Ready for a pint near a historical landmark? Whether you’re winding down after a tour of St Paul’s Cathedral or just in the mood for some great atmosphere, the bars and pubs around this iconic London spot have you covered. From cosy, hidden gems where locals whisper about city lore over craft ales, to bustling gastro-pubs serving up hearty British fare, there’s a spot for every taste. So grab your mates and head to one of these fantastic watering holes to soak in the views and brews in the heart of London!
The Paternoster
Address: 2-4 Queens Head Passage, Paternoster Sq., London, EC4M 7DZ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Paternoster is nestled in the bustling Paternoster Square, a stone’s throw away from the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral and within easy reach of the River Thames and Bank station. This location places it right in the commercial heart of London, making it an accessible spot for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? It presents a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, characterised by stylish interiors and a traditional British pub feel. The pub is particularly noted for its friendly staff and vibrant environment, making it a preferred spot for a relaxed outing or a more lively evening.
What’s On Offer
- British Classics & Modern Twists: The Paternoster takes pride in its extensive menu that features a blend of traditional British pub classics and contemporary culinary twists. Highlights include their full English breakfast, homemade bar snacks like Scotch eggs and sausage rolls, as well as hearty roasts available on Sundays.
- Thirsty Thursdays & More: Regularly hosting events like Thirsty Thursdays, where guests can enjoy special deals on beer, wine, and cocktails, The Paternoster offers a dynamic social scene. It also marks occasions such as World Cocktail Day and other themed events, providing a festive and engaging atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open daily from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, with food service usually ending an hour before closing.
Dion
Address: 65 St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AB
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Dion is strategically located next to St Paul’s Cathedral, in the bustling City of London. This prime location offers stunning views of the cathedral.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at Dion is one of sophisticated charm mixed with the lively vibe of a city bar. It features modernist décor with leather stools, tiled floors, and dark wood accents, creating an upscale yet welcoming environment. The venue becomes particularly lively in the evenings, especially during live music events on Wednesdays.
What’s On Offer
- Food & Drink: Dion offers a versatile menu that includes Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as sea bass with crushed new potatoes and pea and mint risotto, alongside British favourites like black peppered calamari and cottage pie. Their drink selection is extensive, featuring a range of champagnes from well-known houses, classic cocktails, and a variety of wines that cater to all tastes.
- Events & Private Hire: The venue is well-equipped for both small gatherings and larger events, with a capacity of up to 300 people. It offers tailored events, ensuring each one fits the customer’s specific needs, from business meetings to wedding receptions.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Dion is open from Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM to midnight, with extended hours until 2:00 AM on Wednesday through Friday. Note that the venue is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but available for private hire.
Patch St Paul’s
Address: 58-60 Carter Ln, London, EC4V 5EF
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Patch St Paul’s is strategically positioned in the bustling heart of the City of London, a stone’s throw from the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral. This prime location makes it easily accessible from the St. Pauls Tube station, embedding it within the vibrant pulse of the city’s business district.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue boasts a chic and stylish ambiance that seamlessly blends the appeal of a sophisticated cocktail bar with the energetic vibe of a contemporary club. This makes it a favoured spot for both relaxing after-work drinks and lively evening gatherings.
What’s On Offer
- Diverse Culinary Delights: Patch St Paul’s offers a varied menu that includes finger foods like spicy sweet potato falafel, sesame prawn toast, and diverse bowl foods such as Thai king prawn noodle salad and wild mushroom risotto. These offerings are complemented by a set menu that provides choices across three courses, catering to a range of dietary preferences with options like baked cod fillet, beef bourguignon, and NY baked cheesecake.
- Happy Hour & Special Offers: A significant draw is their Happy Hour, which features substantial discounts on wines, house spirits, and cocktails, alongside deals like a bucket of beer for a set price. They also run a unique offer where customers can match their first round of drinks for free under specific conditions, enhancing the appeal for group outings and celebrations.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Patch St Paul’s is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 16:00 until midnight. Note that on Mondays and Saturdays, the venue is available only for private hire, which underscores its popularity for exclusive events and parties.
Ye Olde London
Address: 42 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7DE
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Ye Olde London is situated in the bustling City of London, a prime location for both locals and tourists looking to soak up some history along with their pint. It’s conveniently located on Ludgate Hill, close to St Paul’s Cathedral, making it an ideal spot for visitors exploring this iconic part of London.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a traditional 18th-century setting with a contemporary twist, providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere. It features a beer garden for those sunny days and sports viewing facilities, making it a versatile venue for various social gatherings.
What’s On Offer
- Pub Classics & Craft Beers: Ye Olde London offers a selection of traditional pub favourites like Fish and Chips and Steak and Ale Pie, alongside a variety of craft beers and ales. This combination caters well to those looking for a taste of British pub culture with a modern beer selection.
- Live Sports: The pub is a hotspot for watching live sports, including football and rugby. It offers an unbeatable atmosphere during games, from pre-match meetups to post-game discussions, enhancing the experience of watching live events with fellow fans.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Ye Olde London is open daily. From Monday to Saturday, the doors are open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and on Sunday, from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
The Cockpit
Address: 7 St Andrew’s Hill, London, EC4V 5BY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Cockpit is nestled in a historic part of London, near the junction of Ireland Yard and St Andrew’s Hill, close to St. Paul’s Cathedral. This location is steeped in history, having been associated with London’s past from as early as the 16th century.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue exudes the charm of a traditional London ‘corner pub’. Despite its Victorian exterior, the interior is comfortably simple with a homely atmosphere. It retains much of its historic charm with features like an old gallery, once used by spectators during cockfights, adding to its unique character. It is described as one of the few ‘real’ pubs left in the Square Mile, fostering a strong sense of community among its patrons.
What’s On Offer
- Historic Significance: The pub’s name, “The Cockpit,” references its original function as a venue for cockfighting, a popular pastime until outlawed in 1849. The site is also linked to William Shakespeare, believed to have owned the former gatehouse of the Blackfriars monastery located nearby, which he bought in 1613.
- Community Atmosphere: Managed by a family team, The Cockpit is known for its welcoming and friendly environment. The owners make it a point to engage with everyone, contributing to the pub’s warm and inclusive ambiance.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sundays from noon to 10:30 pm.
Ready to Visit?
Immerse yourself in the vibrant bar scene near St Paul’s Cathedral, a historic and bustling area in the heart of London. Whether you’re after a cosy spot like The Paternoster, which offers traditional British pub fare with a contemporary twist and a friendly atmosphere, or the chic Dion, known for its sophisticated charm and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, there’s something for every palate. These venues not only provide excellent food and drink but also boast prime locations that make them perfect for soaking in the local culture and history.
Share the Love
Why not grab a pint or a cocktail at one of these fabulous bars near St Paul’s Cathedral? Whether you choose the homely vibe of The Paternoster or the upscale environment of Dion, you’re in for a treat. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and drop a review after your visit to spread the word about these great spots!