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

London pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of 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 Bree Louise, Euston

Address: 69, Cobourg St, London, NW1 2HH [map]
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:

Used this pub with half a dozen mates on the way to wembley satiurday and was very impressed the beers were good,plenty of real ales to choose from and some strong ones for sure!food wa adequate bit pricy but thats central london but cant fault the pub wont find many like this ain the general area.and some nice looking female bar staff which helps.

25 May 2009 14:38

Very good pub, run by CAMRA-enthusiasts. 11 real ales on plus 4 ciders. Yes, the beers don't match the website (or even the blackboards in the pub) but who cares, there are still enough on.

I bought a pie reduced from £7.99 to £5 and a pint from £3 to £2.50 thanks to my CAMRA-card, a very good pub in all respects.

25 May 2009 09:57

I hate myself for posting a less than glowing review when the Bree Louise does so much to promote interesting real ales. The CAMRA discount is great and it's always a pleasure to discover a new micro. HOWEVER. I've made journeys here to especially try beers listed on the (seemingly current) web site only to find a different selection of ales - maybe half advertised available. Even the blackboard in the bar was out of date and tonight I found the beers on the flat side. To top it all I was even short measured on a half pint! Maybe the landlord is on holiday this week? Please get back to previous high standards.

14 May 2009 21:16

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Address: 26, Wenlock Rd, London, N1 7TA [map]
Phone: 020 7608 3406
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Old Street (0.5 miles), Angel (0.6 miles), Barbican (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Old Street (0.5 miles), Essex Road (0.7 miles), London Barbican (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I came here for the pub quiz and was mildly annoyed when such a rated pub had no defence against the c*nts on the iphone. The brigade came in and swept the qus, losers. I hate this new fad that is taking off atm, it's the most retarded thing I've ever seen, I thought quizes were a bit of fun, it pees me off more when you have to pay to enter the dam thing. The pub itself is fine, beer cold and the staff were fine with me anyway, and we had a laugh all round.

21 May 2009 18:21

Not my first post regarding this place. On my latest visit a few days ago it was a busy early evening session, a good sixities soundtrack in the background. I had two top-notch pints and the place is as good as ever.
Theres a new 'Wishing well' in the gents.

11 May 2009 10:52

Still one of my favourite London pubs with amazing range of hand drawn ales, milds and ciders. Don't know how they do it at their very fair prices. Probably save money by not employing a cleaner!

19 Apr 2009 14:06

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:

Really wanted to rate this pub badly to stop people going and filling up the seats, but couldn't bring myself to do it. The Harp is excellent.

10 May 2009 03:17

Great pub. Fantastic choice of beers and ciders (proper ones like), very friendly and attentive bar staff, good atmosphere, great location.

It is small, it is busy and it isn't especially cheap. But as a place to meet in that area of Central London for a few cheeky pints, you'd be hard pushed to beat it.

10 May 2009 01:43

Always rammed! Good beer and a good mix of people. It's a bit pokey (although there is space upstairs), but this gives it a friendly atmosphere. Staff were good. This pub is a 'must do' in this part of London.

4 May 2009 16:41

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Address: 1, Ely Court, Ely Place, London, EC1N 6SJ [map]
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:

Small ancient boozer frequented by tourists, pensioners and Hatton Garden jewellers. Worth a visit to see it the once, but I will not be rushing back. I hope that it does not change, but it is not my type of boozer being to cramped.

13 May 2009 10:06

I think you will find that Fullers will have the sense to allow a couple of guest beers - I do think however it is unlikely they would be happy for the pub to continue totally as a free house. Some compromise may be necessary!

8 May 2009 19:35

Despite having only been here very few times I can honestly say that this is one of my favourite London pubs - albeit a bit small during it's busier times and not open weekends. They serve some great real ales from all over the UK in tip-top condition. The last time I was there I had both the Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Sharp's Doom Bar, both of which were fantastic. It's a little sad to hear that they've been sold over to Fuller's, but I'd rather them than anyone else. Looking at the website for the pub just now, I don't think that we've got much to worry about on the guest ales front, so I wish them all the best.

6 May 2009 10:23

The Doric Arch, Euston

Address: 1 Eversholt Street, Euston, London, NW1 2DN [map]
Phone: 020 7388 2221
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Euston (0.1 miles), Euston Square (0.1 miles), Warren Street (0.4 miles)

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

Reviews by BITE users:

Still going strong although not as good as it was in the 'Head of Steam' days. Still better than many of the other pubs around this area.

