The Best Bars and Pubs Near Herne Hill Rail Station

The Best Bars and Pubs Near Herne Hill Rail Station

If you’re hopping off at Herne Hill Rail Station and looking for a spot to quench your thirst, you’re in luck! This charming South London area boasts a variety of bars and pubs that cater to all tastes. From cosy traditional pubs with craft ales to trendy bars mixing up creative cocktails, Herne Hill has it all. Whether you fancy a quiet pint or a lively night out, you’ll find the perfect place just a short stroll from the station. Let’s dive into the best spots where you can unwind and enjoy a drink near Herne Hill Rail Station!


The Florence

Address: 131 Dulwich Rd, London, SE24 0NG

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Florence is situated in the heart of Herne Hill, directly opposite Brockwell Park, and within walking distance from Herne Hill rail station. The location is ideal for those looking to combine a visit to the park with a relaxing pub experience.
  • What’s the Vibe? The Florence offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, blending traditional pub charm with modern touches. The pub features a spacious, light-filled interior with a central island bar, a conservatory, and a decked terrace. It caters to a diverse crowd, including families, dog owners, and beer enthusiasts, creating a vibrant yet comfortable setting.

What’s On Offer

  • Exceptional Beers & Brewing: One of the standout features of The Florence is its in-house brewery, which produces unique beers such as Dam Tasty Beaver and Bonobo beers. These offerings are complemented by a range of other craft beers, ensuring there’s something for every beer lover.
  • Delicious Food Menu: The pub serves modern British pub food, with a focus on freshly cooked, seasonal produce. The menu is regularly updated, featuring dishes like slow-roast lamb and white bean chilli. Sundays are particularly popular for their roast dinners, making it advisable to book in advance.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The Florence is open from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday, extending to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 9:00 PM on Sundays. Food is served until 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and until 9:00 PM on Sundays.

The Florence


Off The Cuff

Address: Arch 645, 301-303 Railton Rd, London, SE24 0JN

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Off The Cuff is located in Herne Hill, London, nestled within two railway arches, conveniently near Herne Hill Station.
  • What’s the Vibe? The venue exudes a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere, renowned for its dynamic live music scene and a welcoming, lively environment.

What’s On Offer

  • Live Music Events: Off The Cuff is celebrated for its diverse range of live music events, supporting young and emerging artists across various genres.
  • Salsa Sessions: Regular salsa sessions every Sunday offer a lively and interactive experience for dance enthusiasts of all levels.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? Mon 17:00-00:00, Tues Closed, Wed-Thurs 17:00-00:00, Fri 16:30-01:00, Sat 13:30-01:00, Sun 13:30-00:00.

The Freemasons Arms


The Commercial

Address: 212 Railton Rd, London, SE24 0JT

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Commercial is located in the vibrant area of Herne Hill, South London, directly opposite Herne Hill Station. This convenient location makes it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors looking to relax after a commute or explore the local area.
  • What’s the Vibe? This pub offers a laid-back and cosy atmosphere with a touch of traditional British charm. It features a blend of classic and contemporary decor, providing a warm and welcoming environment. The space includes a small beer garden, perfect for enjoying a pint in the warmer months. It’s known for its friendly staff and a relaxed ambiance, making it a popular spot for socialising and unwinding.

What’s On Offer

  • Craft Beers & Artisan Spirits: The Commercial boasts an extensive selection of premium drinks, including craft beers, fine wines, and artisan spirits. Their well-stocked bar ensures there’s something for every palate, whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing pint or a sophisticated cocktail​.
  • Weekly Events & Live Music: The pub hosts various events throughout the week, enhancing its lively atmosphere. Highlights include the Acoustic Friday nights with live music starting at 8:30 PM and the popular Sunday Quiz at 7:30 PM. These events draw in a diverse crowd and create a lively, engaging environment for patrons.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    • Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM

The Commercial


The Prince Regent

Address: 69 Dulwich Rd, London, SE24 0NJ

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Prince Regent is located on Dulwich Road in Herne Hill, directly opposite Brockwell Lido and near Brockwell Park. The closest train station is Herne Hill, with Brixton being the nearest underground station.
  • What’s the Vibe? The pub has a large, airy interior with a welcoming outdoor terrace. It’s known for its family-friendly atmosphere, particularly on weekends, and has a cosy upstairs room for those seeking a quieter experience. With its mix of booths, books, and board games, it invites patrons to linger and relax.

