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

Clerkenwell pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Clerkenwell - 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 Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell

Address: 55 Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 5UQ [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ref 1660) (Calls cost 10p/min)
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.1 miles), Barbican (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles)

Nearest DLR station: Bank (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.1 miles), London Barbican (0.3 miles), City Thameslink (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

A Jewel in the crown for Capital Drinkers. Visitited this week, not as crowded as have seen, Organic Bitter and Grapefruit Beer excellent. Mild is always nice to see. Reliable as ever. Recommended

7 Aug 2008 18:44

Great little pub with a great selection of beers - its great to be able to get a mild in london! It's drawn in an interesting manner too...

It was quite crowded but we found a seat, lots of people stood though.

What I didn't like was that they insisted that if you stood outside you had to have a plastic "glass". I remained inside but did not like feeling inhibited by the fact that I was "not allowed" outside if I fancied it...and didn't like being questioned as to where I was planning to drink; I would have made up my mind after I got my drink thank you very much!

All that said, its a great little pub with a lot of character with friendly bar staff and fantastic beer.

5 Aug 2008 10:55

Excellent beer as usual and very well kept, particularly the Organic Ale. Always worth a visit

19 Jul 2008 16:02

The Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell

Address: 34 Sekforde Street, London, EC1R 0HA [map]
Phone: 020 7253 3251
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), Barbican (0.4 miles), Chancery Lane (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.4 miles), Old Street (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I like The Sekforde Arms. A traditional pub in an area where many of the drinking establishments are ladened with Clerkenwell idiots. There is of course a time and a place for the trendy booze halls, but this is a great getaway! It's old fashioned and bog standard; which is sometimes just what you want. I tend to escape here when my locals get too busy with those that think they are trendy or young...

28 May 2008 15:01

It's quite possible that I am Bradwan's big fish in the shallow end. I was there when he visited and the price of the upstairs room increased every time he spoke. It can be hired and catered for very reasonable rates. (if you want food and a bar you can have them. But of course it costs)

As for downstairs I'll endorse all of the last of the breed of true local pubs reviews that precede.

24 Apr 2008 18:14

It is a small pub with fish who think themselves bigger than the pond, espeicially at the shallow end of the bar..

I asked about hire fee for the not special upstairs room for a possible show, and the landlord/manger quoted me a price that would have made me laugh if I was not a good actor; and would have made me cry 10 years ago.

The beer is as good as 'Youngs' brewed by Charlie Wells gets, and the barman from Gdansk is very good. IClerkenwell was always a bit radical and a bit seedy, I hope this boozer stays much the same; and with london property being this year's avocado bathroom suite, it just might.

17 Apr 2008 23:56

The Dovetail, Clerkenwell

Address: 9, Jerusalem Passage, London, EC1V 4JP [map]
Phone: 020 7490 7321
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), Barbican (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), London Barbican (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Visited for a quick one on Thursday night. Large selection of Belgian beers although unspectacular. Pretty much all the Trappists and the main contenders from the various styles. Zot was the best of the draught beers.

Worth a go.

24 May 2008 19:45

This pub provides a very good option in the teeth of tough competition in the Clerkenwell Green area. The Belgian beers are superb and a very wide range is provided. They have two Kwak glasses (chemistry sets) and the range of beers on tap has been enlarged in recent years. Good continental food and burgers with the classic Belgian frites complete the experience. Knowledgeable bar staff are also on hand to recommend different brews. I think the Dovetail is inferior to its Hackney sibling but is still excellent.

16 Apr 2008 14:41

Discovered this pub for the first time last night - by complete accident while taking a stroll through clerkenwell having arrived early to meet a friend.

Seemed fine inside with a pleasant homely continental decor. I had a half of De Koonink which was fine, and found the staff to be very friendly. It is well worth another visit when time allows, to make a more comprehensive review.

Food generally smelled good, and what portions I did see on people's plates did not look all that small.

6 Mar 2008 17:50

The Pakenham Arms, Clerkenwell

Address: 1, Pakenham St, London, WC1X 0LA [map]
Phone: 020 7837 6933
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Nearest tube stations: Russell Square (0.5 miles), Chancery Lane (0.5 miles), Farringdon (0.6 miles)

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

Reviews by BITE users:

Rather disappointed in yesterdays visit - in retrospect, I probably picked a bad time as the Chelsea v Spurs Carling Cup Final was just about to start, so there were lots of football-supporter types in evidence, in what had quite a bit of a sports bar atmosphere to it.

Beer range seemed reduced from what I remember previously - there was no Harveys on, only Pride, Greene King IPA and 2 Cornish Beers, one of which was Doom Bar.

