Planning a day at the National Gallery and fancy a tipple afterwards? Look no further! Our guide to the best bars and pubs nearby promises to make your cultural outing even more memorable. Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy pub with age-old charm or a sleek bar with artisan cocktails, we’ve got you covered. Each spot offers a unique vibe, from historical haunts where artists may have mused over a pint, to trendy spots perfect for unwinding after soaking in some art. So, why not cap off your gallery visit with a refreshing drink just a stone’s throw away?
The Harp
Address: 47 Chandos Pl, London, WC2N 4HS
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Harp is located in the vibrant area of Covent Garden, London, a mere two-minute walk from Charing Cross Station. This central location places it near many of London’s key attractions, including Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and various West End theatres.
- What’s the Vibe? The Harp is celebrated for its traditional British pub atmosphere. The venue, known for its character and charm, is a place where patrons can enjoy good conversation and a warm, welcoming environment.
What’s On Offer
- Award-Winning Ales & Ciders: The Harp is famed for its exceptional range of real ales and ciders, boasting no fewer than 10 hand-pumps on the bar at any given time. This includes classic cask ales and a variety of guest brews, making it a standout destination for beer enthusiasts.
- Food: Regularly featuring as a top pick in pub guides, The Harp serves not only drinks but also a selection of traditional bar snacks and pies.
- Social Hub & Pre-theatre Drinks: The venue hosts various social events and is a perfect spot for a pre-show pint if you’re planning to catch a West End performance.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
This overview captures the essence of The Harp as a cherished spot in the heart of London, providing both a high-quality drink selection and a quintessentially British pub experience.
The Chandos
Address: 29 St Martin’s Ln, London, WC2N 4ER
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Chandos is situated in the bustling heart of London, just a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square, making it a prime spot for both locals and tourists seeking a traditional pub experience in the capital’s cultural epicentre.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a welcoming and traditional British pub atmosphere. With its historical connections and classic décor, The Chandos provides a warm and inviting setting, complete with wooden interiors and a homely feel upstairs in the ‘Opera Room’, named after the nearby English National Opera.
What’s On Offer
- Historic Significance & Unique Interior: The Chandos holds a special place in history with its unique connection to Fijian troops during World War One. The original bar area includes carvings with the names of these troops, adding a poignant historical touch to the venue.
- Exclusive Beverages: All beers at The Chandos are brewed by Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery in Tadcaster, established in 1758. They offer a variety of authentic ales, serving them from traditional oak casks in the pub cellar. This commitment to quality and tradition makes their beer selection a standout feature.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Mon-Wed 11:00-23:00, Thurs 11:00-23:30, Fri 10:00-23:30, Sat 10:00-23:30, Sun 10:00-22:30.
The Marquis
Address: 51-52 Chandos Pl, London, WC2N 4HS
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Marquis is situated in the vibrant area of Covent Garden, London. This location places it within easy walking distance of iconic London sites like Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and Soho, making it a strategically placed venue for both locals and tourists.
- What’s the Vibe? The Marquis offers a traditional pub atmosphere with a lively and welcoming vibe. It is known for its unique charm and history, having featured in films such as ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and ‘Last Christmas’. The pub is a hub for vinyl music lovers, with regular live music events, creating a vibrant and engaging environment.
What’s On Offer
- Home Cooked Food: The menu at The Marquis features freshly prepared, home-cooked British pub food. Emphasising quality and local sourcing, the menu includes both classic pub favourites and more contemporary dishes, ensuring there’s something to satisfy all appetites.
- Private Functions: The venue is not just a place for casual dining but also caters to private functions with a capacity of up to 50 guests.
- Live Music: Additionally, it is a haven for music enthusiasts with its extensive collection of vinyl records and regular live music sessions, enhancing its reputation as a cultural spot.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00pm – 12:00am
- Sunday: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Blind Spot
Address: 45 St Martin’s Ln, London, WC2N 4HX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Blind Spot is nestled within the St Martins Lane Hotel, located in the vibrant Covent Garden area of London. It is discreetly positioned behind a facade that features a boutique tea counter and a secret golden hand-shaped handle, making its entrance intriguingly unique.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue exudes an air of exclusivity and sophistication, reminiscent of a speakeasy. The atmosphere is enhanced by bespoke and signature cocktails, along with a decor that reflects the opulence of the British Empire’s ancient tea trade. It offers a cosy, intimate setting perfect for a sophisticated night out, with a resident DJ setting the mood on weekends.
What’s On Offer
- Globally Inspired Cocktails: Blind Spot offers a unique cocktail menu that invites patrons to ‘spin the globe’ and select from 25 destination-inspired cocktails. These drinks incorporate flavours from cities like Cairo, Kyoto, and Mumbai, providing a taste experience that transports you around the world.
- Exotic Nibbles and Late Hours: Complementing its extensive cocktail menu, Blind Spot serves indulgent bar snacks that match the global theme of its drinks. The bar is open late, operating until 2:30 am on Thursdays through Saturdays, making it an ideal spot for late-night gatherings in the heart of London.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Open Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. The venue is closed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
The Blue Posts
Address: 28 Rupert St, London, W1D 6DJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Blue Posts is located on Rupert Street, neatly tucked between the vibrant areas of Soho and Chinatown. This area is known for its dynamic nightlife and cultural diversity, providing a perfect backdrop for a historic pub like The Blue Posts.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue exudes a blend of traditional and contemporary charm. It boasts original Georgian architectural features, complemented by modern refurbishments that preserve its historic essence. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a sophisticated touch, making it an appealing spot for both casual visitors and discerning drinkers.
What’s On Offer
- Craft Beers: The Blue Posts takes pride in its selection of British craft beers, featuring rotating taps of independently brewed cask ales, lagers, and ciders.
- Bar Snacks: The bar snacks menu, curated by the team from Evelyn’s Table, offers gourmet options like London Cured Meats and British cheeses, elevating the typical pub fare.
- Evelyn’s Table – An Intimate Dining Experience: Located in the former beer cellar of the pub, Evelyn’s Table is a subterranean restaurant that offers a Michelin-starred dining experience. This intimate venue serves Modern European dishes with a creative twist, providing a unique culinary adventure.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 16:00 – 23:30
- Thursday: 14:00 – 23:30
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00
- Sunday: Closed
Ready to Visit?
If you’re planning a visit to the National Gallery and are looking for the perfect place to relax with a drink afterwards, you’re in luck. Covent Garden and its surrounding areas boast an array of charming pubs and bars. For instance, The Harp, just a two-minute walk from Charing Cross Station, offers a traditional British pub atmosphere and an exceptional selection of real ales and ciders. Alternatively, The Chandos near Trafalgar Square provides a historic setting with beers brewed by the renowned Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, perfect for those who appreciate a pint with a side of history.
Share the Love
Why not make your cultural day out even more enjoyable by visiting one of these iconic bars? After soaking in the art at the National Gallery, treat yourself to a well-deserved drink at The Harp or The Chandos. Share this article with friends who love both art and a good ale, and don’t forget to drop a review of your experience to help fellow patrons choose their next outing!