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

Tried a pint of GUINNESS RED®? Click here to share your thoughts

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 Doric Arch, Euston

Address: 1 Eversholt St, Euston, London, NW1 1DN [map]
Phone: 020 7388 2221
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Euston (0.1 miles), Euston Square (0.1 miles), King's Cross St. Pancras (0.4 miles)

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

Reviews by BITE users:

This pub offers a wide range of real ales which appear to be well kept. Being a carling extra cold drinker myself i can confirm this is excellent, The pub is genarally well kept but some times the bar can be a bit sticky which can cause problems when one is doing one’s crossword. Also i feel compelled to point out that some of the bar stools can be a tad on the hard side so would not recomend to anyone with haemorrhoids. The bar staff are a friendly and entertaining bunch with special mention to “ola” who is a real cutie and an absolute delight to talk to. The food is basic pub grub with the exception of the fishfinger sandwhich, the idea i am lead to believe came to the chef in a vision. The toilets are not the best in the world and sometimes the floor can be a bit wet, maybe the management could toy with the idea of employing a ferryman or somebody similar. On the whole i would recomend this pub to anyone for the wide selection of ales and the cutie barmaid.

15 Nov 2007 11:47

this pub is found just outside the mainline station by the bustops

15 Nov 2007 11:46

I like this public house very much the ale is good and the staff are friendly. but unfortunately there seems to be a bit of a crisis going on with the management team, I do very much hope the new manager is a more friendly and relaxed type rather than the "hair today gone tomorrow" breed.

14 Nov 2007 12:12

The Harp, Covent Garden

Address: 47 Chandos Place, covent garden, London, WC2N 4HS [map]
Phone: 02078360291
See full pub details

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:

We were in early Sunday lunchtime prior to our trip to Wembley Stadium for the NFL match. Was very quiet. Nice pub though. Recommended.

31 Oct 2007 11:00

Crowded, but a wonderful pub, and even more so in the middle of the West End. Very good beer - especially the Harvey's Best. Glad to hear they make the Stella taste foul: might keep away the sort of people who drink it. Another plus point!

26 Oct 2007 09:21

After going for my skinner's fix at the Cove, on to the best Pub in Covent Garden, and, as far as i'm concerned in London. Although the crowds frequenting the Harp spill out onto the pavement, you can usually go upstairs to the lounge and grab a seat even on a busy Friday night. Black Sheep Best, Taylor Landlord, and Harveys Best are the staples here, with a couple of guests and real cider. An excellent Pub.

21 Oct 2007 15:11

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Address: 1, Ely Court, Ely Place, London, EC1N 6SJ [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ext 1564) (Calls cost 10p/min)
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:

Have been here a few times now. Took some people in last night who couldn't understand how anyone would find it. Friday night and very busy, ended up squeezed in upstairs. Adnams Bitter and Broadside, Deuchars and the guest was Phoenix Arizona. Will definitely be back.

20 Oct 2007 12:21

London's hardest pub to find? Possibly, but well worth the effort. Very snug and very popular.

The sausages are good, but they always go quickly. The rest of the menu is functional, but uninspiring.

The beers are very well kept. I'm no fan of Adnams, but the Deuchars IPA and guest ale are always good.

Whenever I have overseas guests in town I always include The Mitre on the itinerary (along with The Lamb and The Cheshire Cheese).

16 Oct 2007 11:38

Well kept beer and a smashing sausage roll, just needs a resident moggie to make it the perfect pub.

15 Oct 2007 22:32

The Nell Gwynne, Covent Garden

Address: 2 Bull Inn Court, London, WC2R 0NP [map]
Phone: 020 7240 5579
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Covent Garden (0.2 miles), Charing Cross (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.2 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.2 miles), London Waterloo (0.7 miles), London Waterloo East (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Yes, save the Nell, or it's a 'spoons pub for all of us!

Anyway, for those on Facebook (if not, why not?), there is a group dedicated to saving this most treasured of pubs, so come on and sign up!

On the petition front there is now just over 1600 signatures there,if you haven't already, please sign up!

22 Aug 2007 15:59

LOOK......take the trouble to find this pub.....have a great pint......enjoy yourself....BUT......PLEASE FOR GOODNESS SAKE SIGN THE PETITION......
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/savethenell

2 Aug 2007 16:23

A gem of a pub amongst the bland places which proliferate in central London these days. If it survives, perhaps a more interesting beer choice would be welcome. The Courage Best was perfectly drinkable but tasted not much more than coloured water. The Sky Sports News on the TV looked very out-of-place but the sound was turned down and loud music was the order of the day.
Yes, a good pub, but it could be better. The most important thing though at the moment is to ensure its survival.

6 Jun 2007 12:16

The Tattershall Castle, Embankment

Address: Kings Reach, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2HR [map]
Phone: 020 7839 6548
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Embankment (0.1 miles), Charing Cross (0.2 miles), Westminster (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.2 miles), London Waterloo (0.5 miles), London Waterloo East (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Great for a few beers when the sun is shining, but I wouldn’t bother if it isn’t a nice day as the downstairs bar feels like a holiday Inn lounge.

1 Oct 2007 18:12

Loads of reasons to love this place. The 1st being you can still smoke upstairs! Good atmosphere. Great place to take people who don't live in London as all the familiar sites are around. Prices are good considering the location. You wont have remortgage to buy a round. During the week gets busy during rush hour then it dies down around 8pm. Weekends are non stop busy but have never had any trouble getting to the bar.

14 Sep 2007 13:29

"The Boat" eh?
Well my friends and I know this place as the "Tatty Ars3h0le". It is one of those true oxymorons of a drinking establishment.
Undoubtedly in need of a bit of a tidy up and some TLC, but one that has a certain charm and great views.
Beer is at best OK, but it always tastes better on a ship for some reason.

