PUB CRAWLS

October 15, 2019 by: Sunny London

The Best Pubs Near King’s Cross London

Mr Sunny and I never thought to share a King’s Cross Pub Crawl with you until this past summer. Generally, the King’s Cross and St Pancras International Station area is where we change trains or get trains. For example at these two stations it’s common to take either the East Midlands Railway Link, Eurostar, Southeastern or Thameslink.

This means that Mr Sunny and I don’t spend much time in the actual neighbourhood because we are likely just to have a drink at a pub or bar before or after a trip and then head to our travel destination.

For people visiting London for the first time, the British Library would be the only iconic place of interest in the immediate King’s Cross area. It is not a neighbourhood I would suggest getting a hotel if you want to be centrally located near many attractions or great shopping.

However, it is great for those taking a trip on the Eurostar to France, Belgium or the Netherlands before or after staying in London. Or, people planning additional trips within the UK to York or Edinburgh might want to stay close to the stations if they have an early train to these destinations.

So, what happened this summer that made us think you would want to know the best pubs near King’s Cross London?

Train delays and cancellations!

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Pubs at King’s Cross and St Pancras Station

On a few nights during the summer in 2019 all trains were cancelled from King’s Cross. This caused thousands of people who commute to London for work to either be stranded for hours, or even worse for them, stuck in London overnight.

If you know British culture, you know that the solution to being delayed is to wait in a pub with a pint. Or two. Or three…

Therefore, Mr Sunny felt it his moral obligation as an Englishman born in London to ‘help out humanity’ by preparing a list of the best pubs near King’s Cross. He recommends you have this list in your pocket so it is ready to help you cope with severe train delays at Kings Cross or St Pancras international station.

Perhaps the easiest pub to find at these stations is the Betjeman Arms, which is in St Pancras International Station on Euston Road. It is the poshest pub on our King’s Cross pub crawl.

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The Grand Terrace at the Betjemen Arms has a great view of St Pancras Station and the famous The Meeting Place statue. In fact, that’s probably why I have had drinks there a few times. It is really easy to find because you can just direct people to meet you at the ‘pub near the statue at the station.’

This Geronimo Inns pub is open early for breakfast. The British menu changes seasonally, and they have craft beers and moreish wines from around the world.

Of our two pubs at the stations, King’s Cross Wetherspoons (AKA The Barrel Vault) is the top pub that Mr Sunny recommends. He chooses Wetherspoons because it is known for its cheaper prices. They also offer a good English breakfast. He is pretty sure that you can get it as takeaway too, if you are in a rush to catch a train. The Barrel Vault pub also is closely located to screens displaying train times, which is smart to keep your eye on while you are waiting.

Best Pubs Near King’s Cross- A Short Walk Away

If you leave either station and make a right on Euston Road, you will find O’Neills on 73-77 Euston Road. It is technically located in Marylebone.

O’Neills is an Irish Pub and Bar chain in London. This specific location is closed for a remodel until 21st October. We’ll be sure to include an update when the doors open again.

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Not too far down the road you will find The Euston Flyer at 83-87 Euston Road. Mr Sunny says this pub near King’s Cross is a great place for watching major sporting events. It is a lively location and is part of the Fuller’s pubs experience. Avid readers of Sunny in London know that we love their food and have reviewed many Fuller’s pubs.

Mabel’s Tavern is just around the corner on a side street off of Euston Road. At 9 Mabledon Pl, London WC1H 9AZ this tavern is allegedly haunted. Mabel’s Tavern is a traditional alehouse with a wide variety of superb beers and freshly prepared food on the menu.

At Mabel’s Tavern you will find commuters and tourists plus local office workers at lunch time. Crowds gather at this pub near King’s Cross in the evening to watch live sports events.

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Just when Mr Sunny thought he had been to all the pubs in London, we discovered The Dolphin the day we did our final research for our list of the best pubs near King’s Cross and St Pancras stations. It is a straight shot from Mabel’s Tavern and is on 47 Tonbridge Street.

He loved it because he feels it is a “proper old traditional pub.’ Mr Sunny said The Dolphin and the next stop on this pub crawl are probably the last of the pubs that can be considered ‘local pubs’ in the King’s Cross neighbourhood because so few people can afford to live in Central London now.

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You might call the Skinner’s Arms an old London boozer. What caught Mr Sunny’s attention the day we visited is the “saloon” insignia above the door frame. He explained to me that back in the day, a saloon bar was separate from the public bar. It was an area for those deemed more elite and had better seats and drinks. The public bar was cheaper and an area where working class would mainly just get drunk.

The Skinners Arms has a friendly atmosphere for all. inside and outside you will regularly find London’s working commuters and visitors. The pub is located in Judd Street WC1, just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Kings Cross station and Euston Road.

Best Pubs Near King’s Cross- Food

With all this beer, we feel it would be best to give you some food tips to soak up the alcohol. Mr Sunny gravitates to burgers or steak to compliment cold beer. He is a huge fan of Five Guys, which is just outside King’s Cross Station. My favourite burger joint in London is Shake Shack, which has locations in Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Victoria Station.

Another burger place near King’s Cross that we know is good is Honest Burger. Many of Mr Sunny’ mates who work in the area go to The Big Chill for after work drinks. It’s a laid-back bar club with basement and roof terrace, hosting busy and eclectic DJ programme. The Big Chill is on 257-259 Pentonville Road.

