Stay the night: 8 of the best pubs with rooms in London

Step off a narrow lane in the heart of Marylebone, into the Grazing Goat and the urban chaos disappears – as the setting behind the honey oak framed terrace windows becomes decidedly more Cotswold than city center.

Inside, the warmth from the open fireplace and heritage iron craft beams, timber panels, burgundy leather and peeled back timber furnishings set the tone for chilly evenings, with craft beer on tap and hearty meals on the menu setting the flavor.

Beyond the bar and restaurant is the simple wooden staircase (no elevator) to the eight bedrooms, each furnished with large framed beds decked in Egyptian cotton, timber flooring and up to the minute pale granite bathrooms with Cowshed (of course!) toiletries. The rooms are fully equipped with electronic fittings, while muted shades and sound proof windows guarantee a goodnight’s sleep.

Serving ale and coffee to the well- heeled folk of Belgravia since 1776, The Orange Pub and Hotel – a whitewashed corner building that links two tree-lined streets – is an iconic local landmark across from leafy Orange Square. The pub is teaming with pastoral charm – along with Regency shades and brass fixtures to reflect the affluent and vibrant local citizens who drop by for a craft beer or Bellini or for the simple, good food (the separate restaurant serves a full menu.)

Upstairs the four bedrooms cross the English Channel for L’art de vivre inspiration – with earthy tones, rich exposed timber beams, simple coving, rattan throws and long fabric curtains. The compact bathrooms are modern with top of the range toiletries and the rooms have docking stations and the usual, up to the minute electronic trappings.

The Rose and Crown is a redbrick Grade II listed corner pub located in Stoke Newington, a quiet north London quarter off the Underground grid, that’s grown organically into a chic, boho neighborhood over the years. Airy and bright, the Rose and Crown bears all the hallmarks of its heyday, interwar era – slate flooring, high tinted glass ceiling, rich timber and log fireplaces, while its rooftop terrace offers a fresh take on the skyline.

The six bedrooms are individually and tastefully decorated with contemporary bright shades of blues and purples and original brass fixtures from the building’s brewing past. Rooms are generous in size– some with panoramic views of the town hall and neighboring St. Mary’s Church. Best of all – the room rates and menu prices offer exceptional value for London.

The American Bar in The Stafford Hotel was a social outpost in the heart of Mayfair for U.S. and Canadian troops during the Second World War. Close to Buckingham Palace (rumors persists that both buildings are connected by a secret tunnel) the dark mahogany setting with vintage lighting still captures the essence of that turbulent era, when it was the only place in town to get a decent Manhattan. Beneath the bar is London’s most famous wine cellar – that once doubled up as a shelter from bomb raids. In keeping with its past, the pub has a vast collection of stateside memorabilia donated by visitors – which hang from the ceiling of the long, narrow bar.

The bedroom area is just as unique as the bar – and is spread out over three buildings; the mews, the carriage House and main house. All rooms are beautifully furnished – however, the country elegance of the carriage house (old stables) which overlooks a cobbled courtyard is particularly distinctive.

The Fox and Anchor is a sliver of central Victorian London’s streetscape in the happening “Culture Mile” – an area between Farrington and Moorgate. The pub is packed with Art Nouveau character like the intricately designed tiles and imposing grotesques on its Grade II listed façade and inside – the wow factor continues. Strong turn of the century hues, moody mahogany fixtures, pulled back brick and rustic floorboards set the scene – and hearty meals from early breakfast with the accent on meat satisfy carnivores, given the pub’s close proximity to Smithfield Market.

The Fox and Anchor’s six bedrooms are compact – but decadently gorgeous, with zinc roll top baths, lit bateau beds and copper bucket sinks. For a splash of ultimate luxury, you can upgrade to the Market Suite with its own private rooftop terrace. Despite the bespoke heritage backdrop, the rooms are high tech with large flat screens and Bose sound systems.

Tucked so discretely into a labyrinth of lamplit lane-ways it might take a super sleuth to discover Dukes location, burrowed into a courtyard near St James’s Palace. In fact, James Bond (007) author Ian Fleming was so partial to the world famous, exquisite martinis served at Dukes Bar that it became the drink of choice for his legendary spy. Today, a bartender (or mixologist) dons a white tuxedo while preparing your martini of choice, tableside – shaken, not stirred – of course.

The 87 bedrooms at Dukes Hotel have been had a soft refurbishment – with streamlined comfort in true, pared back Edwardian style. The high end quality fittings are what you would expect from a property of this caliber – with muted colors, bespoke mahogany and walnut furniture, top of the range linen and a flat screen television.

Just a stone’s throw from the O2 Arena, The Pilot Inn is the oldest establishment on Greenwich Peninsula. Its East Thames location made it the first ale stop for sailors and pirates in the 19th century once they reached London; and that early mariner vibe still exists today beneath local high rise development. The pub oozes nautical character – bench tables, ship’s bells and log burning fires for cloudy days. Fish and chips and Sunday roasts are the order of the day, while a carefully curated craft beer and wine list keep connoisseurs satisfied.

The five rooms are playfully decorated with quality linen. Some rooms have porthole windows, nautical prints, galley walls, a ship’s compass and bright maritime shades, which harks to the past. There’s a nod to the O2 Arena with prints of iconic rock album covers hanging on the walls of another room.

The Hayden is located in the same trendy neighborhood as the movie “Notting Hill” (1999) starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant and close to Hyde Park and Portobello Market. It’s a smart white-rendered property with pavement seating and a handsome interior that successfully blends modern loft style with heritage shades and features. Exposed brick, grey hues, rustic hardwood flooring and red leather banquettes set the scene and a contemporary menu draws in a smartly dressed local crowd which creates the bustling vibe.

Upstairs the Hayden’s eight understated stylish rooms are spread over three floors, each individually designed with a blend of soft greys and creams, customized mirrors and idiosyncratic wall features. The accent here is on calmness – with comfortable beds, large screen televisions, luxury toiletries and rain-forest showers to start the day right.