Code red people. There’s a Harry Potter themed bar in London and you need to visit!

I’d heard rumours about The Cauldron, London’s answer to Professor Snape’s potion room popping up around town.

There were whispers of a magical molecular cocktail bar where you don your wizarding (or witching) robes and spend a few hours creating your own boozy brews.

Now, it’s no secret that I am a huge Harry Potter fan. As in spend weekends hunting out Harry Potter filming locations in London, whizzing over to the Warner Brothers Studios and The House of Minalima kind of huge.

I’m guessing that if you’re reading this, you’re also a pretty big fan of the tales of the Boy who Lived – so I’ll let you in on a little secret…

Book your tickets to the The Cauldron bar pronto – because you are going to have a blast.

Wait? There’s a Harry Potter Bar in London?

Yes! The Cauldron is a Harry Potter-themed cocktail bar in London. It’s popped up in a few destinations – the current one is in Stoke Newington.

Read Next: Harry Potter Self-Guided Walking Tour of London

Let’s Rewind a Moment. What Exactly are Harry Potter Cocktails?

Well, you know how in the books and the movies, Hogwarts students are always mixing up magical potions? Harry Potter cocktails are like those potions but in highly drinkable form.

I won’t tell you the specifics because that will spoil all the fun but you pick your two cocktails (you won’t recognise most of the ingredients but that’s kind of the point), then you’re given all the ingredients and equipment that you need to chop, squeeze and mix your way to cocktail nirvana.

Is it Magical? Like, REALLY Magical?

Err, yes again. The Cauldron have got this absolutely dialled when it comes to creating an immersive experience. You book a two hour slot, rock up and let the magic begin.

Obviously I was incredibly excited as I descended the stairs, newly-acquired wand in hand into the potions room where all of the fun happens.

You’re seated, talked through the format (well, you’re supposed to be, our initial host wasn’t the greatest but he was quickly replaced with someone a bit more magical) and given a welcome cocktail to start the experience. After that, you choose the cocktails you want to make – receive the ingredients and then off you go!

Now, you might be thinking “How realistic can a magical cocktail making class be, seeing as magic doesn’t actually exist?”

First of all. I can’t believe that you don’t believe in magic (rude).

Second of all, if (and this is a big if) The Cauldron doesn’t actually have real magic at its fingertips, it’s done a pretty good job of creating the illusion of it. From whirring cocktail mixing activated by the touch of a wand to fizzing and smoking potions – it’s really rather brilliant.

All that’s left for you to do is book your spot and work your magic – you’ll surprise yourself with just how good a potions master you actually are.

Practical Tips & Map

Is The Cauldron Worth the Money?

Yes, The Cauldron is worth the money. It’s a really cool experience and doesn’t end up being more expensive than most other cocktail bars in London anyway.

OK, I’m Totally Sold – How do I Book?

Head to the website, pick your slot and off you go! Be aware that prices vary depending on when you go (peak or off peak) so if you want to save your pennies (or is that galleons), go for an off-peak slot.

Tickets

Tickets for The Cauldron cost £35.99 for adults, £23.99 for children and £32.39 for students

Address: 79 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 8AD, UK

Website

It’s probs a good time to say that while The Cauldron is clearly inspired by the world of Harry Potter, it’s not officially a Harry Potter bar and isn’t affiliated with JK Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing or Warner Brothers Studios. And there’s no actual magic. It’s just really clever tech.

Looking for More Harry Potter Guides? Read These

• Self-Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour
• What’s it Like Visiting the Warner Bros Studios?
• Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

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It opened in 2016 and has been garnering praise and acclaim from the moment it served its first drink.

Two Bars: Two Experiences

While housed under the same roof, the two bars – upstairs and downstairs – offer two very different experiences.

Upstairs is livelier, with a lot of standing space that’s perfect for a quick drink before heading on.

Downstairs, by contrast, the pace is slower – with live music, a much larger drinks list that also just so happens to feature an extensive array of whiskies (over 250 in fact) for you to get stuck into throughout the course of a long evening.

It might sound a bit contrived but it actually works – that is until both are so busy on a Friday evening that it’s less a matter of choosing which bar you want to drink in and more like grabbing a space wherever one is available – pretty much what I had to do on my last visit.

Read More: The Best Drinking Spots in Soho

Cocktails

I’ve always gravitated to the downstairs bar, but the Kew Gardens cocktail on the upstairs menu, a refreshing concoction of gin, cucumber, basil, lime and prosecco may very well be one of my favourite drinks of the year so far, closely followed by the Higher Ground – coconut Chivas Regal, Mr Black amaro, Jamaican rum and cream.

If you do have your heart set on drinking in the downstairs bar, they do take bookings for it (unlike upstairs which is walk in only) so you’re better off booking ahead – especially on Fridays and Saturdays when there’s live music in the bar later in the evening.

On quieter evenings it is nice to be able to pick whichever suits you best, safe in the knowledge that you’ll get a first-class cocktail whichever you go for.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Swift Soho is as polished a bar offering as it is: owners Mia Johansson and Bobby Hiddleston cut their teeth at some of London’s best cocktail bars (and a few of my own personal favourites including Callooh Callay and Milk & Honey (as well as famed New York bar Dead Rabbit on the other side of the Atlantic).

Is it too much to call them a the cocktail power couple of the London scene? The facts speak for themselves.

Equally exciting, Johansson and Hiddleston forged an ongoing partnership with the owners of Nightjar and Oriole – two very, very distinguished cocktail bars (although Oriole has now sadly departed – at least for now) when creating Swift.

