The best pub outside central London for 2026, according to Time Out

Every year, Time Out names the 50 best pubs in London. We spend months drinking and eating at the capital’s boozers to come up with the definitive ranking. It’s the Lord’s work. 

We revealed our new number one (a handsome flat-roofed pub in Clerkenwell) just a few days ago. Second place was another boozer in zone 1 – the Coach and Horses in Soho. But which was the top pub outside of central London?

If you want to avoid the central crowds, our best pub to visit in 2026 outside of the city centre is The Nag’s Head in Walthamstow.

Tucked away on Orford Road in Walthamstow Village, the Nag’s Head is a cosy and eclectic neighbourhood boozer that welcomes ale drinkers, pizza lovers and many cats. Run by an eccentric landlady, the pub’s décor consists of neon signs and pictures of cats. The Nag’s Head is also the only pub in Walthamstow that doesn’t allow children. Sorry, kids. 

‘Inside, faded sofas invite you to sink in for the afternoon, while a spacious beer garden provides plenty of room for sunny-day pints,’ wrote our review. ‘There’s a warm, slightly scruffy charm to the place, with a genuine community feel and regular events including life drawing, pub quizzes and lots of live music adding to its character. There’s plenty to do here, and that’s why people come back for more.’

Other non-central pubs to make it into this year’s list include new-gen Irish boozer Moylett’s in Clapton, Skehans in Nunhead (a former number one), and the Blythe Hill Tavern in Catford. 

The 50 best pubs in London for 2026.

One of London’s finest bakeries is opening a second location. 

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