Older readers will probably remember this pub as one of the vanguards of real ale in the 70's - when the real ale revival started. It was then, believe it or not, part of a small chain of free houses owned by Maxwell Joseph ( of Grand Met /Watneys fame !)

I'll put yesterdays disappointing visit down as a one-off

25 Feb 2008 13:44

I like this pub and the down-to-earth atmosphere. Yes, its full of posties and locals - Personally, I'm pleased that there's few pubs left which retain some of their old character instead of being turned into duplicates of the same tried and tested formula (flock wall-paper, the odd chandelier, a pretentious menu and arrogant bar staff). The food is excellent and comes at a fair price, the staff are friendly, the posties are totally fine, beer selection good, you can sit outside on a hot day. Thank fully its not full of "like-minded young professionals" - whatever that means...

21 Feb 2008 16:18

Eat here quite often, always been really impressed with the food. Nice changing real ale selection as well

5 Nov 2007 13:41

The Gunmakers, Clerkenwell

Address: 13 Eyre Street Hill, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 5ET [map]
Phone: 020 7278 1022
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.3 miles), Holborn (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Ha ha! No, he was running it on 22-May when I was there, but at that time he was keeping his "superhero" identity secret, so I was having a sly dig. I think he's been running it for the better part of 2008. Glad he's finally come out of the closet (so to speak!).

9 Aug 2008 12:10

I haven't visited the place yet, but I see from CAMRA literature that it's now managed by Jeff Bell, alias 'Stonch', lately of this parish. From the remarks below, I surmise that he took over between 28 May and 24 June!

5 Aug 2008 17:46

A little gem of a pub. Excellent Timothy Taylor Landord. Run by someone who really knows his beer

24 Jun 2008 18:41

The Union Tavern, Clerkenwell

Address: 52, Lloyd Baker St, London, WC1X 9AA [map]
Phone: 020 7278 0111
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Nearest tube stations: Angel (0.5 miles), King's Cross St. Pancras (0.6 miles), Russell Square (0.6 miles)

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

Reviews by BITE users:

Of all the bars at Kings Cross, the Union Tavern at Kings Cross's South Eastern flank (strictly speaking already in Islington), is definitely the domineering jewel, and lacks the desperado and drunk atmosphere's of some of the other pubs and bars. Instead you are greeted with striking Victorian deco and glass features, restored and some originally kept in their old shine. This masterful tavern is a true distinguished Kings Cross landmark and a tavern in the truest sense, for it offers good food, beer and wine.

For those still undecided about a local pub, or migrants to whom English pub culture is still a thing to get to get used to, the Union Tavern offers an uncompromising glamorous hang out - and yet it remains true to tradition, with Sunday Roast and all.

This is most certainly evening culture at its best, well worth supporting, and one that shows class and local knowledge. One that makes Kings Cross residents like myself proud to live in this area.

Cheers!

19 Apr 2008 11:52

I like this pub. Friendly staff. Good food; not too pricey, clean toilets. Draught beer used to be a let down (only had Stella) but this may have improved....? Apart from this... very good!

21 Feb 2008 16:12

Excellent food served by friendly and helpful staff. Tried homemade veg soup and liver and onions. The soup WAS homemade and was delicious and the liver and onions was really tasty with a great tasting gravy and perfect portuion size. The menu will suit most tastes and I'll be trying it again.

25 Jan 2008 11:34

The Peasant, Clerkenwell

Address: 240 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PH [map]
Phone: 020 7336 7726
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.4 miles), Angel (0.5 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.4 miles), London Barbican (0.5 miles), Old Street (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Okay for a quick drink or night out with mates, but watch out for the local 'geezers' who seem to think it is alright to call a woman that they don't know 'darling'. Lacks atmosphere inside, and is very open plan so there is nowhere to hide, so the paranoid could think that everyone is looking at them. Reasonably priced, lots of beers (although I am a wine drinker), and nice traditional decor (although the furniture is ancient so watch out for collapsing chairs). Good place to have a couple of quiet ones.

24 Mar 2008 16:50

Excellent and attentive staff here the other Saturday night, and a good range of real ales and quality lagers. The Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold was perfect.
Nice ambience in the place, and they have a good reputation for food upstairs.

15 Feb 2008 16:54

The Peasant has plenty of positives that appeal to me but somehow I find it all a bit too open and lacking any intrinsic charm. The interior is spacious but the high dark moulded ceiling and large plain picture windows make it seem a bit cavernous. The real gem of the place is the fantastic mosaic floor, a bit of a rarity these days even if the wording does depict its previous life as the George & Dragon. The music posters give it a bit of an arty edge and there is a decent enough selection of beers (Bombardier, Crouch End Gold and Skinners Betty Stogs). There is an upstairs restaurant which gives the place its gastropub tag although the restauarant and bar are quite separate. All in all, this is a fine place for a couple of beers but I wouldn’t specifically choose it for a full session.