It would be a mistake, however, to think that the bar is just the same formula repeated again – it very much stands on its own merit and should be at the top of your list of Soho drinking dens.

Practical Information + Map

Address: 12 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4TQ

Website

Telephone: 020 7437 7820

Read More Soho Guides

• The Best Bars in Soho
• The Soho Area Guide
• Cool Things to do in Soho
• Drinking At: Disrepute Soho
• Must-Try Soho Restaurants

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Cocktail bars in Shoreditch and Hoxton come and go at a rapid rate – what was the toast of the town yesterday can disappear into the ether without even a puff of smoke.

Not so with Happiness Forgets. This small underground bar on Hoxton Square touts harmoniously-blended drinks in relaxed premises and has built itself a loyal following of devout Londoners who swear that it’s the best bar in town along the way.

Is it a victim of its own popularity? No – but you might be if you try to rock up of an evening without a reservation. Even though they normally reserve half of the bar for walk-ins, the chances of you nabbing a table are slim to something marginally higher than none. At the moment it’s zero as they’re going reservation to comply with the current restrictions.

If you smile sweetly enough, you may be able to shimmy yourself onto a spare space on another table – heartfelt thanks to the guys who offered us their spare seats on our last visit.

Once you’re in, settle down and make yourself comfortable because you’re about to indulge in some rather fine cocktails. Owner Alastair Burgess (who also runs the all day casual Ever After bar upstairs) has painstakingly sifted through the crud to create a small but perfectly-formed beaut of a cocktail menu.

Cocktails

12. Rather than the huge bibles we’re often confronted with, the list of 12 cocktails seems like something you can take in your stride rather than spend half the evening puzzling over before you make a decision.

In the unlikely circumstance that nothing takes your fancy (or if you just have your heart set on a particular drink), there’s a note to say that they’re happy to rustle up a classic or two, even if it’s not on the menu.

Can’t say that I’ve ever taken them up on the offer. Why would you, when there are drinks like Spruce & Root (gin, sherry, beetroot eau de vie, gentian and pine cordial) or the Underdog (cachaca, chestnut, Americano rosa,  passion fruit and lime) to choose from? Beats me.

Read More: Speakeasy, Drink Hard, London’s Best Secret Bars

Atmosphere

Atmosphere-wise, Happiness Forgets toes the line between a speakeasy and a dive bar (albeit one that serves stellar drinks).

Perhaps that’s not so surprising given that most actual speakeasies were on the rough and ready side, not weighed down with the frill and pomp they often are today.

The website proclaims that Happiness Forgets is about “Great Cocktails. No Wallies” and really, that’s all we ever really want.

Practical Information + Map

Address:  8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU

Website

Telephone: 020 7613 0325

Read More Shoreditch Guides

• The Bars in Shoreditch You Need to Be Drinking at Right Now
• The Shoreditch Area Guide
• Cool Things to do in Shoreditch
• Drinking At: Nightjar

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Nightjar – legend precedes this Shoreditch drinking spot. It’s frequently named as one of the best bars in Shoreditch and even muscles its way onto many a list of the best bars in the world.

As a result – it’s pretty tough to get into.

Forget any ideas of a spontaneous night of jazz and cocktails… this is a tightly regimented affair – one that requires pre-booking and cancellation fees. Oh, London.

So, while I’d like to pretend that I just rocked up to Old Street and popped into Nightjar on a Friday evening, the reality was quite different. I’d booked a week ahead, signed up for the stringent cancellation fee (£20 for a table of two), turned up on time for fear of losing my booking.

Was it worth it? Here’s what you need to know.

Cocktails

First, and most importantly, the drinks at Nightjar are brilliant. The cocktail menu delves into a world of little-known ingredients and flavours.

It’s split into three periods : Pre-Prohibition (1600-1918), Prohibition (1918-1932) and Post War (1940-2000) – plus there are some additional signature cocktails added for good measure.

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Nightjar’s late sister bar Oriole in Farringdon (and was incredibly sad to see it shut its doors a few years ago). The menu here is similarly ambitious and well put together. Together, my companion and I put a pretty good dent on that menu (read five each on that sitting) and each cocktail was sublime.

So what should you expect?

Drinks are weird, wacky and wonderful. From the Imperial Fizz (gin, genever, Veuve Clicquot, thuja and roman posca) to the rather strangely presented Beyond the Sea – a cheeky combination of gin, oyster leaf infusion, fino sherry, pink grapefruit, plankton, lime and yuzu salt. The latter popped onto our table in a giant conch shell that was something of a challenge to drink out of.

Portions are on the small size – which is a bit disappointing. But then they are priced at a between £12-16 per cocktail, which actually isn’t that bad in London terms.

Read More: London’s Hidden Drinking Gems

Is this the Best Speakeasy in Shoreditch?

So far, so good right? Nightjar bar is a flawless option for a cocktail-fuelled night out? Not quite. There are two things that let it down: lack of space and the blanket cover charge after 9pm.

Since when did space and privacy become the taboo of the expensive cocktail world?

The tables at Nightjar are crammed so close together that you might as well introduce yourself to your neighbours because it’s just good manners. Doubly so when you’ve had to introduce your bum to their face as you’ve wiggled gracelessly into your sliver of pre-reserved banquette.

Tres awks.

Much as I love snuggling up to strangers and snooping on their conversation / saying really scandalous things and watching peoples’ ears practically wiggle with curiosity, I actually felt the pressure for the couple next to us.  

They were clearly on their first date and it was a car crash in slow-mo. Each attempt at conversation slowly withered under the fierce glare of what I can only imagine was the awkwardness of finding yourself on a first date with five people – one willing participant and four people doing their best not to listen but unable to help themselves anyway.

