Explorer Visits 1,000 UK Pubs and Reveals His Top 10, Featuring Two Must-Visit London Boozers

The traditional British pub crawl is gradually fading from the cultural landscape, as an increasing number of pubs face closure while patrons are drawn to the comforts of home and enticing supermarket discounts. Yet, Thomas Vosper is on a mission to revive this cherished custom, having documented his dedication to the art of the pub crawl in six best-selling books. His latest work, titled Historic Pub Crawls Through Scotland, is set to be released this week.

Championing the Pub Experience

Thomas passionately advocates for the importance of pubs in British life. “Whenever you go anywhere in the country, whether you’re with friends, family, or even alone, the first place you seek out is somewhere to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat,” he explains. “I believe that pubs, and specifically pub crawls, are a fantastic way to explore the history of an area and connect with its people.”

Since his mid-twenties, Thomas has been organising an annual pub crawl to celebrate his birthday. However, after facing a series of personal challenges in 2023, he decided to transform this hobby into a meaningful endeavour. This inspired him to compile a collection of his top pub crawl routes into a self-published book that quickly gained popularity. Throughout his journey, he has visited over 1,000 pubs.

Planning the Perfect Pub Crawl

When planning a pub crawl, Thomas recommends targeting around twelve stops. “This way, you can experience a diverse range of pubs,” he advises. “If you come across a pub that doesn’t appeal to you, you can easily skip it and know that the next one isn’t far away.” He acknowledges the varied preferences of pub-goers, noting that some may favour a Sam Smith’s establishment, while others might prefer the grand ambiance of a Wetherspoons or the lively atmosphere of a sports bar. “With twelve stops, you can ensure a good mix,” he adds.

In Thomas’s opinion, London boasts the widest selection of pubs in the UK, with around 3,500 establishments. “As a Londoner, I can confidently say that it’s the best place for a drink,” he asserts. Nevertheless, he expresses a fondness for Liverpool, recognising it as a city with “some of the world’s most beautiful pubs.”

Thomas’s Favourite Pubs Unveiled

While he refrains from naming a singular favourite among the hundreds he has explored for his books, Thomas has compiled a list of ten exceptional pubs he’d gladly revisit for a leisurely pint. The Marquis, originally known as the Hole in the Wall, boasts a rich history linked to Anne Talbot, the mistress of the Duke of Buckingham, and is known for its eclectic atmosphere and retro music. The Warrington, a Grade II listed venue featured in the classic 70s police drama The Sweeney, offers a warm, traditional charm that complements Thomas’s historical focus.

Widely acclaimed as the finest pub in the Midlands, The Old Joint Stock not only serves a fantastic menu but also features its own studio theatre. The Philharmonic, with its alluring Victorian design characterised by antique wood panelling and stained glass, transports patrons back to the golden age of British pubs. Known as “The Big House,” The Vines, established in 1907, is a remarkable venue showcasing stunning period architecture and intricate plasterwork.

A Taste of Scotland and Beyond

Thomas also highlights the Guildford Arms, one of Scotland’s renowned “People’s Palaces,” celebrated for its ornate design reminiscent of the ‘Golden Age’ of Scottish pub aesthetics. The Centurion, though recently adopted as a sports bar, still retains its charming vintage feel. Meanwhile, the Prince Albert, which doubles as a music venue, reflects the bohemian spirit of Brighton with its vibrant mural featuring music legends.

In Dublin, the Gravediggers stands out for serving one of the finest pints of Guinness in a traditional setting devoid of distractions like music or television. Thomas succinctly states the appeal of Irish pubs, declaring, “If you go to Ireland, that’s where the best Guinness is. There’s no debate.” He adds that for lager enthusiasts, Scotland’s Tennent’s is the drink of choice.

From Humble Beginnings to Viral Success

Thomas’s associated Instagram account, @historicpubcrawls, has garnered over a quarter of a million followers, a remarkable achievement considering its humble beginnings. “I started visiting pubs without even having an Instagram account and would say, ‘You’re in my book. Can I have a free pint? I’m going to film it and put it on the internet. I’ll be famous, you’ll be rich,'” he recalls. “As you can imagine, the first pub I approached told me to go away. In fact, most did that day. We visited fifteen establishments; five told me off, five said, ‘Buy your own drink, you cheeky sod,’ and the last one treated us to pints all night. I thought, ‘I might be onto something here.’ That was two and a half years ago, and now my first few books have done remarkably well, attracting the attention of a publisher.”

As he prepares for the launch of his latest title, Historic Pub Crawls Through Scotland, Thomas plans to raise a glass or two at the Guildford Arms, one of the most stunning pubs in the world, to celebrate the occasion.