London pubs with real fire

London's best pubs with real fire

Antelope
There's lots to like about the Antelope in Tooting, not least its good gastropub food. With three fires to choose from (two coal-burning options in the bar and dining room, and a wood fire in the games room) there's every chance you'll find a spot near the hearth - but be prepared to do battle for one of the pub's fireside Chesterfields.
76 Mitcham Rd, SW17 9NG. 8672 3888,
www.theantelopepub.com.

The Clapton Hart
With a half-finished look and cavernous main bar area, this hipster pub may be spacious, but that doesn't mean it can't be toasty warm. It generously keeps three wood fires alight (two in the front bar, one in the dining room), and also serves simple food together with a good selection of proper British-brewed real ales.
231 Lower Clapton Rd, E58EG. 89858124,
www.claptonhart.com.

The Earl Spencer
This inviting Southfields gastropub becomes even more enticing come winter, when its huge wood fire roars to life. The pub's rustic kitchen style is cemented by farmhouse dining tables and shelves packed with cookery books and jars of colourful pickled savouries. There's also a pleasing selection of beers on tap.
260-262 Merton Rd, SW18 5JL. 88709244,
www. theearlspencer. com.


The Holly Bush
This Dickensian Fuller's pub in Hampstead has an ancient interior, reasonably priced food and wooden booths to slide into. Its two open fires make it the perfect place to warm up following a bracing walk across the heath.
22 Holly Mount, NW3 6SG. 74352892,
www.hollybushhampstead.co.uk.

 Jerusalem Tavern

The Jerusalem Tavern is in a building that dates from the early 1700s, and its coal fire fits in perfectly with its faux antique decor. Beer on tap is from the superb St Peter's Brewery in Suffolk.
55 Britton St, EClM5UQ. 7490 4281,
www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk.

The Palmerston
This gastropub has a gorgeous mosaic floor and the walls are clad in original wood panelling. Take a seat by one of the two open fires and settle in for a weekend afternoon.
91 Lordship Lane, SE22 8EP. 8693 1629,
www.thepalmerston.net.

The Prince George

Make merry in Dalston with Czech beer and real ale (Pride, Brakspear, Woodforde's Wherry), and it has plenty of good wines by the glass too. Its free jukebox (one of the best in London) means there's always a party going on, so don't go expecting a quiet nap beside its open fire.
40 Parkholme Rd, E8 3AG. 72546060.


The Southhampton Arms
The bulbs are bare and the floorboards worn at this Kentish Town pub. It's sparse, it's simple and it's really rather splendid. The regulars are more elderly than in some pubs, and some bring along their canine companions. Purchase some traditional snacks and a pint of scrumpy (this is a cider and ale house, after all) and warm your bum beside the crackling fire.
139 Highgate Rd, NW5 1LE. 7253 0483,
www.thesouthamptonarms.co.uk.

The William IV
A brace of couches next to the fire (which burns coal and logs) make this gastropub in Hoxton a cosy spot to spend a cold day. Reliable British food and a couple of real ales complete the picture.
7 Shepherdess Walk, Nl 7QE. 31193012,
www.williamfour.co.uk.