If you’re wandering near Pudding Lane, where history and great pints collide, you’re in for a treat! This area might be famous for the Great Fire of London, but it’s also home to some brilliant spots for a cheeky drink or two. From cosy traditional pubs with a bit of history to trendy bars that’ll shake up a killer cocktail, there’s something for every taste. So, whether you’re after a pint of ale or something fancier, Pudding Lane’s got you covered!
The Ship
Address: 11 Talbot Court, London, EC3V 0BP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Ship is tucked away on Talbot Court, just off Gracechurch Street, and is easily accessible from Monument Tube Station. It’s close to key London landmarks like The Monument and the Sky Garden, making it a perfect pitstop while exploring the City of London.
- What’s the Vibe? This cosy, traditional British pub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a historic charm. It’s popular among City workers looking for a relaxed space to enjoy a pint or catch up with friends after a day in the office.
What’s On Offer
- Cask Ales & Gin Selection: The Ship is renowned for its extensive range of cask-conditioned ales, perfectly poured to match their traditional British food menu. For gin lovers, there’s an excellent selection of premium gins.
- Hand-Crafted Pies: As a Nicholson’s pub, The Ship is celebrated for its menu of hearty pub classics, including a standout selection of hand-crafted pies. Whether you fancy a Chicken and Truffled Oyster Mushroom Pie or a Steak and Nicholson’s Pale Ale Pie, this is a treat for pie enthusiasts.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Ship is open from Monday to Friday, from 12:00 to 22:00 or 23:00 depending on the day. On Saturdays, it opens until 18:00, but it remains closed on Sundays.
The Folly
Address: 41 Gracechurch St, London, EC3V 0BT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Folly is situated in the heart of the City of London, near Bank and Monument stations, making it a convenient spot for both professionals and tourists. This stylish venue is perfect for casual drinks, business meetings, or celebrations.
- What’s the Vibe? The Folly is a blend of modern and natural design elements, with a botanical theme that gives the space a bright and relaxed ambiance. Spread across two floors, it offers an inviting atmosphere, with wooden floors, exposed brickwork, and lush greenery that create a charming yet sophisticated feel.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal Menus & Cocktails: The Folly boasts a carefully curated menu that includes seasonal dishes and an impressive selection of cocktails. Expect to find everything from classic British meals to more creative international dishes. They are particularly proud of their “Bee Positive” cocktail, made with rhubarb, lemon, and honey, which also supports local charities.
- Espresso Martini Bar: One of the venue’s standout features is the UK’s first dedicated Espresso Martini Bar. Open seven days a week, this offers a unique twist on a popular drink, transforming the standard espresso martini into an exciting experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 7:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Thursday and Friday: 7:30 am – 12:00 am
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 am
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sky Pod Bar
Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Sky Pod Bar is perched on the 35th floor of the iconic Sky Garden within the “Walkie Talkie” building at 20 Fenchurch Street. This rooftop venue offers unrivalled views over London’s skyline, including landmarks such as The Shard and Tower Bridge.
- What’s the Vibe? The bar offers a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere with a unique combination of lush indoor gardens and panoramic city views. During the day, it’s a tranquil space to enjoy a coffee or cocktail, while the evening transforms the venue with live music and DJs, creating a lively and energetic ambience.
What’s On Offer
- Signature Cocktails with a View: The bar serves a wide selection of cocktails, including their famous “Fresh Mary,” a twist on the classic Bloody Mary made with gin and cherry tomato. Guests can also enjoy wines, spirits, and sharing platters while taking in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
- Live Music and DJ Nights: Sky Pod Bar hosts live music sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, with DJs spinning from 6 pm and 9 pm respectively. These events add a vibrant touch to the weekend, making it a perfect destination for a lively night out above the clouds.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 12:00 am
- Friday: 8:00 am – 1:00 am
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 am
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 12:00 am
- Be sure to check for availability, as pre-booking is often required to secure a spot, especially for the evening sessions
Bar 1790
Address: 21-23 St Swithin’s Lane, London, EC4N 8AD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Bar 1790 is located in the heart of the City of London, nestled along St Swithin’s Lane. It’s just a short walk from other well-known City venues like The Ned and Coq d’Argent, making it a convenient spot for both after-work drinks and special nights out.
- What’s the Vibe? The bar boasts a stylish yet cosy setting with a mix of historical charm and modern elegance. Upstairs, the design leans towards rustic wood and leather, while downstairs features dim, romantic lighting with a grand display of wine bottles. It’s a relaxed venue, popular with a well-heeled crowd of City workers and casual diners alike.
What’s On Offer
- Portuguese-Inspired Menu: Bar 1790’s food menu is strongly influenced by Portuguese cuisine, with a focus on tapas-style dishes. Head Chef Toby Lever curates offerings like salt cod croquettes, prawn skewers, and Iberian meats. There’s also a dessert menu featuring Portuguese classics like pastel de nata.
- Port & Wine Selection: As part of the Sandeman Quarter, Bar 1790 offers a wide range of Portuguese wines and ports, alongside signature cocktails like the Sandeman Sour and Port & Tonic. Their wine list, compiled by experts, makes it a great spot for wine lovers.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Bar 1790 is open Monday to Friday, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. On Thursdays, it stays open an hour later, until midnight. The venue is closed on weekends.
The Monument
Address: 18 Fish Street Hill, London, EC3R 6DB
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Monument is located in the heart of London, in Whitechapel, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Monument to the Great Fire of London. It’s a short walk from both the Monument and Bank tube stations, making it a convenient spot for both locals and tourists.
- What’s the Vibe? This traditional London pub offers a cosy and friendly atmosphere, perfect for an after-work pint or a casual meal. With classic pub décor, it has a welcoming and lively environment, especially during sports events. The space is both dog-friendly and accessible for those with disabilities, adding to its inclusive charm.
What’s On Offer
- Classic British Pub Menu: The Monument prides itself on offering hearty, classic British dishes. Favourites such as Steak & Ale Pie and Fish & Chips are staples on the menu, giving visitors a taste of traditional pub fare. Their updated drinks menu also includes a selection of premium beers and cocktails to accompany your meal.
- Live Sports and Events: The Monument is a hotspot for live sports, with multiple screens showing everything from Premier League football to international tournaments. The pub has an unbeatable match-day atmosphere, where fans can enjoy the action with a drink in hand. If you’re looking for a space to celebrate with friends, the pub also hosts various events throughout the year, including festive gatherings and themed nights.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Friday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
- Saturday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
- Sunday: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Ready to Visit?
Nestled near the historic Pudding Lane, the area blends rich history with modern charm, offering a variety of cosy pubs and trendy bars. Whether you’re keen on a pint or an exciting cocktail, you’ll find something to your liking. Among the top spots, *The Ship* is a traditional pub known for its cask ales and hand-crafted pies, while *The Folly* offers a stylish, botanical-inspired setting with a standout cocktail menu.
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