ever World Cup triumph, way back in 1966. You can find out all about the stadium and its history on the Wembley Stadium Tour. Is this the original Wembley Stadium? Is this the Wembley Stadium? What can I see on the Wembley Stadium Tour? The great thing about the Wembley Stadium Tour is the amount of access to roped-off visitors enjoy. You’ll get onto seats usually warmed by the bums of the super famous, from sports stars to pop icons and royals. The England dressing room is perhaps the most behind-the-scenes part of the tour. You’ll be talked through the footballing history of the stadium and the England team, including all the triumph and glory of 1966. What must have been going through those England players’ heads as they came out for the second half? And what must have been going through the mind of Gareth Barry as he sat in the dressing room at half time during the qualifier against Montenegro, the score at 0 - 0? Not much. It ended 0 - 0. What a time to be alive. Then you get to live out your childhood dreams (or at least watch others living out theirs) by running down the players tunnel and out onto the hallowed turf of Wembley. A big treat for footy fans is getting the chance to lift a replica of the FA Cup in front of the Royal Box, like every victorious captain in the competition’s history. There’s a whole exhibition devoted to the 1966 World Cup victory too (not that they’re going on about it) and lots of historical artefacts, including items from the 1948 Olympics and the first rulebook of association football, dating back to 1863. You’ll also see Steven Gerrard’s 2005 captains armband and David Beckham’s Manchester United jersey from their treble-winning 1999 season. How long do the tours last? The Wembley Stadium Tour lasts around 75 minutes. However, set aside another half hour or so for the Wembley Stadium Store. The Wembley Stadium Store? Yep, it’s a great place for picking up souvenirs. You can find an awful lot of Wembley-themed merch, including scarves, t-shirts, badges, mugs and the like. If you want to pick up a football kit, England or otherwise, this is a great place to come. How much does the Wembley Stadium Tour cost? If you buy them from the venue on the day, the tours cost £20 for adults and £12 for children under 16. If you book in advance, it’s £19 for adults and £12 for kids. Concession tickets are £12. However, entry is free with your London Pass. What if I’m booking for a group? When do the tours run? Tours run between 10am and 3pm between 1st November and 31st March, seven days a week. Between 1st April and 31st October, they run between 10am and 4.30pm, seven days a week. They leave every half hour. However, when there are major events taking place at the stadium, timings can change, and whole days will be closed for tours. What language is the tour in? The Wembley Stadium tour guides present their tours in English, but a multimedia device allows you to access lots of info, videos, text and graphics in different languages, including English, Mandarin, Spanish, German and French. How do I get to Wembley Stadium for the tour? Head to the Wembley Stadium Tour Entrance, which is well-signposted and is situated next to the Bobby Moore statue. Transport-wise, you’re best off getting off at Wembley Park Station, which is on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. It takes you right into the stadium complex. Alternatively, get off at Wembley Central station (Bakerloo and London Overground). It's then a 20 minute walk to the stadium. Wembley Stadium Station on the Chiltern Line is also right next to the stadium. If you need to drive, there is official parking, operated by Wembley Park. They also run the blue badge parking which is directly beside the stadium. Check their website for more details. Looking for another London landmark to explore? Get a perfect view of the city's Olympic stadiums on a trip up the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
Matthew Pearson
The London Eye
Tower of London

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