Clerkenwell pub guide - information about pubs and bars in Clerkenwell # beerintheevening.com

Clerkenwell pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Clerkenwell - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell

Address: 55 Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 5UQ [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ref 1660) (Calls cost 10p/min)
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.1 miles), Barbican (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles)

Nearest DLR station: Bank (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.1 miles), London Barbican (0.3 miles), City Thameslink (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Really good pub. Unsurprising, because the brewery is fantastic, too. Pleasing interior, and set up. Ample supply of St.Peter's bottles to take home. Rare dispense method. Seems well run. More power to them.

4 Sep 2008 13:59

Genuinely impressed by this pub.

Succeeds without the arrogance of the dove pubs and the inbred bitterness of the wenlock arms.

a blackboard of at least 15 bottled st peters ales alongside the wide selection of kegs left me pondering between grapefruit and honey porter, a luxury, I may add which I have yet to experience in east London.

grab a pint, avoid the bald estate agents and watch corporate London lurch by.

29 Aug 2008 16:30

Visited at lunchtime on the GBBF thursday. Lovely pub, managed to find two seats immdediately. Tried the cream stout, a very nice pint. Five more beers would have been available,but to dangerous before the GBBF, so I took three bottles home. The old style porter (from the bottle) was brillant as well. I certainly will be back.

29 Aug 2008 08:43

The Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell

Address: 34 Sekforde Street, London, EC1R 0HA [map]
Phone: 020 7253 3251
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), Barbican (0.4 miles), Chancery Lane (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.4 miles), Old Street (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I like The Sekforde Arms. A traditional pub in an area where many of the drinking establishments are ladened with Clerkenwell idiots. There is of course a time and a place for the trendy booze halls, but this is a great getaway! It's old fashioned and bog standard; which is sometimes just what you want. I tend to escape here when my locals get too busy with those that think they are trendy or young...

28 May 2008 15:01

It's quite possible that I am Bradwan's big fish in the shallow end. I was there when he visited and the price of the upstairs room increased every time he spoke. It can be hired and catered for very reasonable rates. (if you want food and a bar you can have them. But of course it costs)

As for downstairs I'll endorse all of the last of the breed of true local pubs reviews that precede.

24 Apr 2008 18:14

It is a small pub with fish who think themselves bigger than the pond, espeicially at the shallow end of the bar..

I asked about hire fee for the not special upstairs room for a possible show, and the landlord/manger quoted me a price that would have made me laugh if I was not a good actor; and would have made me cry 10 years ago.

The beer is as good as 'Youngs' brewed by Charlie Wells gets, and the barman from Gdansk is very good. IClerkenwell was always a bit radical and a bit seedy, I hope this boozer stays much the same; and with london property being this year's avocado bathroom suite, it just might.

17 Apr 2008 23:56

The Gunmakers, Clerkenwell

Address: 13 Eyre Street Hill, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 5ET [map]
Phone: 020 7278 1022
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.3 miles), Holborn (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Ha ha! No, he was running it on 22-May when I was there, but at that time he was keeping his "superhero" identity secret, so I was having a sly dig. I think he's been running it for the better part of 2008. Glad he's finally come out of the closet (so to speak!).

9 Aug 2008 12:10

I haven't visited the place yet, but I see from CAMRA literature that it's now managed by Jeff Bell, alias 'Stonch', lately of this parish. From the remarks below, I surmise that he took over between 28 May and 24 June!

5 Aug 2008 17:46

A little gem of a pub. Excellent Timothy Taylor Landord. Run by someone who really knows his beer

24 Jun 2008 18:41

The Betsey Trotwood, Clerkenwell

Address: 56 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3BL [map]
Phone: 020 7253 4285
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.5 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

First off, the staff in here are NICE! And provide good and quick service.

Was just in here on Saturday night (hadn't been in about six or seven months).

Now... I for one do not like the "refurb". Yes the downstair is grungy - this place is known for it's indie band scene!

The refurb and new food on offer makes this place seem like it's trying to be "gastro pubish". Betsey, leave that to the Eagle and others around and stick to just being a good watering hole!!!!

they even took out the excellent juke box that was in here. :(

clientele was still a bit indie (which was GOOD!) but it seemed some people were in for the "gastro food" (BAD).

21 Apr 2008 11:21

I hate the physical aspects of this pub - it's badly laid out, the downstairs is grubby, and the ground floor has little character. However, the barstaff are excellent and make the difference with this place.

30 Mar 2008 14:51

Checking out the bars in the area and walked into this one. The bar staff were very friendly. There was a good selection of whiskey but judging by the quality, I suspect some don't get ordered too often. Prices were bit high but the convivial atmosphere made up for that. Will definately return.

