Our pick of the cosiest local-style pubs to see you through the winter

As we skitter our way through Autumn, evenings draw in and the weather gets chillier, it’s always a little exciting to start thinking about cosy pubs with roaring fires, great comfort food, decent beers on tap and a good selection of wine to see us through the winter...

Luckliy, the country doesn't have exclusivity on traditional pubs and we have some great ones in PCL, that despite their central location, still offer a perfect atmosphere for a cosy night out.

Simon Rose is a big fan of the Hunters Moon on the Fulham Road in SW3. “This traditional style pub has been beautifully renovated but not over-done and has a lovely countryside feel in its bar area, with an AGA and fireplace in the lighter, airier dining room. It’s managed to blend old and new really well and has the best Chicken and chips I think have ever tasted!"

The Fox & Pheasant is also a firm favourite. Nestled on the borders of Chelsea and Fulham next to streets known as The Billings, it's got a charming country pub feel, with several fireplaces and serves great Sunday roasts and Saturday brunch.

If you’re a sport fan, Simon reckons you can’t go wrong with the Duke of Clarence on Old Brompton Road, SW7. “It’s the best pub for live sport and atmosphere in South Kensington and great for nights watching the rugby.

The Hollywood Arms on Hollywood Road, SW10 is a real meeting point for West Chelsea locals, young and old. Its decor is definitely comfortably chic and with its sumptuous sofas it’s perfect for a more glamorous evening.

For football fans, you can’t go past the Chelsea Ram, Burnaby Street, SW10. Its warm, welcoming and unpretentious interior, British pub classics and great banter and fellow Blues before a home Chelsea FC match.

If you’re looking for a cool hang out in the heart of Chelsea, then The Phoenix, Smith Street is your go-to according to Simon.

Tom Tangney has many, many favourites around his Kensington patch - some might say 'too many’! Amongst them, if you're looking for the best traditional fish and chips, then he highly recommends Windsor Castle on Campden Hill Road. This "refurbished old boozer" with wood-panelled walls is known for its selection of real ales and roast dinners.

For those liking to spice it up a bit, Tom recommends The Churchill Arms on Kensington Church Street for its amazing Thai Food, combined with historic memorabilia and a traditional pub atmosphere.

The Elephant & Castle on Holland Street W8 is a more light and airy Victorian pub (you'll know if for its golden elephant logo and known for its quality classic pub dishes, and particularly its delicious, hearty pies, served under pastry or mash. Check out the Game Pudding Pie or Lamb Shank Pie.

The Hillgate on Hillgate Street W8, a very pretty street behind Notting Hill Tube station, has all the atmosphere of a proper local pub with a great selection of fantastic wines and British real ales that are rotated regularly. It's another one that does amazing Sunday roasts…

"There are so many in Kensington to choose from and it's impossible to pick an absolute favourite," says Tom. I'd have to throw in Scarsdale Tavern and The Ladbroke Arms as well. "They all have great food, wonderful atmospheres and good selection of beers and wines to see you through the winter months!

Zoë Rose, who has lived and worked around London since the mid 1990s counts The Anglesea Arms, Selwood Terrace, South Ken, SW7 as one of her favourites. This is lovely traditional alehouse with award-winning food, great wines and bar snacks brings back lots of great memories for Zoë, who used to go there on a Friday night in her "early negging days"!

Another pub that takes Zoë back to those heady days in the 90s, but still holds its own both in winter and summer is, of course, the "Sloany Pony" or The White Horse, on Parsons Green SW6. This Victorian gastropub dating back to the 1800s has heaps of atmosphere and its village green location, roaring fire and cosy, leather seating, flagstone floors and period features mixed with with lovely contemporary touches, makes it a winner for winter weeknights and weekends.

If you want that oldy-worldy feel, says Zoë, then The Punch Bowl at 41 Farm Street, Mayfair, has it in spades. Dating from circa 1750 it's a Grade II listed building, with quirky little rooms, low ceilings, authentic and cosy interiors and more 18C features than you can poke a stick at. Once owned by Guy Ritchie and Madonna, it's known for its celebrity clientele.

The Cross Keys, at 1 Lawrence Street in the old part of Chelsea between Kings Road and the river, dates back to 1705 but combines its traditional exterior and interior features with a vibrant restaurant and bar and "creative takes on traditional Euro-Brit food". Always really popular.

Whatever your food, wine or beer tastes or wherever you're based in prime central London, there's a cosy local pub chair with your name on it...

Feature image: The Fox & Pheasant. SW6. https://www.instagram.com/thefoxandpheasantpub/