📷 2
Photos
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Kings Arms
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
traditionallocal-crowdcozy
About the Vibe
The Kings Arms is the kind of traditional London pub that locals actually love—nestled on historic Roupell Street in Waterloo, it's got that authentic feel you don't find everywhere. With 8 real ale pumps and a constantly rotating beer list, you'll find proper cask ales if you know where to look. The real twist? Their Thai kitchen, Kanchana's Kitchen, serves up genuinely good food that's become a local favorite for lunch and dinner. What makes this place special is how it balances tradition with something unexpected. The architecture and atmosphere scream "classic British pub," but the Thai food adds a layer you won't find at your average watering hole. It's not trying too hard to be trendy—it's just doing what it does well, whether that's pulling a perfect pint of bitter or serving up a proper pad thai. Skip the tourist traps around Waterloo and head here if you want to experience what locals actually drink and eat. The team knows their ales and the kitchen staff clearly care about what they serve. It's the kind of place where you can prop up the bar, chat with regulars, and leave feeling like you've discovered something real.
Known For
- •8 real ale pumps
- •Kanchana's Kitchen Thai food
- •historic Roupell Street location
- •cask ale selection
Best For
real ale tastingcasual dinnerslocal pub experience
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 12, 2026
A Real London Pub with Thai Soul
The Kings Arms is a proper London pub that doesn't try too hard. Located on one of Waterloo's most historic streets, it's got that traditional feel with dark wood, cask ale pumps, and a crowd that's mostly locals rather than tourists. The real draw here is the beer selection—8 pumps means you'll always find something interesting, whether you're into classic bitters or something more modern.
The Thai food is where this place really shines. Kanchana's Kitchen serves up authentic dishes that have become a local institution—think proper pad thai, green curry that actually has heat, and fresh spring rolls. It's not fusion nonsense; it's the real deal. The kitchen opens for lunch and dinner, making it perfect for a proper pub meal rather than just snacks.
It's not fancy, and that's exactly the point. The service is friendly but not over-the-top, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can spend hours chatting with locals over a pint. If you're looking for the kind of pub where you feel like you belong, this is it.