Jazz Bar = Cover Charge

Then there’s the cover charge. Nightjar doubles up as one of the best jazz bars in Shoreditch and having live music is one of the things that really sets it apart. But there’s a £5 -10 per person cover charge after 8pm because of it.

I’m not at all against the idea of the cover charge. A cover charge on top of £17 cocktails I can kind of swallow (albeit with a big gulp). But what about say… a situation where you have pretty much zero chance of hearing the music from your seat? Yep, you guessed it. Cover charge still applies.

Can’t say that I wasn’t the smallest bit disgruntled to see that £8 of my £78 per head bill was for music that I’d been physically incapable of hearing whilst snuggled in my little drinking cave.

Should You Go?

Overall, Nightjar Shoreditch is a great speakeasy style bar – but sometimes it feels like you’re paying as much for the reputation as for the cocktails.

Looking for a quieter alternative? Head to Found Bar around the corner.

Practical Information

• 129 City Rd, Hoxton, London EC1V 1JB
• Over 21s only

Read More Shoreditch Guides

• These are the Best Bars in Shoreditch
• The Shoreditch Area Guide
• Drinking At: Callooh Callay
• Clubs in Shoreditch for a BIG Night Out

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The area around London Bridge is a bit of a mishmash when it comes to places to drink – but put any preconceptions you have aside before you go to Nine Lives.

Rather than the sleek glass windows and corporate environment you’d expect to find so near to the station, you’re greeted with jungle palms, hanging plants and warm light as you enter this underground drinking haven.

It’s a neighbourhood hangout in a neighbourhood that few people can afford to actually live in – luckily for everyone though, it’s an easy jaunt from London Bridge – a short walk that takes you from the bright lights and heady heights of The Shard to a much quieter part of the area.

First Impressions

Nine Lives pride themselves on having thought about every little detail – and the result is a chic hangout that has firmly established itself as one of London Bridge’s go-to bars and one of the best cocktail bars in London.

These guys are fussy and it shows – the cocktail menu is designed by Sweet & Chilli – one of the world’s leading drinks agencies (who also happen to own the bar).

The music (a toe-tappingly good mix of seventies funk and soul during my visit) pumped out on a sound system that used to belong to the now closed Cargo nightclub around the corner.

All that before you get to the interior – an Insta-friendly amalgamation of tropical plants, rattan and cosy seats.

Read Next: The Best Bars in London Bridge

Cocktails

In-house creations such as the fabulous Aiko – a pleasingly tart blend of St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Fino sherry, plum, grapefruit bitters and prosecco are showcased on the first page of the cocktail menu.

The rest of the menu is cleverly organised by spirit – with three different takes on each classic cocktail – the classic, the bar’s own take on the cocktail and a version created by a guest bartender.

Take the Whisky Sour for example – well-known, simple enough to make but when you order the special “Up in Smoke” created by guest consultant Karen Grill, the use of both Glenfiddich and peaty rich Lagavulin elevates the standard classic into something sublime.

Of course, there’s nothing to turn your nose up with the standard classics either – it takes skill to do them well and skill is something that the bartenders at Nine Lives have a lot of.

Atmosphere

Nine Lives is no secret – word of the subterranean drinking den with stellar tunes has spread like wildfire (who doesn’t love the smug thrill of telling another Londoner about this cool little place you’ve found that just so happens to be your new favourite hangout?) – so much so that it was a squeeze to find the two of us a spot on a Tuesday night. A Tuesday.

Turns out that while I’ve been busy sipping my cocoa and doing my knitting #standardtuesday – some rather savvy people have been going out and having a few cheeky cocktails instead. Who knew?

It’s pleasantly buzzy, without being stifling – though the bartender warned us to book ahead at the weekends as it does tend to get very busy.

PS: There’s also a cool outdoor drinking terrace for the warmer months.

Practical Information and Map

Address: 8 Holyrood Street, SE1 2EL

Website

Telephone: 0207 407 8226

Read More London Bridge & London Bar Guides

• The Best Bars in London
• The London Bridge Area Guide
• Bars in London Bridge for Your Little Black Book

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It’s as quirky as you’d expect a bar named after a nonsense phrase taken from the Jabberwocky poem in Alice Through the Looking Glass to be.

The Lewis Carroll theme doesn’t just stop at the name – Callooh Callay bar invokes all of the curiosity and kitsch of the Jabberwocky poem with an eclectic interior that really does feel like you’ve passed through to the other side of the looking glass. Bright colours, vintage lighting, gilded mirrors – it certainly makes an impression.

Don’t let the whimsical name fool you – the guys at Callooh Callay Shoreditch are serious about creating rather brilliant cocktails.

Cocktails

Dip into the menu – a quick glance is enough to show that the staff really know their stuff. You won’t find many classics here – approach choosing your drink in a spirit of adventure and you will be well rewarded.

I can never stay away from their Pisco Punch, a zippy concoction of El Gobernador Pisco, Merlet Brothers Cognac, St Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon sherbet and prosecco but really, there are no duff cocktails here so take the reigns and order whatever catches your eye.

Atmosphere

Chic but often crowded – there’s no snobbery but there is a real emphasis on quality – and the clientele know it.

Reserve a table and snuggle into one of the cosy booths in the Back Bar – accessed through the much-talked about wardrobe door, it’s a prime date location. Romance aside – there’s always time for a good cocktail or two.

The Front Bar is walk-ins only (hallelujah, because I hate booking tables for cocktails) but it does get rammed so get there early if you want to nab a table or don’t want to queue outside.