What’s On Offer

  • Guest Ales & Wines: The Prince Regent offers a selection of four guest ales, a variety of branded lagers, and a decent wine list, making it a favourite spot for beer and wine enthusiasts.
  • Sunday Roasts & Board Games: On Sundays, the pub serves a popular family lunch featuring serious roasts. Additionally, it hosts regular events like pub quizzes and offers board games for patrons to enjoy.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The pub is open from noon to 11 PM Monday to Thursday, from noon to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon to 10:30 PM on Sundays. Lunch is served from noon to 3 PM Monday to Saturday, and until 5 PM on Sundays. Dinner is available from 7 to 10 PM Monday to Saturday and from 6 to 9 PM on Sundays.

The Prince Regent


Effra Social

Address: 89 Effra Rd, London, SW2 1DF

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Effra Social is located in Brixton, a vibrant and culturally rich area of South London. The venue is situated on Effra Road, just a short walk from Brixton Station and near Brockwell Park, making it easily accessible.
  • What’s the Vibe? Effra Social retains the charm of its origins as a working men’s club, offering a nostalgic yet lively atmosphere. The pub features a spacious beer garden, a large bar, and a dance hall, creating a versatile space that hosts a variety of events and social gatherings. The decor is vintage and quirky, reflecting its historical roots while embracing a modern, welcoming vibe​.

What’s On Offer

  • Live Music: Effra Social is renowned for its diverse live music scene, hosting bands and DJs regularly. Thursdays feature live performances under the banner “Live @ Effra,” while Fridays are dedicated to Mike Urban’s Mega Pop Party, known for its eclectic mix of hits from Fleetwood Mac to Cyndi Lauper. Saturdays continue the musical festivities with resident DJs spinning a variety of tunes.
  • Sculpt and Sip Nights: A standout offering at Effra Social is the Sculpt and Sip event, a creative evening where patrons can enjoy drinks while engaging in sculpting activities. This event occurs bi-weekly on Wednesdays and has become a popular fixture for those looking to try something different in a relaxed, social setting.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Monday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
    • Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
    • Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
    • Thursday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
    • Friday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
    • Saturday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
    • Sunday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Effra Social


Ready to Visit?

Herne Hill, a charming area in South London, offers an array of pubs and bars catering to various tastes. Whether you prefer a cosy, traditional setting or a trendy spot for cocktails, Herne Hill has it all. The Florence, located opposite Brockwell Park, is renowned for its in-house brewery and delightful British pub food. Meanwhile, Off The Cuff, nestled within railway arches, is celebrated for its vibrant live music scene and dynamic atmosphere.

Share the Love

Why not pop into The Florence or Off The Cuff next time you’re in Herne Hill? Share this article with your friends and don’t forget to leave a review after your visit!

