London, Trafalgar Square area recommendations

Discussion in 'United Kingdom & Ireland' started by John_M, Apr 10, 2018.

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  1. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    The wife and I will be in town for a few days the end of this month, and are staying in a flat near the Square. We'll be there for 4 or 5 days, and I was just curious about any interesting pubs in the vicinity. I ran a subject search already to see if I could find any information in an earlier thread, but everything I found was pretty dated. Someone mentioned the Harp and the two Chairmen I believe, but those were the only two places I could find in the area that were recommended.

    Hoping to find a nearby pub that has a good draught selection (cask ale and/or other local options), warm and informal vibe/ambiance and ideally maybe some good fish and chips.

    Will be there the 23rd thru the 27th. Space is limited in the suitcases we're bringng, but if there's anything interesting from the NW I can bring along, let me know. Not a big trader... but am happy to bring something to a nearby pub to crack open and share, if that's allowed.

    Cheers!
     
    #1 John_M, Apr 10, 2018
  2. Dave_S

    Dave_S Crusader (429) May 18, 2017 England

    Check previous London threads in general - the West End is surprisingly compact, and public transport in London is good enough that there's no real reason to confine yourself to the area around Trafalgar Square itself. And a lot of the general advice is still solid.
     
    #2 Dave_S, Apr 10, 2018
  3. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    And we don't intend to. We actually have a pretty action packed stay planned, which is going to make it difficult to fit in a lot of pub visits. That's the only reason I was inquiring about pub locations close to "home."

    I figured before calling it a night most evenings, it might be nice to pop on down for a pint somewhere close by. I'm not adverse to hopping on the Tube to visit a great spot, but it would be nice if there was someplace nearby that I could just walk to.
     
    #3 John_M, Apr 10, 2018
  4. Dave_S

    Dave_S Crusader (429) May 18, 2017 England

    Ah, sorry, got the wrong end of the stick. Apologies.

    In that case, the Harp is a good shout. There's also the Chandos if you like Sam Smiths, although like all Sams pubs the only cask is Old Brewery Bitter. Beyond that, it depends a bit on your definition of walking distance, eg you could wander over the bridge to Waterloo for the Waterloo Tap or up into Soho or Covent Garden or somewhere.

    But basically the Harp.
     
    #4 Dave_S, Apr 10, 2018
  5. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks! Appreciate the recommendations.
     
    #5 John_M, Apr 10, 2018
  6. Hoppsbabo

    Hoppsbabo Pooh-Bah (2,053) Jan 29, 2012 England
    Pooh-Bah

    Yup, you can't go far wrong with the Harp.
     
    #6 Hoppsbabo, Apr 11, 2018
  7. FrankenBier

    FrankenBier Zealot (645) Feb 4, 2003 California

    Not directly Trafalgar Square but here is list of a lot of good pubs in Central London. If you expand the "West End/Soho/Covent Garden" section you'll get a dozen or so close by good pubs.

    Disclaimer: I did the software but the selections are from a London based friend...
     
    #7 FrankenBier, Apr 12, 2018
  8. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Cool. Many thanks!

    Have a somewhat related question, in terms of getting around town (to pubs and the like). The wife and I plan to use public transportation exclusively while in London, and I expect we'll do a considerable amount of traveling around town. I've looked over the various passes available (Oyster, travelcard and Contactless Card), and for our 5 day stay in London, it sounds like the Travelcard is probably going to be our best option (in terms of convenience and cost). At least that was the impression I got after reading over the Independent Traveler's Guide to London website.

    Does that sound accurate, or have I misinterpreted the information provided on the website?
     
    #8 John_M, Apr 13, 2018
  9. FrankenBier

    FrankenBier Zealot (645) Feb 4, 2003 California

    I'm maybe not the best person to answer this as it has been a couple years since I was last in London. I have a regular Oyster card that I've had for years. Depending on what I am doing I either put a 7 day travelcard on it or just do pay as you go (which has a daily maximum £6.60 for zones 1 & 2). There is a Visitor's Oyster card that you have to order in advance and is strictly Pay As You Go. At 5 days I think it is (just) cheaper to Pay As You Go rather than buying a 7 day travel card, especially if there is a day or two where you might not reach the daily max.
     
    #9 FrankenBier, Apr 13, 2018
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