It took me a while to find my way from the front bar to the delightfully-named Jub Jub Bar – billed as the bar where Callooh Callay’s bartenders really get to play. Tucked away upstairs, it’s members only – but you can generally get in if you smile nicely and know your cocktail stuff.

Practical Information + Map

Address: 65 Rivington St, London EC2A 3AY

Website

Telephone: 020 7739 4781

Read More Shoreditch Bars

• The Bars in Shoreditch You Should be Drinking At
• The Shoreditch Area Guide
• Drinking At: Happiness Forgets
• Nightjar: Is it Worth the Hype?

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Rules is one of the stalwarts of London’s dining scene – unsurprising given that it’s the oldest restaurant in the city. But we’re not here to talk about the restaurant, we’re here to talk about the bar.

Rules’ cocktail bar has somehow managed to stay relatively under-the-radar.

Frequented by an in-the-know theatre crowd (you’re bound to recognise a few faces from stage and screen), the city’s hoi polloi and diners from downstairs popping in for an aperitif or digestif pre- or post-meal (sometimes both), we’ll place my odds on the fact that it is about to become your new favourite drinking spot.

There’s a lot of history at Rules. The bar is a relatively new addition, upstairs in what used to be the private dining room of King Edward VII. The interior: a snug combination of wood panelling, royal portraits and warm metals feels like a private member’s club without the high fees.

Read More: Fabulous Places to Drink in Covent Garden

Rumour has it that this is the very location where Edward carried out his relationship with his mistress Lillie Langtry.  

For all its history, Rules cocktail bar is not afraid to try something new.

Recent years have seen the opening of the Winter Terrace – a gorgeous glass-topped atrium filled with plants, eccentric artwork and ridiculously comfortable seating that sets the scene nicely for long hours spent in conversation, cocktail in hand – not to mention a cheeky Insta shot or two.

Add to that a significantly expanded cocktail menu under the watchful eye of head bartender and London cocktail legend Brian Silva and you start to see why a bar that traces its roots back to 1798 still commands your attention today.

Each cocktail is absolutely perfect. It turns out that when you spend several decades honing your craft as Silva has, the end result can be pretty spectacular.

The menu was already faultless, but by expanding it, Rules have set themselves head and shoulders above the competition.

The Naughty Mac, one of the offerings from the new Rules cocktail bar menu – blends  Naked Grouse, ginger liqueur and Habanero Hellfire Bitters – a tipple that has my mouth watering as I write this.

Cocktails of this calibre can often come with a lot of unwanted baggage – sniffy service and zero atmosphere being the ones that spring to mind. All of that is refreshingly absent at Rules.

The team are professional sure, but gregarious too – with a passion for what they do that you rarely encounter. You may very well find yourself having a talk with Silva himself during a quieter moment.

Cannot recommend enough.

Want to take it one step further? Book onto one of their cocktail classes – one of the best in London.

Practical Information + Map

Address:  34-35 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7LB

Telephone: 020 7836 5314

Website

Read More Covent Garden Guides

• Looking for the Best Drinking Spots in Covent Garden? We’ve Got You Covered
• The Best Things to do in Covent Garden
• Covent Garden’s Loveliest Pubs
• The Secret Bars and Speakeasies You Need to Have on Your Radar

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They say that you judge a person within seven seconds of meeting them. You take in their attitude, attire and mannerisms in a few blinks and decide whether they fit the bill. Brutal but true.

Disrepute takes first impressions seriously – chances are that your first impressions are going to be very, very favourable indeed.

There are none of those discreet (or not so discreet) flaws that hamper so many bars (particularly bars in Soho) – rude doormen, long waits, unfriendly staff… we’ve all been there, particularly if you’ve ever spent any of your adult life drinking in central London.

What’s not to love? Disrepute is an invitation to set aside the bothersome worries of day to day life and focus on the things that matter – good conversation aided by a shockingly good drink.

Taking a leaf from the increasing number of Instagrammable interiors dotted around the city (Sketch anyone?) Disrepute is decidedly easy on the eye.

The interior is a meeting of plush jewel-coloured armchairs, tinted mirrors and golden metals with a few extra luxe touches thrown in for good measure.

So far, so good but it’s the cocktails that really make Disrepute shine. Guys, they’re good.

So damned good that no one will blame you if you happen to find yourself back in Soho evening after evening for a little snifter.

Read More: Must-Try Bars in Soho

Cocktails & Menu

There’s the usual mystery lent to the cocktails – kooky names giving your drinks a rather elusive air in the fashion of some Raymond Chandler protagonist or some other film noir detective. Don’t knock it because it works.

A quick flick through the menu and I was engrossed – each combination of ingredients leading you to imagine what the final drink would it be like and whether it would be to your taste.

They seem to have done away with an earlier version of the menu that didn’t list the ingredients but instead invoked the sense of the cocktail through a story – probably for the best – but the sense of story remains.

Will you like the Fellini – a rather tempting combination of Beefeater 24 gin, Campari, Suze gentian liqueur, grapefruit marmalade, lemon and orange bitters? (The answer, in case you’re wondering, is a resounding yes).

Or what about the Eastern Attaché – Glenn Grant 10yo, Lagavulin 16yo, D.R.P. vermouth blend, fig liqueur and orange bitters? Yes again.

In a world where it’s starting to feel like each drink has to have its own gimmick (one day a cocktail will turn up with its own brass band ensemble and we won’t even blink an eye), the cocktails at Disrepute are largely fanfare-free.

Those that are accompanied by some kind of performance – Jon’s Holy Smoke for example – released from a bell jar of smoke when brought to the table are all the better for it. In that particular case, the smokiness was a nice offset to the mezcal.