For a stronger meal, we recommend Bar and Block. They have great deals, so it’s worth following them on social media to know what’s on offer.

However, if you are on the run, The Kiosk is an independent takeaway kiosk offering deli-style roasted-meat sandwiches, plus iced teas and coffees that is right inside St Pancras station.

Best Pubs Near King’s Cross- Final Thoughts

Please let us know if you visit any of these pubs, because we are always interested in feedback. Plus, if you have any experiences at pubs in the King’s Cross area that you can add, that would be great!

To be honest, if there ever is an occasion when Mr Sunny hasn’t been to a pub in London, he relies on the Good Pub Guide. If you are in America you can get it either as a hard copy or the Kindle version on Amazon here.

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August 27, 2019 by: Sunny London

Best Pubs in Chelsea- King’s Road Pub Crawl London

If you’re a Londoner, you might be quick to call ‘click bait’ on a pub crawl on King’s Road. Because there are hardly any pubs actually on the King’s Road. It’s actually known for being one of the most popular streets for shopping in London. So, in order to get my London born husband (who is a self-proclaimed pub expert) out for a day in Chelsea with me, I put him in charge of a King’s Road Pub Crawl that included a side of shopping.

Initially this wasn’t too much of a challenge for him because he spent part of his childhood living in Chelsea. He and his family had a few local favourites that he wanted to visit. However, some of them haven’t stood the test of time. And some have morphed through the times in to a different experience.

Nonetheless, Mr Sunny put together a list of pubs that will impress anyone visiting London as well as has local knowledge of the pubs in Chelsea. Let’s take a look, Sunny friends.

Pubs in Chelsea- King’s Road Pub Crawl

Chelsea Potter is one of the few pubs on King’s Road. If you subscribe to the Sunny News email, you know that Mr Sunny and I love the happy hour deals at Greene King pubs. In each newsletter, Mr Sunny recommends a pub of the week. Quite a few have been from this franchise because who doesn’t love 2 for 1 Prosecco and beer?

Pubs in Chelsea- Around the Corner

The Cross Keys- Mr Sunny was eager to see The Cross Keys. This pub should not to be confused with the ‘classic old boozer’ pub in Covent Garden on Endell Street with the iconic floral front. The Cross Keys in Chelsea is discreet and tucked away on a residential street. In fact, this is the description of many of our choices in the Best Pubs in Chelsea Pub Crawl.

Location: 119 Kings Road, Chelsea SW 3 4PL

What Mr Sunny likes: It’s near King’s Road and the Embankment, so it’s a great escape while the ‘Mrs is shopping’. The Sunday Lunch looks good and seems to be frequented by mostly locals. That’s always a good sign! Another good sign is the list of celebrities who drank at The Cross Keys.

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The Phene: We enjoyed drinks here. Mr Sunny feels it is still a local’s pub but is definitely more of a gastropub.

Location: 9 Phene Street, Chelsea, SW3 5NY

What Mr Sunny likes: The beer garden is fabulous and the Sunday lunch looks delicious. We advise you to arrive early for this food experience because it was quite packed when we stopped by. Or better yet, you should book a table in advance.

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Cooper’s Arms- This pub does a great job of combining contemporary and traditional design. Their website suggests they have a welcoming atmosphere, so take a look at these shots and see if you agree. I love pubs that have comfortable furniture and a vibrant colour scheme.

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Location: 87 Flood Street, Chelsea SW3 5TB

What Mr Sunny likes: The terrace is good for having a quick smoke or vape and the menu features a traditional Sunday lunch.

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The Surprise: This was at the top of Mr Sunny’s list because it was his dad and mum’s local when he was a child. He remembers when locals clearly had one side of The Surprise pub, and the other side was devoted to the public.

Location: 6 Christchurch Terrace, Chelsea SW3 4AJ

What Mr Sunny likes: He says he is a bit disappointed that over the years it has made such a change to a gastropub. However, since it’s a Young’s Pub, we know the menu and food are top notch too.

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Phoenix- Mr Sunny feels this Geronimo Inn pub off of the King’s Road is more of a traditional London pub. He thinks they offer good beer, fine ales and lager.

Location: 23 Smith Street, Chelsea SW3 4EE

What Mr Sunny likes: While we note the above mentioned strengths, this pub represents nostalgia for Mr Sunny too. He would love to know if anyone remembers the curry house that previously was next to this pub. It was one of his family’s favourites. His parents would enjoy drinks in the pub and the curry house owner would signal them when their take away order was ready.

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The Antelope: Of all the pubs we visited on the Sunday we did the Chelsea Pub Crawl, this was Mr Sunny’s favourite.

Location: Eaton Terrace, Belgravia SW11W 8EZ

What Mr Sunny likes: We know that it’s a tad bit on the edge of Chelsea, but it’s well worth a visit. As a traditional Fuller’s pub, The Antelope has London Pride. This is Mr Sunny’s dad’s daily beer choice.

He loved seeing a nice horseshoe shaped bar and enjoyed seeing a bar full of locals watching live sports.

Pubs in Chelsea- Out of Range

Our final stop was The Botanist, which is listed in The Good Pub Guide. While it suited me just fine, Mr Sunny decided to skip having a drink here because it is quite posh. Londoners won’t be surprised to hear that Mr Sunny said it was full of ‘Sloane Rangers.’

