The Best Bars and Pubs Near City Hall

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.