Call it Waterloo Station or London Waterloo, this major railway terminus in central London was opened in 1848. Its 170+ years in operation is packed full of interesting history and it’s also considered Britain’s busiest train station.
In the UK, trendy pubs are an institution and nearly every household is familiar with the words ‘just going to the pub for a pint’. If you’re out with friends pub crawling, there are some fabulous pubs near Waterloo Station, and we’re going to take a look at a few of the best.
Duke of Sussex
23 Baylis Road, London, SE1 7AY
Just a stone’s throw from Waterloo Station is a watering hole with good food, great vibes, and a fabulous covered-seating beer garden – The Duke of Sussex is a superb drinking spot. Invite friends and family and head on over for an oasis experience.
This popular, trendy pub has got drinks galore for everyone. Take your pick from the ‘full to the brim’ spirits collection, their lagers, and bottled beers including their Belgian white with a slice of orange. The wine list is pretty decent too.
Open every day, you’ll get to indulge in a special time at the Duke of Sussex and the food is a real treat too. You’re invited to come and experience it yourself. The pub has been a winner for offering delectable foodie treats.
Who hasn’t got a grouch about blue Mondays? Well, The Duke of Sussex will brighten up your entire week with its lively pub quiz night with prizes. A place where people, good food, good drinks, and a super atmosphere all meet.
The Kings Arms
25 Roupell Street, London, SE1 8TB
The Kings Arms is an awesome English pub designed with friendliness in mind. Cozy and with real fires burning, you can experience the pleasure of quenching your thirst with the pub’s real ale selection.
Just minutes from the busy Waterloo Station and well-positioned in Roupell Street, the quintessential real ale pub is the place of choice to connect with family and friends and celebrate life.
The traditional pub has nine real ale pumps and a beer list that is constantly changing. The King’s Arms is a scrumptious eatery too, offering food with a Thai twist. The pub likes to get Sunday nights rocking with a quiz event and there are prizes up for grabs to make things even more jolly.
The Camel & Artichoke
Camel and Artichoke, 121 Lower Marsh, Waterloo, London, SE1 7AE
When you emerge off Waterloo Station, you’ll be pleased to know that The Camel & Artichoke is conveniently located on the famous Lower Marsh Street right next door.
A great escape is always a treat, and even more so when you choose a city pub that’s got everything. What’s there to love? Fish and chips, pies, burgers – you name it, and washed down with beer, ale, or wine. There’s plenty of seating, whether you opt for the downstairs bar or upstairs seating.
With the wonderful beer garden and good music, The Camel & Artichoke is described as a place, that no matter how many times you visit, doesn’t get stale. You get a good range of beers, welcoming staff, different screens for live sport, and a great vibey atmosphere.
Worth missing your train for? Only one way to find out.
Unwined in Waterloo
Ground Floor, 137 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7AE
Everyone deserves a bit of an escape and what better way than with a drink at Unwined in Waterloo. Located in Lower Marsh, a busy street in Waterloo, this is trendy popup that’s been constructed from recycled shipping containers. It’s seriously cool, with green wine bottles cleverly put together to make bright and colourful lighting.
Inside, the décor is attractively simple with wooden tables and stools. The atmosphere is chilled and restful. You take a look around and the wooden casements on the walls give you a hint of what’s on the drinks menu.
The wines are big – red, white, and sparkling as well as some rosés. There are bottled beers and ciders too as well as non-alcoholic drinks.
The friendly staff gladly suggests the perfect drinks for you judging by your mood, the occasion, and the weather. It’s wonderfully casual and cozy and there are always tasty little snacks from the kitchen to accompany your beer or wine.
A bit disappointing that it closes on weekends for private hire – but nevertheless a great weekday spot.
Vaulty Towers
34 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7RG
You won’t find Sybil and Basil Fawlty squabbling over how business should be done in Vaulty Towers, but there’s still plenty of theatre. Open 7 days a week, this isn’t your traditional London pub.
Vaulty offers a fantastic food menu which they describe as delicious, vegan soul food. Offering lots of fun drinks, from craft beers to martinis, this quirky pub should be on your list of popular Waterloo watering holes to try.
Vaulty Towers is the ideal choice for a night of quirky cocktails and making some weird and wacky new friends.
Couldn’t escape if I wanted to
There are some great pubs in the vicinity of the Waterloo Station. Their cracking atmosphere combined with great drinks and efficiency, make for a bustling hub of London activity.
Take your pick from cool rooftop bars, cozy basements, or pubs that break with convention and serve up something quirky and adventurous. Any would be worth spending a happy hour or two the next time you’re near Waterloo station with time to kill.
