The Best Pubs in Putney

Before the advent of the rapid changes and innovations that transformed London in the 19^th century, so much of the capital was divided into rural communities and villages. For areas south west of the famous River Thames, the majority of these were built around their relationship to the waterway and Putney was no different, as a significant and useful ferry crossing. Its development into a thriving suburb was expedited by the masters of the railway and bridge builders of Industrialisation, who made so many connections possible and also ensured that its beautiful landscape and lifestyle were coveted by the elite, the great and the good of the country’s capital.

In perhaps the greatest of all English traditions, this exodus gave rise to an increase in public houses to suitably provide hospitality and entertainment. Of course, many of these have not survived the march into the 21^st century, but there is a fantastic collection that is continuing the fine legacy of Putney pubs.

Below, the best amongst them will act as the perfect guide for any visitor or new resident.

The Boathouse

Everything in Putney is built around that wonderful meandering river. What was once so crucial to trade and maintaining the lives of families that made their home here is now an aesthetic asset that is the envy of all London entertainment venues. The Boathouse’s location facing directly onto the embankment between Putney and Putney Bridge stations is a masterpiece of a view, and it certainly makes the most of it. An elevated glass-fronted extension brings the waterside inside in a bright and airy way, built for long summer afternoons and the bustle of the annual Boat Race.

It is a relatively modern endeavour, built around 2004 on the Putney Embankment Conservation Area, that seeks to preserve this fascinating industrial past. And the crane out front certainly helps that ambience. The Boathouse is a friendly, comfortable and unfussed space that offers a balance of craft ales and light lunches that operate with seasonal flair in a simple way. Perfect for watching the world go by on that incredible waterway.

The Duke’s Head

It is widely believed that a public house has been on this site dating all the way back to 1774. What we now see as The Duke’s Head in this impressive Grade-II listed Putney landmark is the combination of an 1864 construction augmented by a major remodelling thirty years later that added the distinct cut & etched glasswork, timber screens and immaculate joinery along the bar space. As was the tradition at the time of the build, The Duke’s Head was laid out in three areas of a public bar, saloon and lounge to accommodate the different types of visitors and drinkers that would regularly visit. It is full of historical surprises too, such as the cellar containing a disused Skittles Alley that was subsequently used by the Putney Rowing Club as a boat store for over 60 years. 

Once again, the Thames is the real star with a glass-fronted dining room that looks out onto the river, providing all the robust modern Gastropub classics like cider-battered haddock with triple-cooked chips and pan-roasted seabass alongside slightly more intriguing options through the British Charcuterie Board. Its amenable atmosphere and prime locations make The Duke’s Head a bustling and energy-filled choice at all times of day, with a busy atmosphere adding to the allure of getting that all-important riverside seat. 

The Half Moon

It is no great secret that the financial landscape for English pubs has become a challenging one in recent times. Sadly, the rate at which some of these famous institutions are closing and leaving the communities they so effectively served for centuries is still increasing. This is exactly why the story of The Half Moon in Putney is such a pleasing and important one for 2025. 

This place represents one of the most significant live music venues in the city, with performances almost every evening since the early 1960s. And the roster of past acts reads like a rota of rock and roll history with The Who and The Rolling Stones, U2, Kate Bush and Elvis Costello all performing here at some point. 

When The Half Moon was threatened with closure in 2010, a public campaign was quickly created that led to an agreement with Young’s brewery, ensuring it kept the doors open and the stage lights on. Furthermore, it is now registered as a Fair Play Venue, committed to supporting new and emerging artists on their journey to bigger things. If all of this cultural cache was not enough to tempt you into a trip, then the traditional pub design and satisfying selection of cask, craft and guest ales are guaranteed to keep you around for one more round.

The Coat & Badge

The intricacies and eccentricities of English pub names are always worthy of an interesting mention. This particular gen is a homage to the Dogget’s Coat & Badge Thames Sculling Contest that dates back three centuries to 1715, a fascinating part of rowing heritage along old Father Thames. Away from the throngs of the main high street footfall, this pub on Lacy Road holds a pleasant and intimate local feel that is at once unassuming and reassuring. Full of rowing-themed imagery and accessories with original decorative stained glass features, it skilfully avoids the sterility of many modern pubs with style and confidence. An outside patio is a wonderful enclave in the summer months and regular events like the Burger Shack that pops up at weekends around that time make it a local go-to for get-togethers and celebrations.

Accreditations from CAMRA speak to The Coat & Badge’s real ale dedication and it is also registered as Asset of Community Value for the Wandsworth district, demonstrating how important pubs like this are to the constantly developing neighbourhood that surrounds it.

With constant evolution to the shifting tides of consumer trends and requirements, the pubs in Putney are leading the way for the next phase of this quintessentially English institution. By visiting, drinking and eating in any of those referenced in our guide, one can be an integral part of their success and preservation for future generations. That is more than enough to raise a glass to.