Looking to unwind after a day’s journey on the Central Line? Step off at Barkingside and discover some of the best bars and pubs that this vibrant corner of East London has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy pub with hearty meals and real ales or a chic bar with creative cocktails, Barkingside’s local haunts promise an inviting atmosphere. From traditional to trendy, these spots near Barkingside Tube station are perfect for a relaxed evening out with friends or a spontaneous nightcap!
The New Fairlop Oak
Address: Fencepiece Rd, Ilford, IG6 2JP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The New Fairlop Oak is a Weatherspoons pub situated in Fairlop, within the London Borough of Redbridge. It’s conveniently located on Fencepiece Road and serves as a welcoming spot for both locals and visitors. The pub is in an area that was historically the central post office, echoing a vibrant local heritage.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with traditional decor that reflects its historical significance. It’s a place where guests can enjoy a casual and friendly environment, perfect for social gatherings or a relaxing meal.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ales & Craft Beers: A standout feature of The New Fairlop Oak is its extensive selection of real ales and craft beers. This offering aligns with the Wetherspoon commitment to quality and variety, catering to both ale enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
- Community & Historical Engagement: The venue is steeped in local history and engages with the community by hosting events and showcasing historical facts and stories about the area. This connection to local heritage adds a unique dimension to the visitor experience.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open from 8:00 AM to midnight from Monday to Thursday, extending its hours until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and reverting to midnight on Sundays.
The New Fairlop Oak combines historical charm with modern hospitality, making it a noteworthy destination in Fairlop. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a pint of ale or a spot with rich local narratives, it offers a welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings to enhance your visit.
The Chequers
Address: 2 High St, Ilford, IG6 2DD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Chequers is located in the heart of Barkingside, offering a central and accessible venue.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub presents a warm and family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for a variety of occasions from quiet coffees to family celebrations. Its traditional décor is welcoming, creating a cosy environment that encourages relaxation and socialising.
What’s On Offer
- Food & Drink: The menu features traditional pub classics alongside a selection of desserts and dishes for children. The bar boasts a wide range of beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails, including low or no alcohol options.
- Outdoor Space: A highlight of The Chequers is its spacious beer garden, which is dog-friendly and provides a pleasant outdoor retreat.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Every day 12:00-0:00.
The Unicorn
Address: 225 Clayhall Ave, Ilford, IG5 0NY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Unicorn is located in Ilford, Essex, on Clayhall Avenue, a suburban area east of London. The venue is easily accessible and provides a warm local pub experience.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at The Unicorn is reflects a typical British pub, with a cosy and welcoming ambiance. It offers a friendly environment where both locals and visitors can enjoy a relaxed pub experience, enhanced by traditional décor and comfortable seating.
What’s On Offer
- Diverse Food Menu & Special Offers: The Unicorn offers a variety of traditional pub food at reasonable prices. Notable dishes include the classic Hunter’s Chicken, veggie Quorn Katsu, and the popular Build Your Own Burger option. They also provide special deals like two Sunday Special dishes for a very competitive price, ensuring a fulfilling meal without breaking the bank.
- Extensive Drinks: The pub boasts an extensive drinks menu with cocktails starting from just £3.99, alongside a wide selection of wines, craft ales, and bottled lagers.
- Events: They regularly host events like the Cask, Craft & Gin Festival, showcasing a range of cask ales, craft beers, and gins from various distillers and breweries.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
- Food service hours generally end an hour or two before closing, depending on the day.
King George V
Address: 645 Cranbrook Rd, Ilford, IG2 6SX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? King George V is situated on Cranbrook Road in Ilford, Essex, nestled in a lively residential area with easy access to local amenities and transport links.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub boasts a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It features a traditional pub decor with a cosy feel, ideal for casual dining and social gatherings.
What’s On Offer
- Food & Drink Deals: Offers include two-for-one on pub classics and special price deals on Sunday meals, providing value for diners looking for traditional British pub fare.
- Live Sports: With facilities like Sky Sports and TNT Sports, the venue is a hub for watching live sports events, enhancing the vibrant pub experience.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00am to 11:00pm, and extends its hours till 12:00am on Friday and Saturday.
Divino Wine Bar Lounge
Address: 372 Cranbrook Rd, Gants Hill, Ilford IG2 6HW
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Divino Wine Bar Lounge is situated in the vibrant area of Gants Hill in Ilford, very close to the Gants Hill Tube Station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue exudes a cosy and romantic atmosphere, ideal for both casual and special occasions. It offers a sophisticated setting with mellow jazz often enhancing the ambiance, providing a classy and relaxing environment for guests.
What’s On Offer
- Wine Selection & Expertise: Divino Wine Bar Lounge boasts a comprehensive selection of wines, catering to various tastes and preferences. The staff, knowledgeable in their offerings, can guide guests through their choices, making it a standout feature for wine enthusiasts.
- Italian Cuisine: The lounge serves Italian cuisine with options that range from small plates to full meals including specialties like ravioli and risotto.
- Special Events: They also host special events and can be an appealing venue for celebrations like birthdays, providing a personalised service to make occasions memorable.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 8 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 11 PM
Divino Wine Bar Lounge provides a blend of excellent service, fine wine, and quality Italian dining, making it a recommended destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a relaxed and upscale atmosphere.
Ready to Visit?
Barkingside, a vibrant part of East London, offers a mix of traditional and trendy bars that cater to various tastes and preferences. One notable establishment is The New Fairlop Oak, a Wetherspoons pub known for its selection of real ales and craft beers and its rich local history. Another gem is The Chequers, located in the heart of Barkingside, which boasts a cosy atmosphere and a diverse drinks menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a historic pub experience or a friendly neighbourhood gathering spot, Barkingside’s bars near the Tube station are perfect for winding down after a day’s journey.
Share the Love
Why not take the opportunity to experience one of Barkingside’s welcoming bars? Visit The New Fairlop Oak or The Chequers and discover what makes these spots so special. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and leave a review after your visit to spread the word about these great local haunts!