Greetings all. The wife and I are doing a Viking UK cruise in a few weeks, with a 3 day pre cruise stay in London. We'll be staying at the Kimpton Fitzroy hotel over on Russell Square, which appears to be fairly close to the Holborn district. While we have some Viking sponsored excursions planned, our evenings should be free. During our limited time, it would be great to find some local, not too touristy pubs that have a nice selection of real ale and good gin, as well as some decent pub grub. I've done a bit of research from prior posts, and the best options I could find in the area were the Princess Louise pub, the Citte of Yorke, and Ye Olde Mitre. All three would be fine, but it doesn't appear as if any of them have a liquor license (the menus just list wine and beer). McGlynn's freehouse would probably be ideal, but it doesn't appear as if their reopening has been completed yet. On the other hand, looks like the Seven Stars might be a good option. Anyway, any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. It would be a bonus if I could find some place with Landlords and/or Old Peculier (cask preferred) on offer. Cheers and many thanks in advance.
English licensing law doesn't distinguish between spirits and wine/beer. All pubs serve gin. 99% of the time it's drunk with tonic. The pubs you mentioned are all good options. If I were in the area I’d head to the Lamb on Lamb's Conduit Street which is 5 minutes from your hotel.
Just saw this now. Sorry. If you are still around, I suggest two: Beer Merchants Tap in Hackney Wick has one of the best selections (tap and bottles); and Tap East in Westfield Mall has six cask engines, right near Stratford International station. I live near both and would be glad to buy you a drink.
Thank you. Unfortunately, we're on our way to Ireland and Scotland now. Appreciate your response and input though.
Thanks for the recommendation. Food was quite good and they had a nice selection of cask ale. My wife was happy with her G&T as well. Place had a good vibe and atmosphere, and service was top notch. Place was very popular the evening we stopped by and I can see why. It was a very nice place. Thanks again. P. S. You wouldn't happen to gave any recommendations for Ullapool, Orkney island, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or the Shetland Islands?
I haven't been to Orkney but hold the Orkney Brewery in very high regard. Aberdeen: visit The Grill Edinburgh: The Bow Bar, The Canny Man's, Oxford Bar, Leslie's Bar, Cloisters, Diggers, Bennet's Bar.
Many thanks for the recommendations. Unfortunately, we had very little time in Edinburgh, but were able to visit the Grill. The latter was fantastic, and the wife and I spent a pleasant afternoon, whiling away the day, drinking cask ale and whiskey. Thank you so much for the tip! Cheers!
