Ready to explore the best watering holes in Ealing? This bustling London borough boasts a vibrant mix of classic pubs and trendy bars, each with its own unique charm. From cosy, traditional establishments serving up real ales and hearty fare, to sleek, modern spots where you can enjoy craft cocktails and live music, Ealing’s nightlife scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re after a relaxed evening with mates or a lively night out, you’ll find the perfect spot to sip, savour, and celebrate in Ealing. Let’s dive into the heart of West London’s hidden gems!
The Drapers Arms
Address: 24-25 High St, Greater, London W5 5DB
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? This neighbourhood pub is nestled in a quaint area of Ealing, offering a serene escape from the bustling city streets.
- What’s the Vibe? As one of London’s most prominent gastropubs, The Drapers Arms is a perfect fusion of warmth and sophistication. Its ambience is characterized by a relaxed, unpretentious feel, complete with shabby-chic styling and warming fires. It’s a hub where families, dog owners, and casual diners coalesce, creating a vibrant yet cosy atmosphere. In summer, its garden becomes a delightful spot for meals or drinks. The venue’s layout includes a slightly more formal dining area towards the back, catering to a variety of preferences.
What’s On Offer
- Wide Range of Beverages: The Drapers Arms boasts an impressive selection of drinks, including regional ales and a well-curated wine list. This focus on quality beverages ensures that whether you’re in the mood for a classic pint or a sophisticated glass of wine, your tastes are well catered for.
- European-Influenced Menu: The food menu leans towards European cuisine, offering dishes that are satisfying and comforting, and it consistently delivers in taste and quality. The pub is particularly famous for its Sunday roasts, making it a must-visit for those seeking a quintessential British dining experience.
Practical Info
- The Drapers Arms is welcoming to a wide range of patrons, whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a beer and a paper or a lively place for a group meal. The pub makes an effort to serve rewarding food and drink, ensuring a pleasant experience for all its guests.
- Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 12:00-23:00, Fri & Sat 12:00-01:00 & Sun 12:00-00:00.
Additional Highlights
- The pub is known for hosting various culinary events, contributing to the dynamic food scene in London.
- It offers a takeaway service, allowing patrons to enjoy The Drapers’ kitchen from the comfort of their homes.
- The establishment features a private dining room and a picturesque garden, enhancing the overall experience for its guests.
In summary, The Drapers Arms stands out as a charming gastropub offering a wonderful blend of quality beverages, satisfying European cuisine, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s a gem in the heart of London that appeals to a diverse clientele, from families to food enthusiasts.
The Grange
Address: Warwick Rd, London W5 3JT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Grange is situated on a friendly corner of Ealing Common in West London, offering a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. The venue is easily accessible and is known for its Victorian architecture.
- What’s the Vibe? The Grange boasts a unique atmosphere combining Victorian elegance with contemporary decor. Its interior creates the feeling of multiple pubs in one. The summer brings a gorgeous conservatory area, while the lounge features plush furnishings, real fire, and gothic windows. The garden area is playful and colourful, decorated with bunting and jokey signs, adding to its charm.
What’s On Offer
- Impressive Selection of Drinks and British-Inspired Menu: The Grange prides itself on serving award-winning cask ales, craft beer, and a fine selection of wines and spirits. These beverages complement their British-inspired menu, prepared in-house, catering to various tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- Private Hire and Events: The Grange offers a range of private hire spaces, suitable for both small, intimate parties and larger gatherings. It is particularly noted for hosting various events like work Christmas parties and birthday dinners, with commendable service and food quality. The venue also hosts a popular pub quiz on Thursdays and is recognised for its family and dog-friendly environment.
Practical Info
When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 11am – 11pm
- Friday: 11am – 11:30pm
- Saturday: 10am – 11:30pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 10:30pm
Additional Insights
- Customers have praised the Grange for its great atmosphere and friendly staff.
- The venue is appreciated for its spacious patio, ideal for enjoying good weather.
- It offers a variety of beers and other drinks, with the option to sample before choosing.
- The food, especially the fish and chips, receives high praise for its quality and taste.
- The Grange is described as chic and trendy, with each table boasting unique furniture.
The Grange in London offers a delightful mix of historic charm and modern amenities, making it a versatile venue for dining, socialising, and hosting events. Its location, atmosphere and offerings cater to a wide range of preferences, from casual drinks to formal gatherings.