9 Mar 2008 14:37

The Dovetail, Clerkenwell

Address: 9, Jerusalem Passage, London, EC1V 4JP [map]
Phone: 020 7490 7321
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), Barbican (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), London Barbican (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Visited for a quick one on Thursday night. Large selection of Belgian beers although unspectacular. Pretty much all the Trappists and the main contenders from the various styles. Zot was the best of the draught beers.

Worth a go.

24 May 2008 19:45

This pub provides a very good option in the teeth of tough competition in the Clerkenwell Green area. The Belgian beers are superb and a very wide range is provided. They have two Kwak glasses (chemistry sets) and the range of beers on tap has been enlarged in recent years. Good continental food and burgers with the classic Belgian frites complete the experience. Knowledgeable bar staff are also on hand to recommend different brews. I think the Dovetail is inferior to its Hackney sibling but is still excellent.

16 Apr 2008 14:41

Discovered this pub for the first time last night - by complete accident while taking a stroll through clerkenwell having arrived early to meet a friend.

Seemed fine inside with a pleasant homely continental decor. I had a half of De Koonink which was fine, and found the staff to be very friendly. It is well worth another visit when time allows, to make a more comprehensive review.

Food generally smelled good, and what portions I did see on people's plates did not look all that small.

6 Mar 2008 17:50

The Three Kings, Clerkenwell

Address: 7, Clerkenwell Close, London, EC1R 0DY [map]
Phone: 020 7253 0483
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Barbican (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), London Barbican (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Honestly? My favourite pub. Great beer. Lovely staff, pub cat, fire. Packed on a Friday evening but, somehow, you don't seem to mind waiting.

30 Apr 2008 21:08

This is a quirky little pub just off Clerkenwall Green. Nothing unusual in the way of real ales on offer (I think we may have been drinking Bombardier or Pride) but I felt it to be a really welcoming little pub. Would be very happy to drop in again for a pint when I’m in the area.

22 Mar 2008 18:20

A classic amongst London pubs in that it expertly treads the line between old-fashioned boozer and trendy bar with slightly distressed furnishings. Everything is well judged including the papier mache ornamentation and one of the best pub signs in the world - the 3 Kings are Henry VIII, King Kong and Elvis.

8 Oct 2007 13:29

The Union Tavern, Clerkenwell

Address: 52, Lloyd Baker St, London, WC1X 9AA [map]
Phone: 020 7278 0111
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Nearest tube stations: Angel (0.5 miles), King's Cross St. Pancras (0.6 miles), Russell Square (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.6 miles), London Kings Cross (0.6 miles), London St Pancras (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Of all the bars at Kings Cross, the Union Tavern at Kings Cross's South Eastern flank (strictly speaking already in Islington), is definitely the domineering jewel, and lacks the desperado and drunk atmosphere's of some of the other pubs and bars. Instead you are greeted with striking Victorian deco and glass features, restored and some originally kept in their old shine. This masterful tavern is a true distinguished Kings Cross landmark and a tavern in the truest sense, for it offers good food, beer and wine.

For those still undecided about a local pub, or migrants to whom English pub culture is still a thing to get to get used to, the Union Tavern offers an uncompromising glamorous hang out - and yet it remains true to tradition, with Sunday Roast and all.

This is most certainly evening culture at its best, well worth supporting, and one that shows class and local knowledge. One that makes Kings Cross residents like myself proud to live in this area.

Cheers!

19 Apr 2008 11:52

I like this pub. Friendly staff. Good food; not too pricey, clean toilets. Draught beer used to be a let down (only had Stella) but this may have improved....? Apart from this... very good!

21 Feb 2008 16:12

Excellent food served by friendly and helpful staff. Tried homemade veg soup and liver and onions. The soup WAS homemade and was delicious and the liver and onions was really tasty with a great tasting gravy and perfect portuion size. The menu will suit most tastes and I'll be trying it again.

25 Jan 2008 11:34

The Peasant, Clerkenwell

Address: 240 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PH [map]
Phone: 020 7336 7726
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.4 miles), Angel (0.5 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.4 miles), London Barbican (0.5 miles), Old Street (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Okay for a quick drink or night out with mates, but watch out for the local 'geezers' who seem to think it is alright to call a woman that they don't know 'darling'. Lacks atmosphere inside, and is very open plan so there is nowhere to hide, so the paranoid could think that everyone is looking at them. Reasonably priced, lots of beers (although I am a wine drinker), and nice traditional decor (although the furniture is ancient so watch out for collapsing chairs). Good place to have a couple of quiet ones.

24 Mar 2008 16:50

Excellent and attentive staff here the other Saturday night, and a good range of real ales and quality lagers. The Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold was perfect.
Nice ambience in the place, and they have a good reputation for food upstairs.

