London just got a new proper pub! The Wild Swan has opened on Fetter Lane in Holborn and it is everything we love. Thornbridge Brewery, born deep in the Peak District back in 2005 and now boasting well over 500 awards worldwide, has finally made its London debut. Rotating cask ales, serious craft pours, Milanese style pizza made fresh every morning using Jaipur IPA in the dough, and a bespoke stained glass window made exclusively for this room. It is also the only pub in the entire country to hold BREEAM Excellence status, the world's leading sustainability certification. And the name? A quiet nod to the much loved White Swan that stood nearby until it was demolished in 2021, woven together with one of Thornbridge's earliest and most celebrated pale ales. History, beer, and pizza. On Fetter Lane. Go.
Widely regarded as the hardest pub in London to find, Ye Olde Mitre is tucked down a near-invisible alleyway off Hatton Garden and has been there in some form since 1546, when it was built for the servants of the Bishops of Ely. The dark panelled rooms are tiny, the only food is toasties and pork pies, and there is a preserved cherry tree trunk in the entrance that Queen Elizabeth I is said to have danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton. Seek it out, order a real ale and you will feel very pleased with yourself.
Inspired by the army mess bars of India, Brigadiers at Bloomberg Arcade in the City is a sprawling, gloriously loud Indian barbecue restaurant spread across several rooms of red leather booths, polished mahogany and gold detail. The live fire cooking is excellent, with tandoori lamb chops and beef shin biryani among the standouts, and the whole place doubles as one of London's best sports bars, with pool tables, whisky vending machines and cocktails on tap making it as much a destination for a big night out as a serious dinner.
A Royal Navy warship launched in 1938, now permanently moored on the Thames. You can explore all 9 decks of the ship, from gun turrets to engine rooms, exactly as it was used in the past.
From climbing ladders, ducking through tight corridors, stepping into real living quarters - this feels less like a museum, and more like walking through a frozen moment in history.
Reconstructed Roman temple dating back to the 3rd century. Dedicated to the mystery cult of Mithras, once worshipped in secrecy by Roman soldiers and merchants. The temple has been reinstalled below street level with a timed light and sound installation that recreates its ritual atmosphere.
Set inside the former Midland Bank headquarters, a vast 1920s building designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
The former banking hall now houses multiple restaurants and bars, with live music woven into the space throughout the week. The Vault Bar sits inside the original bank vaults, creating a more intimate and atmospheric contrast to the main hall.
Sunday brunch with live jazz is a must.