Atmosphere

Atmosphere wise, Disrepute felt like every inch the Soho members club that it is: exclusive without being snobby or dull.

It’s worth noting that while Disrepute do allow access to non-members, it’s probably worth reserving a table at the weekends (read Thursday onwards) as it does get busy and you could very well be setting yourself up for disappointment if you don’t.

Or you could just become a member – we’ll predict that you will end up going so often that it’s a perfectly sensible option…

Practical Information & Map

Address: Disrepute, Kingly Court, Soho, London W1F 9RR

Website

Telephone: 0207 494 2505

Read More London Bar Guides

• Drink Your Way Around the Best Bars in Soho
• Swift Soho: One of Soho’s Cocktail Treasures
• These are the Best Bars in London Right Now

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Tucked away in Lewisham, Forest Hill is a leafy London suburb known for its cool cafes, beautiful parks, and cosy pubs.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional boozer and a classic pint or fancy venturing into a craft pub with a diverse array of local beers, do not underestimate this gorgeous corner of London.

Let’s dive in…

Best Pubs in Forest Hill

The Chandos

The first of these pubs, The Chandos, is a traditional London pub with a little bit of a twist – and we love it. 

Serving a menu of homemade pizzas from Flatboys and a roster of drinks composed of independently brewed beers and ales, The Chandos acts as the intersection between the traditional and the modern, providing good service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a pub run by unique people in their own unique way.

Best of all, they have an awesome roof terrace and sweet urban garden out the back, which are perfect for the long lazy summer evenings, and plenty of events.

Friday nights is Shots Night, when the beats begin to pump and the shots begin to flow, while you can get together with mates to test your knowledge at the leisurely Sunday evening quiz nights.

The Honor Oak 

Just a five minute stroll away from Forest Hill station, you will find The Honor Oak, a somewhat traditional British pub offering a wide selection of drinks and simple (but delicious) takes on homemade British pub food.

What it lacks in frills, however, it makes up for in entertainment. The attached ‘Laugh Train Home’ comedy club next door hosts comedians, and bands on a regular basis. There’s also a fun open mic night where you’re encouraged to bash out your West End favourite (although there’s no obligation), and a cool Wednesday night pub quiz.

Not only that, kids are catered for with the Friday Foxtots session, drag storytime on Saturday mornings and arts and crafts with the Sunday afternoon Kids Table.

Come for the atmosphere – and the decent selection of drinks – and stay for the show. 

London Beer Dispensary 

If it’s old world charm you’re looking for, then the London Beer Dispensary may just be the place for you. 

With a quirky, somewhat bohemian interior and a focus on reclaimed wooden furniture and vintage-style fittings, this pub is the perfect place to sit back and read a book, unwind with colleagues after a long day, or socialise with friends.

Indeed, with Southeast London absolutely brimming with cool new craft breweries, this is the place to sit, chill, and find your favourite new tipple while expanding your Untapped app at the same time.

The Dolphin

If you’re looking for a relaxed, family friendly place to bring the kids on the weekend, then head to The Dolphin pub.

Boasting a traditional yet peaceful interior, but with a sizable menu of homemade pub classics, this establishment chooses quality over gimmicks, offering a no nonsense but friendly community atmosphere at a fair price. 

There are special offers on during the week, ranging from 2-4-1 pizza on Mondays to £14 burger and a pint on Tuesday. And, if you drink eight pints or glasses of wine there, you can get the ninth free. We don’t suggest you try and claim this offer in one night, pace yourselves!

The Blythe Hill Tavern 

The Blythe Hill Tavern is reminiscent of a bygone era – in the best possible way. 

With a central bar creating three separate, cosy seating areas, the traditional design is laden with charm and reinforced by friendly, attentive staff who make customer service their top priority. 

You’ll understand what kind of the pub this is the moment you walk in, with walls and ceilings adorned with real ale pump badges and beer mats. Warm and welcoming, they have sports on quietly all day. 

Other events include regular quiz nights and local musicians on Thursdays, while they have been known to have a pizza van parked up outside to satisfy your culinary cravings.

Family and dog friendly, The Blythe Hill Tavern offers a range of homemade food, a wide selection of craft beer, ale, and ciders, as well as live music to top off the evening. 

If you want a pub that feels like a home away from home, then this is the place for you. 

The Ivy House 

A short walk away in the Peckham area, The Ivy House is a quirky one indeed. 

Situated in a Grade-II listed building constructed in 1930, The Ivy was reopened in 2013 as London’s first cooperatively owned public house and was recently named the 11th coolest pub in the UK by the Sunday Times.

With a function room hosting jazz bands, stand-up comedy, jive dancing, and yoga classes, The Ivy House has definitely transcended what we know and expect from a pub, truly reconnecting with the community-minded spirit pubs were always designed to uphold. Indeed, if you really enjoy your time at this community-owned pub, you can buy shares in it yourself!

With a wide selection of drinks, and a menu of awesome pizzas, The Ivy House is truly one of the top pubs in southeast London.. 

The Sylvan Post 

Opened on the site of Forest Hill’s former post office, The Sylvan Post is a charming addition to the district, delivering an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere at affordable prices. 

Stocking a wide selection of premium lager and ciders, as well as a popular range of independent craft beers, The Sylvan Post combines a much missed sense of community, with a very modern outlook. 

Food can be purchased on evenings and weekends and the pub offers a delicious take on hearty grub. We love their lentil shepherds’ pie, while their rosemary and garlic whole-baked camembert makes the perfect date-night sharer. Indeed, if you’re looking for a romantic spot for an intimate meal, book one of their private dining experiences in one of their vaults.

