Bars and Pubs
Last updated: 28 January 2018
The New Evaristo Club
57 Greek Street (basement), Soho, W1D 3DX. (020) 7437 9536
Known to regulars as Trisha's (after the lovely landlady), The New Evaristo is a one-of-a-kind speakeasy, hidden down a staircase behind an anonymous door. It originally opened in the 1940s as a drinking club for Italian immigrants and, though attracting a different, mixed clientele nowadays, it still retains its vintage Italian charm. The bar stocks such classics as Peroni and Limoncello and the ceiling is decorated with old Italian LP covers. Wednesdays are a must-visit as the bar plays host to the The Stag O Lee Preservation Society rhythm 'n' blues night. Smokers are catered for by a small courtyard out the back.
The Phoenix Artist Club
1 Phoenix Street (off Charing Cross Road), WC2H 0DT. (020) 7836 1077
A pub-style gem of a bar hidden away beneath the Phoenix Theatre. Lovely atmosphere and decor, and plenty of seats. Generally nice music too. The bar is open till 3am at weekends, but after 8pm admission is restricted to members only.
Ain't Nothin' But... The Blues Bar
20 Kingly Street, Soho, W1B 5PZ. (020) 7287 0514
Small, authentic blues bar with a great atmosphere and live music every night. Big names occasionally perform here on weekends and there is usually an admission charge. Gets extremely busy most nights of the week, so arrive early if you want to get in.
The Boogaloo
312 Archway Road, N6 5AT. (020) 8340 2928
Located minutes from Highgate tube station, The Boogaloo is a late-night, ground floor pub that opened in 2002 (it was previously The Shepherd's). It boasts a real open fire and a CD jukebox with an excellent selection including the likes of Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Arthur Alexander, Bobby Bland and Howlin' Wolf. Be aware that the pub now plays host to club nights and other events most evenings, so not the place for a quiet, post-dinner drink.
Bradley's Spanish Bar
42-44 Hanway Street, W1T 1UP. (020) 7636 0359
Tucked away on Hanway Street is this tiny, two-floor ‘Spanish’ bar, which tends to attract a friendly crowd. Its old-fashioned Spanish decor gives it real atmosphere and it even has a vintage jukebox with a small, but decent, selection of 60s 45s. The only downside is the rather unpleasant toilets housed in the basement.
The Cross Keys
31 Endell Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9BA. (020) 7836 5185
Beautifully decorated inside and out, this traditional English pub is a real oasis of old-world charm. Take note however, that due to its tiny size it can be difficult to get a seat at weekends.
The Salisbury
1 Grand Parade, Green Lanes, Harringay, N4 1JX. (020) 8800 9617
Originally a late-Victorian hotel, the Salisbury is a grand old pub on the corner of Green Lanes and St Ann's Road. Fortunately most of its architectural features have been retained, giving it a very impressive appearance. Inside it is very cosy and in the winter it's lovely to grab an old sofa in front of one of the open fires. Music is provided by a reasonably priced CD jukebox which includes some great 60s music. There is also occasional live music. The pub now has a late license and opens till 2am at weekends and 1am during the week (midnight on Sundays).
Sevilla Mia
22 Hanway Street (basement), W1T 1UH. (020) 7637 3756
A truly authentic Spanish bar tucked away in the basement of 22 Hanway Street, below the Troy bar. Often features live Flamenco guitarists/singers.
Troy 22 (aka The Troy Club)
22 Hanway Street (1st floor), W1T 1UH. (020) 7580 8680
Review coming soon...