Location: 7 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EE

What Mr Sunny likes: ‘This is a great place to use to loo before you leave Chelsea’

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Pubs in Chelsea- Final Thoughts

Mr Sunny has an excellent memory, when it comes to recalling pub locations and what their unique selling points are. However, he also uses Good Pub Guide to keep the pulse on what’s happening in the London pub scene. As you can see, through time pubs change names, ownership and style. Having a book or app readily available if you live in London and were born here is always a good idea.

If you’re visiting London and need help, it’s a great idea!

We hope you enjoyed this Best Pubs in Chelsea pub crawl. If you’d like regular recommendations from Mr Sunny, don’t forget email subscribers regularly receive his pub suggestions!

What are your favourite pubs in London? Have they changed through the years? Do you still visit them when you’re in the neighbourhood?

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January 3, 2016 by: Sunny London

The 5 Worst American Beers

Do you have any idea how many American beers exist now? This question really intrigued my British husband, Mr. Sunny, on our recent trip to Florida. While we were there visiting from London, he was on a mission to try as many American beers as possible.

I’ve never fancied the taste of beer. So, during our ten days visiting my home state, I sat back and watched him sample beer after beer and took notes on all his observations.

Through his devout ‘research’, he discovered several American beers that feels are lovely. Unfortunately in this experiment, he identified a handful that made the drink challenge a bit hard to swallow.

Let’s begin with the positive and then move to the ‘only if it’s the last beer available on Earth’ option…

If you’re an avid Sunny in London blog reader, you’ll know Mr. Sunny regularly orders Stella Artois. We really should get some kind of brand ambassador role for this because it’s mentioned in nearly every food, restaurant and drink review we do.

Next, he’ll select San Miguel, if Stella isn’t on the beer menu.

If I’m not around and he’s at a leaving drink or night out with his mates, he’ll get serious and order a Delirium Tremens. He’s a huge fan of Belgian beers. We wrote about where to drink these beers in Brussels.

When he was twenty, Mr. Sunny spent a year living in Los Angeles. He recalls very few beer options at bars during that time. Now, he is simply amazed at how far American beers have come and always takes pictures of the taps to send his mates in London.

On this trip, he rated Yuengling beer as the best. Following that, honourable mentions go to Rolling Rock and Budweiser.

And these are the ones he will fondly refer to as ‘the Worst American Beers’ on the planet.

Worst American Beers: Up River Lager

Brewed by the Mudshark Brewing Company in Arizona, this lager didn’t impress Mr. Sunny. Specifically, he said it left a more than fishy taste in his mouth. Even though we were on holiday in Florida, this still didn’t sit well with this self-proclaimed professional beer drinker.

Worst American Beers: Lagunitas Beer

This IPA is billed as ‘highly drinkable.’ It has a bit of caramel malt barley that ‘provides the richness that mellows out the twang of the hops.’

Mr. Sunny says, ‘the twang makes your tongue curl.’ No good.

Worst American Beers: Humbolt Brown Hemp Ale

We admit that Mr. Sunny tried this beer just to be a bit cheeky. It’s brewed with toasted hemp seeds that add an herb-accented flavour. Although it’s won numerous awards in California, Mr. Sunny says ‘Just Say No’ to this one. Further, he said it didn’t even give him the munchies. Duuuuuuude.

It’s in the center in the picture above.

Worst American Beers: Floridian Hefeweizen

The tagline ‘Suntan for your Soul‘ definitely caught my husband’s attention. He says the best sunscreen for a British bloke is to be seated at an indoor bar.

However, this beer from the Funky Buddha Brewery didn’t go down like the liquid sunshine we had hoped for.

Worst American Beers: Milwaukee’s Best Light

Finally, Mr. Sunny agrees with the entire US drinking population in saying that ‘The Beast’ is by far the champion of the worst American beers.

So, that’s an Englishman’s view of what’s on tap in America.

We want to give a special shout out to the House of Beer in Port Orange, Florida for letting Mr. Sunny sample so many beers for this story. They have a great Winterfest selection of booze for the holidays, if you’re in the area.

Mr. Sunny would like for everyone to know that this is the blog post he enjoyed the most, and he’s available to conduct this type of research anytime, any place. And, he really loves the personalized beer mug that With Luv Design sent him for Christmas. He says it’s a stocking stuffer he hopes to keep full year round!

Do you agree with Mr. Sunny’s worst American beers? Which ones would you add to the list?

January 26, 2014 by: Sunny London

Covent Garden PUB CRAWL and Street Performers

If you’re new to the pub culture in London, this Covent Garden Pub Crawl is a safe start. I’ve been to each of them several times. In fact, I can say the first one has held its popularity for a looooong time because it was just as busy when I went during my university years as an NBC News- London Bureau intern. (Way to make yourself sound young there, Sunny!)

PUNCH and JUDY– 40 The Market, Covent Garden Piazza

Although this Taylor Walker pub sits smack in the middle of one of London’s biggest tourist areas, Punch and Judy has a relatively mixed crowd of tourists and locals. The pub is said to have received its name in recognition of the puppet shows which featured short scenes between two characters.

Crowds gather in the piazza and the Apple Market to enjoy the ongoing street performers that make up the essence of this area.

At times, the balcony can be extremely packed.

This may be because it has such excellent views of the piazza.

