Raise a glass around St Paul's Cathedral’s best spots

Uncover top drinking spots close to St Paul’s Cathedral.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral stands as a symbol of London’s rich history and architectural beauty. After exploring its stunning interiors, why not unwind at one of the many nearby bars or pubs? This area boasts a vibrant drinking scene, catering to all tastes and budgets. Join us as we explore the top spots for a drink near St Paul's, where you can enjoy everything from handcrafted cocktails to cozy pints. 

High-end 

Madison Rooftop Bar 

Walking distance: 5 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: St Paul's
Known for: Stylish cocktails and panoramic views
Google rating: 4.3 

Madison Rooftop Bar offers a chic urban retreat with breathtaking views of St Paul's Cathedral. The stylish and vibrant setting makes it a favourite for those looking to sip in style, thanks to its modern design and outdoor terrace. 

Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, Madison delights with signature drinks like the Madison Sour, featuring bourbon, lemon, and a touch of egg white for richness. Their menu is complemented by delicious small plates, perfect for sharing with friends. 

The combination of stunning views and top-notch cocktails make Madison Rooftop Bar a must-visit for anyone near St Paul's.  

The Refinery 

The Refinery 

Walking distance: 7 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: Barbican
Known for: Innovative cocktails and chic décor
Google rating: 4.4 

The Refinery promises a trendy escape with a focus on creative cocktails and a stylish ambiance. Located in the heart of London's buzzing business district, this bar combines contemporary design with a laid-back vibe, perfect for both locals and tourists. 

The cocktail menu features innovative creations like the Hibiscus Margarita, a vibrant twist on the classic with floral notes and a hint of spice. The expansive space includes both indoor and outdoor seating, ideal for any season. 

The Refinery is a great choice for those seeking a spot near St Paul's Cathedral. 

Coq d'Argent 

Walking distance: 10 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: Bank
Known for: Elegant cocktails and rooftop garden
Google rating: 4.5 

Coq d'Argent offers an elegant getaway in the heart of the city, with a gorgeous rooftop garden that provides sweeping views of London, views that are complemented by expertly crafted cocktails and a fine dining menu. 

Signature drinks like the Lavender Martini, with gin, lavender syrup, and lemon, create a refreshing experience that pairs perfectly with their gourmet offerings. 

Coq d'Argent is a top choice for those seeking an upscale retreat near St Paul's Cathedral, perfect for a relaxing afternoon tipple or a romantic evening. 

The Shard Lounge 

Walking distance: 15 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Known for: Luxurious cocktails and stunning vistas
Google rating: 4.6 

Offering luxurious cocktails with breathtaking views, The Shard Lounge transports you to a world of elegance. Located on one of London’s prime vantage points, it provides an unparalleled scenic backdrop for a couple of drinks. 

The cocktail list features standout options like the Shard Collins, with gin, cucumber, and elderflower, offering a crisp and refreshing taste. 

With its stunning views and indulgent offerings, The Shard Lounge near St Paul's Cathedral is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their London visit. 

Mid-range 

The Happenstance 

Walking distance: 5 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: St Paul's
Known for: Creative cocktails and cozy atmosphere
Google rating: 4.3 

The Happenstance offers a cozy atmosphere with a focus on creative cocktails and delicious comfort food just a short walk from St Paul's. 

Try their signature cocktail, the Happenstance Fizz, featuring prosecco, elderflower, and fresh mint. The menu also includes a variety of tasty dishes like truffle fries and gourmet burgers, providing the perfect combination for an enjoyable evening. 

The Happenstance is a fantastic spot for those looking to relax after exploring the cathedral. 

The Rising Sun 

The Rising Sun 

Walking distance: 6 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: Barbican
Known for: Traditional ales and warm atmosphere
Google rating: 4.4 

The Rising Sun offers the charm of a traditional British pub with a modern twist. Known for its excellent selection of traditional ales, this cozy venue provides a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The pub’s focus on comfort makes it the perfect place to sit back and sink a pint. The menu features hearty British classics like fish and chips and shepherd's pie. 

The Rising Sun is an ideal choice for those seeking a true British pub experience near St Paul's Cathedral. 

The Refinery Bar 

Walking distance: 7 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: Barbican
Known for: Modern cocktails and lively setting
Google rating: 4.3 

Known for its modern cocktails and lively ambiance, The Refinery Bar offers a chic escape perfect for a casual night out. 

Try their innovative cocktail selection, including the signature Apple and Elderflower Mojito, offering a fresh and fruity twist on the classic. The bar also serves a delicious selection of small plates and snacks, ideal for sharing. 

The Refinery Bar stands out for its stylish vibe and flavourful drinks, making it a top choice near St Paul's. 

The Old Bell Tavern 

Walking distance: 3 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: Blackfriars
Known for: Historic charm and quality ales
Google rating: 4.4 

The Old Bell Tavern offers a slice of history with its charming architecture and traditional setting. Known for its fine selection of ales, this tavern has been a local favourite for generations. 

Enjoy classic pub dishes like steak and ale pie or bangers and mash, complemented by a finely poured pint. The tavern’s historic décor and cozy seating are perfect for an afternoon or evening escape. 

For those wanting a genuine experience near St Paul's Cathedral, The Old Bell Tavern delivers with character and charm. It's an ideal spot for both history enthusiasts and those seeking a traditional pub experience. 

