The nights are getting darker, the days are getting colder, and all we can think about is sipping on something fortifying in front of a log fire.
‘Tis (nearly) the season to celebrate good food and drink with good company, and there is no better place to do it than in the historic pubs of Hatton Garden.
Whether you need a break from your Christmas shopping or an after-work catch-up with friends, read on to find the perfect place for a winter warmer.
The Sir Christopher Hatton
This characterful Leather Lane pub takes its name from a former Lord Chancellor of England and rumoured lover of Queen Elizabeth I.
It’s usually busy and always full of festive cheer during the winter months, thanks to a generous selection of cask ales, whiskies and gins accompanying the hearty pub classics on the menu.
From November 5th you can drink your fill of Christmas spirit, thanks to their brand-new Sipsmith Chocolate Orange G&T - try it before you make up your mind!
Address:
4 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7RA
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 11am-11.30pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Website
The One Tun Pub
The One Tun’s claim to fame is being mentioned in the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, and this adds to the distinctly historic, traditional feel of the bar.
The food and drink is a long way away from Oliver’s gruel however - here you’ll find fresh Thai flavours and indulgent cocktails (so you can pretend you’re on an exotic beach rather than wintery London).
This place has the added benefit of being open on a Saturday afternoon, so you can rest and refuel after a hard day’s Christmas shopping in the jewellery boutiques of Hatton Garden.
Address:
125 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8QS
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 12pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-9pm
Sun: Closed
Website
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Bleeding Heart Tavern
Some would say that the French are the true masters of yuletide drinking, so put this theory to the test at this relaxed Gallic gastropub dating back to 1746.
The extensive wine list should be your first port of call, but there are also real ales from Adnams, and strong selection of local and European spirits.
It’s only a minute’s stroll from Farringdon station, so you needn’t worry about your journey home should you decide to over-indulge!
Address:
1 Bleeding Heart Yard, London EC1N 8SJ
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 7am-10.30pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Website
Ye Olde Mitre
Built in 1546 for the servants of the Bishops of Ely, The Ye Olde Mitre is famous for having a cherry tree that Queen Elizabeth once danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton. The pub was actually a part of Cambridge (Ely being in Cambridge) and the licensees used to have to go there for their licence.
Nowadays punters visit for the real fire and the cosy interior. Make a pit-stop here on a dark winter’s night and have your spirits instantly lifted by a pint of their warming cider.
Address:
1 Ely Place, London, EC1N 6SJ
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 11am-11pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Website
The Argyle
The Argyle not only offers a well-stocked main bar on the ground floor and an intimate cellar bar, it also boasts a large roof terrace - perfect for cosying up in blankets and watching the stars on a frosty night.
While you’re enjoying your drinks and home-made bar snacks, you might want to play a traditional pub game, or just spend a moment people-watching.
Special mention has to go to the Wine Wednesdays offer - selected bottles for £12. Now that’s festive cheer!
Address:
1 Greville Street, London EC1N 8PQ
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 11.30am-11pm
Sat: 12pm-11pm
Sun: Closed
Website
The Craft Beer Co
There’s no doubt about it, if you’re a beer lover then this is pub you NEED to visit before you feel the obligation to attempt dry January.
Boasting 21 keg lines, 16 cask pumps and over 200 bottles and cans, the Leather Lane stalwart specialises in micro-brewed cask ales, small batch craft beers and bottles from around the world. Known for its distinctive glass ceiling and chandelier, the clean and classic pub interior is a cosy place to enjoy a beer without pretension. If you want to grab some food, sharing platters, pies and scotch eggs are among the snacks on offer.
Address:
82 Leather Lane, Clerkenwell, London EC1N 7TR
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat: 12pm-11pm
Sun: Closed
Website