London transforms into a dazzling festive spectacle every December, but the seasonal cheer brings with it immense crowds. From packed ice rinks to heaving department stores, finding a peaceful pint in a central pub can feel like a Christmas miracle itself.
The Study Predicting Festive Crowds
A new analysis by the location-sharing app Life360 has forecast which London pubs will see the highest footfall this Christmas. The research, focusing on data from December 1 to 23 and December 31 of last year, measured visits lasting over an hour within ten metres of a pub's location. While not absolute, it provides a strong indicator of where the biggest festive crowds will gather.
The findings suggest pubs near major offices and commuter hubs will be the most congested, as workers flock for post-shift festive drinks. The Globe, a City pub mere steps from Moorgate tube station, is tipped to be the capital's busiest boozer this year.
London's Top 10 Festive Pub Hotspots
Following The Globe in the rankings, Nell Gwynne Tavern in Charing Cross secured second place, with The Duke of York in Victoria taking third. Life360 noted that the list highlights a clear trend of office workers prioritising a convenient drink before their journey home, with City and Victoria venues dominating.
Positions four, five, and six were all claimed by Wetherspoons establishments: The Railway Bell in Barnet, The Willow Walk in Victoria, and The Moon Under Water in Leicester Square. The app suggested the chain's popularity could be due to its appeal for large group bookings without high minimum spends and its competitive pint prices.
The full top ten list of London's busiest predicted Christmas pubs is:
- The Globe (Moorgate)
- Nell Gwynne Tavern (Charing Cross)
- Duke of York (Victoria)
- The Railway Bell (Barnet)
- The Willow Walk (Victoria)
- The Moon Under Water (Leicester Square)
- The Ganton Arms (Soho)
- The Observatory (Greenwich)
- The Signal Box (Euston)
- The William Webb Ellis (Twickenham)
Navigating the Festive Rush
This research, compiled by contributing writer Amy Houghton and based on a study released in December 2025, offers Londoners a valuable tool. For those seeking the vibrant buzz of a packed festive pub, it provides a definitive guide. For anyone hoping to avoid the seasonal squeeze, it serves as a clear map of which venues to steer clear of in the coming weeks.
Whether you're planning a celebratory work outing or a quiet catch-up with friends, knowing where the crowds are likely to be heaviest can help you strategise your Christmas socialising across the capital.
