New York Habitat Blog

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, a small beauty that’s hard to find—and even harder to leave!

Nag's Head Pub, London

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:

• 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!

• London Apartment 1-bedroom in Kensington - Chelsea (LN-819)

  A gorgeous 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Knightsbridge, Kensington-Chelsea (LN-256) that comes with a double bed, double Murphy bed, single sofa bed, laundry/dryer and walk-in closet. This spacious, newly renovated flat also has a wonderful kitchen, wood floors, central heating and a decorative fireplace. Client testimonials rave: “The apartment was perfect for us. It was a good location…” 

• 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, for if you ever 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.

1. Our Pick of London Pubs: The Ship Tavern—Holborn
2. Head South This Winter: Brixton, South London
3. London Tea Rooms
4. Happy Holidays in London
5. Find a “Full English Breakfast” in London

This entry was posted on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 in London Travel Tips.

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