28 Dec 2007 18:41

The Betsey Trotwood, Clerkenwell

Address: 56 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3BL [map]
Phone: 020 7253 4285
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.5 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

First off, the staff in here are NICE! And provide good and quick service.

Was just in here on Saturday night (hadn't been in about six or seven months).

Now... I for one do not like the "refurb". Yes the downstair is grungy - this place is known for it's indie band scene!

The refurb and new food on offer makes this place seem like it's trying to be "gastro pubish". Betsey, leave that to the Eagle and others around and stick to just being a good watering hole!!!!

they even took out the excellent juke box that was in here. :(

clientele was still a bit indie (which was GOOD!) but it seemed some people were in for the "gastro food" (BAD).

21 Apr 2008 11:21

I hate the physical aspects of this pub - it's badly laid out, the downstairs is grubby, and the ground floor has little character. However, the barstaff are excellent and make the difference with this place.

30 Mar 2008 14:51

Checking out the bars in the area and walked into this one. The bar staff were very friendly. There was a good selection of whiskey but judging by the quality, I suspect some don't get ordered too often. Prices were bit high but the convivial atmosphere made up for that. Will definately return.

9 Mar 2008 14:37

The Three Kings, Clerkenwell

Address: 7, Clerkenwell Close, London, EC1R 0DY [map]
Phone: 020 7253 0483
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Barbican (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), London Barbican (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Honestly? My favourite pub. Great beer. Lovely staff, pub cat, fire. Packed on a Friday evening but, somehow, you don't seem to mind waiting.

30 Apr 2008 21:08

This is a quirky little pub just off Clerkenwall Green. Nothing unusual in the way of real ales on offer (I think we may have been drinking Bombardier or Pride) but I felt it to be a really welcoming little pub. Would be very happy to drop in again for a pint when I’m in the area.

22 Mar 2008 18:20

A classic amongst London pubs in that it expertly treads the line between old-fashioned boozer and trendy bar with slightly distressed furnishings. Everything is well judged including the papier mache ornamentation and one of the best pub signs in the world - the 3 Kings are Henry VIII, King Kong and Elvis.

8 Oct 2007 13:29

The Crown Tavern, Clerkenwell

Address: 43 Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0EG [map]
Phone: 020 7253 4973
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), Barbican (0.4 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), London Barbican (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Great place to go for a drink - friendly barstaff, nice clientele, not too pricey. Lots of little nooks and crannies to sit in and people watch. Steer clear of the food though - I had bangers and mash and the mash had about a teaspoon of salt in it. Also has a lot of tables and chairs outside in the Square - great for smokers as you are not standing in the road looking like a git.

24 Mar 2008 16:37

Really like this pub but I'd find it difficult to tell you why. Found by accident last year at six on a Saturday evening late in October after leaving the Seckforde Arms - which I was supposed to have liked more than I did. The Seckforde that night unfortunately was as dead as they come and I felt (unusually) a bit out of place. After leaving early and with time to kill I popped in here and the difference couldn't have been greater. Struggled to find a seat with loads of people in the 'back room' playing board games, plenty of life. Felt right. Felt comfortable. Brought my wife in the following night, something I don't normally do (visit a pub twice in the same London trip - not take the wife out!) and although it was after ten on a Sunday night was still lively. Returned again this month and the place is definetly growing on me. Nice one.

15 Feb 2008 11:41

This is the worst place to get your lunch from. Ok, the food is good but the service is appalling. Very very slow, often the wrong order.
I have never been there and have them get the order right. A houmus sandwich once took 45 minutes to arrive! It's cold! What are they doing in that kitchen.
Unless you have a 3 hour lunch break don't order here! It's such a shame as the food is really quite good.

29 Oct 2007 14:27

The Rugby Tavern, Clerkenwell

Address: 19, Great James St, London, WC1N 3ES [map]
Phone: 020 7405 1384
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Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0.3 miles), Russell Square (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.6 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.7 miles), London St Pancras (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

In here on Thursday, Spitfire, Master Brew and the seasonal Early Bird. Looked like there was one main room with a function room upstairs. Horseshoe bar, cothooks attached but not many bar stools. Large windows all round and various rugby memorabilia on the walls. Paved drinking area outside.

Pleasant enough.

