Lady’s 7 Wanderlust-Inducing International Pubs in London

Today I want to share my guide to the best international pubs in London. From a Dutch stronghold in Chinatown to a Canadian pub in Covent Garden, there are a lot to be found throughout the UK capital.

International Pubs in London

I love a good pub. One of the most exciting things about moving to London was discovering all the great pubs in the city, from the famous boozers to the local secrets.

But over the years I’ve discovered that the English don’t have the pub market cornered in London. Given the city’s amazing diversity, there are pubs here from all over the world.

So today I want to share 7 international pubs in London that are perfect for homesick expats, adventurous locals, and curious visitors.

London’s international pubs hail from across the globe, each offering drink and food unique to its country of origin.

From classic Irish pubs (what city doesn’t have one?) to secret Belgian pubs, there’s something for every fan of a good time in a lively atmosphere.

1. De Hems Dutch Pub in London

Hailing from continental Europe, De Hems is one of the most famous international pubs in London. Though Dutch, it’s located in Chinatown, adding an even more multi-cultural air to the place.

But once inside the multi-story boozer, it’s all about the Dutch beer and bitterballen, incredibly moreish fried meatballs I can’t get enough of (and always burn my mouth on!).

2. The French House Pub in London

I never thought I’d find a French pub in London. For some reason it seems a bit incongruous with my image of France as a wine producing country.

But right smack in the middle of Soho, The French House really exists (to my credit, they also have 30 champagnes and wines by the glass).

With lots of dark wood and pictures on the wall, it’s a traditional pub with classic French accents and menu items like duck confit.

3. Maple Leaf Canadian Pub in London

While there’s sadly no American pub in London, our friends to the north have generously represented our continent with the Maple Leaf pub in Covent Garden.

There are enough Canadian flags for an army of Mounties, and lots of Moosehead beer and poutine on offer (although my Canadian friends complain that the latter isn’t as good as it is back home).

Best of all for us homesick North Americans, the pub also shows lots of Canadian and American sports on TV.

4. Waxy O’Connor’s Irish Pub in London

No international city would be complete without an Irish pub or ten, and the most famous Irish pub in London is Waxy O’Connor’s. Like De Hems, this pub is in Chinatown, but once you’re through the doors it’s all Ireland all the time.

I spent St Patrick’s Day at this six-story behemoth one year, and all four bars were busy the entire evening. But even on regular nights, the labyrinth of rooms and maze of staircases is fun to explore with a pint of Guinness.

5. Bradley’s Spanish Bar in London

Right off Oxford Street, Bradley’s Spanish Bar is secreted away on a tiny alley. For those who can find it, the intimate pub offers the reward of so-shabby-its-cool vintage decor and a jukebox that still plays records.

Above all, there are Spanish beers on tap for those that need a cerveza fix in Fitzrovia.

6. Bierschenke German Pubs in London

It’s no surprise that the Germans have gone big with their London pubs.

The Bierschenke Beerhall by Liverpool Street and Bierschenke Bierkeller in Tower Hill are convivial spaces that bring the best of Munich’s beer hall scene to the UK capital.

With pretzels, bratwurst, beer, and more, it’s Oktoberfest in London every night of the week. Prost!

7. The Dovetail Belgian Pub in London

When I worked in Brussels, I couldn’t get over how many different kinds of beer Belgium produced. From Trappist ales to lambic brews, there was something for every monk, man, and woman.

So it’s pretty much a no-brainer that there would be a Belgian pub to round out the selection of international pubs in London.

With lots of Belgian beer signs decorating the walls and no shortage of brews on offer, The Dovetail in Clerkenwell is a great place to try some of the country’s famous exports.

Best International Pubs in London

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of pubs from around the world and that they let you travel far and wide from the comfort of the UK capital.

If you’re interested in discovering more great pubs in London, you can take a look at my blog posts about the prettiest pubs in London, the best riverside pubs in London, and the top pubs with beer gardens in London.

You can even follow my itinerary for pubs in central London if you’d like to make trip of it.

If you want to find a pub you can call home-away-from-home, check out my post about the best pub accommodation in London. I hope you find the perfect one for you!

Have you come across any international pubs in London? Which ones?

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