Looking for a place for a drink in (and near) Clerkenwell and Farringdon? Well, you’re in luck, there are a number of fantastic pubs in Clerkenwell and Farringdon, perfect for those looking to meet friends, colleagues, or even a client.
Laying on the doorstep of the ‘city’ and close to the “hip” London areas of Shoreditch and Islington, Clerkenwell and Farringdon is a real mixture of offices, small businesses and residential streets, but unlike other areas close the “the city” there’s often quite a buzz, quite likely down to people enjoying these pubs in and around the area.
To help you find your next social meet up point or after work drinks location, here are selection of the best pubs in Clerkenwell, Farringdon, and near by.
The Best Pubs In Clerkenwell And Farringdon
The Castle, Farringdon
Located (quite literally) next to Farringdon Station,The Castle is great little pub at the centre of the area and frequent stopping off point for those working in the area. Staying open till quite late (usually 11pm), The Castle can get a bit busy at peak times, with a commuters often going in with friends and colleagues for after work drinks – or for “one last one” on their way to the station.
The service at The Castle is good and the drinks selection varied and of decent quality. Personally, I’d say the 3.9 rating on Google is a bit harsh, as I said, the drinks are decent and the staff efficient and friendly.
If you’d like to have a look around the pub before visiting, you can actually use The Castle’s virtual tour.
The Jerusalem Tavern, Farringdon (or Clerkenwell)
Owned by St. Peter’s Brewery (one of England’s original craft breweries), TheJerusalem Tavern is personally my favourite ‘best pub in Farringdon’. Featuring a range of craft ales, lagers, and other drinks, TheJerusalem as building dates back to 1720 and (after some clever redesign in the 1990s) relies on cubbies and tucked away stools and shelfs to provide seating.
Best described as “standing room only” on busy night,TheJerusalem Tavern makes use of the space towards the street for people to overspill into, creating a real buzz on a warm or festive evening.
Being connected to a smaller brewery, this great pub near Clerkenwell has some of the best prices in the area and the staff behind the bar do a really good job of managing their small workspace and queues on busy night. Overall, if you’re after a quaint place to go for a drink with a few mates and colleagues that like rustic design, ales, or just a quirkier type of pub,TheJerusalem Tavern is great option.
The Sekforde, Clerkenwell
The Sekforde, locatedaround the corner from Clerkenwell Green, is a mixture of gastro and ‘office workers’ pub, but that’s not so say it doesn’t have a vibe. Re-designed only a few years ago, The Sekforde is a clean, modern and off the beaten track pub perfect for a post-work hangout for those working near Exmouth market or in the heart of Clerkenwell.
The drinks on offer at The Sekforde are fairly usual for the area – though cheaper than some on this list. I’ll admit the selection isn’t vast but what they do have is good quality and served really well and efficiently, so if you’re with a group and need to catch a train you don’t need to worry about waiting.
The food at the pub is pretty good, better than most pub food and something they have really tried to develop. Like the rest of the service, if you’re after a lunchtime drink and meal (or even dinner) then I’d definitely recommend The Sekforde as one of the best gastro-pubs around Farringdon.
The Clerkenwell and Social,Clerkenwell
Located about less than 2 minutes walk from The Jerusalem Tavern, on St. John’s Square, The Clerkenwell And Social is a bit more of a bar than a pub. One the most modern of the pubs I think are the best inClerkenwell,The Clerkenwell And Social a really love spot to meet friends, colleagues, and even the odd client.
Outside the two-story building, The Clerkenwell And Social a number of outdoor benches and seating. However, it’s worth noting that these are usually the first to fill up on busy night (such as Thursday or Friday), so it’s good to arrive early or even book if you can.
For me, the drink are pretty pricey here – nearly £6 for a pint of Peroni – but with a range of delightful cocktails and extensive list of spirits and mixers, it’s important to remember this is more bar than pub and that can come at a cost in London. That said, there are 2-for-1 offers some days, and boy are they are great to take advantage of!
