Affordable Globetrotting: 10/14/18

London Eye, Big Ben, St. Margaret's Church, and Westminster Abbey.
London, England.
Photo by: @wagner.veronica

London Eye and London view.
London, England.
Photo by: @wagner.veronica

England is known to have some of the best tasting ales, along with the classiest of pubs. Lucky for me, I got a chance to sip some of the most popular brews... in some of the best (and oldest) pubs in London. Two separate layovers later, I have finally narrowed down my top picks for beer and pubs in London. Below are my first layover's top picks in the Belgrave area.

Personal Pick #1: "The Windsor Castle" (23 Francis St, Westminster, London SW1P 1DN, UK)

Only a 10 minute walking distance from Westminster Abbey, this pub has one of the most classy and traditional ambiances...not to mention one of my favorite stouts of all time on tap: Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout. This stout isn't hard to find on tap at any of the Samuel Smith's pubs (especially the Wetherspoon restaurants) in London, but mix a pint of it with a great atmosphere, and wa la! You now have one of the "sweetest" pubs in all of London.

Entrance View of "The Windsor Castle".

Main Room of "The Windsor Castle".

Stained-glass Ceiling of "The Windsor Castle".

Detailed windows of "The Windsor Castle".

Personal Pick #2: "The Ship and Shovell" (1-3 Craven Passage, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5PH, UK)

This pub that's separated into two separate buildings across from each other within an alley, but adjoined by a cellar underground is the perfect way to drink outside in a private (yet fun and social) setting. Take your "Badger" brand brand beer outside and post up at a red barrel to experience the most traditional English pub experience you can get: drinking cask beer in London's crisp air, while socializing and making new friends from near and afar. You can't get more traditional than that!

"Badger" beer on Cask at "The Ship and Shovell".

"The Ship and Shovell" alleyway (above underground cellar).

Personal Pick #3: "The Nag's Head" (53 Kinnerton St, Belgravia, London SW1X 8ED, UK)

This super cozy and quiet pub (voted one of the oldest and best pubs) will make you feel like a local. With only a few beers on tap and a small crowd, you'll be sure to experience nothing but the traditional English pub way.

Inside "The Nag's Head" Pub.

Personal Pick #4: "Star Tavern" (6 Belgrave Mews W, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HT, UK)

Only a few streets down from Belgrave Square Garden, this classy pub (along with a couple of pints) will make you question whether you're in the past or in the present. Don't let the older gentlemen sitting next to you at the bar kill your buzz when they start a heavy conversation with you about politics (you'll get this at almost every pub in the UK). Just go with the flow, and regardless if you agree or disagree with them, stay positive, have a good time, and take in a good conversation with a local while having a couple of great beers. It's definitely part of the experience.