Alright, so strictly speaking it's by a canal, not a river, but in the self-conscious wackiness of Camden Market, a bar as artfully understated as the Lockside Lounge is worth championing. Read more.
The Anchor & Hope is wedged on the bottom of a hill, between a housing estate and the River Lea. The lack of impressive decor is more than made up for by the hearty cheer of the red-faced locals.
Mr Ramsay’s first foray into gastropub territory remains well received by Limehouse’s more moneyed residents. Read more.
Drink in London history at the Prospect, a building in Wapping that dates back to the 1520s and claims to be the city’s oldest riverside inn.
Though claiming to be the oldest pub on the river, the Ramsgate looks like it had a refurb in the ’70s – all patterned carpet and chunky wood tables.
This great Young’s local shines like a riverside beacon. The relaxing front bar is ideal for quiet conversation, whereas the larger conservatory by the Thames attracts a lively crowd. Read more.
This landmark boozer lapped by the Thames is not as historic as it seems – its impressive Georgian appearance is actually down to a 1968 makeover – but it still pulls in the tourists.
You have to walk around some rather soulless luxury developments to get to this huge Young’s gastropub. Numerous outdoor benches overlook an unlovely stretch of the Thames. Read more.
The White Hart is another big barn of a pub arranged around a central bar, but with a more homely atmosphere thanks to its dark wood decor, capacious chesterfields, fires and friendly local crowd.
Located on a gorgeous stretch of the north bank of the Thames, this Fuller’s pub is not as small as it first seems.
This rambling Victorian pub opens up at the back onto a huge riverside decked garden. Good food, ales and wines, along with friendly service, ensure that the terraces are packed any day of the week. Read more.
The pub is divided into four areas: a riverside garden/terrace, a lounge bar, a gorgeous conservatory area, and the tiny front bar, which merits an entry in Guinness World Records.
The capacious Old Ship is a Young’s pub with a view that makes it stand out. On sunny days the wide river path outside fills up with drinkers swinging their legs over the river wall. Read more.
Right on the canal path, in view of the longboats moored along the banks, the Waterway makes good use of its location, with a decent-sized decked area out front. Read more.
Owned by the Capital Pub Company, the Boaters Inn sits on a quiet stretch of the river in Kingston. Sup local ales while sitting under dappled shade on the large riverside terrace. Read more.
The London Apprentice, just outside Syon Park, opposite Isleworth Ait, was once a favourite of Charles Dickens. Now it’s a perfect place to enjoy a drink by the river in the summer.
Optimism is creating an entirely outdoor establishment on the Thames. At this German beer garden (open weather permitting) the wursts are great, especially washed down with a weissbier und sauerkraut. Read more.
A big, handsome boozer, The White Cross has large bay windows that offer none-closer views of the river. Crowds flock here in summer to bask on the waterfront with a cooling drink.
