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Few things are cosier, more wintry, or more wholesome than curling up by a fire. It’s an act that speaks to some ancient ritual of togetherness when the light and warmth of fires nourished our ancestors, a feeling of inherited comfort passed down through the ages.
Outside London, countryside pubs are marked by their fireplaces as gathering spots to nest in for a few hours ideally with a game of backgammon, or a book, and a few pints. In London though, the absence of a fire is more of a hallmark of a city which broadly prohibits burning logs under the Clean Air Act.
As such, pubs with live open fires are few and far between, meaning the ones which do exist should be celebrated this season as the nights draw in and the inevitable inclement weather approaches.
Another perk? Well, in most cases these pubs are all dog-friendly. A faithful hound resting and warming by the fire while pints are sunk. It’s all very poetic and yet it’s all very real. Here’s where to go.
The Pig’s Ear
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The latest joint from the Gladwin Brothers’ — the famed farmers-turned-restaurateurs who gave London the likes of The Sussex and The Shed — is a rather lovely pub. It’s located at the site of the short-lived Chelsea Pig, dubbed The Pig’s Ear we’re hoping this one hangs around. The fireplace is found on the pub side, alongside ancient red rugs and pints.
35 Old Church Street, SW3 5BS, pigsearpub.com
William IV
Another new revamped boozer, William IV has done what all profitable pubs have done these past few years and upscaled its upstairs food offering. Expect British classics in the dining room, but on the ground floor, expect cosy corners and a roaring fire.
7 Shepherdess Walk, N1 7QE, william-iv.com
Blythe Hill Tavern
One of London’s finest pubs in its own right, the Blythe Hill Tavern becomes extra special at Christmas. When the fire is roaring, the pints and the chatter flow through the dining room in equal measure. The cosseting nature of pubs is only accentuated by a fireplace and the Blythe Hill Tavern’s multiple fireside nooks make for a comforting trip.
319 Stanstead Road, SE6 4US, blythehilltavern.org.uk
Wenlock Arms
Another boozer found between Old Street and Angel, the Wenlock Arms is an old favourite full of red panelling and dark ales. It’s dog friendly, too.
26 Wenlock Road, N1 7TA, wenlockarms.com
Mayflower Rotherhithe
The Mayflower is a place which feels unchanged in decades, and — with any luck — will remain so for decades more. The fireplace, and Thames-side terrace, are both found at the rear, and are among the many original features in the pub.
117 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 4NF, mayflowerpub.co.uk
Holly Bush Hampstead
The Holly Bush essentially feels like a succession of parlours and withdrawing rooms, with a fireplace across from the central bar. It’s a comforting pub, one that feels like a countryside boozer has been transplanted into this corner of well-heeled Hampstead.
22 Holly Mount, NW3 6SG, hollybushhampstead.co.uk
The Hillgate in Notting Hill
Quaint and quiet, the Hillgate is one of a few Notting Hill pubs worth a trip. The new Blue Stoops and the Windsor can happily make for a little W8 crawl, but finishing in the Hillgate ensures fireside cosy-ness to round off an afternoon's drinking.
24 Hillgate Street, W8 7SR, thehillgate.com
Elgin in Ladbroke Grove
Nearby, between Ladbroke Grove and Holland Park, the Elgin is a dog-friendly Young’s with a great little fireplace in the pub dining room. With TVs for when the rugby is on, and quieter fireside relaxing when it’s not, there are few better places to park up for a few hours.
96 Ladbroke Grove, W11 1PY, theelginnottinghill.co.uk
The Approach Tavern Bethnal Green
Outside the Approach is a more recent addition of a large covered terrace, inside are the traditions of a blackboard menu, wooden bench seating, taupe walls and a fireplace. Dog-friendly, naturally, and a decent selection of ales on draught make this one of the better boozers in east London this Winter.
47 Approach Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 9LY, theapproachtavern.co.uk
