Looking for a top-notch pint or a killer cocktail near Waterloo East Rail Station? You’re in luck! This buzzing spot in London is home to some fantastic bars and cosy pubs, perfect for after-work drinks, a catch-up with mates, or a pre-train tipple. From traditional boozers with local ales to chic cocktail bars with stunning views, there’s a watering hole to suit every vibe. Let’s dive into the best of the bunch around Waterloo East!
The White Hart
Address: 29 Cornwall Road, London, SE1 8TJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the backstreets of Waterloo, The White Hart is situated among some of London’s best-preserved Dickensian worker terraces, offering a quaint retreat from the bustling city.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub blends traditional charm with a modern twist, featuring wrap-around windows and wood-panelled interiors that create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Tempting & Flavoursome Food: The White Hart serves a variety of classic British dishes, including their renowned fish and chips and Sunday roasts. The menu also caters to diverse dietary preferences with vegan and vegetarian options.
- Diverse & Explorative Drinks Menu: The pub boasts an impressive selection of craft ales, a well-curated wine list, and artisan spirits, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 – 23:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30
Circe’s Rooftop
Address: Mercury House, 117 Waterloo Rd, SE1 8UL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Circe’s Rooftop is situated atop Mercury House on Waterloo Road, just a short walk from Waterloo Station, offering convenient access to both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? Inspired by Mediterranean themes and Greek mythology, Circe’s Rooftop provides a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere. The venue features panoramic views of London’s skyline, including landmarks like the London Eye and The Shard. With comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and seasonal décor, it transforms into a cosy winter wonderland during the colder months, complete with heated, enclosed spaces and festive decorations.
What’s On Offer
- Heated Winter Pods: During winter, Circe’s offers heated ‘party pods’ – intimate, enclosed spaces equipped with plush seating, soft blankets, ambient lighting, and Bluetooth speakers, allowing guests to personalise their music and create a cosy atmosphere. These pods provide a unique setting for private gatherings under the stars.
- Mediterranean-Inspired Menu: The menu draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, featuring a variety of small plates, grazers, and sumptuous burgers. All dishes are prepared fresh daily using seasonal ingredients, offering options like charcuterie sharing boards and Greek mezze-style small plates.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 3:00 pm – Midnight
- Thursday and Friday: 3:00 pm – 1:00 am
- Saturday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Sunday: Closed until 24th November
- Food service is available until 10:00 pm daily.
The Kings Arms
Address: 25 Roupell Street, London, SE1 8TB
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the historic backstreets of Waterloo, The Kings Arms is situated on Roupell Street, renowned for its preserved Victorian terraced houses. The pub’s location offers a charming glimpse into London’s architectural past.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub exudes a quintessential British charm with its traditional décor, wooden furnishings, and a cosy atmosphere. It attracts a diverse clientele, including local residents, office workers, and visitors seeking an authentic pub experience.
What’s On Offer:
- Authentic Thai Cuisine: Beyond its selection of real ales, The Kings Arms features Kanchana’s Kitchen, serving freshly prepared Thai dishes daily. The restaurant area, nestled at the back of the pub, is celebrated for offering some of the best Thai food in Waterloo.
- Private Room Hire: The pub offers two private rooms – the Roupell Suite and Bonsie’s Suite – ideal for team meetings, private dining, birthdays, receptions, or Christmas parties. These spaces can accommodate various group sizes and are equipped with amenities such as HD televisions with HDMI connections.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Please note that the kitchen hours for Kanchana’s Kitchen are:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
The Anchor & Hope
Address: 36 The Cut, London, SE1 8LP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated on The Cut in Southwark, The Anchor & Hope is conveniently located near both the Young and Old Vic theatres, making it an ideal spot for pre- or post-theatre dining.
- What’s the Vibe? This gastropub exudes a traditional British pub charm with its oxblood walls and weathered wooden tables. The atmosphere is lively, often bustling with theatre-goers and locals alike, creating a warm and convivial environment.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal British Menu: The Anchor & Hope offers a daily changing menu that focuses on seasonal British cuisine. Dishes range from comforting classics like suet-crusted pies to more inventive offerings such as grilled south coast red mullets with chips and aioli.
- Extensive Drink Selection: Complementing the food is a well-curated selection of real wines, craft beers on tap from Brewpoint brewery, and house-made soft drinks, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday & Tuesday: 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Kitchen Hours:
- Lunch:
- Wednesday to Friday: 12:00 pm – 2:turday: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 3:15 pm
- Dinner: 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
- Lunch:
The Windmill
Address: 86 The Cut, Lambeth, SE1 8LW
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated on The Cut in Lambeth, The Windmill is conveniently located between Waterloo and Southwark stations, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub boasts a lively and welcoming atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd, including theatre-goers from the nearby Young Vic and Old Vic theatres, as well as local residents and professionals. Its traditional yet bright interior, complemented by friendly staff, creates a comfortable setting for patrons.
What’s On Offer
- Cask Ales and Craft Beers: The Windmill offers an impressive selection of cask ales and craft beers, appealing to beer enthusiasts seeking both classic and contemporary brews.
- Seasonal British Cuisine: The pub serves refined British pub classics crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, providing a delightful dining experience for those seeking traditional fare.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ready to Visit?
Waterloo East and its surrounding area offer a delightful mix of traditional pubs and modern bars, making it a perfect spot for a casual drink or a special evening out. From the quaint charm of The White Hart, nestled among Dickensian terraces, to the lively rooftop vibes of Circe’s with its stunning views and cosy winter pods, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for British classics, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, or a stellar cocktail, this neighbourhood has you covered.
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