Keep in mind, the balcony is closed week nights during the the winter months, so the ground floor and cellar bar are where you’ll find the energy.

On occasion, I’ve found it a bit difficult to get order drinks due to the crowds. But, I can say that every time I’ve been there, the crowd’s been attractive and upbeat.

Punch and Judy offers a traditional British pub menu.

THE MAPLE LEAF- 41 Maiden Lane

Since I lived in Buffalo, New York for 10 years, I have learned quite a bit about Canadian life, as it was just a short drive to Niagara Falls and Toronto. Therefore, grabbing a pint or two with my husband at The Maple Leaf had to be a part of our Covent Garden Pub Crawl.

It’s a fun sports bar that isn’t just for Canadian expats and visitors. The menu features nachos, wings, traditional pub favourites, fish and chips, steak, burgers, sandwiches and wonderful sides! Oh CANADA!

Buffalo friends, I’d really love to hear your thoughts on the wings if you make it to the Maple Leaf!

THE PORTERHOUSE BREWING COMPANY- 21-22 Maiden Lane

This pub is just down the street from the Maple Leaf and originated in Ireland and as you can tell by the title, also functions as a brewery.

According to the website, their main ingredient is malted barley from Athy. If you have a few minutes, I really suggest reviewing their menu which features: stouts, ales, lagers, specialty and seasonal beers.

For my New York City mates, you can enjoy their selections without travelling across the pond, because the Porterhouse also has a location in the Financial District. Stouts and ales are brewed in Ireland and shipped to the City. Other locations include Dublin, Wicklow and Cork.

I have eaten at Porterhouse many times. Their bangers and mash are some of my favourite in London.

So, Sunny friends, which pubs do you recommend? If you’re looking for more fabulous pubs to visit, we highly recommend The Good Pub Guide. American readers can find it here.

January 30, 2014 by: Sunny London

The Woodman Pub- for those who have GAME

I have quite a treat today for my Sunny friends who are interested in rich English culture. It’s an adventure to the Woodman Pub, and unlike previous posts (the Nicholson’s and Covent Garden Pub Crawls), today we’re taking a rustic, hearty pub journey. So, roll up your sleeves and throw on your Wellington boots, mates!

After travelling down a tiny, windy road in Wild Hill, Hertfordshire you’ll reach the Woodman Freehouse. For my google map obsessed friends, it’s The Woodman Pub, Wild Hill Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 6EA

This pub, which has been an eight time winner of the South Hertfordshire “Pub of the Year”, is located on one of Henry XIII’s hunting lodges.

Currently, it belongs to Lady Salisbury, who fancies a bitter here on occasion. And if you’d like a glimpse in to the English hunting tradition, this is where you should be!

This round of drinks with my husband, his father and myself included a half dozen free range chicken eggs. The total was barely over £10. (~$15)

Let’s be clear- the eggs aren’t part of a “giveaway” for a round of adult beverages. My father-in-law said it was important to buy them because they were so fresh they had probably been laid that morning. My husband indicated they also had goose and duck eggs for purchase. Sometimes, the pub asks customers to bring the carton back if they find they’re running low in their carton supply, They can leave them in the entrance, and guess who’s on watching…

We ordered our lunches, which consisted of my fish finger sandwich, my husband’s toasted cheese/ ham/onion, and my father-in-law’s bacon roll. The bread was so pillowy fresh it dissolved in my mouth faster than cotton-candy.

Like any English pub, there was a dart board, and of course…. atleast one canine.

I thought my new doggie friend Cato was posing for my camera, but I learned later that he was most likely focused on the sandwich I had in my other hand.

Unlike the atmosphere of Central London, there were also a few equestrians and their horses that pranced past the pub.

The Woodman holds traditional hours, which means it closes at “half two” and reopens at 5:30pm. Let me tell you, at 1:40pm on a Monday afternoon, the place was packed with estate and farm workers, as well as gamekeepers, all fresh from the outdoors.

I hear that most local people venture there mainly for the bitter, but they also specialize in real ale. Usually, there’s 6-7 real ales from micro-breweries on draft, where most pubs feature four. Lagers aren’t very popular. One special on tap this particular day was “Henry Weston, Old Rose cider”, which clocks in at 7.3% alcohol. They change the sign each time they receive a delivery, and while we were there…

So, within minutes…

You guessed it- SIGN CHANGE!

It’s also known for rearing pheasants for pheasant hunts, which also are sold by the pub if they are left over.

If you can only make one trip to the Woodman Pub, perhaps you might want to consider going for one of the two beer festivals they have during summer months. During this time, it’s popular for people to camp in the fields behind the pub so they don’t have to travel in the evening and can return early the next morning.

Sunny friends, if you’re looking for a genuine sport bar with a real macho, outdoors feel, I can’t imagine there’s any place finer than the Woodman Pub.

To find other interesting pubs, my husband and his father highly recommend The Good Pub Guide. American readers can find it here.

March 2, 2014 by: Sunny London

Highgate Pub Crawl- a Hike, some Hype, and a Hangover?

Fasten your seat belts, Sunny friends, because this Highgate Pub Crawl is steep and plentiful! I know you can handle the truth, but if you can’t handle a big hill and 5 PUBS, you had better just stop reading right now.

Ahhhh, I knew you’d stick around, sunshines. So, let’s go!

After my long day researching chocolate for an upcoming blog story (Yes, you read that right. Stay tuned for that at the end of the week…) I met Mr Sunny at The Woodman Highgate Pub.