8 Jun 2007 16:32

The Coach and Horses, Soho

Address: 29 Greek Street, London, W1V 5LL [map]
Phone: 020 74375920
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square (0.2 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.2 miles), Covent Garden (0.3 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.4 miles), London Waterloo (1.1 miles), London Waterloo East (1.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The criticisms are correct - expensive, inept barstaff and the running out of all four cask ales.
However there really is something about this place - the drinkers are an interesting crowd, and the building is nice and also unusual - original Victorian elements with later woody changes (amongst which the charming Double Diamond lights high up behind the bar.)

10 Feb 2008 14:53

I never realised this place had such a history, but being Soho, doesn't everywhere? (apart from the All Bar Ones, Cafe Neros, Generics-R-US etc)

Anyway, this is my new fav meeting point for the West End (sorry Porcupine!). It's fairly quiet, but with interesting clientele, lovely staff, great artwork on the walls but most of all, it's a place I would feel perfectly comfortable going in on my own to have a glass of wine and read my book or just relax for a while.

5 Jan 2008 01:01

I was a bit concerned when the new owners took over but the improvements they have made have not diminished the esential character of the pub.
It is still an old fashioned boozers pub and a bit harsh on the wallet if you are on a budget but if thats not what you're after then there is a McWetherspoons round the corner you can go to instead.
The loos are now a lot nicer and the range of beer and particularly the ciders have greatly increased so for that the new owners need to be commended.
The new landlord is also much more welcoming than Norman and Michael ever were !

2 Jan 2008 18:33

The Tottenham, Soho

Address: 6 Oxford Street, London, W1N 9FL [map]
Phone: 020 7636 7201
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road (0 miles), Goodge Street (0.3 miles), Leicester Square (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), London Euston (1 mile), London St Pancras (1.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

From what I've heard this pub will be closed and refurbished, then reopened very soon. This probably explains letting stocks go down.

11 Sep 2007 22:44

What's happened to this place? The old landlady has moved on and most of the staff seem to have changed, but the new manager doesn't seem quite up to the job. For the last couple of weeks the fridges have been very sparsely stocked and quite often there are loads of draught beers "off". To top it all, the other night I was in with a group of friends and they had no vodka on sale. NO VODKA? They normally have 4 different ones on offer, but we were told that they could not get any more!!!! What a feckin joke! One wag suggested the staff go round the corner to Sainsbury's to buy some - perhaps we should go there and buy cans to drink here?!

Note to manager: Pub with no alcohol = Pub with no customers! Sort yourself out and get this beautiful pub back up to scratch.

6 Sep 2007 17:55

nice pint of Fullers...and as this place opens the front windows onto the smoking area its great for people watching on the busy Oxford St and Tottenham court rd tube

2 Aug 2007 17:27

The Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street

Address: Unit 32, The Concourse, Liverpool Street station, London, EC2M 7PD [map]
Phone: 020 7247 3579
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Liverpool Street (0 miles), Moorgate (0.3 miles), Aldgate (0.4 miles)

Nearest DLR stations: Bank (0.4 miles), Tower Gateway (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Liverpool Street (0.1 miles), Moorgate (0.3 miles), Fenchurch Street (0.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

nice pub, always good to find a fairly inexpensive place for lunch in central london.

12 Aug 2007 00:42

I have a sneaking regard for some of the more spectacular Wetherspoons' pubs, so I'm always happy to have an excuse to drop in when passing through Liverpool Street. Always a good selection of beers, and food decent; prices excellent.

28 May 2007 17:21

popped in at about 11am tuesday (dont ask why) but it was quite busy even at 11am , had a pint of fosters which was ok , clientele looked somewhat mixed n shabby but first thing in morning .

a massive pub with a massive celing the space couldve been better used , for a "whatevaspoons" its aint too bad, not the best ive been to but no where near the worst , probably the cheapest pub in the area , but there are better just more pricey

25 May 2007 19:13

Tiger Tiger, Piccadilly Circus

Address: 28-29 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4SP [map]
Phone: +44 20 7930 1885
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Piccadilly Circus (0.1 miles), Leicester Square (0.2 miles), Charing Cross (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.4 miles), London Waterloo (1 mile), London Waterloo East (1.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

What do shipwreck victims about to be eaten by sharks say to each other?

"At least we're not in Tiger Tiger".

9 Sep 2007 00:20

I've been in here twice now, both times early evening, and while it's not brilliant, it was certainly acceptable for this part of town. The poster said it was "happy hour" although the drinks didn't appear any cheaper but the staff were OK. I did experience some of the low-life who frequent this place though, and had an amusing few minutes watching "Sharking in Action". Shame the (pretty and seemingly nice) girls fell for the chav boy charm mind...

31 Jul 2007 11:32

The people that tried to blow this place up were more likely former customers than international terrorists.

18 Jul 2007 20:57

The Bar at tcr, Tottenham Court Road

Address: 183 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7PD [map]
Phone: 020 7631 3618
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Goodge Street (0.1 miles), Warren Street (0.2 miles), Great Portland Street (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Euston (0.6 miles), London St Pancras (0.8 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

A good addition to the West End Bars. No longer a 'chain' pub but a bar with personality. Beer was good, especially the Peruvian beer of the week.

7 Jun 2007 09:47

I was recommended this bar by a group of friends. The bar is very good! Excellent buzz to the place and the food is fresh rather than the frozen stuff you get in most places!!! Highly recommend by me!

6 Jun 2007 14:11

This place is fab!!!!!!!!
The music is great, the decor superb and the atmosphere brilliant.

I can't wait to go back.

30 May 2007 15:17

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.