15 Feb 2008 16:54

The Peasant has plenty of positives that appeal to me but somehow I find it all a bit too open and lacking any intrinsic charm. The interior is spacious but the high dark moulded ceiling and large plain picture windows make it seem a bit cavernous. The real gem of the place is the fantastic mosaic floor, a bit of a rarity these days even if the wording does depict its previous life as the George & Dragon. The music posters give it a bit of an arty edge and there is a decent enough selection of beers (Bombardier, Crouch End Gold and Skinners Betty Stogs). There is an upstairs restaurant which gives the place its gastropub tag although the restauarant and bar are quite separate. All in all, this is a fine place for a couple of beers but I wouldn’t specifically choose it for a full session.

28 Dec 2007 18:41

The Clockhouse, Clerkenwell

Address: 82 Leather Lane, Leather Lane, London, London, EC1N 7TR [map]
Phone: 020 7430 1123
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), Chancery Lane (0.2 miles), Barbican (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles), City Thameslink (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

good pub strange crowd but nice barman possible manager remebers your drink on the second round so impressive to say the least plus he works extremly well when busy great barman/manager. i'll go back definatly

9 Mar 2008 22:55

Funny place..... and not haha funny !!

might try again one day but not to soon !!!

13 Feb 2008 18:44

great pub,friendly staff, good atmosphere.Under new management and been re-vamped.New bar food menu,and a upstairs dining/function room.

7 May 2006 19:57

The Coach and Horses, Clerkenwell

Address: 26-28, Ray St, London, EC1R 3DJ [map]
Phone: 020 7837 1336
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Barbican (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.3 miles), London Barbican (0.6 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I_Like_Brandy may well have the wrong pub - there is no television at all.

10 Apr 2008 13:54

Surprised really by the low rating for this place.
Yes, it’s a bit gastropuby now and yes, it gets full at times with Guardianistas from up the road. But it’s a nice old pub that hasn’t had a hideous refurb, there is plenty of space outside in the summer and the beer is always good. As it was last night with a decent couple of pints of Adnams had.

27 Feb 2008 10:07

I like this pub on every level except for the large television in the corner. I find this kills the atmosphere and is totally anti-social.... otherwise a nice London pub with good food and beer.

21 Feb 2008 16:30

The Green, Clerkenwell

Address: 29 Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 0DU [map]
Phone: 020 7490 8010
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Nearest tube stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), Chancery Lane (0.4 miles), Barbican (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: Farringdon (0.2 miles), London Barbican (0.4 miles), City Thameslink (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Do a good cold bitburger, always well poured, very friendly bar staff, food is excellent, especially the tapas, and have some free acoustic music upstairs on sunday evenings, nice sounding rooms. Certainly the best of clerkenwell green.

10 Mar 2008 21:56

Bar not a pub; only one real ale (Adnams) and that tasted like sponge-sqeezings. Keen bar staff but not worth going in.

21 Feb 2008 14:13

Nice friendly pub/restaurant and great for food. If you are a real ale bitter man however can be disappointing as usually only London Pride available and that has frequently run out or runs out after you have had just one pint. I am often reduced to drinking their Konig Ludwig wheat beer instead which is very nice (not gassy like so many lagers) but too strong and bloody pricey. Do great Sunday lunch though.

11 Dec 2007 16:58

Hat and Feathers, Clerkenwell

Address: 2 Clerkenwell Road, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 5PQ [map]
Phone: 020 7490 2244
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Nearest tube stations: Barbican (0.2 miles), Farringdon (0.4 miles), Old Street (0.6 miles)

Nearest DLR station: Bank (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Barbican (0.2 miles), Farringdon (0.3 miles), Old Street (0.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Forget it. As already mentioned it takes forever to get served, the surly staff have no idea who is next in line, and don't particularly care!

And if you order from one of the Waiters in the outdoor area, not only do you have to wait 30 minutes for your drinks - they add 10% service charge to the bill. A joke.

16 Jun 2008 16:44

The Hat and Feathers is well located for weekday trade and on appearance is well maintained with an excellent outdoor area for the summer. Unfortunately the staff let the place down. On my last 3 visits I have had to wait over 20 minutes at the bar to get served, each time due to a lack of organisation behind the bar. Needless to say I will be going elsewhere in the future!

4 Jun 2008 13:06

This bar is well situated, it has a good sized outdoor area and has a good selection of beers(If not a little pricey).

BUT, it takes an eternity to get served! In the past month I have tried to get a beer after work 4 times only once was I served within 10 minutes. Because of this I went down the road to the Sutton Arms, a great little boozer which is able to hand over a beer within an acceptable time frame. Waiting for beer is not an option these days.

If they could sort the service out I would venture to the Hat & Feathers again. For now it’s the Sutton Arms or 19/20.

4 Jun 2008 09:50

More information

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