12 Apr 2009 15:17

Saturday 4th, a visit while waiting for the train. Dark and dingy and seems to have gone downhill a bit recently but better than some of the others nearby that are full of chrome lager pumps.
A Good selection of ales on but nothing I fancied so plumeted for a Discovery chilled, Fullers what have you done its awful. Ice cold and tasteless.
The Titanic White Star was a better choice but was still lacking any real taste.
They have changed to combination lock to the loo so you have to ask at the bar for the number.

6 Apr 2009 14:28

I made a rare visit to the Doric Arch recently and was pleasantly surprised.
The furniture changes are minor but have made a difference. It was nice to see that the selection of ketchup bottles etc. at the top of the stairs had gone.
The beer selection was much better than I have previously seen and I gather this is a policy that the management will continue. No Hophead but Kelham Island Pale Rider was a more than adequate substitute.
Due to the number of Fulllers beers it stock, it will never be able to offer the wide selection that the Bree Louise can. But it had one thing that the Bree Louise often lacks - Atmosphere.

6 Apr 2009 09:50

The North Star, Leytonstone

Address: 24 Browning Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 3AR [map]
Phone: 020 8989 5777
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Leytonstone (0.4 miles), Wanstead (0.7 miles), Snaresbrook (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Leytonstone High Road (0.6 miles), Leyton Midland Road (1.1 miles), Wanstead Park (1.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The Star's had a bit of a spruce up inside, and it's still as good as ever. Always a great night to be had here.

18 Mar 2009 14:20

Rodger, thanks again. It has been great exchanging opinions with you. You know so little about me as a person, yet make such large statements about my past and future life. I have achieved a great deal in my life, the pub business is merely one of many things I have taken part in, you are right in that some things work and some things don't. I would not want to work in business in Australia or visit your country, I am sure it is a very nice place full of very nice people, and wonderfull things to see and do. But unlike you I do have a life and do not have time to carry on this playfull banter. Good luck with what you do in your life to, wish you all the best.....

27 Feb 2009 22:46

Rodgerthedodger - wow you must of had a bad day,you seem very angry about something. Really cannot be bothered with you anymore,but please like I say keep the comments coming and keep visiting the North Star, one day you may even be old enough to buy an alcoholic drink, after your mum has helped you in the toilet.
Nite nite for now.....

27 Feb 2009 01:18

The Royal Oak, Borough

Address: 44, Tabard St, London, SE1 4JU [map]
Phone: 020 7357 7173
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Borough (0.1 miles), London Bridge (0.4 miles), Elephant and Castle (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Bridge (0.4 miles), Elephant & Castle (0.6 miles), Cannon Street (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I can only echo previous reviews. I had a superb pint of Harveys' Mild in here yesterday lunchtime, and the other members of my party enjoyed their pints of Old, Porter and real cider. It is a fairly simple, traditional boozer in terms of layout with the two seperate bars and the wooden furniture. If I lived in London I could see this becoming a regular haunt.

29 Mar 2009 10:55

Drank here last night and quaffed five awesome pints Harveys Mild, Armada, Old and Porter along with Fullers Hock. Also had a superb S&K Pudding. The perfect night.

I love this place - that's why I keep coming back every 3/4 months.

26 Mar 2009 22:27

This place is a gem. Superb ales (Mild, Pale Ale and Porter all on top form on my last visit), food looks superb (I didn't eat, but eyed up my neighbours meals hungrily), furniture and features are gorgeous. Will be back here many times, I think.

18 Mar 2009 10:55

The Princess Louise, Holborn

Address: 208-209 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7BW [map]
Phone: 020 7405 8816
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Holborn (0.1 miles), Covent Garden (0.3 miles), Tottenham Court Road (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.7 miles), Farringdon (0.8 miles), City Thameslink (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Great traditional pub with real character, though can be crowded. A good pint at under £2 in Central London just shows how much we are being ripped off by the other pub companies.

20 Mar 2009 12:46

Went there for the first time and liked it though crowded on a Friday night.
Got served easily and staff were on the lookout for people waiting, so good.

Again as already said, the mens toilets are a disgrace, it reeks of urine and they look like they came out of the ark, also no signs telling the men or woman doors apart!!

Would go back because of the overall good atmosphere though load as packed..

8 Mar 2009 22:09

Did a 'split shift' here on Wednesday last week - popped in for a couple or three at lunchtime when it was reasonably quiet, then again at teatime when it was a lot busier. I can understand to a point people's comments about it getting very busy, but I got served no problem and you've got to expect a bit of a wait at busier times. In this day and age, I'd much rather see a thriving, busy pub than a boarded-up derelict one, and in my opinion if a pub is busy then it's got to say something about the place. Yes, I am biased towards the P.L. and always have been since I started going there, but in my opinion a pub in Central London that features well-kept ale, attentive service and staff that actually take the time to talk to punters should be supported and not pilloried

3 Mar 2009 22:46

The Pembury Tavern, Hackney

Address: 90 Amhurst Road, London, E8 1JH [map]
Phone: 020 8986 8597
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Hackney Central (0.2 miles), Homerton (0.7 miles), Dalston Kingsland (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Hackney Downs (0.2 miles), London Fields (0.6 miles), Homerton (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Very well-kept beers (6 from Milton Brewery) plus a cider and a couple of guests. Very friendly, well worth a look. Recommended.