414 Archway Road , Highgate , London , N6 5UA

Not to be confused with the The Woodman Pub in Hertfordshire, this pub literally is right outside the Highgate tube station on the Northern Line. When Mr Sunny said, “Go up the escalator, turn right, and you’ll see it” he wasn’t kidding!

And on a Sunny in London day, can’t you just see yourself catching some rays in this stunning beer garden. Nice flat screen, eh?

Once we got seated, I shared my day’s adventure in a chocolatier’s in Carnaby Street with Mr Sunny as we sipped on our standard adult beverages, Stella and red wine.

As we made our way up hill to the next liquid sunshine seller, I was glad I had on my flat boots. The climb up the road is intense, so I definitely recommend you follow this pub crawl in order!

After our little workout, we arrived at a really famous Fuller’s pub, The Flask. It’s popular not only because it’s been Pub of the Year…

77 Highgate West Hill, Camden, London N6 6BU

But also because George Michael, Sting and Kate Moss literally live across the street. So, I’ll give you one guess where they drink.

Aside from getting me all hot and bothered about the possibility of a celebrity siting (just like I did at Primrose Hill) the Flask is fun because it has so many areas to hang. With its numerous nooks, I can see why celebrities choose it for their local.

Although, I could’ve stayed all night ~~stalking~~ waiting for a glimmer of Hollywood possibly to arrive, Mr Sunny had other pubs planned. We walked a bit to the Prince of Wales. This is the back entrance. It’s right in the center of the picture.

53 Highgate High St, London N6 5JX

And this is the front…

It’s fairly tiny. We sipped on our beer and wine and made our way to The Angel Inn.

37 Highgate High St, London N6 5JT

I love The Angel Inn for it’s charm and fun décor.

After our drinks there, we took the bull by the horns for our final stop. I’m not kidding…

13 N Hill, Highgate, London N6 4AB

The Bull Highgate is one exceptional brewpub, and yes they have a MICROBREWERY! It’s huge, and the food is great. In fact, the Buffalo Wings on Wednesday is an extremely popular menu item.

Having eaten an entire plate of dipping chocolate for lunch, I skipped a starter, but Mr Sunny chose one of his favorites… Buffalo Wings!

Next, we enjoyed our entrees…

The Bull bacon and beer cheeseburger, carmelised onion and bacon jam, hand cut chips

Beer street battered haddock and chips, mushy peas, fresh tartare sauce

By this time the sun was starting to set, so we were both ridiculously full (and dizzy from the 5 pub visits), so we headed to the bus stop to make our way back to our flat.

You can follow some of these pubs’ Twitter accounts to stay informed of their news and deals:

The Flask

The Angel Inn

The Bull Highgate

There’s a lot more to the Highgate area than what I’ve highlighted on my Highgate Pub Crawl. It’s a gorgeous neighborhood full of many pubs and shops that will surely impress you. Are there any other ones that you can recommend, Sunny friends?

And, if you’re looking for more fabulous pubs to visit, we highly recommend The Good Pub Guide. American readers can find it here.

March 27, 2014 by: Sunny London

Hampstead Pub Crawl – HOT Beer Gardens!

Sunny friends, you have to join me on this Hampstead Pub Crawl full of the hottest beer gardens now that the sun is out and it’s officially Spring. Grab your sunglasses, a pint, and let’s go!

Hampstead Pub #1:

We’ll start our Hampstead Pub Crawl at the Roebuck on 15 Pond Street, NW3 2PN. You probably wouldn’t guess from the outside…

But this snazzy little gastropub has quite a cosy interior.

I just love the colour that’s everywhere inside the Roebuck. However, when the sun’s really kicking, you need to take your drinks out back and try to absorb all the warmth and colour in this fab beer garden.

The pops of vibrant colours everywhere make it tough not to feel extra cheer on those special Sunny in London days.

I think they put this sign up just for us. What do you think?

Hampstead Pub #2:

Once you are finished basking in the sun at the Roebuck, you can take a short walk to 14 South End Road, NW3 2QET to enjoy some food and adult beverages at the Garden Gate.

And yes, it absolutely lives up to its name.

But what you can’t sense from these pictures is the glorious smell of flowers that floats through the air in this 19th century pub located near Hampstead Heath.

Let’s take our drinks outside to check out the beer garden…

Yep! Another perfect place to have greatly deserved liquid sunshine on a Sunny in London day.

And finally, the mother of all beer gardens…

Hampstead Pub #3:

Literally a few steps from Hampstead Heath is the beautiful gastropub The Freemasons Arms on Downshire Hill NW3 1NT.

I love this pub because of it’s gorgeous interior.

If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s a sister pub to The Arkley and The White Horse.

Mr. Sunny and I decided to stay for a bit and order food. Here’s the starters we devoured.

TOP: Arancini risotto balls BOTTOM: salt and pepper squid

And our main courses included:

Lamb rump, asparagus, chorizo, dauphinoise potato, peas, baby onions & jus

Hampstead Pub Crawl Freemasons Arms Entree (2)

Smoked haddock, spinach & horseradish fishcakes, hollandaise & salad

While the food was very good, we both felt the portion sizes needed to be bigger. But, one thing is for sure, the Freemasons Arms doesn’t hold back on the size of its beer garden. Waaaaa Laaaaa….