The North Star
Address: 43 The Broadway, Greater, London W5 5JN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The North Star is nestled in the heart of Ealing, an area often dubbed the ‘Queen of Suburbs’, it boasts a location amid leafy streets and charming Victorian and Edwardian houses. Its proximity to Ealing Broadway station makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue blends contemporary touches with period features, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere. The North Star is known for its vibrant British pub hospitality, characterised by individuality, character, and quirky charm. It’s an ideal place for a variety of occasions, from laid-back lunches to lively evenings. The pub also features a cosy courtyard beer garden, perfect for al-fresco dining or enjoying a drink on sunny days.
What’s On Offer
- Live Entertainment: The North Star shines with its offering of live entertainment. It hosts regular live music events, turning every visit into a potentially electrifying experience. These events showcase local artists and bands, offering a mix of genres and styles. Live music is a staple here, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, ensuring a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
- Eclectic Food and Drink Menu: At The North Star, the food and drink menu is a highlight. It includes a range of street food-style dishes from the Chicken Society and Ruby Jean’s Burgers, catering to a variety of tastes. The bar is well-stocked with premium craft ales, a wide selection of wines, and an assortment of artisan spirits, complementing the food offerings and elevating the overall dining experience.
Practical Info
When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 12:00 – 23:00
- Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:00
Facilities include a garden and disabled toilets, ensuring comfort for all guests. Whether you’re planning a casual meet-up with friends or looking for a spot to enjoy some live music, The North Star offers a welcoming and versatile setting.
The Red Lion
Address: 13 St Mary’s Rd, London W5 5RA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Red Lion is situated in Ealing, a charming area of London, blending historical elegance with modern touches. It’s a traditional British pub with a contemporary twist, creating a unique experience for visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue boasts a cosy and inviting ambiance, perfect for both locals and tourists. It maintains its historic charm while offering contemporary amenities, contributing to a vibrant and welcoming environment. Regular events like quiz nights and live music sessions add to its lively atmosphere.
What’s On Offer?
- Special Menu: The Red Lion offers an impressive menu, featuring traditional British pub fare with a modern spin. Highlights include Colchester rock oysters, a variety of steaks, and innovative vegetarian options. The menu is versatile, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences.
- Beverage Selection: The pub prides itself on a vast selection of draught beers, real ales, premium wines, and Champagnes. Their cocktails are crafted with classic spirits and natural ingredients, providing a sophisticated drinking experience.
- Events and Hire: The Red Lion offers the opportunity to host private events, adding a personal touch to celebrations or gatherings. The venue is adaptable for various occasions, making it a versatile choice for event planning.
Practical Info
- Opening Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 12pm – 11pm
- Wednesday – Thursday: 12pm – 11.30pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 12am
- Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
The Red Lion in Ealing presents a blend of traditional British pub culture with modern culinary twists, making it a noteworthy destination for both dining and social experiences. Whether you’re looking for a casual drink, a hearty meal, or a place to host a special event, this pub’s charming ambiance and diverse offerings cater to a wide range of preferences.
The Grove
Address: 1 The Grove, Ealing Grn, London W5 5QX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? This gastropub is located opposite Ealing Green and the famous Ealing Film Studios, making it an easy walk from Ealing Broadway station.
- What’s the Vibe? The Grove is known for its contemporary feel while retaining the classic pub atmosphere. Renovations have brought the pub up to date, aligning with modern preferences while maintaining a classic pub feel. The interior is tastefully decorated, and there’s a beautiful garden area that wraps around the building. This garden is designed with a slight Mediterranean touch, described as a “secret garden” tucked away at the back of the pub, providing a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Food and Drink: The Grove offers a variety of dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu includes both contemporary and classic dishes, and they have shifted from traditional starters to small plates, almost like British tapas. Examples include miso-glazed aubergine with seaweed salad, beef brisket taco with sweet corn salsa, and spatchcock quail with salmoriglio. Main dishes include options like boneless buttermilk chicken and pan-fried gurnard with saffron and tiger prawn risotto. They also offer a range of desserts, such as banana parfait with honeycomb and candied pecans, and passion fruit panna cotta with red berries.
- Special Events and Features: The Grove is particularly popular for its Sunday roasts, a quintessential British dining experience. These roasts have received positive reviews, with some guests praising the quality and taste of the food, especially the roast lamb. Additionally, the pub features a shuffleboard table, which is a hit among students and office workers, adding to the lively and engaging atmosphere of the place.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Grove is open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The Lodge Tavern
Address: Saunders House, 53 The Mall, London W5 3TA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Lodge Tavern is nestled in a bustling area, offering a mix of a lively urban feel with the charm of a traditional British pub. It’s a place where the city’s energy meets a relaxed atmosphere.
