De Hems, London

Situated in the north of Chinatown and named after a previous owner, a Dutch ex sea captain, this pub was once the rallying point for Dutch fighters based in England in the Second World War. At around the same time, the spy Kim Philby was also reputed to have been a patron!

Now the pub offers mainly Dutch & Belgian brews including Trappist, Lambic, Sour, Fruit and Saison; plus a mixture of Dutch & English cuisine and there are still plenty of Dutch expat customers here. For novice customers who dislike crowds do not come here on Dutch national holidays, particularly King's Day on 27th April (or 26th if 27th is a Sunday).

The "Shell Room" bar upstairs reflects the thousands of oysters once consumed in the pub, by the likes of the poet Swinburne.

There is an 80+ beer list on the venue's website which is worth studying before your visit! No handpumps, but "real ale" is available via Dutch and Belgian bottle-conditioned beers. Food includes British pub classics plus various Dutch and Flemish-style dishes; there is also a small bar-food menu if you just want something snacky.

Last refurbed in early 2024.