Regular events include afternoon Champers and Pampers wine tasting for parents, Wednesday quiz night and 2 cocktails for £12 on Thursdays. Don’t mind if we do!

The Signal Pub

If you’re looking for a pub with a difference, The Signal is a gorgeous pub that acts as a community hub for locals. 

Drinks-wise, there’s a whole host of cocktails (2-4-1 all day, every day!), wines, and craft spirits, as well as a healthy selection of classic and craft brews. 

What about the food? The menu is filled with dishes that are sure to hit the spot. From their small plates such as cheesy button mushrooms and cheese and apricot terrine, through to the pub faves including lasagne, fish n chips, and a mouthwatering array of tasty burgers. 

Make sure to check out the uber-cool beer garden space that is perfect for hanging out with pals on a summery day.

Want some music to start your weekend? Friday night is Groove Junction night, the perfect way to get your weekend off to a flyer.

All Inn One Pub

If it’s a beautiful pub you’re after, All Inn One Pub is for you. We love the generous outdoor space.

Not only is the interior a modern, industrial take on a classic Victorian pub, but the drinks selection is stellar. Cask marqued real ales, craft beers, and carefully curated wines.

While the kitchen in the pub is no longer open, they regularly have cool street food pop ups outside, and also encourage you to order in if you want something to line your stomach as you drink.

The pub is surrounded by different, and very cool outdoor spaces that are magical spots to enjoy low-key summer drinks while basking in the sunshine.

Bird In Hand

Recently re-opened following a refurb to the interior and a make-under to the outside, the Bird in Hand continues the tradition of the premises being home to a good-old London boozer that dates back more than 200 years.

With a couple of staple beers on tap at prices that even undercut Wetherspoons and a range of evolving tipples from local breweries to sample, house wines begin at £16 per bottle. 

This pub is right at the heart of the community, and although low on events to make it stand out, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely catch-up with friends, without having to shout to make yourself heard.

Watson’s General Telegraph

Recently under new Management, Dom and the team have gone all out at Watson’s General Telegraph by refurbishing the beer garden, introducing a baning new menu courtesy of Bang Bang Smokehouse, and a range of cool new beers from Laine.

With craft ale and good food at the heart of their new approach, Bang Bang Smokehouse have introduced stunning smoked meats, huge flavours, vegan delights and all from sustainable sources on the Yorkshire Dales.

It’s not all bit BBQ flavours, Sundays are given over to awesome roasts with some of the finest Yorkshires found this side of the Watford Gap. There’s a games room, regular fun quizzes and an awesome outdoor space to kick back and relax in.

The Railway Telegraph

Another pub named after a Telegraph, the Railway Telegraph takes ts name from the telegraph system that ran from London Bridge towards the south coast connecting signal boxes along the line.

The pub dates back to 1853 and is one of the area’s finest Victorian-era pubs that combines a great array or beers, wines and spirits, with quality food from Bang Bang Kitchen. 

We love the macaroni cheese bites and harrissa buffalo wings, while the roasted kabocha squash with tenderstem broccoli is a beautiful meat-free main.

The burgers are awesome, as is their Sunday roast, so you won’t be going hungry whatever day of the week you visit.

Events include regular weekend music, DJs and parties, while Poker, Darts and Dominoes dominate every Tuesday and Wednesday and free pool on Tuesday evenings. Thursdays are given over to quiz nights, while the first Sunday of every month is karaoke night.

General Napier

The General Napier is one of Forest Hill’s hidden gems off the beaten track, but well worth the effort to find.

Mixing a warm and welcoming interior, full of lights hanging from the ceiling by rope, gorgeous artwork, comfy seating including armchairs and sofas, and book-lined walls, with a cool and sun-drenched garden, this Forest Hill boozer ticks all the boxes.

Events include regular karaoke nights and events throughout the year to celebrate Halloween and Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, if burgers are your thing, you won’t go wrong here with the menu absolutely dripping with stunning options.

Forest Hill Pubs Map 

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Sure, cocktail bars are nice – but sometimes you can’t beat a really good pub. Luckily, the neighbouring London areas of Farringdon and Clerkenwell are blessed on the boozer front. 

Settle in for a drink or two in one of these cool little pubs.

Best Pubs in Farringdon & Clerkenwell

The Eagle

The Eagle was the original gastropub in Farringdon, in fact, it was pretty much the original gastropub in London.

It’s difficult to remember, but before The Eagle came along, pubs just used to dole out basic meals that were nothing to write home about. The Eagle opened in 1991 and changed everything.

Started by Michael Belben and David Eyre, two wannabe restaurateurs looking for a more affordable way to start a foodie business, the pub has grown from strength to strength.

We’ll admit, it had been a few years since we had been back to The Eagle before our last visit and we were curious to see whether it had stood the test of time. It has. 

The reasonably-priced daily changing menu is just as punchy, full of flavour and adventurous as it ever was. Turns out The Eagle is still showing London’s gastropubs how it’s done over 25 years later.

Away from the food, the pub offers a decent range of beers on tap and by the bottle – including their very own IPA. Draught beers are an eclectic mix scattered from Red Stripe to Erdinger and lots more in between.

Unsurprisingly, wine lovers are well catered to. The wine list was our favourite of all the Farringdon pubs – all the old favourites are on there – Malbec, Pinot Grigio – as well as a few rarer offerings like Monastrell and Verdejo.

Enjoy. We’re sure you will.

