Central London pub guide - information about pubs and bars in Central London# beerintheevening.com

Central London pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Central London - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Harp, Covent Garden

Address: 47 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4HS
Phone: 02078360291
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Nearest tube stations: Charing Cross (0.1 miles), Leicester Square (0.2 miles), Embankment (0.2 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.1 miles), London Waterloo (0.8 miles), London Waterloo East (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Superb session with a group of friends last Saturday. Our five-pinter included perfectly-kept Dark Star, Harveys and Sambrooks. Towards the end of the evening the landlady visited our table for a 10-minute chat, displaying all the warmth and love she puts into the Harp. A cracker!

7 May 2013 08:33

Top class venue. All the beers on tap were in good nick last time I was in, and you can't but fall in love with the barmaids who are as professional as they are attractive. One of the male staff who acts as a bouncer isn't so nice, but one fly doesn't spoil the picnic. Harvey's is a regular, and Dark Star features fairly often, 10 times in 15 visits over 4 weeks. Not a criticism, as Dark star brews fantastic beers. Look out for Crouch Vale and plenty of lesser known micros. And remember Fri and Sat evenings can get rammed, so visit only if you're in the mood for a crowd! The Harp will not let you down.

4 May 2013 11:52

Great pub. Best in London if not beyond.

Super selection including guests, some familiar names coming around and hot spot for Dark Star (I check on the DS app for latest deliveries).

Reasonable 'London prices' without taking the mick like some new trendy places.

Fun to watch the odd clueless tourist come in and order a wine or other none-ale drink in this 'famous ale pub'.

29 Mar 2013 21:18

The Craft Beer Co, City of London

Address: 82 Leather Lane, City of London, London, EC1N 7TR
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), Chancery Lane (0.2 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles), City Thameslink (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Still a first class joint. Was among last to leave on recent trip. Luckily I had friends who could afford some of the prices. Another reviewer has suggested thirds of a pint measures, I would like to second the idea. Brew Dog camden (not listed on BITE because free listings ended two years ago - use ratebeer instead) serves third pints which is a great idea for the stronger beers and certainly the dearer ones.

4 May 2013 11:36

Have been coming here for quite some time and have never had a mediocre pint until very recently. Has there been a change of staff? Beer seems to have lost its edge...

22 Apr 2013 12:38

I side with the recent high scores rather than the bad experience of elegiac_stanzas. One may not be able to get the precise beer you're after but allow the selection to guide your visit and you'll have plenty of high quality variety. Tends to open rather later on a weekend (noon) but worth waiting for. There is some food - high quality pork pies and similar bar-top snacks. Prices ARE indeed steep, in some cases exceptionally so, but after a deep breath, one does not mind QUITE so much.

24 Feb 2013 21:49

Euston Tap, Euston

Address: 190 Euston Road, Euston, London, NW1 2EF
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Nearest tube stations: Euston (0.1 miles), Euston Square (0.2 miles), Warren Street (0.3 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Euston (0.3 miles), London St Pancras (0.4 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

yes its small and yes its crowded, but the beer is immense. usually standing room only, but provided you dont expect a typical pub and you'll be happy. combined with the bree louise just down the road, you have a pretty good night out.

19 Apr 2013 10:11

Steamer took us here while we had a 4 hour wait for the Eurostar on the way to Bruges. An interesting selection of beers and those tried were good including a stout from Bristol.

27 Mar 2013 17:53

Stopped in here on a Saturday afternoon. Great use of an interesting building and the beer choice was incredible. However, I was really disappointed with the interior - downstairs was okay and the spiral staircase is a nice feature, but upstairs is dingy, smelly and looks like it needs a good lick of paint.

It's a real shame because the building is fantastic from the outside. Perhaps I've been spoiled by other pubs in London, but this really could do with a bit of TLC.

25 Mar 2013 14:11

The Queens Head, St Pancras

Address: 66 Acton Street, kings cross, London, WC1X 9NB
Phone: 02077135772
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Nearest tube stations: King's Cross St. Pancras (0.3 miles), Russell Square (0.5 miles), Angel (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.3 miles), London Kings Cross (0.4 miles), London St Pancras (0.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Excellent. Chatty and knowledgable gaffer, good ales, both real and craft keg and lots of great bottles. Just leave enough time to get to st pancras platform for your train.