25 May 2009 10:06

This is definitely one for the real ale fans as Fosters swigging football fans need not apply. There is a pool table and bar billiards, but this place is basically a large sparsely decorated room with no TVs, but eight or so well kept bitters and a couple of premium lagers.

This is more ‘ale hall’ than pub and it is good for a few beers, but I wouldn’t want to stay all evening.

20 May 2009 11:42

This hostelry specialises in the most quaffable of ales from Milton's Brewery! A cheery crowd of locals (how lucky they are!) and discerning visitors from farther afield (your correspondent!) were served with care and condescension by the expert serving staff. Yet again, my excellent command of English came up trumps, and I was treated to a pint of Pegasus! (We Dutchies are the world's best linguistics, you know.)

I am pleasantly surprised by the low cost of beer in London (compared with Amsterdam). This is making it easy for me to drink oodles on my crawl around London! Congratulations all round to the brewery and the publican!! 10 out of 10 for everyone involved!!!

15 May 2009 17:11

The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell

Address: 55 Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 5UQ [map]
Phone: 020 7490 4281
See full pub details

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:

Oh... and I know this is a recreation opened in 1996. I was told (red faced) on the evening. But it's still straight out a film set.

25 Mar 2009 20:56

I adored this pub. Visited for the first time on 20/03/2009. We were on a private history tour (three of us) of The City and was particularly looking for historical pubs and this was the best of the lot.

The atmosphere here was exactly what I was looking for. Loved the tiny gallery table spot and the frontage was straight out of an 18th Century history book.

We got there relatively late and that was great. Got a table right in the window and was dizzy with thoughts of the people who may have sat in our place over the last 2 centuries.

The St Peter's Honey Porter was delicious.

Will definitely pay this tavern a visit whenever we're back in The City.

25 Mar 2009 20:48

Brilliant little pub and fantastic range of beer. Favourite was the cream stout, but all worth a try. The pub is a little pokey and suffers when the city boys invade. After 4pm prepare to be barged around by yobs in suits.

23 Mar 2009 14:56

The Green Man, Putney Heath

Address: Putney Heath, London, SW15 3NG [map]
Phone: 020 8788 8096
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: East Putney (0.6 miles), Southfields (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Putney (0.6 miles), Barnes (1.4 miles), Earlsfield (1.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Was taken here by friends last night. Never realised what a cosy little place it is.

The food was amazing and there was great banter with the staff (esp the barmaid). Hope to be back for the quiz on Tue for the jackpot as she also hosts the quiz she said....

16 Mar 2009 15:52

Was recommended to play the quiz last Tuesday (my first visit too!). Great, if challenging, quiz.

What a great little find this was. Was so impressed that brought my parents here on Sunday. V v tasty food (esp the roast beef!) and service v friendly. Putney seems to be an area for sexy barmen!

10 Mar 2009 14:12

Although I'm new to the area, I got this one wrong, very. Lunchtime today, the service and food were unacceptable, just not good enough. Staff not really interested. When I posted last, I mentioned a backlash (which from previous contributors is normal for this pub). Guess what, arctral tells me (in a private message) I can say what I want! Thank you. I will. 4/10. But will return, after the rugby at the Telegraph next week.

8 Mar 2009 18:13

Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon

Address: 23 High Path, Merton, London, SW19 2JY [map]
Phone: 020 85425342
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: South Wimbledon (0.2 miles), Colliers Wood (0.6 miles), Morden (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Haydons Road (0.9 miles), Wimbledon (0.9 miles), South Merton (1.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Continuing the value into March, the Traf has all ales at £2.40 this month. Tonight is curry night; choice includes korma, dopiaza.. up to phal, chicken or veggie, also thai beef, plus a pint - £6! Well done David.

12 Mar 2009 11:43

Very friendly and a fantastic selection of beers at very reasonable price, great little place - long may it continue.

6 Feb 2009 14:48

They now do not open until 3.00 PM on Monday to Thursdays. That caught me out yesterday lunchtime! Still a great pub though.

