London is a hotbed of innovative bars across its vast city. Whether it’s pop-up bars or established pubs that have been around for centuries, London has a varied option of watering holes that will cater for just about anyone.
The London Public Crawl reported that there are over 7,000 pubs and bars in the capital, which goes to show just how many are available to visit for locals and tourists. Read on below to find out our 5 favourite in the whole of London.
Greenwich Union, Greenwich
The Guardian placed the Greenwich Union in a list they did in 2011. Even today the pub hasn’t dropped it standards, and it’s regularly packed full of locals. It has an extensive stock of beers as well as craft beer and cask ale to die for. It has a quintessential British food menu as well as having a beer garden, which is perfect for the summer months.
The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden
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This particular pub was established in 1772 and is one of the oldest in the city. It can be found just off Covent Garden and is reportedly where Charles Dickens used to frequent. It’s an establishment with a huge selection of bitter and is renowned for its Sunday dinners. One major flaw is that the bar can become extremely busy during the weekends and at nights after people finish work.
Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
Another relic, the Spaniards Inn first opened its doors in 1585. It’s located on the edge of Hampstead Heath and “guards the boundary between Hampstead and Highgate,” according to Travel CNN. Spaniards Inn became famous when it “was immortalised in Charles Dickens’, The Pickwick Papers.” CNN writer Jade Bremner went on to say in her article about the pub “Legend holds that the famous villain Dick Turpin was born here, and learned his criminal ways in the pub.” It very much encompasses the Dickensian era – filled with antique furniture it has a very dark aesthetic to the building.
Railway Tavern, Liverpool Street
A popular haunt for workers around Liverpool Street, the Railway Tavern is the perfect venue to watch live sport and its upstairs caters for foodies with a bevvy of traditional British dishes. The pub has an array of craft beers and lagers available.
Euston Tap, Euston
It looks like a mini Marble Arch but in fact, Euston Tap is home to some of the best independent craft beers in the city. It is also has a selection of 150 different bottled beers and has a sister bar which is the “only dedicated cider bar” in the city according to The Drink Business.
Travel Information
If you’re a local and want to visit these bars, they are fortunately all very close to tube stations. For instance, the Railway Tavern at Liverpool Street is practically minutes away from the underground and overground station.
For international travellers, it depends on what airport you’re landing at or where your accommodation is as to how easy it will be to travel to these pubs and bars. If you have friends or family picking you up from the airport, it’s worth noting that the parking infrastructure at both Gatwick and Heathrow is very good. For instance, Gatwick airport has short stay options available to drivers which allow them to pick people up from the arrivals lounge and exit the airport within a couple of minutes. Gatwick also won the prestigious Park Mark award according to Parking4Less, because it offers visitors, travellers, and locals easy ingress and egress options.
When you’re at your accommodation, check the tube map to find out exactly where you are and then go from there. All the above pubs and bars are accessible via tube, bus, bike or cab and can be visited in a single day.
