Your list of the best pubs around the Square Mile
That after-work pint just hits differently in the City, and you’ve earned it. But you probably walk past a handful of pubs in the short walk from the tube to your office, so how do you know which to choose?
Whether on the hunt for a spot that will impress your colleagues, looking for somewhere that offers the perfect Saturday afternoon moment, or seeking a place to bring the family when they visit that will inspire some everyday wander, we’re rounding up some of the best pubs in the Square Mile.
We know that pubs are best when they’re a local, so we’re splitting these into five areas of the City so you can see which are closest to you:
Fleet Street
Old Bank of England
The beloved with a bus. This pub is grandiose and gorgeous, and will blow anyone away on their first visit. With imposing huge ceilings set in an old bank branch, and a double-decker bus in the beer garden, it’s a win-win for everyone. If you want to see more on this place, we headed there ourselves, so have a peek over on Instagram.
Hoop and Grapes
A pub over four stories? Tick. This one has a different vibe on each floor, so offers something for everyone; you can see what we mean in our Instagram reel. The top floor has a piano and board games, and the architectural setting is one to truly impress. A must-visit in the area.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Is this the oldest pub in London? Well, it’s the only one in contention within the City, so we’re going to back it up. That’s quite a claim, ay? Having the oldest pint around on your way home, not a bad shout for a visit. You can see our experience over on Instagram.
The Hoop and Grapes Fleet Street
Cheapside Area
Wren Tavern
A Bow Lane institution, the Wren Tavern offers a sophisticated yet lively option down a gorgeous space popular within the City; it’s also right next to Bank, Cannon Street and Mansion House, so not far to stumble back.
Ye Olde Watling
Another Bow Lane institution, and just opposite the Wren Tavern, so which one will you choose? With history stretching back to the 1600s, this is touted for its great food, and having been in there a good few times, the atmosphere is positively cosy and offers a warmth only a Square Mile pub could.
Golden Fleece
A firm favourite for the Cannon Street commuters, waltz past here on a Thursday evening and you’ll be fighting for a space on the pavement as this pub packs a punch and provides the liveliest spot around.
© Ye Olde Watling
Barbican and surrounding area
Old Doctor Butler’s Head
You might have missed this one on first glance; nestled down a small narrow alleyway, you could easily walk past the barrels outside, but inside you’ll be greeted with a warm, old-style, proper pub. This is the One City team’s go-to near the office, so it’s certainly approved by the team!
The Globe
You definitely won’t have missed this one. Front and centre at Moorgate Station, the Victorian architecture juxtaposes the huge glass Deutsche Bank right behind it. The inside matches the gorgeous exterior, and if you’re heading to the Lizzy line, you’ll be popping in here at some point, I guarantee it.
The Butchers Hook and Cleaver
A combination of an old bank and an old butcher's shop, this spacious pub offers those in the Smithfield’s/Farringdon area an excuse for a cheeky one on the way home. The interior is welcoming and calming, with striking tiles and chandeliers; it’s grand, and it’s great, certainly one to check out!
The Globe Pub at Moorgate
Eastern City
Lamb Tavern
Tradition and history come to mind here, oh, and the iconic Leadenhall Market. This place is a go-to in the Eastern City as you get the backdrop of the gorgeous Leadenhall landscape. Head here on a Thursday night and you’ll see it in a completely different light!
East India Arms
A piece of history, the East India Arms is now the only remaining building which has links to the East India Company, although safe to say the money now doesn’t go into those escapades. Built in 1829 in the Fenchurch Street area, this pub was included in the first Atlas of London, so truly a pint with a point.
The Railway Tavern
Just a hop away from Liverpool Street, this one is popular among those seeking a quick one on the way back to the UK’s busiest train station, and it’s fair to say this pub could be one of the UK’s busiest on some nights too. But that does make for a brilliant atmosphere, a great crowd, and the perfect place to get in the thick of it.
© City of London Corporation
Aldgate
Although some of the area is just outside the City's boundary, there are so many incredible pubs that it's well worth taking into account!
Hoop and Grapes
This one is famous the world over and always tops the lists of the best pubs in London. If you head in and have enough to drink, the pub may even start to look straight. Known for having an entrance that looks like it’s already more hammered than you’ll be by the end of the night, the building also escaped the Great Fire in 1666, so it offers some real City history within. If you don’t know what we’re on about, you can have a look at our reel!
Princess of Prussia
This gem has a HUGE history. Nestled outside of the main hustle and bustle, the building was originally opened next to a courthouse. This meant the watering hole often played host to many underhand deals, which helped to ‘avoid the long process of court’.
The clientele was mainly made up of court workers and those who were summoned to court; no doubt that led to some jarring tensions. Further to this, the space is also next to a famous alleyway, Magdalen Passage, named after the Magdalen laundries of Ireland, in which many were also exported over to London. If you do stop there for a pint, it’s well worth giving a thought to the detailed history of this one.
The Magpie
Right next to Devonshire Square, this one is a traditional Victorian-style building covered in wood panelling and stories to tell. A favourite for those heading towards Liverpool Street from the East, they serve pies, fish, and burgers, so you can’t go wrong in here.
The Hoop & Grapes Aldgate
The City is known for having some of the best pubs around, and this list of 15 doesn’t even scratch the surface. If we’re missing any off this list, you can always let us know on Instagram @OneCityLDN.
P.S. Have you heard of the old tradition of Ale Conning? It involves a special role within the City demanding to try the ale across different pubs. You can watch our story on it via Instagram.