- What’s the Vibe? Known for its lively ambience, The Lodge Tavern offers an eclectic mix of live music, DJ nights, and themed parties. The interior is stylish, featuring a blend of vintage posters, mismatched furniture, and unique wallpapers. There’s also a heated outdoor terrace for an alfresco experience. The overall vibe is cosy, fun, and lively, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
What’s On Offer
- Comedy Nights: The venue hosts comedy nights which are highly recommended by visitors for a great laugh. These events feature a range of hilarious acts, adding a unique flavor to the tavern’s offerings.
- Food and Drink Options: The Lodge Tavern serves a variety of food options including burgers, vegetarian platters, and grilled salmon. The bar offers an extensive cocktail menu, with well-mixed drinks and a selection of Polish beers and wines. The menu caters to various tastes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Practical Info
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Friday: 11 AM – 1.30 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 2.30 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
In summary, The Lodge Tavern in London is a vibrant and eclectic venue, known for its lively atmosphere, unique events like comedy nights, and a diverse menu that includes a wide range of cocktails and spirits. Its stylish interior and outdoor seating make it a popular choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re in for a laugh at a comedy night or just to enjoy a cocktail on the terrace, The Lodge Tavern has something to offer.
The Shanakee
Address: 9-10, Central Buildings, The Broadway, London W5 2NT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of Ealing, The Shanakee offers an authentic Irish pub experience. It’s situated in a bustling area, providing an ideal mix of urban accessibility and the charm of an Irish local.
- What’s the Vibe? The Shanakee boasts a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, akin to a classic Irish pub. It’s a place where the staff are friendly, and the ambiance is casual yet vibrant, perfect for a relaxed evening out.
What’s On Offer
- Extensive Drinks Selection: The pub prides itself on its wide array of Irish whiskeys and beers, offering patrons a taste of Ireland in London. It’s a haven for those who appreciate a good drink, with a focus on quality and variety.
- Live Music and Community Events: Regular live music events are a staple here, creating an engaging and lively environment. These events foster a sense of community, making The Shanakee more than just a pub, but a local gathering spot.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Thursday to Sunday, 11 am to midnight; Monday to Wednesday, 11 am to 11 pm.
Additional Insights
- The Shanakee is a straightforward, no-frills pub, cherished for its great location and regular patronage.
- It’s a hotspot for sports fans, especially during rugby and football seasons, with the added bonus of an excellent jukebox.
The Shanakee stands out as a delightful choice for anyone seeking an authentic Irish pub experience in London. Its strengths lie in its focus on Irish beverages, vibrant live music, and its warm, community-centric atmosphere. Whether you’re in for the drinks, the music, or just a good time with friends, The Shanakee promises a memorable experience.
The Kings Arms
Address: 55 The Grove, London W5 5DX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? This venue is nestled in the heart of Ealing, a vibrant and historically rich area of West London. Known for its welcoming community feel, Ealing combines urban living with a sense of local tradition and charm.
- What’s the Vibe? The Kings Arms exudes a lively and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors. It retains its historical roots as a coaching house from the 17th century, and this history is reflected in its Victorian-era charm. The pub is a community hub where people come together to enjoy great food, quality beer, and live sports. Its interior combines traditional pub aesthetics with modern comforts, creating a cozy and inviting environment.
What’s On Offer
- Craft Beers and Real Ales: One of the standout features of The Kings Arms is its wide selection of beers, which includes rotating Real Ale and Craft Beer taps. This variety caters to beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike, offering a taste of both traditional and contemporary brewing styles.
- Food: The venue serves traditional pub classics alongside an extensive burger menu, with all food freshly prepared and home-cooked. The Kings Arms also offers a brunch menu on Fridays and Saturdays and a traditional Sunday carvery.
- Events: Apart from the culinary offerings, the pub is known for broadcasting live sports events, including Premier League matches, international rugby, and main belt boxing matches, across six big screens.
- Accommodation: For those looking to extend their stay, The Kings Arms offers accommodation options. They have a range of rooms including single, double, twin, triple, and family rooms. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, free WiFi, and the amenities of the pub and restaurant.
Practical Info
- Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:00-23:30, Fri-Sat 11:00-00:00.
No 17 Dickens Yard
Address: Unit 17 Dickens Yard, Longfield Ave, London W5 2TD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Its location next to the solid Victorian gothic Christ the Saviour church places it right in the heart of Ealing Broadway.