Read More: The best bars in Farringdon and Clerkenwell

The Gunmakers 

Fresh from a revamp that has seen it acquire a gorgeous new interior and – get this – a permanent residency from the hottest taco makers in town, Tigre Tacos, The Gunmakers in Clerkenwell is ready to become your new favourite boozer.

This is the kind of pub that the locals don’t want you to know about – a chic bolthole from the demanding excesses of the city where you can lay hands on authentic Mexican food, perfectly-executed cocktails and, of course, traditional pub drinks. 

Let’s talk about Tigre Tacos for a second.

First, the tacos are just so good – as you’d expect when head chef Ramon Ramos brings his insider taco knowledge straight from his family restaurant / culinary institution in Guadalajara.

Second, that’s not all there is to it either – with larger dishes such as whole grilled octopus, tortillas and a whole load of Mexican trimmings. Let us tell you one thing. One trip isn’t going to be enough.

The Fox & Anchor

Another one of our favourite old boozers, The Fox & Anchor has been a pub since the 1890s. Turns out that with over a century’s practice, they’ve got this whole public house thing down to a fine art.

This is one of London’s prettiest old-school boozers, the Grade II listed building features an ornate facade complete with patterned brickwork, ceramic tiles and gargoyles.

Tucked away down Charterhouse Street, unlike many of the more transient and clinical feeling pubs near Farringdon station, The Fox & Anchor has a real neighbourhood feel.

Inside, the Art Nouveau interiors are just on the right side of cosy: eclectic paintings line the walls, patterned tin tiles on the ceiling – it’s just the kind of place where you could hole up for a day with a bunch of friends, feeling like you were in someone’s living room.

It’s a Young’s pub and the focus is on locally-sourced beers – there’s their own-label ale and other cask beers from smaller breweries from London and the south.

What’s more – the Fox & Anchor opens at 7am on weekdays, 8.30am at weekends (to serve the punters at Smithfield Meat Market around the corner). 

Pretty much perfect for those days when a cheeky pint and a hearty breakfast are exactly what you need. Oh and there are hotel rooms upstairs if it all gets a bit too much.

Read Next: Historic London Pubs You Shouldn’t Miss

The Jerusalem Tavern

You’ll have a much better chance of finding a needle in a haystack than finding a seat in the minuscule Holy Tavern – but it’s one of the best pubs in Farringdon nonetheless.

Owned by St Peter’s Brewery, the building of the Holy Tavern dates all the way back to the 1700s (though the pub itself has only been on the premises since the 1990s).

Inside, the pub is a rather charming blend of antiquities meets 21st century – with a no-frills, get what you came for vibe that is increasingly rare in today’s gastropub world.

Green and brown walls, rugged wooden floors – you could almost be hoodwinked into thinking that the pub was as old as its building. If you’re lucky enough to nab the seats by the fire, there’s no finer place to be during London’s chilly winters.

What did you come for? Mainly the beer. St Peter’s is a brewery based in Suffolk – their wide range of real ales have won many awards over the years.

Though the brewing is traditional, the final products are not. Alongside the standard bitters and ales, you’ll find a few unusual ones too – Citrus Beer, Plum Porter – there’s even a gluten-free beer to round things off.

Ye Olde Mitre Tavern

Billing yourself as the most difficult pub to find in London might not appear to be a great marketing strategy, but it doesn’t seem to have done Ye Olde Mitre any harm. 

After all, the pub is still going strong and it opened in 1546.

So many pubs in London attempt to create the ye olde pub vibe – but it’s always easy to sort the authentic from the pretenders.

Ye Olde Mitre is the real deal – it was built on the land of the former Ely Palace, the palace of the Bishop of Ely, to serve the bishop’s servants.

History marks every corner of the pub. There’s still a cherry tree in a corner of the front room marking the spot where the Bishop’s lands ended and Christopher Hatton’s land began – the two hated each other and the tree was the dividing line between their respective parts of the garden.

Fast forward to the modern-day – the pub is owned by Fuller’s. Three small rooms and a nicely tucked away beer garden are all it takes to create this a cosy drinking spot.

Take your pick from award-winning draught beers – there are always seven real ales on tap (a mix of Fuller’s own and guest ales) and a proper scrumpy cider available. The wine’s decent too.

The Slaughtered Lamb

The Slaughtered Lamb stands in stark contrast to many of the pubs featured on this list. In truth, it was touch and go, whether we included it or not, but it just about made the cut.

Let’s start with the good stuff. There’s a cool live-music venue downstairs that hosts a lot of folk and Americana gigs. The venue is intimate and well-reputed for high-quality acoustic gigs.

The bad? While this pub is perfectly pleasant during the day – airy windows, lots of light, nice food, decent beers etc etc, at night, well it feels more like a gig venue than a pub. Loud music, snogging teenagers, sticky tables and even stickier floors. 

We can’t say that Friday night in The Slaughtered Lamb was very much fun.

That said, it is nice enough in the daytime and if you’re going for a gig, it’s exactly what you’d look for. If you’re going for a quiet nighttime pint though, you’re better off going elsewhere.

The Exmouth Arms

The Exmouth Arms is a traditional old school boozer on the corner of Exmouth Market. The pretty red brick facade promises fine ales and stout, and dates the building to 1915.

Inside, it’s everything a pub should be – lots of seating, dark corners, low-level light and friendly staff. 

There’s a good range of craft beers on tap, nice wines and great food.

Pub grub can mean anything these days – at The Exmouth it’s a fairly traditional line up (all perfectly executed) with a few touches of magic. Go hungry – portions are on the hearty and yummy side.

The Betsey Trotwood

There are plenty of old pubs in Farringdon  – it’s interesting to see how they’ve all developed over time. The Betsey Trotwood does the traditional British pub thing down to a T – but adds a serving of live entertainment to keep things exciting.