12 Mar 2013 15:34

Good selection of Ales traditional and modern. Excellent service and good food. With a bit of investment in the building this could be a really excellent pub. At the moment? - Very Good.

5 Mar 2013 07:31

Despite ending up sitting at a table right at the back of the pub by the blokes' toilets, can't say I noticed any dubious smells.
Echo previous comments about this place being pleasingly good. Three ales on tap - a dark IPA from the Windsor & Eton brewery, Hophead and a third which I forget.
Plenty of bottles too as well as cider if that's your fancy.
Friendly girl behind the bar was happy to offer tasters.
Camra discount available, so made a pint £3.10 which is perfectly acceptable these days. And the booze (well, the second round of two, anyway) came in handled glasses.
Food on offer, if you fancy eating, and the other nice touch was the jugs of iced and lemoned/limed water on the end of the bar from which you could help yourself.
Considering the Charles II can be a bit hit and miss, this place could be a much more reliable destination if I'm in the King's Cross area again.

25 Jan 2013 09:21

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Address: 1 Ely Court, Ely Place, Holborn, London, EC1N 6SJ
Phone: 020 7405 4751
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.2 miles), Farringdon (0.2 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)

Nearest DLR station: Bank (1 mile)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), City Thameslink (0.4 miles), London Barbican (0.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

OK pub. Tiny. Perhaps doesn't live up to its fame.

A handful of session bitters on the pumps, but nothing exciting.

Young barman seemed to know a fair bit about beer though.

27 Feb 2013 20:31

Friendly little pub tucked away down an alleyway off of Hatton Garden.

Being a Fullers pub the normal decent range ales were on along with a couple of guests of which I had Harrier from the Cotleigh Brewery.

Standing room only downstairs so we took the winding staircase to the first floor when we could stand and chat in a bit more space.

Great to hear of the award they have been given by the SPBW and even though this was my first visit I can understand why they have been rewarded.

4 Feb 2013 13:54

Dropped by last night - was treated to two Wadworth Beers from WOODEN BARRELS! A very nice surprise - it turns out it was in honour of the Mitre being given London Pub of the Year 2013 by the SPBW. Both went down excellently as expected, can only say the award is well deserved.

29 Jan 2013 22:05

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

Address: 31, Endell St, London, WC2H 9EB
Phone: 020 7836 5185
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Nearest tube stations: Covent Garden (0.1 miles), Leicester Square (0.3 miles), Holborn (0.3 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), City Thameslink (1 mile), London Waterloo (1 mile)

Reviews by BITE users:

I do like Brodies beers although some of the tastes are a bit powerful. Anyway the pub is a great place. Be prepared for a bit of elbow work to get to the bar but with ale in hand soak up the atmosphere.

17 Mar 2013 22:27

Great pub in a good location. It's just far enough from the madding crowd to be relatively tourist free. Sadly, I don't like Brodie's beers. I've tried hard and I don't think it's the way the pub keeps them because they're always clear and well presented. I just can't make myself like them.

Shame because otherwise I'm very happy to drink here.

28 Feb 2013 13:32

Comfortable and friendly pub to provide the Harp (Chandos Place) with some competition - very good and well-kept range of Brodies beers and good service. As with several of the better city centre bars, both gains and suffers from being small - makes for a splendid atmosphere but soon gets crowded

18 Feb 2013 00:52

The Old Fountain, Old Street

Address: 3 Baldwin Street, London, EC1V 9NU
Phone: 020 7253 2970
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Old Street (0.1 miles), Moorgate (0.6 miles), Barbican (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Old Street (0.1 miles), Moorgate (0.6 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Excellent back street pub, good replacement for the Wenlock Arms over the City Road that's now a building site. Friendly, cosy vibe. Top class lineup of cask ales, Dark Star and Crouch Vale were favorites of mine. Didn't try any of the keg beers this time but some unusual names were on. Easy to miss from the City Road but well worth coming down for a pint or maybe half a dozen of them. If you need to contact the pub at all, click on the link to their own website. You'll find the proper 0207 number there. Great pub. 9/10

11 May 2013 19:09

I'm still to be won over by the Old Fountain. I had planned to give it another try to sample its Easter beer festival. It was almost deathly quiet on my Easter Monday visit with only 4 or 5 other customers. Most of the festival beers were still available on stillage at the end of the bar. Sadly, there was no real cider. Cask beers on were Kent Session Pale Ale, Raw Zenith & Majic Mild, Brighton Bier Maple Porter & Red Rye, Thornbridge McConnel's Vanilla Stout, Arbor Down Deeper Goo Goo G'Soop, Marble Ginger 6 & Earl Grey, Oakham Tranquility Dream Catcher & Atilla & London Fields Shoreditch IPA. They also have an interesting selection of keg beers, including a rather strange tasting gooseberry beer. Service was swift and friendly. But I still find that the pub lacks atmosphere. A real cider would also be a valuable addition.