If you’re after more of a bar nearFarringdon than a traditional pub, then The Clerkenwell And Social is certainly one a great option.
The Crown Tavern, Clerkenwell
A classic destination for those working in and around Clerkenwell and Farringdon,The Crown Tavern is pretty iconic. It might not be the fanciest, the cheapest, or the most impressive, but it’s got a buzz. A buzz from years of those living and working nearby visiting, enjoying (and braving) the outdoor tables, or huddling inside.
With a good selection of drinks and classic pub grub, The Crown retains its crown as a favourite for those working nearby, as a great option for those meeting friends or socialising with colleagues.
I’ll admit, there have been times the service can get a bit patchy and knowing the right spots to get served are an art. But overall, the pub is an icon and certainly deserves to be on a list for the best pubs in Clerkenwell.
The Slaughtered Lamb, Near farringdon
The Slaughtered Lamb is a really great pub near Farringdon and Clerkenwell. Located on Great Sutton St, just off the Clerkenwell Road, The Slaughtered Lamb is a largespacious pub often frequented by those working nearby or on an evening out. So it’s got a really nice buzz, especially mid-week.
Featuring a good food and drinks menu, the pub has plenty of indoor seating, with several benches around the parameter of the pubs for those that choose to go outside. Downstairs, there is a second bar and music room that often host events or parties, so it’s still pretty easy to get served even when those are happening.
As I mentioned, the food is decent –the vegan cheeseburger being a highlight for me – though I’ll warn you the service can be a tad iffy on occasions, especially when the kitchen get swamped by large orders. I’ve had a couple of occasions where food has been delayed, lost(?) or come out wrong, however, when part of a smaller group it’s been fine.
Overall though, as a pretty lively pub near Farringdon and Clerkenwell, TheSlaughtered Lamb is a really fun place to meet friends or got out with colleagues, and even the occasional client.
The Exmouth Arms, Exmouth Market
The Exmouth Arms, located near Clerkenwell and towards the middle of Exmouth Market, is the perfect blend of a community and commuter pub. Attracting visitors throughout the day, there is a real buzz during the busy lunch hours, with the market’s food stalls opening up and people flood the area .
The food on offer at The Exmouth Arm is really lovely, including top notch burgers and nicely priced and varied drinks menu. Table service was already great the last time I visited, and the service in general was/is speedy, friendly and welcoming.
The Three Kings, Clerkenwell
The Three Kings is located less than 20 yards from The Crown, just off of the Clerkenwell Green. Having recently been refurbished, there is still the traditional buzz, but now with a new ‘”freshness” that can’t be understated.
Still offering their famous pub quizzes and selection of craft beers, The Three Kings now also offers a delightful food menu. Offering sharing plater such as antipasti and 10 slice pizzas, as well as cocktails on a more varied drinks menu.
(I won’t lie, I kind of miss the alternative vibe that was found in the The Three Kings when they had theold magazine and newspapers on the walls. However, a fresh feel isn’t a reason to dismiss this icon of Clerkenwell pubs.)
The Dovetail, Clerkenwell
The Dovetail was recently taken over by new ownership, however, their promise is to stay the same. Hidden away, in the centre of Jerusalem Passage, The Dovetail is Belgian beer drinks haven. Featuring an array of import draught and bottles, The Dovetail allows you to try all forms of flavours and types of beers.
In addition to the huge beer selection, the food on offer The Dovetail is also really good. From wild boar burgers to a plate of mussels, the food selection is reasonably priced and of really decent quality.
Not being on of the largest pubs on the list, it’s not uncommon for the pub to spill out into theJerusalem Passage, which can often create quite the buzz in the air during sunny and festive periods.
This is just a small selection of some of the top quality pubs in and around the Farringdon and Clerkenwell. If there are any that I have missed or you think should be included in this round up, let me know and I’ll look to check them out next time in town.
If you enjoyed this post, I hope you might enjoy more of my posts from London and the UK:
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