London Pubs and Bars
The Anchor, 34 Park Street, Bankside, SE1
Not far from The George Inn and situated close to the replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, this is a large pub with lots of history. Several bars with views of the River Thames.
Cheers, 72 Regent St, W1
Cheers was inspired by the popular US comedy series, and incorporates bar,restaurant and merchandise store. It is the perfect venue in which to host a party - Cheers offers a top-end dining experience with style and high quality. In the evenings, Cheers changes from Bar and Restaurant to a busy dance bar featuring celebrity DJs. And, it stays open till late!
The Cock Tavern, Smithfield Central Markets, EC1
A full English breakfast with a pint of ale or perhaps kippers and smoked haddock. Mix with the rumbustuous, friendly workers from London’s oldest meat market from 05.30 - 10.30.
The Counting House, 50 Cornhill, EC3
Located in the heart of the City of London, The Counting House is a former bank which retains much of the original interior. The mosaic floor displays the names and dates of former bank branches. Lots of impressive mahogany, a glass domed atrium and chandeliers too. London brewed Fullers beer, with freshly made pies.
The Crusting Pipe, 27 The Market, WC2
Strictly speaking more of a wine bar than a pub, although they do serve their own beer. Good atmosphere, wooden tables and fine wine. The food’s good, particularly the cold cuts. If you like a glass of port, then try Davy’s Vintage Character - it’s very good.
Doggett’s, Blackfriars Bridge, SE1
There has been a pub on this South Bank site since Elizabethan times - although much changed over the centuries. After extensive refurbishment, it now features four floors of completely redesigned bars, to suit relaxing or lively lunchtimes or evenings. There is a brand new menu catering for all tastes and quite reasonably priced. Doggett’s is named after Thomas Doggett, comedian, actor, theatre manager, author and wit of the 17th century.
Flyman & Firkin, 166 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2
Another of the famous Firkin pubs but this one features an on site micro brewery. Look out for unusual brews; anyone for Dogbalti, curry flavoured beers or perhaps chilli beer?
Founders Arms, 52 Hopton Street, Bankside, SE1
A modern pub located on the South Bank named after and built on the site of a former foundry. The bells for St Paul’s Cathedral were cast here and you can sip on your beer whilst watching the traffic on the River Thames.
The Gate, 18 - 20 St John Street, EC1
Stylish, relaxing and good value. Classic decor blends with contemporary style, mahogany wooden floors, wood panelling and subdued lighting enhanced by huge windows. A varied selection of beers, spirits and wines with an imaginative food menu. Dishes include feta salad with roasted peppers, salmon fish cakes and French fries, and much more.
The Globe, 8 Bedale Street, SE1
If you are in need of a drink in the early hours try this pub, frequented by market traders from nearby Borough Market. Open between 06.30 - 09.30 Tuesday to Saturday.
The Good Mixer, 30 Inverness St, off Camden High Street, NW1
Don’t be surprised if you spot a mid level Britpop celebrity or two in here, hanging out after a recording session at a nearby studio. There is a pool table and lots of smoke - very popular with Brits and tourists alike.
Goose & Firkin, 47 Borough Road, SE1
Part of a chain of Firkin pubs, but don’t be put off, the formula’s good and so is the beer. Wooden floors with sawdust, traditional cockney sing songs around a piano, you even get song sheets so that you can join in. Respectably raucous and great fun.
GRAPES: 76, Narrow Street LONDON E14 Another pub overlooking the river Thames. Built in 1720, on the site of a previous pub, the Grapes was a working class tavern, serving the workers of the Limehouse Basin. Immortalised by Charles Dickens, as the Six Jolly Fellowship Porters pub in Our Mutual Friend. Up some very narrow stairs is the small restaurant which looks out over the river you can taste the typical fish and chips. TEL 020 7987 4396
The Grenadier, 18 Wilton Row, SW1
Once the officers’ mess for the Duke of Wellington’s regiment this is a cosy pub set in a private mews running parallel to Knightsbridge. Wooden floors, real English ale and a small traditional English restaurant. The Beef Wellington is highly recommended.
The House They Left Behind, 27 Ropemaker’s Fields, E14
A pub with plenty of history in the heart of the East End. Once teeming with workers from the docks and residents of the local area, this pub sits alone as all the old tenements and houses have been demolished - definitely worth a visit. A wide variety of beers available.