Comedy is the biggest draw (well, away from the booze that is). The Betsey Trotwood hosts several comedy evenings throughout the month, including the weekly Jester Jesters night each Monday.

Add live music to the roster and you have a cheery community pub in an area where that’s rarer than you’d think.

Drinks-wise, Betsey’s no slacker. You will find a good selection of cask ales, a wide-ish wine selection and some very good single malts behind the bar too. Food wise, the menu changes on a daily basis and isn’t the most extensive. It is high-quality fayre though, with pub faves always available.

The Three Kings

The Three Kings is one of the quirkiest pub spots in the area. The three kings referred to are Elvis (obviously), Henry VIII and… King Kong. A natural triumvirate of course.

Inside it all starts to make a bit more sense – well, kind of. There’s music memorabilia everywhere, as well as oddities like a plaster rhino’s head and fairy lights (though our last visit was early in the new year, so it may be that the lights weren’t a permanent fixture).

The musical theme continues with an upstairs jukebox featuring some very niche choices and frequent live music nights. 

All in all, a nice and friendly neighbourhood pub.

The Castle

The Castle bridges the gap between old-time gastropub and hipster spot for pints with its annual craft residency (right now it’s Home Nations) and excellent pub grub menu.

The pub’s gothic exterior is the perfect introduction to what you’ll find inside: rich blue and red leather seating, dark oak wood panels, and an imposing (and well-stocked) bar as its centrepiece.

It’s the perfect Farringdon pub to cosy up in on a Winter’s evening with a full-bodied red, or perhaps even a G&T (yes, please).

As well as good drink selections and excellent pub grub, The Castle also holds regular events such as quizzes, live DJs and regular bands to entertain the locals.

The Green

The Green arrived in Clerkenwell to totally put the kibosh on the myth that British pubs are only for old men. 

The pub’s ultra-modern interior wouldn’t look too out of place on an influencer’s feed, with its wicker lighting and a smattering of plants fancying things up a little bit.

The drinks menu is just as impressive as the decor; cocktails, craft beer, and wine are all on offer. At the time of writing the kitchen is closed, but if its drinks you’re after, you’ll do well to find a better cutesy boozer than this.

Brewdog Clerkenwell

We rave about Brewdogs all the time here at London x London – it’s a chain that has stemmed from way up north in Scotland and has slowly taken over plenty of the capital’s boozy venues, yet it still retains an independent-pub feel. 

Which, we think, is the best of both worlds.

Excellent craft beer (in fact, there are 18 taps and plenty more bottles in the fridge), innovative cocktails, and hearty grub are on offer. All in an ultra-cool pub setting. Not only that, there are regular offers, such as 2-4-1 vegan meals on Mondays, and events such as the popular Tuesday night quiz.

Yeah… if you’re ever in doubt, sniff out your nearest Brewdog.

Old China Hand

One thing we love from old-school boozers is the repurposing of barrels as tables. And Old China Hand ticks this – any many other boxes of what we look for from decent pubs.

Before we delve too far in, they don’t do food at this traditional pub, but they do actively encourage you to order in some pizza or other fast food to help you as you drink. 

Inside you’ll welcomed with properly stripped back wooden decor that, if their website is believed, has been designed to actively put off social media influencers. The range of drinks is superb, though, and with the pub independently owned rather than tied to a brewery, is suitably eclectic.

You can add a cool competitive edge to a night out at this typical London boozer (of course, there’s a piano!) with a game of table tennis or darts, and, for a limited time, table football. Don’t mind if we do!

Hat and Tun

Nestled in the heart of Farringdon, the Hat & Tun is a traditional London pub that offers an authentic and modern pub experience. Mixing live sport on big TVs with premium beers, real ales, and fine food, this is a great place to hang out after work, or on a leisurely afternoon.

You can play shuffleboard with your mates or colleagues, or turn a romantic date into something a little competitive. 

All pints are £4 all day every day (offer only applies to beers, not pints of wine or spirits!) while their annual Superbowl party is one of the best this side of the Atlantic.

Of course, with all of that going on it’d be all-to-easy to overlook their cool food menu that’s bursting with seasonal ingredients, taste, and that has something for everyone.

The Clerk and Well

We love a pun, and the Clerk and Well gastropub in Clerkenwell ticks the wordplay box for us. Good as that is, the actual pub-going experience is even better.

One of the more refined pubs in this guide where the focus is as much on the food as the drink, the team of chefs at this trendy boozer use the best local and seasonal ingredients to create pub favourites throughout the week, and gorgeous roasts on a Sunday with the fluffiest, loveliest Yorkshires.

They open at 8am and begin serving immediately to cater for those hungry souls at nearby Smithfields Market, with some awesome early morning brekkie and brunches available before the sumptuous main menu kicks in a little later in the day.

The Crown Tavern 

The Crown Tavern is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a genuine, wholesome pub experience. Its no-frills approach makes it a solid spot to enjoy a decent beer, beautiful wine, or lovely bit of pub grub.

Whether you sit outdoors or inside, you’ll be welcomed like an old friend in this popular boozer with locals and those from local offices. Thankfully, it’s managed to remain free of pretentiousness.

The drinks menu is extensive, with crafty cocktails, wholesome wines, fabulous fizz and brimming with beers. Yet, pleasingly, it has one of the best range of alcohol-free drinks around if you’re not feeling the boozy vibe. That said, if you are on the wagon, check out their Pineapple Mezcalita cocktail, it’s to die for!

Best Pubs in Clerkenwell & Farringdon: Map

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