Vicky Simmance

Meet Vicky Simmance – The Founder Behind barguide.london Since arriving in London from Birmingham in 2005, Vicky Simmance has immersed herself in the capital’s vibrant pub and bar scene with unmatched passion. What began as a personal journey of discovery has evolved into barguide.london - a go-to digital resource for anyone seeking exceptional drinking spots across the city. Falling in Love with London, One Pub at a Time Vicky’s love affair with London started the moment she stepped off the train. Bright-eyed and newly graduated, she was drawn to the capital by its energy and endless possibilities. It wasn’t long before she realised that her favourite way to explore the city was through its pubs and bars. Each venue told a different story, and each neighbourhood offered a new personality to discover. Her first home in Ealing was a gentle introduction to London life. The North Star pub became her regular haunt - a lively, welcoming place where she’d meet friends after work and soak in the local character. It was here that Vicky first realised how much a great pub could shape her social life and sense of belonging. A Journey Through London’s Neighbourhoods As the years passed, Vicky’s journey through London saw her live in every corner of the city, each move opening the door to new favourites and unforgettable moments. In Tooting, she experienced a different pace and vibe. Living with friends brought laughter and late nights, often centred around The Selkirk. Its spacious beer garden was a summer favourite, ideal for relaxed evenings with good company. Canada Water offered something altogether different - a quieter lifestyle with stunning riverside views. Just down the road was The Mayflower, a historic pub rich in atmosphere. Its low ceilings and flickering candlelight created an intimacy that contrasted beautifully with the modern buzz of the rest of the city. After a year spent living and working in New York, Vicky returned to London with fresh eyes. Settling in Clapham Common, she quickly rediscovered the capital’s charm. The Avalon became her local of choice - spacious, stylish and perfect for both casual catch-ups and lively nights out. Her time in Limehouse brought even more variety. The Grapes, co-owned by Sir Ian McKellen, became a favourite thanks to its waterside setting and timeless charm. Then came Angel in North London, where The Old Queen’s Head provided a party atmosphere and a perfect spot for letting loose with friends. In Marble Arch, she found herself drawn to The Portman - a refined yet welcoming pub that became a regular meeting point for friends in the area. Eventually, Vicky returned to East London for good, with venues like The Gun near Canary Wharf, The Oiler Bar on Royal Victoria Dock, and The Windjammer in Royal Wharf becoming treasured favourites. Now based in Blackheath with her husband and their two dogs, Vicky is enjoying a slower pace of life while still making time for exploration. Though she’s still choosing her favourite local, walks through Greenwich Park often end at The Plume of Feathers - Greenwich’s oldest pub and a firm family favourite. From Personal Passion to Public Platform With so many experiences and venues under her belt, Vicky realised she had something worth sharing. Friends would often ask her for bar recommendations, knowing she had a knack for picking just the right place for any mood or moment. That idea - of helping others find the perfect spot - sparked the creation of barguide.london. The site is a carefully curated guide to the best of London’s pubs and bars, born from Vicky’s lived experience rather than a checklist of trends. It’s designed to cut through the noise and help people find the right setting, whether they’re planning a big night out, a quiet drink after work, or a date somewhere new. Why barguide.london Is Different In a city packed with options, choosing the right bar can be overwhelming. Too many guides focus on what’s trendy rather than what’s actually enjoyable. Vicky saw a gap: a place for honest, personal recommendations grounded in real knowledge of what makes a night out memorable. barguide.london isn’t about following the crowd - it’s about helping people find their own kind of perfect. It’s especially designed for people like the site’s regular users: busy professionals in their 30s and 40s who want their leisure time to count. They’re looking for quality, character and atmosphere - and that’s exactly what the guide delivers. Built for Busy Londoners Like many of the site’s readers, Vicky understands what it’s like to juggle a busy career, an active social life and the desire to unwind. Time is precious, and the last thing anyone wants is to waste it on a mediocre night out. That’s why barguide.london is clear, concise and trustworthy - no gimmicks, just genuinely good suggestions. Whether someone is hunting for a dog-friendly Sunday spot, a hidden cocktail bar, or a networking-friendly wine bar after work, the guide helps them cut through the clutter and get straight to the good stuff. It’s quick to use and built to inspire confidence, whether you're booking ahead or heading out last-minute. Real Knowledge. Real Recommendations. Everything on barguide.london is based on personal experience, both from Vicky and her trusted pub companions. They've visited the venues, tasted the drinks, and felt the atmosphere. There’s no second-hand content or filler here - just genuine recommendations from Vicky et al. who know London’s bar scene inside and out. Vicky also understands the value of variety. The site includes both hidden gems and well-loved institutions, showcasing the full spectrum of what the city has to offer. There’s room for traditional pubs with a story to tell, as well as sleek cocktail bars with creative flair. No matter your taste or mood, there’s something for everyone. A Love Letter to London’s Social Life At its heart, barguide.london is a celebration of London’s rich social scene - the moments, the places, and the people that make this city so special. It’s a tribute to the laughter-filled nights, the spontaneous meet-ups, and the unforgettable celebrations that take place in the pubs and bars that dot every postcode. For Vicky, it’s about more than just drinks. It’s about connection. Every recommendation comes with a story, every venue with a memory. That’s what she hopes to pass on to readers - a sense of discovery, of excitement, and of finding the right place to belong. The Story Continues Vicky’s journey through London is still unfolding, and barguide.london continues to grow with it. As she explores new spots and revisits old favourites, she remains committed to sharing her experiences and helping others make the most of their time in this incredible city. So whether you’re a long-time Londoner or a first-time visitor, Vicky invites you to explore, enjoy and raise a glass to the best the city has to offer. With barguide.london as your guide, a great night out is never far away.

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