Pubs in the City of London
Introduction
Here are some reviews of the pubs that I've visited in City of London area. By the City area I mean predominantly those areas with an EC postcode - ie EC1, EC2, EC3 and EC4 although there are a couple of establishments just outside this area that I've included here.
I've included a short description of what I thought of each pub. Alongside each review I've made a note of when I last visited the pub so you know how up-to-date the descriptions are.
Pubs in the West End, Soho and Covent Garden etc areas can be found on my London Central page. Just across the river from the City are the areas of Southwark and Borough and these can be found on my South London Pubs page. Have a look at the special feature on Berwick Street too.
As with all the sections on my site, the views expressed here are totally my own.
Areas Covered By This Page
City Area Pubs
Dirty Dicks
202 Bishopsgate, EC2 - 020 7283 5888
Busy Youngs pub right opposite Liverpool Street station. The ground floor is mainly standing room only, but more seating is available in the cellar bar or upstairs in the snug bar. Air conditioning can be a bit fierce at times, but beer is always kept well.
Last visited: March 2008
Hoop & Grapes
Aldgate High Street, EC3 - 020 7265 5171
Popular and spacious city pub opposite Aldgate underground station. It's a good Nicholson's pub with an ever changing selection of real ales which are usually well kept. Beer tasting sessions are currently being held on Thursday evenings. Good food at lunchtimes definitely, and possibly in the evening too.
Last visited: September 2009
Pride of Spitalfields
3 Heneage Street, E1 5LJ - 020 7247 8933
Small, cosy pub - well hidden just off Brick Lane. The pub has a real 'locals' feel but is nevertheless welcoming to strangers and is often heaving when other more modern outlets nearby have few customers.
I've never eaten here but have just enjoyed the selection of well-kept real ales.
Last visited: August 2009
Farringdon/Clerkenwell Area Pubs
Jerusalem Tavern
55 Britton Street, EC1 - 020 7490 4281
Tiny but superb back street pub near Farringdon underground station. Here will you find neither piped music nor games machines, but just a simple bar with wooden seating areas and friendly staff. This pub stocks the distinctive St Peters beers from Suffolk and there are usually 4 or 5 available on draught. Home-cooked food is also available. This pub can get very busy so get here early if you can.
Last visited: September 2009
The Castle
26 Furnival Street, EC4A 1JS - 020 7405 5470
Part of the small Red Car Pub Company this pub should always be a stop on a real-ale trip in the Holborn area.
The decor is old - wood and glass, but it's bright enough inside to read your paper. Big windows allow you a view on the street outside.
The main attraction for real-ale drinkers is the ever-changing selection of beers. The only constant here is the Red Car Bitter - other than that there are no guarantees as to what will be available. However, every beer you order will be excellent, and the bar staff are happy to give you a small taste if you're not sure.
Given its location you're unlikely to find any tourists (other than beer tourists like me) - it's definitely an office workers pub.
I've had no cause to eat here, but I believe food is available.
Last visited: August 2009
The Gunmakers
13 Eyre Street Hill, Clerkenwell, EC1R 5ET - 020 7278 1022
My friend Geoff put me on to this one. Situated down a small street off Clerkenwell Road this real-ale mecca always seems busy.
The decor is bright and spartan but probably just right - not too light, not too dingy. The furniture is old - probably from a school or similar establishment. A stone floor in the area at the rear completes the picture.
5 or 6 real-ales area always available - often including Caledonian 80 Shillings which I've never seen in any other London pubs. Timothy Taylor Landlord is always available - the rest change regularly. Some real ciders are available too - Addlestones and Westons on my last trip.
Good food is available too - from a varied menu.
The pub's landlord is 'Stonch', famous for his well-known beer blog.
This is the best pub in the Clerkenwell area - a short walk from the distinctive Jerusalem Tavern. If in the area this pub is definitely worth a trip.
Last visited: August 2009
Pakenham Arms
1 Pakenham Street, WC1X 0LA - 020 7837 6933
The Pakenham Arms has been on my 'Must Visit' list for ages, and at last I made it there.
It's a good, light and airy pub - large with a horseshoe shaped bar in the middle.
Given its location close to the Mount Pleasant sorting offive it's not surprising that the pub seems full of Post Office/Royal Mail workers. The atmosphere is lively and friendly but the only woman in the pub is behind the bar. Big screens are showing sport - I bet it would be a good place to watch the 6 Nations matches.
There was a good beer selection, including Sharp's Cornish Coaster and Hogs Back T.E.A. on my visit. The T.E.A. tasted very nice.
Food is available at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is quite meat orientated but varied and reasonably priced.
Last visited: February 2009
Old Street Area Pubs
Artillery Arms
102 Bunhill Row, EC1 - 020 7253 4683
A backstreet traditional pub with a good, friendly atmosphere and great food which is available at lunchtimes and in the evenings. This is a Fullers pub and the beer is obviously well kept.
Last visited: March 2008
Wenlock Arms
26 Wenlock Road, N1 - 020 7608 3406
This pub seems to divide people - you either love it or hate it. Well I love it. It's a no-frills, traditional, lively, and friendly pub with an awesome selection of real ales - some from local breweries. The food is very basic - mainly doorstep sandwiches, but these are good too. Live music on Friday nights. Situated just off the north side of City Road.
Last visited: July 2009