3 Apr 2013 20:49

First visit for a while and still has good as ever. Great selection of well kept ales. Good atmosphere.

Definitely not a gastro pub.

Always visit when I'm in the area. A must visit for the ale drinker.

13 Feb 2013 14:31

The Cittie of Yorke, Holborn

Address: 22 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6BN
Phone: 020 7242 7670
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.1 miles), Holborn (0.3 miles), Farringdon (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.5 miles), Blackfriars (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Terrific pub, helpful staff ( mid-week evening). I take US work colleagues here and tell them the pub was built in the 1400s - they suck it up with joy!

11 Mar 2013 14:20

One of those pubs one goes into to see the interior and then stays because the booths are perfect for a long evening of chatting and sipping. Beer quality is OK though it does seem to do just Sam Smith's Old Brewery Bitter. Its tourist route image tends to be associated with so-so service.

25 Feb 2013 00:24

This used to be called Hennekeys and, to be fair to Sam Smiths, they have kept it as it was. The booths are a delight. The beer is pricey for Sam Smiths but all-in-all it's a good pub.

1 Jan 2013 15:15

The Angel, Soho

Address: 61, St. Giles High Street, Soho, London, WC2H 8LE
Phone: 020 7240 2876
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Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0.2 miles), Covent Garden (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.3 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.5 miles), Farringdon (1.1 miles), City Thameslink (1.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Next on the Angelic crawl this is a Sam Smiths pub so you what to expect drinkwise. Friendly service despite how busy the place was. Layout of the place beyond my comprehension, too busy to explore properly. Worth a visit.

19 Apr 2013 18:17

Two things I've always liked about Sam Smith pubs: 1) always very traditional, unspoilt. 2) Very reasonable prices. The Angel definitely scores on the first one, but... 11quid for a bottle of Taddy Porter and a bottle of Pale Ale??? Look, I know that as a central London/St Giles/Soho/Covent Garden type of drinker I'm going to get exploited a bit, and bottles are always going to be more expensive, and I'm not going to get the same price as the Nag's Head in Chapel Allerton or the Crystal Palace in York, but 11quid does seem a little, well, steep. Extortionate is another way to put it. The brewery's pub nearby, the John Snow, also has these ridiculous bottle prices. I had thought Sam Smith's was a much better than normal company. Not at those prices (and, yes, the Old Brewery on hand-pump is cheaper, but seemed very ordinary in this pub).
What is the Sam Smith's pricing strategy now: exploit central London drinkers? We're not all tourists or on 50k a year...

9 Dec 2012 21:44

nice traditional oasis in the waste land that is st giles.
one of the many sam smiths pubs in the west end, so nice beer, but �4.30 for a lager is offensivley expensive but what can you do?

Although its been rebuilt in the gerogian or victorian era, the history of the Angel pub is brilliant. Apparently it was a stopping point for a final 'one for the road' for those on their way to the tyburn tree down the other end of oxford street. the history isnt in any way celebrated in the pub though, but its a name that pops up a lot in various history books.

20 Sep 2012 09:11

The Bree Louise, Euston

Address: 69 Cobourg Street, London, NW1 2HH
Phone: 020 7681 4930
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Euston (0.1 miles), Euston Square (0.1 miles), Warren Street (0.2 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Euston (0.2 miles), London St Pancras (0.5 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Superb pies. That shouldn't be the first thing to remark on with this renowned pub but after my virgin visit earlier this month, it is. The beer was just OK, nothing special. A chocolate orange beer was pretty vile (yes, I know, I know - why order it in the first place? Curiosity). The Powerhouse was better but a tad warm. The staff were a mix of the usual London sulky, curt and scruffy types employed by an owner who believes 'aloof' bar-staff to be the new cool. It isn't - it really isn't. But those pies - very nice.
This is the sort of pub that the Craft-type artisan places are putting out of business because they do it so much better.

21 Mar 2013 13:18

You get the impression that a pub which once enjoyed a great reputation has been resting on its laurels resulting in it becoming somewhat shabby.

