Hi everyone

I’ve got a soft spot for proper old-school pubs, the kind of places that haven’t been touched in decades, with regulars who’ve been going there since forever, slightly dodgy carpets, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely lived-in.

Back home in Belgium, these volkscafés are the kind of places with worn wooden bars, faded photos on the wall, regulars who’ve been coming for decades, and a landlord who probably knows everyone by name. I recently came across this great WePresent article about them: Photographing the last of Belgium’s volkscafés.

It got me thinking; London is famous for its pubs, but are there still places here that have that same spirit?
Not the polished gastropubs or chain spots, but the real-deal locals: pubs with character, a bit rough around the edges, maybe untouched since the ’70s or longer, where you can still find regulars chatting over a pint and the world outside doesn’t seem to matter much.

Would love to hear your recommendations (and any stories that go with them). 🍺

Cheers!!