The City pub is a vital part of working in the Square Mile, as many whose office is a stone’s throw away from Leadenhall Market might agree. And even though the City, like the rest of the country, has yet to fully return to normal, we have picked out some of the best pubs for you to visit when you and your colleagues come back to the City and want to toast the occasion.
Long Arm Pub & Brewery
Located on the Liverpool Street side of Moorgate, the Long Arm Pub & Brewery is an obvious choice for City workers serious about their beer.
This establishment is the first of its kind in the UK, serving six daily-changing beers straight from the tank to your glass. And if your colleagues are not craft converts, there is also a wide selection of wines and beer cocktails on offer.
Accompanying the drinks is a menu of classic bar snacks and craft burgers; the friendly bar team can recommend the perfect beer pairing from the freshly brewed in-house list (low or non-alcoholic options are also available). Sports fans are in for a treat too as Long Arm is home to two giant projectors and a selection of screens meaning that, wherever you are, you will have a great view of the game.
You should try: Long Arm’s Tank Fresh (a craft beer brewed onsite)
Address: 20-26 Worship St, Finsbury, London EC2A 2DX
Open: Yes
Website: http://www.longarmpub.co.uk/
The Craft Beer Co, St Mary Axe
Nestled under the iconic Gherkin, The Craft Beer Co’s site at St Mary Axe is the only one of the company’s pubs located in the City.
This is one of the only truly independent pubs in the City of London. Founded in 2009 by two school friends, they still own the entirety of the business. This pub champions great beer selections in all of its sites, but the owners attest that beer comes second and hospitality always comes first.
Even craft novices are welcomed and encouraged to take part in a tasting, advised by the pub’s knowledgeable and friendly staff.
However, for those who are less into their craft beers and ales, the pub also stocks a wide range of lagers, wines, spirits and non- or low-alcohol options (in addition to a menu of bar snacks).
You should try: Room 237 (IPA brewed in Newcastle upon Tyne)
Address: 29-31 Mitre St, London, EC3A 5BU
Open: Yes
Website: http://www.thecraftbeerco.com/st-mary-axe/
The Pelt Trader
Located nearer the Thames, The Pelt Trader sticks to what it knows: beer and pizza. The decor is simple and the menu focuses on 18 craft beers from around the world (also featuring a few low or non-alcoholic options) and several extremely moreish sourdough pizza options.
With the mantra “because the simplest times are best”, The Pelt Trader offers a lot to the City worker who needs a break from the rush of office life returning.
A pint of one of these lovingly made craft beers and a slice of pizza could be just the thing some people need in their first week back.
You should try: Extra Pale Ale (From Five Points Brewing Company)
Address: Dowgate Hill, London, EC4N 6AP
Open: Yes
Website: http://www.pelttrader.com
The Trinity Bell
No list of City pubs would be complete without The Trinity Bell. Also located under the shadow of the Gherkin, this is one of the newest Fullers pubs in the City and features all the hallmarks that make them so popular.
A great beer selection and all the popular pub classic meals make venues like The Trinity Bell a sight for sore eyes for workers who have been missing the unique social life the City offers.
Even if you simply fancy a non-alcoholic beer or coke on your first trip back, The Trinity Bell will be ready when it reopens (see below) to welcome patrons back.
You should try: Sticky Wicket (limited edition)
Address: 18-22 Creechurch Ln, London, EC3A 5AY
Open: Temporarily closed until further notice
Website: http://www.thetrinitybell.co.uk/
The Arbitrager
The Arbitrager can be found behind the Bank of England and, befitting its location a stone’s throw from this English financial institution, this bar champions London-brewed beers and London-distilled spirits.
The Arbitrager has a regularly changing selection of 10 London beers on draught and two draught cocktails made with London spirits, with a stock of around 70 spirits distilled in London (including the first whiskies from the capital as well as vermouths, aperitifs and gins), so there is something for everyone. Low-alcohol beers are also on offer from Small Beer, with non-alcoholic options available from Nirvana.
This pub is small but customers regularly spill out onto historic Throgmorton Street and even though the site does not have a kitchen, tasty cold snacks are on offer.
You should try: The Arbitrager’s house London Lager from Fourpure
Address: 27A Throgmorton St, London EC2N 2AN
Open: Yes
Website: http://www.thearbitrager.co.uk/
