My gf is going on a trip to London, England next week. She is traveling with a friend, who has been to England several times with her husband. The friend and hubby have seen all the touristy sites. This trip she (and my gf) are primarily checking out pubs. They will do a little site seeing each day, but in the evening they are hitting the pubs.
Any suggestions for must-visit pubs in/near London? They are staying at Hyde Park Suites, so near there is great. I don’t think they wanna drive, but taxis are fine. Me? I’m staying home to care for pets, but I’ll be lifting a pint or so as well.
For a pub that’s somewhat different from the usual boozer, try the Cheshire Cheese, on Fleet Street: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese - Wikipedia. It’s an old, old pub (rebuilt in 1667, as the board outside proudly proclaims) and has lots of old wood beams and panelling, descending three floors from street level into a stone-flagged but strangely comfortable cellar bar. There’s also a more conventional bar and lounge upstairs.
I’m also partial to Waxy O’Connors, on Wardour Street. Irish pub, natch. http://www.waxyoconnors.co.uk/london/index.asp. This place is a maze of small rooms and passages, and can be noisy at times, but is a lot of fun.
Gordon’s Wine Bar, just behind Embankment station, is another place to try if you’re interested in wines and other related spirits. http://www.gordonswinebar.com/. No beers on offer, as far as I know, but a huge selection of wines, sherries and ports.
Driving in London is a definite no-no; take the Tube, buses or taxis. Much, much easier that way.
The pub next to The Lyceum (the theater that was rebuilt to show The Lion King). Y’know, I believe the pub is called… The Lyceum.
Was not there at night, but they had the best pub lunch I’ve ever had (and I can’t remember eating any other kind of lunch on any of my trips).
~ ~ ~
Wish I could remember the name of the pub where I was accosted by a huge group of drunk ruggers when they heard my ‘Colonial’ accent: **“A Yank!” “Aye, you’re a colonist!” “Hey, Yank! Who is the greatest Rock and Roll band ever?” **
“Ummm…” I stammered, "I’d have to say The Beatl…""NO!" they interrupted, “The! Bloody! Monkees!”“Hey, see if he knows Daydream Believer!”* “You mean the Monkees song written by John Stewart of the Kingston Trio? 'Oh, I could hide/‘neath the wings/’…”* “Yeaaah! He’s got it! I’m buyin’ him a pint!” "After I do, mate!"
I remember (as the ruggers pulled me with them from the pub at bar time-- still singing) wondering what the name of the pub was.
Now, I could walk there from the Covent Garden Tube station, so if you want to take me along, I’m betting we could get our lagers paid for with a chorus of “Last Train to Clarksville”.
Well, the responses I’ve gotten have been helpful. I also got some input from an IRL friend who resides in the UK.
GF and her friend are there now. Last I heard (via facebook phone posts) they were minding the gap, dining on lamb shanks, and putting a huge dent in the English beer supply.
Heh. Excellent. I doubt that they’re making much of a difference to the beer supply, though, unless they’re planning to take it home in an oil tanker or three.
I am in London about 2-3 times a year. There’s not a lot of difference in the pubs in central London, after you’ve been in about 5 of them, they begin to all look the same.
If she wants to try something a bit more unique tell her to go to Wahaca, a reasonably priced Mexican Market Eatery. Best Mexican Food outside of North America I have had. And the atmosphere is very cool. They have expanded to multiple locations in London, but the original location is near Covent Garden. Great bar also.