As has already been noted, the beer quality varies greatly and what really annoys me is that it is simply too warm.
The casks are subject to far too much ambient heat and the beer quality suffers as a result.

I have been there on a number of occasions and it is starting to look and feel a bit run down.
There is an unpleasant smell of stale ale and dirty feet that could be cleared away with the carpet and a damn good clean.

It is always stuffy and can get noisy so is not a place to relax.
If you took away the ale selection you wouldn’t give it any more than 2/10.

26 Feb 2013 13:22

Unfortunately, the beer quality is very hit and miss. Around a dozen or so beers on and on a good day, the beer can be very good, but on a bad day, it's pretty dreadful. Worse than that, the barmaid advised me the beer was flat 'because it's served from the cask' - with that level of knowledge and expertise, it's a wonder they have any 'good days' at all. Really needs to get it's act together and sort the beer out.

24 Feb 2013 11:24

The Doric Arch, Euston

Address: 1 Eversholt Street, Euston, London, NW1 1DN
Phone: 020 7388 2221
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Euston Square (0.3 miles), Euston (0.4 miles), Mornington Crescent (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Euston (0.2 miles), London St Pancras (0.3 miles), London Kings Cross (0.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I visited this pub for the first time last week, having found it recommended online when looking for bars near Euston Station (I was meeting a friend who was making a rare visit to London), and was frankly appalled at the level of service we received. The two members of staff we encountered were extremely hostile and rude towards us, and left us feeling totally unwelcome. As a lifelong Londoner, I know what to expect from the city's pubs, and have never experienced anything as poor as I did at the Doric Arch. We left before finishing our drinks and went elsewhere; thankfully managing to salvage the evening that the staff at this pub seemed intent on ruining.

26 Mar 2013 00:15

I like the layout of this pub and some of its idiosyncratic features. In my opinion, beer quality and range are usually rather better in the nearby Bree Louise and Euston Tap. However, as JonnyConsumer says, this is maybe more likely to be the place where you'll find a cosy corner and simply sip and chat the night away

17 Feb 2013 22:11

Wonderful pub; one of my favourites.
The staff are always lovely and the range of tap and bottled beers is excellent.

The railway memorabilia makes for a great atmosphere. Look out for the huge ‘9F’ above the bar.
The food is good, it is always nice and warm in winter, and the football on the TV is never too loud.

A perfect place to wait for your train!
Actually once you get settled, chances are you will miss the train but don’t worry, it was probably cancelled anyway.

25 Jan 2013 13:44

The Ship Tavern, Holborn

Address: 12 Gate St, London, WC2A 3HP
Phone: 020 7405 1992
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Covent Garden (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.7 miles), London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Great little pub tucked away in the hustle & bustle of Holborn. Fantastic range of well kept ales. The homemade scotch eggs & sausage rolls are amazing. Staff are friendly & efficient. The food is a realt treat, hearty home cooked fayre. Fish & Chips is the best ive had & the biggest.
I guess its a bit pricey but it is central london & our government are trigger tax happy when it comes to pubs. Definitely worth a punt

28 Feb 2013 13:56

Tucked away behind Holborn tube station is this little gem of a boozer.

A listing in the 2013 good beer guide brought me in here but I'm sure I was here 15 odd years ago.

Wooden floors throughout, comfy little nooks for people to sit in, very friendly bar staff and welcoming land lady really set this pub apart from others in the area.

Historical decoration adorns the walls aswell as a old fashioned metal clock depicting the name of the pub which hangs above the bar area.

6 varying ales on tap including their own 1549 ale. I had an excellent pint of XXXX Porter from Ringwood brewery. A tad steep at £4.00 but the quality soon made me forget the price.

A mix of local workers, a student group and tourists make up the clientele but this is a real cracker.

If you haven't been make a special effort for a visit.

6 Jan 2013 11:40

Usually seek this place out when in Town. On this occasion I was a tad disappointed; a couple of the beers were 'generic' rebrands leaving few 'quality' options. Pork pies and chutney etc was still cracking stuff. Friendly spot, well used, I'll go again.

29 Oct 2012 16:38

The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross

Address: 1-3 Craven Passage, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 5PH
Phone: 020 7839 1311
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Charing Cross (0.1 miles), Embankment (0.1 miles), Leicester Square (0.3 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.1 miles), London Waterloo (0.6 miles), London Waterloo East (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Nice pint of Firkin Fox. Pleasant surroundings and friendly atmosphere.

