ust a stone’s throw from Lambeth North tube, you’ll find a proper mix of pubs that’ll make your evening out a right treat. First up, The Hercules is a spacious, Fuller’s‑run gem opposite the station – bright, modern yet full of character, with craft beers, classic grub and even board games. Whether you’re after a lively crowd, a chilled pint or a proper pub roast, the best bars and pubs near Lambeth North have got it all.
The Three Stags
Address: 67–69 Kennington Road, Lambeth North, SE1 7PZ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled at the junction of Kennington Road and Lambeth Road, directly opposite the Imperial War Museum, it’s just a three-minute stroll from Lambeth North Tube station.
- What’s the Vibe? A warm, gastropub ambience balanced between traditional charm and contemporary flair. Expect dark wood, eclectic artwork (including a nod to Charlie Chaplin), friendly staff, and a casually buzzing crowd of locals, professionals, families and even dogs.
What’s On Offer
- Sunday Roast & All-Day Menu: A standout feature is the thoughtfully curated all-day menu, with a special emphasis on their renowned Sunday roasts: beef, lamb, porchetta, chicken or a vegetarian wellington – all served with Yorkshire pud, vegetables, crispy roasties and gravy.
- Quiz Nights: The pub hosts a weekly quiz every Wednesday at 8 pm with a rollover jackpot
- Private Hire: It offers a private upstairs room for events, dining or meetings (capacity ~40 seated).
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Saturday 12:00–23:00; Sunday 12:00–22:30
- Kitchen service: Monday–Saturday 12:00–21:30; Sunday 12:00–20:00
The Stage Door
Address: 28–30 Webber Street, London, SE1 8QA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the backstreets of Waterloo, The Stage Door sits just behind the iconic Old Vic Theatre and is only a stone’s throw from Waterloo and Southwark stations.
- What’s the Vibe? A lively, friendly backstreet pub & kitchen, it offers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Expect a mix of theatre crowd, regulars, families, dog‑owners and sports fans — complete with big‑screen match viewings and a convivial, welcoming buzz.
What’s On Offer
- Pub Grub & Gastro Menu: Enjoy traditional pub grub alongside more adventurous fare, such as Aussie‑style burgers and sizzling steak-on-stones. Ideal for casual dining or something a bit special.
- Rooftop Garden & Terrace: In fair weather, the roof garden provides a charming suntrap (and dog‑ and child‑friendly) spot for enjoying a pint or a Sipsmith summer cup in a serene al fresco setting.
- Live Music & Open Mic Nights: Entertainment is on the docket most weekends: live music on Saturday evenings and open-mic nights on Sundays feature local artists taking the stage.
- Sports Coverage: With big screens and HD Sky/TNT Sports, it’s a great spot to catch major football or rugby matches, especially on match days when the atmosphere really hots up.
- Cask Ales & Award‑Winning Cellar: A strong selection of real ales, including regulars like Sharp’s Doom Bar and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, underpinned by a cellar that earned recognition in Greater London.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: 3 pm – 11 pm
- Tuesday–Saturday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Sunday: 3 pm – 11 pm
The Crown & Cushion
Address: 133–135 Westminster Bridge Road, Waterloo, SE1 7HR
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Westminster Bridge Road, just a stone’s throw from Waterloo station and opposite the start of The Cut, this charming pub sits conveniently for both commuters and local explorers.
- What’s the Vibe? A no‑frills, traditional tavern that could easily be mistaken for an old Western saloon or an Irish Guinness den, decked out in exposed wood, sports memorabilia and cosy real‑ale counters. It pulses with the energy of locals, tradespeople, backpackers and city professionals alike.
What’s On Offer
- Thai & Lao Cuisine Upstairs: Beyond the pub’s classic ales and bar snacks, there’s a family‑run Thai and Lao restaurant on the first floor that’s earned praise for being “surprisingly good” and offering excellent value, featuring dishes such as vegan Lao noodle salad.
- Live Sports & Real Ales: A favourite local haunt for sports fans, it streams Sky and TNT Sports across big screens, complemented by real ales like Greene King Abbot, IPA and a rotating guest brew.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Generally open daily from 11:00 to 23:00, with a 23:00 finish on Saturdays and a slightly earlier 22:30 closing on Sundays.
The Horse & Stables
Address: 122–124 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7RW
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled just behind Waterloo station in Lambeth, this Victorian pub/hostel lies a few minutes’ walk from Lambeth North tube, Waterloo, the London Eye and Westminster Bridge.
- What’s the Vibe? A spacious former William Younger’s house offering a relaxed blend of pub, bar, restaurant and backpacker accommodation. With a casual, friendly ambience, it often hosts live music, comedy nights and serves as the on‑site gathering spot for hostel guests.
What’s On Offer
- Guest Ales & Spacious Bar: As a free‑of‑tie pub, it offers a rotating selection of guest ales alongside classic British and American pub food, served from a large, welcoming bar area.
- Live Events & Function Room: The upstairs space doubles as a venue for regular live‑music nights and comedy events, available also for private hire.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Tuesday: 17:00–00:00
- Wednesday: 17:00–22:00
- Thursday: 17:00–23:00
- Friday–Saturday: 17:00–01:00
- Sunday–Monday: Closed
Ready to Visit?
Just steps from Lambeth North tube, this pocket of SE1 offers a rich variety of pubs to suit every mood. Whether you fancy the contemporary gastropub stylings of The Three Stags opposite the Imperial War Museum, or prefer the rustic charm and real ales at The Crown & Cushion, you’re in for a welcoming pint and a hearty bite. With lively backstreet locals like The Stage Door and the characterful, hostel-meets-boozer Horse & Stables, it’s a fantastic area to explore on foot—whatever your vibe, there’s a pint waiting with your name on it.
Share the Love
Tried one of these Lambeth locals? Tell your mates, share the article, and drop a quick review once you’ve had your pint – every shout-out helps keep these gems buzzing!
