Whether you’re looking to catch the game or share a few cocktails with friends, there are plenty of wheelchair-friendly pubs in London. Here are a few of our favourites!
Whether you want a quiet pint or a good Sunday roast we’ve rounded up information on London’s best wheelchair-accessible pubs to make it easier than ever to find a great place to go. We know that for people with accessibility needs, finding places to go can feel quite daunting, however, there are plenty of venues that are disability-friendly, offering easy access for wheelchair users alongside a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
We’ve handpicked our favourite watering holes across the capital, ranging from traditional British pubs to more upmarket cocktail bars. Cheers!
North London
Smokehouse, Highbury & Islington
63–69 Canonbury Rd, Islington, London, N1 2DG
As the name suggests, Smokehouse specialises in smoked food, using a charcoal grill to produce innovative barbecued dishes. It works with ethical farmers and growers across the country to source the best ingredients. The beer list is extensive – consisting of more than 80 options – and it only serves wine from independent, family-run vineyards. It’s the ideal spot for a celebratory meal!
Although there’s a step up to the building, the venue has a portable ramp to enable access for wheelchair users. It also has accessible toilets and is able to arrange tables to accommodate wheelchairs. Smokehouse is located 300 yards away from Highbury & Islington Station (which has step-free access) down Canonbury Road.
South London
The Old Brewery, Greenwich
The Pepys Building, The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10 9LW
This quirky, spacious gastropub is located within The Old Naval College, in the heart of Greenwich’s UNESCO-designated maritime district. It boasts an extensive drinks menu of craft spirits and cask ales and serves British dishes using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The roasts in particular get rave reviews!
The Old Brewery also scores highly in terms of accessibility, with ramp access and ample room for wheelchair users to manoeuvre. There are accessible toilets both in the dining room and on the picturesque outside terrace. The pub is located a five-minute walk from Cutty Sark DLR Station, which offers step-free access. You can also arrive via public riverboat service, docking at nearby Greenwich Pier.
The Founders Arms, South Bank
52 Hopton Street, London, SE1 9JH
The Founders Arms is the perfect pit stop after you’ve been to visit the Tate Modern or explored the South Bank, with views across the River Thames. It dishes up traditional pub grub and is renowned for its brunches and Sunday roasts.
There are several entrances into the pub, one of which has ramp access. While there’s a step down to the restaurant, the bar area is accessible by wheelchair – there’s also an accessible toilet. To reach The Founder’s Arms travel to step-free Blackfriars Station and cross over Blackfriars Bridge.
East London
The Alchemist Bevis Marks, Aldgate
6 Bevis Marks, Aldgate, London, EC3A 7BA
If you like to enjoy extravagant cocktails in opulent surroundings, then you’ll love The Alchemist Bevis Marks! Sip on drinks that smoke and even change colour (there’s an excellent wine list for those less inclined towards the theatrical). There’s also a very reasonably priced world cuisine menu, which includes everything from hot skillet boards to bao buns.
There is step-free access both at the entrance and to reach the bar. There is also a lift to reach the second floor, with a large accessible toilet located next to it. While the pub is spacious, making an advance booking will ensure that your table is fully wheelchair accessible.
The pub is located about five minutes from Liverpool Street tube and rail stations, both of which have step-free access.
Central London
The Moon Under Water, Leicester Square
28 Leicester Square, West End, London, WC2H 7LE
George Orwell once described his ideal pub in writing, naming it The Moon Under Water. And this Wetherspoons comes pretty close, with its central location and affordable menu. It has a varied drinks list too, with everything from British craft gin to German wheat beers.
At the main entrance, you’ll find a permanent ramp with a slight gradient. There’s a portable ramp at the Leicester Square entrance, and you’ll find a member of staff to assist you. There’s step-free access to the accessible toilet, which you’ll find at the rear of the venue. The pub also has tables that are suitable for wheelchair users – book in advance to be sure of getting one.
It’ll take you around fifteen minutes to get from the nearest accessible station, Green Park, but the route itself is wheelchair friendly – it’s straight down Piccadilly.
The Jack Horner, Tottenham Court Road
234-236 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7QN
The Jack Horner is a traditional London boozer with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Being a Fuller’s pub, you’ll be assured of decent cask ale, but it also has an extensive wine list. It serves up good old fashioned pub grub – the handmade pies are particularly popular.
The pub has a step-free entrance and an accessible toilet. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Tottenham Court Road, one of the few step-free stations in Central London.
West London
Greenwood, Victoria
170 Victoria St, London SW1E 5LB
The Greenwood is the ultimate pub for watching a sports game, with giant HD screens and plenty of space for groups. It has an affordable (for London) menu of pizza, burgers and other comfort food, and drinks include everything from craft beer to themed sports cocktails.
The pub is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and welcomes people with accessibility needs. The main entrance has level access and automatic doors, making it very easy to get inside, while the accessible toilet also has step-free access. You’ll find it directly opposite Victoria Station – it’s the perfect spot to grab a pint before you catch a train.
Railway Tavern, Richmond
28, 29 The Quadrant, Richmond TW9 1DN
The Railway Tavern prides itself on its selection of regional ales, craft gins and whiskies. You can indulge in British classics such as pies, burgers and fish and chips – make sure you leave room for dessert! The tavern shows rugby, cricket and football features, and is a great place to watch that important game.
Wheelchair users will enjoy level access to the venue, and there’s ample room to navigate inside. There is also level access to the accessible toilet, which is located near the main entrance.
The pub is located right next to Richmond, a tube and train station with step-free access options.
These are our favourite wheelchair-friendly pubs in London, but we’re sure there must be plenty more we haven’t yet visited! If you have any favourites, we’d love to hear about them! And if you’re travelling further afield, do check out our guide to the best wheelchair accessible pubs in England.