14 Jun 2008 12:39

Great pub, needs a new dart board mind. The staff are friendly especially Beth (cute too). The cheesy chips are good and orangeboom is a top lager, even at £3.05 a pint! Definitely worth a visit

29 Feb 2008 12:37

Clerkenwell? Surely Bloomsbury?

I'm not the World's biggest Shepherd Neame fan, though I am coming around to Spitfire, MasterBrew and the seasonal Late Red -- all of which are on tap here and in good condition.

The staff are friendly and the food is fair. It fills up with suits after work, but empties by 8pm or 9pm.

16 Oct 2007 12:01

The Duke of York, Clerkenwell

Address: 156 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1R 5DU [map]
Phone: 020 7837 8548
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chancery Lane (0.3 miles), Farringdon (0.3 miles), Holborn (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Does anyone know what happened to Paddy Dowling who was Manager here in the early 90's?

12 May 2008 11:12

I like this pub on every level except for the large television in the corner. I find this kills the atmosphere and is totally anti-social.... otherwise a nice London pub with good food and beer.

21 Feb 2008 16:32

Not bad this is more of a bar then a straight up pub, back in the 90's im sure the YG had a micro brewery attached to it, however that was in the past. As a bar it's so so but it's functional and inoffensive, nice place for apres work drinkums, so the clientle tend to be office workers from the local environs. I have noticed on a lot of BITE postings that their seems to be a strong odium towards the suit wearing after work crowd, why is that? I have always found the service at this bar pleasant and efficient and the clientele are nice and relaxed

8 Sep 2007 21:56

The Clockhouse, Clerkenwell

Address: 82 Leather Lane, Leather Lane, London, London, EC1N 7TR [map]
Phone: 020 7430 1123
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:

good pub strange crowd but nice barman possible manager remebers your drink on the second round so impressive to say the least plus he works extremly well when busy great barman/manager. i'll go back definatly

9 Mar 2008 22:55

Funny place..... and not haha funny !!

might try again one day but not to soon !!!

13 Feb 2008 18:44

great pub,friendly staff, good atmosphere.Under new management and been re-vamped.New bar food menu,and a upstairs dining/function room.

7 May 2006 19:57

The Coach and Horses, Clerkenwell

Address: 26-28, Ray St, London, EC1R 3DJ [map]
Phone: 020 7837 1336
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Barbican (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I_Like_Brandy may well have the wrong pub - there is no television at all.

10 Apr 2008 13:54

Surprised really by the low rating for this place.
Yes, it’s a bit gastropuby now and yes, it gets full at times with Guardianistas from up the road. But it’s a nice old pub that hasn’t had a hideous refurb, there is plenty of space outside in the summer and the beer is always good. As it was last night with a decent couple of pints of Adnams had.

27 Feb 2008 10:07

I like this pub on every level except for the large television in the corner. I find this kills the atmosphere and is totally anti-social.... otherwise a nice London pub with good food and beer.

21 Feb 2008 16:30

The Queen Boadicea, Clerkenwell

Address: 292 St Johns Street, Clerkenwell, London, London, EC1V 4PA [map]
Phone: 020 7278 8405
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Angel (0.3 miles), Farringdon (0.6 miles), Barbican (0.7 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.6 miles), London Barbican (0.7 miles), Old Street (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

This pub is a disgrace. The bar staff and the security staff are ignorant and rude. We were smoking outside and were told that we had to go inside in 5 minutes, which we did, but not before the staff had taken my friend's drink away (from which he had only taken a sip). They then refused to replace the drink and were very argumentative, saying that we had just 'made it up'. The drinks are overpriced and underpoured, and the staff are quite happy to bump you out of an area where you have been drinking for hours in favour of 'a prior booking', even in cases where the 'booking' doesn't turn up!
My friends and I have spent too long (and too much money) frequenting this pub. I won't be back.

24 Mar 2008 16:13

Great pub has a bohemian kind of style. Lots of fun great for meeting Students as City University is next door. If you want relaxed this is a great venue. A bit pricy, but still good fun.

26 Nov 2007 13:56

I came here for the pub quiz last week and it was being hosted by Spider from Coronation Street! Apparently he'd just got back from making a film with Daniel Craig...

Great little place, this, by the way. Lovely vibe, good staff, nice mix of punters. We were in a cosy little back room, decked out in a kind of colonial/fin de siecle decadence, working our way through a very well chosen wine list. Perhaps the beer selection isn't the most enticing but there are so many other things to appreciate. Good food, and my team won a round of Jagermeister for doing an impression of Blofeld, which is never a bad thing.

18 Nov 2007 21:36

More information

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