22 Feb 2013 12:35

Tanglefoot in good fettle and the food, had the fish and chips top notch.

20 Feb 2013 17:48

Nice pleasant pub with a decent choice of ales. King & Barnes Sussex Bitter in good order. Didn't eat but food looked good. Friendly staff. Worth a visit. 7/10

27 Jan 2013 15:02

The Speaker, Westminster

Address: 46 Great Peter St, London, SW1P 2HA
Phone: 020 7222 1749
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: St James's Park (0.2 miles), Westminster (0.4 miles), Victoria (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Victoria (0.6 miles), London Charing Cross (0.9 miles), Vauxhall (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Worth searching out. It was quiet when I was there, on a miserable Wednesday lunch time, so some warming dark ales went down very well, as did the freshly prepared sausage sandwich. Not as small as I'd expected and certainly no problem getting a seat but, as I say, the weather, was probably a factor. Seems a bit churlish to be critical on the choice of beers, with 5 handpumps including Leeds, Goachers and Thwaites, but would have been nice to see some local beer too. Having said that, their selection of bottled beers included both Meantime and Camden, as well as the usual (but welcome) suspects from German, Belgium and the USA. A very pleasant way to keep out of the cold!

14 Mar 2013 11:58

renzarov - Because of where it is, the pub does not open on a weekend, it being off the beaten track for tourists and there being very few local residents. Does sometimes open on a Sunday for the marathon, Remembrance Sunday and over the Jubilee but mostly closed. Worth popping on a week night though.

23 Jan 2013 17:46

My mate & I eventually found this back-street pub 4pmish Sunday afternoon, only to discover it was closed...
I thought I'd mention this, but don't know if it's a seasonal thing, ie this is standard for the winter, or for any other reasons, eg lack of Sunday trade or renovation etc.
This was a bit of a shame, as the place sounded excellent in reviews & looked quite nice inside on peering through the windows!
We eventually rocked up at The Strutton Arms; q.v!

17 Dec 2012 19:57

The Skinners Arms, Kings Cross

Address: 114 Judd St, London, WC1H 9NT
Phone: 020 7837 6521
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: King's Cross St. Pancras (0.2 miles), Russell Square (0.4 miles), Euston (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London St Pancras (0.2 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.2 miles), London Kings Cross (0.3 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Unremarkable pub but nethertheless usually a good choice of ales and reasonable food One of the better pubs in the area

28 Feb 2013 12:56

It's an OK pub. It's definitely a Greene King house with the dreaded, dumbed down IPA dominating. it has a nice coal fire although the pub would be greatly improved if they removed the intrusive and unnecessary TVs. The staff don't understand beer (they're antipodean) and poured me a pint of mild when I ordered bitter. When I pointed this out I was told that mild and bitter were the same! I put him right.

30 Dec 2012 19:49

By chance I was in there at nightfall, noted the ceramic plaque, noted the beers HSB mentioned but opted for Aspalls Suffolk Cyder.

I used to stick to the same beers in each of the pubs I used [you got served quicker] and this was my Rayments BBA pub in the eighties. Abandoned it once the brewery closed.

It still seems much the same and winter must be approaching as the fire was on.

No food seen.

25 Oct 2012 21:11

More information

Want to find out more about pubs in Central London? Why not have a look at our advanced pub search or full text pub search? You might also want to browse pubs by county or region. Or have some fun with the random pub crawl generator.

Central London pub and bar guide

The Harp, Covent Garden

Reviews by BITE users:

The Craft Beer Co, City of London

Reviews by BITE users:

Euston Tap, Euston

Reviews by BITE users:

The Queens Head, St Pancras

Reviews by BITE users:

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Reviews by BITE users:

The Cross Keys, Covent Garden

Reviews by BITE users:

The Old Fountain, Old Street

Reviews by BITE users:

The Cittie of Yorke, Holborn

Reviews by BITE users:

The Angel, Soho

Reviews by BITE users:

The Bree Louise, Euston

Reviews by BITE users:

The Doric Arch, Euston

Reviews by BITE users:

The Ship Tavern, Holborn

Reviews by BITE users:

The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross

Reviews by BITE users:

The Speaker, Westminster

Reviews by BITE users:

The Skinners Arms, Kings Cross

Reviews by BITE users:

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