There are loads of traditional, historic pubs in London. No worries: New York Habitat will help narrow them down by bringing you a few of the best—not to mention some fantastic, nearby rental accommodations as well. This week’s featured pub is the Nag’s Head in Belgravia, Westminster, a small beauty that’s hard to find—and even harder to leave!
The Nag’s Head is tucked away on Kinnerton, a tiny cobbled mews right off the main shopping street of Knightsbridge. Unconcerned with the trendiness and fashion usually associated with the area, this pub hasn’t changed much in over three hundred years. There’s a stove from the 1820s, an early, cheeky “What the Butler Saw” viewing box, and a cast iron fireplace on the lower level.
What will first catch your eye about the Nag’s Head are the colorful plants and flowers in boxes outside. Once inside, however, the miniature bar stools are the main draw, putting customers on a proportional level to the sunken bar area. It gives the place a sort of “through the looking glass” feel.
The Nag’s Head is a true “free house,” serving any type of beer that proprietor Kevin Moran sees fit. He took the “free house” sign off out front, however, claiming too many corporate pubs have abused the term. Oh…and he also banned cell phones from his establishment—so switch them off or suffer his wrath. You won’t need them anyway. The locals are friendly (as is Kevin, if you follow his house rules) and the conversation flows like freshly poured ale.
To become a regular at the Nag’s Head yourself, consider staying at one of these nearby New York Habitat rental accommodations in Westminster:
– A cheery 2-bedroom vacation flat in Knightsbridge, Kensington-Chelsea (LN-784), conveniently located on Kinnerton, so you’ll be neighbors with the Nag’s Head. This ground-floor flat on a quiet, closed street has double and single beds, laundry, wood flooring, a terrace and a decorative fireplace. The perfect place for after the pub!
– A modern, beautifully furnished 2-bedroom townhouse in Knightsbridge, Kensington-Chelsea (LN-819) on a quiet, residential street. This rental accommodation comes complete with double and single beds, two baths, laundry/dryer, a balcony, daily maid and weekly linen service, and a complimentary health club membership, just in case you feel like getting up from your bar stool.
Pubs are more than places to drink; they are part of London’s social and cultural core. Pull up a seat, hoist up a pint and soak in the atmosphere!
Be sure to check New York Habitat’s next historic pub pick and amazing selection of rental accommodations. Let us know which London pub you’d like to visit with a comment below.
Oh! I’ve been to Nag’s Head! It’s such a great pub! We spent a lot of time here on our last vacation in London.
What would london be without the pubs?
I agree with you Cranster what would London be without pubs. However, when I think about pub I think about Dublin really. With a good Guinness!
Nag’s is my kind of Pub. I like the fact that not much as change and the ban on cell phones.
I think this townhouse is really beautiful…. The place is really elegant and I will be so happy to book one vacation rental for my next trip to London.
I was just at this pub last week, it’s everything you say and more. We went there for Christmas’s eve.
good article…
I like historic pubs of london, I don’t know about others. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one my favourite & it is a kind of a tourist trap, the English food is amazingly good and the service is very satisfying.