World’s Best Boozers: De Hems in London
This article profiles De Hems, a Dutch-themed pub in London's Chinatown, presenting it as one of the world's best boozers and a highlight of the city's celebrated pub scene. The writer argues that while pub closures and rising beer prices continue to squeeze the trade, London remains an exceptional pub city, and De Hems stands out for its central location, distinctive Dutch and Belgian beer selection, and unique atmosphere just steps from the bustle of Chinatown.
The pub occupies a site dating back to 1685, though it only became officially Dutch in 1890 when former sea captain De Hem turned it into an oyster house, with remnants visible today in its upstairs Shell Room. It later served as a headquarters for the Dutch resistance after the 1940 Nazi invasion, and counted double agent Kim Philby and Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham among its notable patrons over the decades. Today it attracts a mix of Dutch expatriates, football fans, and West End theatregoers, offering food such as bitterballen and kroketten alongside its largely Dutch and Belgian beer taps.
- De Hems pub in Soho named among the world's best boozers
- Dutch-themed pub has served the site since at least 1890
- Once a WWII Dutch resistance HQ; frequented by spy Kim Philby
New here? Start with this
Pub culture in London has long faced pressure from rising costs and closures, yet the city is still regarded as one of the world's great places to drink, with countless pubs known for their history, character or unusual specialities. De Hems, tucked into Chinatown, is one such spot, notable for its Dutch and Belgian theme in a country better known for ale.
The building itself dates back to 1685, though it only took on its Dutch identity in 1890, when a former sea captain named De Hem converted it into an oyster house. Over the following century it took on added significance during the Second World War as a base for the Dutch resistance after the 1940 Nazi invasion, and it has since drawn a notable string of patrons, from the double agent Kim Philby to Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham.
Today the pub continues that heritage, serving Dutch and Belgian beers alongside food such as bitterballen and kroketten, and drawing a mix of Dutch expatriates, football supporters and theatregoers thanks to its central location near the West End.