We’ve arrived at that time of year. Your diary is already filling with work parties and family gatherings and suddenly those ‘seasonal’ friends start appearing in inboxes and WhatsApp chats. You know the ones. The ones who, like clockwork, message at the end of November with a ‘Shall we get a Christmas drink in?’ before disappearing again for 12 months.

And, whether you’re planning to grab a quick after-work drink or are in the mood for a proper catch-up over a long Sunday lunch, you’re going to need somewhere reliable with plenty of festive ambiance and, of course, great service.

Step forward Portman Marylebone. Centrally located (and thus ideal if you’re looking for a destination equally easy for everyone), the neighbourhood is home to some of the best pubs in the capital. From perfectly poured traditional pints to limited edition festive cocktails (as well as a whole host of independent boutiques if you’re hoping to do some sneaky Christmas shopping at the same time), here’s our guide to the best pubs in Portman Marylebone this winter.

The Portman

This family-owned pub is an absolute classic in the category, offering a relaxed, old-school hideaway in the heart of central London. As well as a great drinks list, which includes an extensive wine list with an emphasis on bottles from France and Italy, along with draught beers and spirits, The Portman is also home to some seriously good food. The menu excels in elevated pub grub, with options such as sticky chicken thighs, beer-battered haddock and braised Hereford beef cheek making for some difficult decision-making.

51 Upper Berkeley Street, W1H 7QW, theportmanw1.com

The Flowerhouse

A thoroughly 21st Century boozer, Flowerhouse was founded on an ethos of supporting women in the hospitality industry via apprenticeships for those just starting out and flexible working hours for mothers returning to the workforce – and does so with one of the prettiest bars in the capital. Backed by the team behind The Light Bar, this is an unabashedly feminine spot designed to make everyone feel welcome. Accordingly, you’ll find everything from signature cocktails and fine wines to IPAs and non-alcoholic options on its drinks list. There are few greater pleasures than grabbing a seat at the bar and lingering over one of its delectable grazing boards.

56 Blandford Street, W1U 7JA, flowerhouse.pub

The Carpenters Arms

Pubs don’t come much more quintessentially British than The Carpenters Arms. From its hanging basket-festooned racing green exterior to its leather banquettes and dark wood bar, this is a pub your grandad would surely approve of. This winter it will have the World Cup on the TV, real ales on tap and pies on the menu. Something for everyone then.

12 Seymour Place, W1H 7NE, thecarpentersarmspub.co.uk

The Grazing Goat

Part of the Cubitt House group, famed throughout the capital for its contemporary, upscale take on the traditional pub, The Grazing Goat is the place to go if you’re looking to impress but still want a casual and relaxed vibe. Open from breakfast to dinner, with a menu that runs the gamut from an exemplary cheese toastie to pappardelle with venison ragu, there are even a handful of rooms upstairs for those really looking to make a night of it.

6 New Quebec Street, W1H 7RQ, thegrazinggoat.co.uk

The Devonshire Arms

If you’re looking for a straightforward pub that doesn’t overcomplicate the drinking experience The Devonshire Arms is for you. Ideally located for a reviving libation after browsing the galleries of the Wallace Collection, you won’t find fussy small-plate menus or tweezered micro-herbs in your cocktails here. The Devonshire Arms knows its strengths and sticks to them: a solid, quality drinks list and great staff to serve them.

7 Duke Street, W1U 3EE, thedevonshirepub.co.uk

Three Tuns

Part of the Greene King group of pubs, Three Tuns is the ultimate in reliable pubs guaranteeing a great night out. It, too, will be showing all the major World Cup 2022 matches, alongside a fabulous menu of warming winter comfort foods (ours is the flat iron steak) and a drinks list with something to suit everyone. Kids are also welcome too, making it a brilliant spot for a festive family get-together.

1 Portman Mews South, W1H 6HP, greeneking-pubs.co.uk

For something a little different

Clarette

If you’re after more of a wine bar vibe than a traditional pub, this gorgeous spot on Blandford Street is as pretty on the inside as its elegant exterior would lead you to believe. The perfect spot for a cosy winter date night, the emphasis here is on vino, with a huge selection of fine wines available to try by the glass (along with exceptionally trained staff ready and waiting to offer their recommendations). There’s also a sophisticated menu of French-inflected dishes designed to pair perfectly with your chosen tipple.

44 Blandford Street, W1U 7HS, clarettelondon.com

Seymour’s Parlour at Zetter Townhouse

Combining the eclectic-verging-on-eccentric interiors of a generations-old family boozer with the skill and craftsmanship of modern mixology, Seymour’s Parlour at the Zetter Townhouse hotel is a truly unique bolthole. Arrive at brunch for delectable pastries and brioche French toast and stay all day, sampling Seymour’s experimental cocktail menu and its world-class afternoon tea.

28-30 Seymour Street, W1H 7JB, thezetter.com

Philglas & Swiggot

Another one for oenophiles, the award-winning Philglas & Swiggot operates primarily as a fine-wine merchant but, following an extensive refurbishment in 2020, is also open for those looking to drink in. A vast selection of its wines are available by the glass while those looking to settle in can simply select a bottle from the stacked shelves and pay a £10 corkage fee to enjoy it in the bar’s elegant surrounds. With a selection of cheese and charcuterie boards to pair, it’s a brilliant spot to have in your back pocket.

22 New Quebec Street, W1H 7SB, philglas-swiggot.com