I could definitely see myself throwing one ginormous summer party here, and when I do, you’ll be sure to be on the guest list, Sunny friends!

Let me know in the comments below if you agree that these beer gardens are hot places to be when the sun’s in full force in London. And, of course, write other suggestions below so we can all share in the sun and fun. Aside from my husband’s life adventures, he and his father purchase The Good Pub Guide each year for excellent pub recommendations. American readers can find it here.

Hampstead Pub Crawl Twitter Accounts:

Roebuck

Garden Gate

Freemasons Arms

March 1, 2015 by: Sunny London

An Irish Pub in London (in a Church) with Wings Hotter than Hell

Would you believe there’s an Irish pub in London (in a church) with wings hotter than hell?

Yes, Sunny friends, it’s true. But, before you read further, you need to know this pub review almost put Mr Sunny in the grave. I never thought there would be a day that a plate of chicken wings would cause my husband eternal pain. But, here’s the true story.

I’d like to say it was a typical glorious sunny day in London, but that isn’t the case. It was an overcast Saturday, and Mr. Sunny and I had a problem. We planned to use the City River Cruise tickets his father won to spend a nice day together in Central London. With the not so fabulous weather, I asked Mr. Sunny to come up with something closer to us in North London that was ‘extra blog cool’ and inside.

Now, when you ask a self-proclaimed pub expert to do this, you are guaranteed you’ll end up in a pub in London. I knew this was part of being Mrs. Sunny when I let him put a ring on it. However, neither of us dreamed our day would end in damnation.

If only this Irish pub in London had a warning sign like this outside:

That’s right. Mr. Sunny took me to O’Neill’s in Muswell Hill. O’Neill’s is a chain of Irish pubs in London.

Apparently, this location is very popular with proper Londoners, especially those residing in North London.

When I stepped inside, I had one of those ‘now I’ve seen everything’ moments. It really is an Irish pub in London inside a church!

I became a believer.

The next thought I had was, ‘leave it to the Irish to make drinking beer a truly religious experience.’

As I stood at the top of a staircase to view all the beer disciples, I could see why Mr. Sunny ‘the God of beer’ brought me here.

Since Six Nations Rugby 2015 is happening, this Irish pub in London is decorated accordingly.

I grabbed our drinks at the bar (Stella beer and red wine, of course) and sat down to review the menu with Mr. Sunny.

It’s impressive. The prices are fair, and there’s a variety of pub food available. Catching Mr. Sunny’s attention is the disclaimer under the Naga Ghost Chilli selection.

I didn’t see it.

My wing knowledge is fairly established since I lived in Buffalo, New York for 10 years. Since Mr. Sunny absolutely loves chicken wings, we frequented the Anchor Bar, ‘Home of Original Buffalo Wings’ when he visited. Each time he ordered their hottest wings and wasn’t affected.

Until this visit to O’Neill’s, I had never heard of a ghost chilli. Hot damn!

As we waited for our food, gorgeous platters whizzed by us. I was able to snap a super fast picture of one so you could see the temptations.

Doesn’t that look divine?

And then, Hallelujah, the food we ordered arrived!

We started to dig in. Here’s a heavenly shot of my Cheese and Bacon Burger. Can I get an ‘Amen?’

Mr. Sunny made me take pictures of his ribs super fast because he said he wasn’t ‘eating anything cold from the blog today’. He had no idea how right he was. 😉

Since I’ve never eaten a rib in my life, Mr Sunny didn’t have to worry about giving up one to his Eve. (I’m not a fan of messy food you eat with your hands. No moist towelettes for this girl!)

As I munched away on my beautiful bacon burger, I noticed Mr. Sunny starting to sweat. This Irish pub in London with a Garden of Eden facade quickly became a hellish nightmare. The ghost chilli is no phantom on the plate. Here’s a shot of the damn heathens…

While they may photograph as harmless little buggers, these devils brought my husband to his knees.

As I watched the sweat pouring from Mr. Sunny’s forehead I wished I had brought my grandfather’s treasured rosary. Mr Sunny was in dire need of holy water and a ghost chilli exorcism.

I looked above to the heavens for help while saying a Hail Mary as he struggled to finish. Would this be my husband’s Last Supper? Would he survive the Temple of Doom?

And by the powers vested in me, I now pronouce Mr. Sunny the King of the Ghost Chilli wing. He finished all 20 of them!

Quotes from Mr. Sunny at O’Neill’s Irish Pub in London:

– ‘I think I should take my jacket off.’
– ‘I should have ordered the sauce below.’
– ‘My tongue is throbbing and numb.’
– ‘Do you want that lettuce? I need something to lay on my tongue to cool it.’
– ‘I have no feeling in my head.’
– ‘I will not be defeated.’
– ‘Pain is my friend.’
– ‘I’ve now broken the pain barrier and am comfortably numb.’
– ‘I want a cigarette just to see if I have any taste buds left.’

And finally…

– ‘I’m dreading tomorrow morning.’

Just when I thought Mr. Sunny was losing his food champion status, I had an epiphany later that night…

Miraculously an episode of Man vs. Food that featured ghost chilli aired that evening. The show referenced the Scoville Scale, which is the measurement of the pungency (spicy heat) of chilli peppers. Jalapenos register at 8,000 units. The ghost chilli registers at 1 million units.