5 Feb 2009 14:55

The Junction Tavern, Kentish Town

Address: 101, Fortess Rd, London, NW5 1AG [map]
Phone: 020 7485 9400
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Tuffnell Park (0.2 miles), Kentish Town (0.3 miles), Gospel Oak (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kentish Town (0.3 miles), Gospel Oak (0.5 miles), Kentish Town West (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The three Cornish Ales Month Woodenhand bitters (Buccaneer, Cornish Mutiny, and another one) are of the very highest quality and in tip-top condition. And a very fine pub interior. If you can find fault in this place, then you are spoilt indeed!

18 Mar 2009 01:07

This place has all the right elements - lovely victorian building, nice bar, decent beers, scrubbed floors, fireplace, good food served in the smarter front half - but I have always found it curiously clinical. I can't quite put my finger on why that should be. Still worth a visit if you're in the area though.

5 Mar 2009 16:36

Looking forward to the Cornish Ales month in March. Haven't seen the list yet but apparently there'll be a few from Woodenhand Brewery. Have recently enjoyed a pint or three of the Exmoor Gold.

26 Feb 2009 09:06

The Holly Bush, Hampstead

Address: 22, Holly Mount, London, NW3 6SG [map]
Phone: 020 7435 2892
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Hamsptead (0.1 miles), Finchley Road (0.8 miles), Finchley Road and Frognal (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Finchley Road & Frognal (0.6 miles), Hampstead Heath (0.6 miles), West Hampstead (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Excellent news that Jesus has been fired, not a day to soon in my opinion. I had been a local for several years, often coming in 4+ times per week, and at least once per month. That was until one day I took some family for a special meal in the dining room upstairs, and we waited over an hour until finally some burnt and badly made pies turned up, which were well below the usual excellent standard of cooking by Mikey the head chef (who was not working that day).
All seemed fine though, and we did not have to pay for the meals (not that we would have done).

However, when I returned a few weeks later and tried to buy a pint I was refused by the manager (jesus) and barred, told that there were other places I could drink and that I was not welcome if I was going to complain when occasionally something went wrong.

Anyway, I will try it again in the next few days now that a new manager has been found, and report back on here.

27 Mar 2009 19:44

Good pub- lively but not too lively, old but not too old. Beers expensive but where isn't????? Don't know about this staff thing, I had nothing but a fine time and lovely beer- thanks!!

8 Mar 2009 23:43

I don't know how often 'bombaysapphire' actually goes into this pub but it can't be much since she would know that far from being 'south american' my old pal Jesus is in fact from Mexico and proud to be a Central American. Since the staff, by and large ,have not changed the new manager has only contributed to the warm welcome I have received over many years.

The new menu is a vast improvement on the last one, which was highly regarded but needed an overhaul, the food was 'broke' and definately needed fixing. I think we have all moved on from bangers, mash and onion gravy after 8 years !

If anyone had gone into the pub 10 years ago it would indeed have full of locals and the pub now is a victim of it's own popularity but the locals are still there, the catch is that you have to be one to recognise us ! Chin Chin ( PS £3.75 is a bit stiff for Lowenbrau but one could never accuse Punch for being good to their customers !)

8 Mar 2009 10:56

The Salisbury, Leicester Square

Address: 90, St. Martins Lane, Leicester Square, London, WC2N 4AP [map]
Phone: 020 7836 5863
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square (0.1 miles), Covent Garden (0.2 miles), Charing Cross (0.2 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Charing Cross (0.2 miles), London Waterloo (0.9 miles), London Waterloo East (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Lovely proper Pub. Bit difficult to find a seat early on but clears out later, worth hanging on. Had some good bar food in here and the efficient and friendly staff even gave us a spare dish nobody had claimed (we do a good impression of hungry). Good choice of ales, including two of my favourites, Deuchars IPA and Landlord.

20 Mar 2009 21:55

Had a lovely pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord in here yesterday. Servce was prompt and very friendly, in fact almost spot on. £3.05 a pint was a bit excessive but I suppose it is to be expected given the location. Good friendly pub and I will most certainly be back. Well done all!!

17 Mar 2009 11:22

A well preserved interior, a nice old horseshoe bar splits the main area effectively into two spaces. Lots of etched glass in the front windows, interior screens and mirrors. Carpetted with a mixture of seating. There is another small room to the rear of the left side. Stairs lead up somewhere but this was roped off. The walls of the stair down to the toilets are covered in theatre flyers, reflecting the location. A sign in the window states "Sport Free Pub, no TV".
Very busy but well staffed and no issues with the service apart from needing to prompt for a top up.
6 pumps in two banks of 3, each side, serving at the time Bombardier, Youngs Bitter, Deuchers IPA, TT Landlord, Doom Bar and Brain's St Davids Ale, curiously priced at £3.09.

1 Mar 2009 08:50

More information

Want to find out more about pubs in 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.