Lamb & Flag, 33 Rose Street, WC2
18th century pub around the corner from Covent Garden. Boasts two busy bars, popular with London office workers during the lunch hour. Located in a pedestrianised alley off Garrick Street. Courage beer and a good selection of cheese platters.
Marquis Of Anglesey, 39 Bow Street, WC2
Recent winner of the Association of London Brewers award for best pub food in London. Youngs beer, a la carte and set menu.
Medicine Bar, 181 Upper Street, N1
Expect bohemian decor and a trendy local crowd, loud music and a good choice of beers. Arrive early at weekends if you want to get in. On Friday and Saturday nights it’s popular that it’s members only - but you can get enrolled free of charge if you visit during the week.
The Moon Under The Water, 28 Leicester Square, WC2
Part of the growing and popular Wetherspoons group of pubs. Wetherspoons have developed a winning formula; light, airy, traditionally styled pubs and probably the cheapest beer in London. With lots of brews to choose from and reasonably priced food.
Museum Tavern, 49 Great Russell Street, WC1
Before or after a trip to the British Museum, why not pop across the street to this big, ornate Victorian pub, stuffed to the gills with etched mirrors and gilded carvings. It opens for breakfast at 09.30, but alcohol is only served during regular licensing hours.
Nags Head, 53 Kinnerton Street, SW1
A very popular pub with a friendly atmosphere and locals, which is just as well because of its size (small). Of course the famous London brewed Youngs beer is served here.
The Old Bank Of England, 194 Fleet Street, EC4
Fine Fullers beers and pies in the former law court branch of the Bank of England. No shortage of space, impressive architecture and you should have no problems being served; the Old Bank boasts 31 hand pumps.
Orange Brewery, Pimlico Road, SW1
This independent pub brews its own beer and, unusually, during the summer, its own lager. Two bars, frequented by Pimlico’s smart set.
The Pembroke, Primrose Hill, NW1
The Pembroke has an open layout and is decorated using smoky blue hues, barley yellow walls and rich wood trimmings. The design is enhanced with large mirrors and coloured stained glass. The open log fire is a welcome retreat on cold days. A cosy pub, fashionable bar and continental café with a menu that ranges from lemon chicken and noodles to beef bourguignon.
The Prince Edward: 73, Princes Square W2
Rivers, 35 Albert Embankment SE1
Located between Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridges, with views from the upstairs restaurant of the Tate Gallery. Good food with an a la carte menu.
Sports Cafe, 80 Haymarket, SW1, Tel: 020 7839 8300
The Sports Cafe is an excellent bar and restaurant with three bars, a dance floor, 120 TVs and 4 Super Screens showing live international sport. It has a fantastic atmosphere and it stays open until 02.00 every day in the week, 03.00 at weekends. And, the food is great too!
The Swagman’s Rest, 596 Holloway Road, N1
Refurbished and newly opened last year, this pub is a must for the long haul traveller. Aimed at the back pack crowd, it offers a homely atmosphere combined with all the comforts of home, in the shape of nine large television screens, showing Sky sports from around the world. You can even email home for free, Sunday to Thursday from the surf centre and on the weekends there’s lots of live music.
Via Fossa, Canary Wharf
Opened recently in a former 19th century docks building, this new bar overlooks the dock basin, with a walkway to the Canary Wharf complex. If you have problems finding Canary Wharf look to the east, the Tower is the tallest building in London! Via Fossa is set on two levels with a distinctive and rather attractive gothic theme.
Westminster Arms, 9 Storey’s Gate, SW1
Outside of the House of Commons Bar which is closed to the public, this is the most popular pub for the UK’s MP’s If you happen to visit when voting is taking place in the nearby Houses of Parliament they even have a bell to call them back to vote!
Wilton Arms, 71 Kinnerton Street, SW1
Edwardian decor with intimate nooks and crannies, with lots of knick-knacks and brass artefacts. When you have finished here walk a few steps to the Nags Head.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Wine Office Court, 145 Fleet Street, EC4
Good reasonably priced beer with lots of atmosphere. With lots of bars to choose from this 17th century pub has oak tables and wooden floors covered in free sawdust.
Youngs Brewery, Wandsworth, SW18
Youngs brewery still delivers to selected pubs using horse drawn drays. You can take a tour of the stables, see the working horses, and watch beer being brewed in the brewhouse and of course sample the beer in the adjacent Brewery Tap pub.
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