In an attempt to continue to explore new parts of the city, Erin and I have recently taken advantage of the greatly improved weather around the city to have a couple after work pints. One of the joys about England (and Ireland for that matter) that separate it from the US is the pub culture, where many people go from work for a pint or two, even on a Wednesday or Thursday night. Logistically, its much easier than in Minneapolis because people aren't driving, so I partially understand its hard to replicate in the US. One that the US doesn't allow though is on a nice day, allowing the patrons to spill onto the sidewalk to enjoy their beer while catching some rays, giving the vibe at the pubs great character!
I am also compiling this list for some good options for visitors coming to London to have some good local pubs up their sleeves, so hopefully this is helpful, Number One.
There are countless areas and pubs to do this in London. Erin and I recently have ventured out to the following areas for a couple drinks:
Farringdon
There are a couple unbelievable post work spots here, one worth mentioning for the crowd and one for the beer. First is the Crown Tavern, which is on a square that has a massive area for spillage. Tons of people, but the wait in line for a good range of Czech beers is rewarded by a great vibe.
Also in this area is the Jerusalem tavern (closed on weekends). While its situation doesn't benefit from the sunlight, the beer (and food I hear) are great. The Jerusalem tavern is in a really old building in one of the oldest parts of London and is the only pub in London serving the quality St. Peter's beer on tap. If you are a fan of good beers, you should check this place out.
Pimlico
Another beer lovers mecca, the Cask Pub and Kitchen, has perhaps the most appealing range of beers in the country. The beer bible they have for drinkers to browse has a great description of all the breweries and beers it has on offer, well over 200, with another 20 or so on tap. It is right on a corner and allows for great streetside drinking after a long days work. Most of the rare beers are Belgian or US beers, so there is no shortage of highly hoppy options.
Notting Hill
Perhaps our favorite pub in England, the Windsor Castle is also a great outdoor drinking locale (although its hard to want to sit outside when the character inside is so great). They have a massive beer garden but on nice days that packs up quickly, forcing revellers to the streets in front of the pub, making it a great lively atmosphere. Also close to the Windsor Castle is the Hillgate Pub, which is a local favorite as well.
South Kensington / Gloucester Road
Perhaps the best Mews Pub in London (with stiff competition from the Grenider in Belgravia) is the Queens Arms (30 Queensgate Mews, SW7 5QL). Situated in a quiet Mews, it allows for a large, boisterous post work crowd. This place is pretty hard to find so you don't see too many tourists with a Nikon in one hand and a pint of good ale in the other. The selection on tap here is very good with lots of independent breweries on offer. Its pretty close to the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park.
London Bridge
Other areas to outdoor pub include London bridge, where the many of the city's oldest and best pubs can be found. The Rake has the best selection south of the river (they also own Utobeer in the Borough market, which is one of the best off-sale beer grocers in the city) and always has rare, powerful tap options, including BrewDog and Stone. There is also the George Inn, which was formerly a coaching inn and has been a pub for several hundred years. The rake is connected to the Borough market so it makes a great post work Thursday or Friday spot. The George Inn has a massive patio so you can always get some fresh air at the George.
Mayfair
Great spots here include the Punch Bowl, the Coach and Horses, the Guinea and several pubs in and around the Shepherds Market area close to the Green Park tube. All of these places are very central and great for a post work (or post touring) beer.
But my award for the best post work pub goes to none other than my favorite pub in Dublin, Kehoe's. Nothing beats the outdoor scene on a Thursday at 6pm on a sunny evening....
There are countless areas and pubs to do this in London. Erin and I recently have ventured out to the following areas for a couple drinks:
Farringdon
There are a couple unbelievable post work spots here, one worth mentioning for the crowd and one for the beer. First is the Crown Tavern, which is on a square that has a massive area for spillage. Tons of people, but the wait in line for a good range of Czech beers is rewarded by a great vibe.
Another beer lovers mecca, the Cask Pub and Kitchen, has perhaps the most appealing range of beers in the country. The beer bible they have for drinkers to browse has a great description of all the breweries and beers it has on offer, well over 200, with another 20 or so on tap. It is right on a corner and allows for great streetside drinking after a long days work. Most of the rare beers are Belgian or US beers, so there is no shortage of highly hoppy options.
Notting Hill
Perhaps our favorite pub in England, the Windsor Castle is also a great outdoor drinking locale (although its hard to want to sit outside when the character inside is so great). They have a massive beer garden but on nice days that packs up quickly, forcing revellers to the streets in front of the pub, making it a great lively atmosphere. Also close to the Windsor Castle is the Hillgate Pub, which is a local favorite as well.
Perhaps the best Mews Pub in London (with stiff competition from the Grenider in Belgravia) is the Queens Arms (30 Queensgate Mews, SW7 5QL). Situated in a quiet Mews, it allows for a large, boisterous post work crowd. This place is pretty hard to find so you don't see too many tourists with a Nikon in one hand and a pint of good ale in the other. The selection on tap here is very good with lots of independent breweries on offer. Its pretty close to the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park.
Other areas to outdoor pub include London bridge, where the many of the city's oldest and best pubs can be found. The Rake has the best selection south of the river (they also own Utobeer in the Borough market, which is one of the best off-sale beer grocers in the city) and always has rare, powerful tap options, including BrewDog and Stone. There is also the George Inn, which was formerly a coaching inn and has been a pub for several hundred years. The rake is connected to the Borough market so it makes a great post work Thursday or Friday spot. The George Inn has a massive patio so you can always get some fresh air at the George.
Mayfair
Great spots here include the Punch Bowl, the Coach and Horses, the Guinea and several pubs in and around the Shepherds Market area close to the Green Park tube. All of these places are very central and great for a post work (or post touring) beer.
But my award for the best post work pub goes to none other than my favorite pub in Dublin, Kehoe's. Nothing beats the outdoor scene on a Thursday at 6pm on a sunny evening....
No comments:
Post a Comment