Quench your thirst all around town at these classic pubs, temples of tipple and delightful holes-in-the-wall frequented by thirsty Londoners in the know.
The Authentic Pub: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Neighbourhood: City of London
If you’re visiting the Big Smoke, an evening at an authentic inn is a must – and perhaps nowhere does it better than Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. As the name suggests, this is a historic institution, rebuilt in 1667 following the Great Fire of London and reportedly frequented by famous writers from Charles Dickens to PG Wodehouse. With wooden beams and real fireplaces upstairs and arched brick ceilings in the cellar bar, history permeates every corner. All the beer is brewed by Samuel Smith’s at the similarly pedigreed Old Brewery in Yorkshire, and if you get peckish, the menu is filled with typical pub grub.
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The Experimental Speakeasy: Nightjar
Neighbourhood: Shoreditch
Immersed in the eastern borough’s vibrant creativity, this subterranean spot excels at both old-school favourites and signature tipples that push the limits of drink-making creativity – say, a breakfast-themed cocktail served in a ceramic egg and unveiled from beneath a smoke-filled dome. The 50-page cocktail book is organised by historical period, providing a quick history of mixology (including the year first mixed and the originator of each cocktail) via clean citations worthy of an academic journal. The interiors play into the vintage theme with leather upholstery and dark wood panelling, while live jazz completes the vibe to perfection.
The Long Wine List: Sager + Wilde
Neighbourhood: Hoxton
Pouring an extensive and constantly refreshed list of wines in a pared-back, rustic-chic space on Hackney Road, this is an oenophile’s paradise. Many of the bottles on offer are natural, with both well-known and hidden-gem centres of viticulture represented – making it a great place to discover something new. Ask for a recommendation, choose a bottle to share, order something from the snack selection (which ranges from nuts and olives to charcuterie plates and toasties), and see where the evening takes you.
The “House Party”: The Little Yellow Door
Neighbourhood: Notting Hill
If you don’t have any local mates to invite you round, you can still enjoy some house-party energy at The Little Yellow Door, which imitates a friendly gathering in a quirkily decorated space designed to look like an apartment. The menu is varied (and much more elaborate than you’d find at the average flatshare), and the vibe is relaxed and playful. Originally intended as a pop-up, the concept proved successful, and there are now five sister venues with differently coloured doors scattered around the city.
The Wild Night Out: Trisha’s
Neighbourhood: Soho
The Little Yellow Door may feel like a private affair, but The New Evaristo Club – aka Trisha’s, in honour of landlady Patricia Bergonzi – actually is one. Most nights, you’ll need to go as the guest of a member, or become a member yourself (keep a sharp eye on their Instagram to see when the sign-up window opens – and be warned, membership is a hot commodity). With a tiny black awning as the only clue that the bar is even there, this isn’t a place that needs to work to pull in the punters. Inside, expect live jazz, unpretentious drinking and a slice of old-school Soho partying… but maybe we’ve said too much already.
The Teetotaller’s Dream: Lucky Saint
Neighbourhood: Marylebone
While this West London pub may look much like your typical tavern, there’s a plot twist: a strong emphasis on low- and no-alcohol beverages. (The Lucky Saint is managed by the British alcohol-free beer brand of the same name.) While regular potations aren’t entirely off the menu, those not indulging have much more to choose from than just soft drinks, with a tempting array of zero-proof beers, wines and mocktails on offer. The Lucky Saint describes itself as “a local for our times”, reflecting the growing number of individuals seeking a booze-free night on the town.
The Cute Wine Spot: Vine Bar
Neighbourhood: Bermondsey
This wine shop on Bermondsey Street is so picture-perfect you won’t want to leave. Luckily, if you feel like lingering a while longer, it also hosts tasting nights and pours wine by the glass from a menu that changes weekly. With just one barrel and a table out front, the original shop is a bit snug for big groups, but the team recently opened a larger bar on Bermondsey Square, serving the same ambience – and the same great selection – plus a few choice nibbles. Alternatively, you could attempt to recreate its cosy energy at home by picking up one of the flower bouquets sold in-store alongside your bottle.
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The All-Rounder: Dram
Neighbourhood: Soho
If your crew can’t decide on a location, this expansive space might be the solution. Concealed behind a modest shopfront lies a Grade II-listed historical building refitted with sharp yet unpretentious polish to offer an eclectic night out. Spread across 2.5 storeys, it offers five-in-one fun as a combination cocktail bar, whisky specialist, daytime coffee shop, outdoor terrace and pool room (complete with ready-to-drink cocktail vending machine). And if all that isn’t enough, its location on Denmark Street means that the many other delights of Soho are just moments away.
The Panoramic Perch: Sky Pod Bar
Neighbourhood: City of London
The Sky Pod Bar can be found on the 35th floor of London’s famous “Walkie-Talkie” skyscraper (officially named the Fenchurch Building), set among the greenery of Sky Garden. This all-day cafe and bar overlooks landmarks like the Shard, the Gherkin and the distinctive bends of the River Thames, making it an excellent destination for city visitors to get the lay of the land, or for locals looking to have a special night out. Drinks are on the pricier side, but entry is free – and what you’re really here for is the view, which is truly fantastic.
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