- What’s the Vibe? No 17 Dickens Yard boasts a modern European style with 50s postmodern decor. The venue’s design features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light, creating a juxtaposition of comfort and urban edginess. The interiors are cosy with generous lounge seating and large bleached oak sharing tables. Additionally, the venue benefits from a large outdoor courtyard filled with foliage and a first-floor wraparound terrace, offering views of the Dickens Yard development. The overall atmosphere is chic and sophisticated, ideal for both casual and special occasions.
What’s On Offer
- Unique Drinks: The bar offers a range of cocktails, including classics and quirky twists, made with house-made syrups and sherbets. Notable mentions are the Elderflower Paloma and Pear and Apple Cobbler. For non-alcoholic choices, they offer creative blends like the Espresso MartiNO.
- Dining Experience: The food menu transitions smoothly from day to night, featuring dishes from Anglo-Asian classics for breakfast to unfussy crowd-pleasers for lunch and dinner, like pumpkin gnocchi and steak and chips. There’s also a selection of snacks like skewers, fishcakes, crostini, and falafel, and the Sunday roasts are particularly popular.
- Special Events: No 17 Dickens Yard hosts various events, including a notable New Year’s Eve party with a DJ set. The venue’s layout with both indoor and outdoor spaces makes it suitable for a range of events and gatherings.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The venue is open every day from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM. These hours make it a versatile spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or evening drinks.
Additional Highlights
- No 17 Dickens Yard’s emphasis on sustainability is evident in its food menu, which focuses on responsibly sourced fish and wonky veg.
- The venue is part of a collection of neighbourhood bars known for their inviting and comfortable environments.
- It offers wheelchair access and disabled toilets, ensuring accessibility for all guests.
In summary, No 17 Dickens Yard is a versatile and stylish venue that offers a unique blend of modern European ambiance, innovative cocktails, and a diverse food menu, making it an excellent choice for various dining and social occasions in London.
BeerKat
Address: 38-39 The Broadway, London W5 2NP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? BeerKat is situated in a prime location, just opposite Ealing Broadway station, in what used to be two estate agent offices. It’s in the Ealing area of London, a vibrant and accessible location.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue boasts a cool and inviting atmosphere, especially for beer enthusiasts. It has a 12-tap wall that features a wide range of craft beers, along with a vast selection of bottled and canned craft beers. The vibe is further enhanced by the regular presence of DJs playing a mix of disco, funk, electro swing, and house music, especially on weekends. The establishment is also known for its fresh sourdough pizzas served all day.
What’s On Offer
- Rotating Craft Beer Selection: BeerKat is celebrated for its diverse and extensive range of craft beers. This includes offerings from Laine Brew Co, featuring their own brews like Word Lager and Source Pale Ale, alongside unique flavors like Mangolicious (mango and passionfruit Pale Ale) and All For One (a Hazy IPA). Additionally, they showcase beers from across the UK, including Manchester’s Donzoko Brewery and Seven Bro7hers Brewery, and Brighton’s UnBarred Brewery.
- Events and Entertainment: Apart from its beer selection, BeerKat regularly hosts DJs on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere for patrons who enjoy staying out late. The range of music played by the DJs is diverse, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. This, combined with their craft beer selection, makes BeerKat a popular spot for both casual visits and longer nights out.
Practical Info
- BeerKat’s opening hours vary throughout the week. On Mondays, they open from 3 pm to 11 pm. Tuesdays have the same opening hours. Wednesdays through Saturdays, they are open from 12 pm to 11 pm, while on Sundays, they operate from 1 pm to 9 pm.
BeerKat is a unique venue that offers a distinct experience for beer lovers and those looking for a lively and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Ealing, London. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just looking for a fun night out with friends, it’s a great place to explore.
Ready to Visit?
Ealing, a vibrant London borough, is an enticing destination for those seeking a diverse nightlife experience. It hosts a mix of classic pubs and trendy bars, each offering its unique allure. Notable mentions include The Drapers Arms, known for its wide range of real ales and traditional pub atmosphere, and The Grange, which stands out with its beautiful garden and modern decor. Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot for a quiet drink or a lively venue for a night out, Ealing’s array of watering holes caters to every preference.
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Ready for an unforgettable night out in Ealing? Choose one of these exceptional bars for your next outing. Once you’ve experienced the unique vibe and offerings of places like The Drapers Arms or The Grange, don’t forget to share this article with your friends. And after your visit, we’d love to hear your thoughts – share your reviews and spread the word about Ealing’s dynamic bar scene!