Hey,
We wil be in London for a very short time on Sept 21st en route to Rome (and also in the evening of Oct 5 on the way back). I have been many times, but this time we're travelling with 2 guys who have never been ANYWHERE. I'd love for them to see a really old traditional type pub somewhere in London while we're sightseeing. We only have about 8 hours, so we're doing a bus tour and just checking out the highlights. Any recommendations? Also any recommendations for cool viewing stuff that's quick? (i.e. we're Harry Potter nerds, so our buddies need a pic at platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross.)
Thanks...4 canadians
geislers
1
scaryant
"Funky" and Traditional don't go together IMO. ; )
However one of my favourite traditional style/old pubs in London has to be Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese which burnt down in 1666 in the Great Fire of London but was rebuilt shortly afterwards. Being so central, it's quite easy to get to. There used to be a pub web site, but it's either down or been decomissioned.
Another good pub, but not nearly the same level of character is the Market Porter which you can find near London Bridge station in Borough Market. It's an excellent place to sample some real British Ales.
If you enjoy a spot of Vino, you must visit Gordon's Wine Bar in Viller's St. Also a great spot, lots of character and claims to be the oldest wine bar in London.
While I'm at it, if you like Jazz on the Oct 5 visit you could venture south of the river to visit The Crypt. I've been a few times and it is a must visit. The web site is very modest, but the place is situated in the crypt of a functioning church. Live Jazz all night from an intimate stage, very cheap entry (£5 last time I was there), cheap food and cheap drink prices. Take a cab, take address with you as it's hard to find.
2
barney_uk2
The Lamb in Lamb's Conduit Street would fit your bill - and it's walking distance to King's Cross. Some basic details here.
3
pepi
Cross Keys, central, easy to find and very traditional.
Also
Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden which is one of the oldest pubs in London.
4
julia687
Hi.
I have been to a pub called the Albert which is opposit the houses of parliment & westminster abbey and its just so traditional. I'm english and have never been in anywhere else like it! here is the website : http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=141<BR>we found it by mistake and I'd highly recommend it!
5
clodbod
www.fancyapint.com</a><BR><BR>My traditional "welcome to London" establishment is the Red Lion at 48 Parliment in Westminister.
Having taken first time visitors via the Tube to the Westminister station where you exit on the Thames and turn around to see Big Ben....thus saying "Hello London" I walk them down to the Red Lion for a pint. Very interesting conversation with Parliment members imbibbing. Then back out the door to see Parliment and Westminsiter Abbey. Always a good first few hours of exploration for newbies.
I'm not English but a yank who visits London as often as I can. Anything to get out of LA.
6
bsmart
blog
The George Inn in London Bridge is the place to go for a traditional pub. For a 'funky traditional pub' try my local The Hawley Arms in Camden.
7
goldenoldie
Don't waste your time looking for platform 9 3/4 at Paddington station.
Surely common sense would tell you a platform with a number like that simply doesn't exist?
9
scaryant
GoldenOldie whilst platform 9 3/4 never actually existed in the real world, there is actually a mock up from the movie which will do for any potty Potter fan I suspect. See here, close up picture
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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