bars and pubs to check out before you leave London...
As I test and try out new places, I will be adding to this list - so stayed tuned!
Central London
Madison Bar
(St. Paul's - EC4M 9AD)
By far my favourite bar in London. It's in One New Change, take the elevator right up to the top. You get the most amazing backdrop of St. Paul's Cathedral to stare at and admire while you sip your glass of prosecco. Be warned - the drinks are expensive, and you don't really go here for the crowd. It's 100% about the view - Madison Bar is just perfect. Don't leave London without getting here.
(St. Paul's - EC4M 9AD)
By far my favourite bar in London. It's in One New Change, take the elevator right up to the top. You get the most amazing backdrop of St. Paul's Cathedral to stare at and admire while you sip your glass of prosecco. Be warned - the drinks are expensive, and you don't really go here for the crowd. It's 100% about the view - Madison Bar is just perfect. Don't leave London without getting here.
Gordon's Wine Bar
(Embankment - WC2N 6NE)
London's oldest wine bar - definitely worth a visit if wine is your thing. Take the narrow steps down into the depths of the bar, and do watch your head! The main seating area is only lit by candlelit, so it really throws you back to 1890. Perfect in the summer when you can sit outdoors and get some colour on your skin, but it gets really busy, so get in early!
South-West London
Powder Keg Diplomacy
(Clapham Junction - SW11 1TQ)
When we lived in Clapham, this was truly our 'local'. Located on St. John's Hill, Powder Keg, or PK as we affectively nicknamed it, has a great vibe, amazing décor, and excellent cocktails! Bar staff are really knowledgable, and will recommend whatever your tastebuds desire. The walls are decorated with funky wallpaper and vintage bits and pieces, so you'll be ascetically stimulated. This place is always packed, rain, hail, or shine. The perfect spot if you're looking for a nicer place to have a drink. I wouldn't recommend eating dinner at PK, the food is overpriced, very fancy, and to be honest, not that wonderful. A good option for a reasonably priced brunch though!
(Clapham Junction - SW11 1TQ)
When we lived in Clapham, this was truly our 'local'. Located on St. John's Hill, Powder Keg, or PK as we affectively nicknamed it, has a great vibe, amazing décor, and excellent cocktails! Bar staff are really knowledgable, and will recommend whatever your tastebuds desire. The walls are decorated with funky wallpaper and vintage bits and pieces, so you'll be ascetically stimulated. This place is always packed, rain, hail, or shine. The perfect spot if you're looking for a nicer place to have a drink. I wouldn't recommend eating dinner at PK, the food is overpriced, very fancy, and to be honest, not that wonderful. A good option for a reasonably priced brunch though!
No. 32 The Old Town
(Clapham Old Town - SW4 OJE)
I only just discovered this bar recently. It's perfect to meet friends, go on a date, or lap up some London sunshine on the rooftop terrace. Clapham Old Town offers far more classier pubs and bars than Clapham High Street, so it depends what you're after. For me, I found the crowd was a good mix (late 20's to early 30's), the wine was good, and the cocktails on offer were amazing. Definitely one to check out - especially in summer. Located right across the road from Clapham Common, it's the perfect location.
The Alma
(Wandsworth Town - SW18 1TF)
Another one of my favourites for a casual Friday (or let's be honest...any) afternoon drink. The place is always packed, with a mix of young businessmen stopping off on their way home from work, and a local older crowd. I find every time I go, it's mostly a male crowd. But this should be expected, as the beers that The Alma are pretty impressive, with a wide selection of Young's brews on tap. It's nice but no pretentious, it attracts a decent crowd, and it's really pretty on the inside. I wouldn't suggest going there for the food, it's quite expensive and a little too fancy for my liking, but definitely worth checking out for its interior, vibe, and beers, if that's your thing.
East London
The Blackfriar
(Blackfriars - EC4V 4EG)
A stunning and unique pub located right outside Blackfriars tube station. For a start, it's four stories high, and about half a meter wide. It reminded me of something straight out of Harry Potter, which naturally, I loved. Upon stepping inside, the pub is beautifully decorated with tiles and statues, proverbs, and big gold dome. The roof is quite small, so it really does feel like an good, old fashioned, English pub. They have a good selection of beer on tap at The Blackfriar, and the wine was not too bad. Food was amazing! Make sure you try the steak and ale pie, honestly - I think it was the best mash I've had in the whole of London! Best part is, it's not at all touristy, so you can mingle with the true locals.