The host, Adam Richman, failed his first ghost chilli challenge. In the episode which features his second attempt his finishing quotation is, ‘Can I have some more milk? Or a gun with a bullet?’

I’m going to say that this experience was a Man vs. God experience for Mr. Sunny. And, in my opinion, he deserves a damn halo. In fact, the next time we visit O’Neill’s Irish pub in London, I don’t want to hear someone yell ‘Norm!’, I want to hear God yell, ‘Mr. Sunny!!!!’

To take the ghost chill chicken wing challenge, visit O’Neills Muswell Hill Pub. This road to perdition’s address is: 87 Muswell Hill Broadway, Muswell Hill, London, N10 3HA.

* Confession: *hand on Bible* I, Sunny in London, do solemnly swear that the story above is true. No details are embellished. The experience was not complimentary. However, should anyone choose to nominate Mr. Sunny for Sainthood, he will gladly accept.

If you’re not ready to go for the holy chicken wing grail at this Irish pub in London, you can see other hot pub crawls and reviews featured on Sunny in London. Mr. Sunny and his father also highly recommend The Good Pub Guide. American readers can find it here. What other pubs in London do you recommend? Have you ever taken a ‘food challenge’ before?

June 15, 2015 by: Sunny London

A London Pub Crawl with Hollywood History

Interested in a London Pub Crawl that integrates beer and Hollywood history? We’ve found just the journey for you, Sunny friends! In honour of Mr. Sunny’s birthday week, we’re publishing what we think could be the best Sunny in London pub crawl on the blog.

The irony of this London pub crawl is that it started on April 1st and didn’t end until Monday, June 1st.

Why so much drama?

Contrary to it starting on April Fools’ Day, this beer adventure is no joke. However, it is straight out of Hollywood.

Mr. Sunny has wanted to take me on a City of London pub crawl for a while. We thought it would be fun before we hit the RS Hispaniola’s Spring Menu Launch party on the River Thames. We tried to meet up in the area, but the plan derailed when I was two stops away on the Underground and learned the Holborn station was closed.

Once I arrived above ground, I sent a text to Mr. Sunny advising him to take another route. Minutes later I learned there was a fire in Holborn that was causing the station closure. My imagination ran wild, and I was sure glad I was in open air and no longer below the streets.

He found me, and we hit our first stop on our historic Hollywood London Pub Crawl.

London Pub Crawl: Ye Olde Mitre

I’ve always felt Snatch features Brad Pitt’s best acting. So, I love Mr. Sunny’s imitation of his accent when we’re being silly, ‘dawg’. Ye Olde Mitre is featured in the film. However, if you aren’t looking for this London pub, you would walk right past it. Write down this address: 1 Ely Court, Ely Place, London EC1N 6SJ. This is the only signage I could find…

As we walked down the alley to the pub, Mr. Sunny informed me of more drama. Apparently, police cannot enter this pub without permission because it’s not in the jurisdiction of London Metropolitan Police. When checking the pub’s website, I read this:

Built in 1546 for the servants of the Bishops of Ely, The Ye Olde Mitre is famous for having a cherry tree, (now supporting the front) that Queen Elizabeth once danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton. The pub was actually a part of Cambridge (Ely being in Cambridge) and the licencees used to have to go there for their licence. Set in a part of London steeped in history, it’s near where William Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered at Smithfield, along with martyers and traitors who were also killed nearby.

Yikes!

Since the pub is under the Cambridge jurisdiction, this seems true.

I treaded carefully to the front door, curious what I would see…

I don’t have many shots of the interior because it seemed packed with Londoners. As an American expat married to a British man living in London, I’m always keen to blend when I can. Whipping out the blog camera to take pictures of people who were part of this ‘secret society’ of London pub knowledge didn’t seem cool. But, I did stealthily grab two for you.

As the London fire in Holborn continued to burn, we ventured to our next historic location that also has a bit of a secret society feel.

London Pub Crawl: Knights Templar Pub

Well, not really. There’s nothing secret about this pub’s appearance. However, it is named after the Warrior Monks- The Knights Templar. It also had a crowd full of Londoners. Hence, the ceiling shots below.

The Knights Templar Pub website indicates it opened on March 31, 1999 on 95 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1DT. It is named after the Order of Warrior Nights across whose land Chancery Lane was built in the 12th century. The interior is truly stunning and gives you the feel of being on a Hollywood set. No corner is left untouched by the historic theme.

Or should we say Hollywood theme?

Have you seen The Da Vinci Code? The plot moved heavily around the Knights Templar. Apparently, if you look very closely during the scene featuring Middle Temple Church, you might spot the Knights Templar Pub.

This is when our own London Pub Crawl had some drama.

When Mr. Sunny and I left this pub, we tried several others but found nearly everything closed and the streets a bit chaotic. The Holborn fire was taking over this part of town and causing most businesses to lose power and be evacuated, including several pubs we tried to visit.

After feeling like we too needed to vacate, we fled to safety aboard the R.S. Hispaniola and had a fabulous, fire free evening.

But, there was still one place left to see.

London Pub Crawl: The Old Bank of England

On June 1st, I found myself near East London with some extra time. It had to be done, even if Mr. Sunny couldn’t make it. I finished the London Pub Crawl. See if you can find the pub in this picture below.

Not so easy, is it? Let’s cross the street and take a closer look to see if it helps you…

This is The Old Bank of England, situated in the former Law Courts Branch of the Bank of England at 194 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2LT. This pub’s history stretches back to 16th and 17th centuries where two taverns stood on the site of the Old Bank of England. In 1888 they were demolished to create room for construction of the Law Courts’ Branch of the Bank of England.

The website indicates that The Bank of England traded at this site for 87 years until 1975.

It was in 1994 that the London Brewers Fuller’s took over the lease. Aside from this factual information, there’s a creepy past also connected to the pub.

Heard of Sweeney Todd? That’s the fictional character originating in Victorian literature and then hitting stage and Hollywood screen. It’s alleged that The Old Bank of England lies between the barber shop owned by Sweeney Todd and the pie shop owned by his mistress Mrs Lovett.

It’s in the tunnels below The Old Bank of England that Sweeney Todd is said to have butchered his victims before they were cooked and sold in pies to Mrs Lovett’s customers.

Double Yikes!

I’m glad I just sipped on a large glass of red wine (I hope!) and took a few pictures the afternoon I visited. After researching the history of this last stop on the London Pub Crawl when I got home, I will say I am curious about what’s really on tap at The Old Bank of England.

All jokes aside, The Old Bank of England is not only historic and connected to the drama of storytelling and Hollywood but also a gorgeous pub.

London Pub Crawl: Final Thoughts

Mr. Sunny and I hope you have the chance to enjoy this pub crawl that certainly has a ton of English history, Hollywood connections, and let’s not forget… in the words of Mr Sunny…

Damn good beer!

Although Mr Sunny plans our pub crawls based on his life as a Londoner and passionate beer drinker, he and his father recommend The Good Pub Guide for Londoners and visitors. American readers find it here. and be sure to read the resource I have for you: A Guide to London for Americans Visiting the First Time

What fun, historic pubs have you been to in London, Sunny friends?

September 28, 2015 by: Sunny London

Kick Arse Irish Pubs in London

Looking for a hard-core beer drinkers’ pub crawl? This little list of Irish pubs in London has big value. Not only are these three pubs within a two-minute walking distance of each other and Piccadilly Circus, but also they’re truly eccentric and coveted by Londoners.

Their exteriors aren’t necessarily good indicators of the secrets they hold inside. In fact, you probably would never guess how insanely HOT they are without a little help from your Sunny guide. 😉

Now that I have your attention, let’s take a look at Mr. Sunny’s latest pub crawl for the Sunny in London blog.

Irish Pubs in London- Waxy’s Little Sister

Mr. Sunny recommends the best place to start this crawl of Irish pubs in London is at the most relaxed of the three pubs, Waxy’s Little Sister.

This cosy pub is located on 20 Wardour Street, London W1D 6QG. It’s only two levels, and it even features a Dumb Waiter so you barely even have to get off the couch to grab your next beer.

While it’s perfect for plopping your relatives down on a 1st floor sofa to overlook the sites of Chinatown, it also is a nice place to ease in to a wild night of drinking, if that kind of thing interests you.

Irish Pubs in London- Waxy O’Connor’s

Finish your first round or two and then move around the corner (or take the Wardour Street entrance if you’re a sneaky local) to Waxy O’Connor’s.

This pub covers six levels and has four unique bars. It’s an official London Irish Rugby Club and is on 14-16 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DD.

And, yes, there is a 250 year old tree inside this Irish pub near Piccadilly Circus.

According to the Waxy’s website:

The tree inside the pub was planted 250 years ago in Midlands Ireland and died naturally in 1994. A local woodworker, who played around the Beech tree as a boy, hewed the pieces that were then shipped to England and ‘planted’ in Waxy O’Connor’s in August 1995.

For avid Sunny readers, you’ll remember 1995 is the year I met Mr. Sunny.

When he and I visited, I held his beer for this picture because, well, that’s what you do in a Irish pub I guess.

Once our quick photo opp ended, I took my camera and got lost in the labyrinth of liquid sunshine stations. Every where I turned there was something beautiful and intricate to see. It’s truly one of the most fascinating pubs I have ever visited.

I regret that Mr. Sunny and I weren’t able to stay there for food the day we visited, because he says it is known for being truly delicious.

Irish Pubs in London- O’Neill’s on Wardour Street

If you’re really looking for a party vibe to end your tour of Irish pubs in London, then O’Neill’s is where close the night.

You can find it on 33-37 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1D 6PU. It has levels and levels of beer and Irish drinks for the serious drinker, a club upstairs and an outdoor smoking lounge. Plus, we hear the food is damn good too. There are places to sit inside and outside to enjoy a meal and drinks.

O’Neill’s is known for a pretty kickin’ nightlife, so we just caution you to pace yourself on this Kick Arse Irish Pubs in London Crawl. With the combination of Guinness, Jameson, and two other Irish pubs in this adventure, we hope you don’t try to swing off any chandeliers for your finale.

For up to date fun, you can follow O’Neills in Soho on Twitter. And, if you’re able to venture out to Muswell Hill once you’ve recovered from your massive Kick Arse Irish Pubs in London hangover, you should absolutely give this O’Neill’s pub in a church a proper go.

What unique Irish pubs in London can you recommend, Sunny friends? Are there any hidden pubs that you like to visit in London? Mr. Sunny relies on his knowledge and experience of being a lifelong Londoner, plus he highly recommends The Good Pub Guide.