Budget-friendly 

Ye Olde Watling 

Walking distance: 5 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: Mansion House
Known for: Affordable ales and historical decor
Google rating: 4.3 

Ye Olde Watling offers a charming and budget-friendly option for those near St Paul's Cathedral. This historic pub draws visitors in with its cozy wooden interiors and affordable prices. 

The menu includes a selection of classic ales and hearty dishes like fish and chips, which are sure to fill you up without breaking the bank. 

For a wallet-friendly yet enriching experience, Ye Olde Watling stands out with its genuine charm and traditional offerings. It's a must-visit for anyone exploring the area. 

The Cockpit 

The Cockpit 

Walking distance: 4 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: St Paul's
Known for: Great local beers and budget-friendly prices
Google rating: 4.4 

The Cockpit is a lively local pub cherished for its great selection of local beers at budget-friendly prices.  

Their menu features well-priced pub classics like shepherd's pie and burgers - perfect dishes to compliment a pint or two. 

With its friendly vibe and well-priced offerings, The Cockpit is a great choice for those wanting to experience local culture without breaking the bank. Its prime location near St Paul's makes it an easy and worthwhile stop. 

The Centre Page 

Walking distance: 5 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: Mansion House
Known for: Affordable drinks and lively atmosphere
Google rating: 4.3 

The Centre Page is a vibrant pub with a lively atmosphere. Just a stone’s throw from St Paul’s, this pub is popular with both tourists and locals alike. 

Known for its selection of well-priced ales and spirits, The Centre Page also serves a variety of traditional British dishes that won’t hurt your wallet. 

With its affordable options and lively setting, The Centre Page provides a fun and relaxed experience near the cathedral, and a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a casual outing in the heart of London. 

The Lord Raglan 

Walking distance: 8 minutes from St Paul's Cathedral
Nearest tube: St Paul's
Known for: Well-priced ales and no-frills charm
Google rating: 4.2 

The Lord Raglan offers a genuine pub experience with its straightforward charm and well-priced drinks. This no-frills establishment is ideal for those looking to enjoy quality ales without the fuss. 

The menu includes affordable classics like fish and chips, making it a great option for budget-conscious visitors. 

With its easy-going vibe and excellent value, The Lord Raglan is a wonderful choice for those seeking a traditional pub experience near St Paul's Cathedral. 

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Explore London’s Music Scene: Past & Present

London music has evolved from Chas & Dave to the Sex Pistols to Congo Natty and back again. The capital city has been played by artists like The Who and the location of Jimi Hendrix’s last performance. The London sound is a reflection of its history, its diversity, and the creativity that comes with living in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. London Musicals London has some of the most legendary music venues in the world even though many have been lost to progress and development. When the Marquee Club closed down, a part of The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd’s legacy went with it. The Hammersmith Palais is no longer an epic entertainment venue but the title of a song by the Clash. Regardless the city is still thriving musically, with a community of like-minded music lovers attending shows in small pubs, pop-up venues, and stadiums with a capacity of 80,000. Whether you’re a head-banger, alternative rocker, mod, punk, indie, or anything in between, London has a venue to cover all tastes. Take a look at what London music history holds: Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road This theatre was built over the former Horse Shoe Brewery, the site of the 1814 London Beer Flood. The Dominion opened in 1929 and became well known for hosting musical shows. It wasn’t until 6th February 1957 that the hall saw its first proper rock and roll concert. Bill Haley and the Comets opened their British tour here where they were met my thousands of (atypically!) screaming British fans. The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road This Grade II* listed building has become one of the most famous music venues in London. This former railway shed saw The Doors play their only UK gig here in 1968 and by the early 1970s, DJ Jeff Dexter was a regular Sunday night feature. His shows helped launch the likes of David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Elton John, and The Rolling Stones to fame Punk arrived in 1976 and the Round House finished out the 70s with concerts from The Ramones, Patti Smith and The Strangers, Blondie, Elvis Costello, The Police, and so many more. After years of dereliction, the Roundhouse has risen from the ashes to become one of the capital’s best venues again. The Electric Ballroom, Camden High Street One of this venue’s claims to fame is it’s the location where Sid Sod Off – the last ever UK performance from Sid Vicious. Sid and his girlfriend Nancy wanted to move to New York and used the profits from this gig to do it. In 1979 Joy Division performed twice – around the same time U2 and Adam and the Ants were playing. In 2007, former Beatle Paul McCartney played a surprise gig for an exclusive audience. Dublin Castle, 94 Parkway Camden The famous late Camden resident Amy Winehouse was a regular at this lively pub. It’s an institution of the indie music scene and launched the music career of Madness. 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street This venue has seen change after change, but the spot has been music since 1941. The 100 Club’s roots are jazz and you’ll still find them playing it, but since the 1960s they’ve been throwing rock music into the mix. In fact, the name of the club came from its larger-than-life rock nights where The Kinks and the Animals played. In the late 70s they brought punk music into the venue with shows by The Sex Pistols and Siouxie; in the 1980s, the Rolling Stones took breaks from their huge stadium concerts for intimate shows. The increase in rents threatened the existence of the club in 2010 but a fundraising campaign helped its doors stay open to today. Eventim Apollo, Queen Caroline Street If you wanted to see some of the best gigs through London’s rock and roll heyday, you went to this Grade II* listed building in Hammersmith. Originally called the Hammersmith Apollo, it was renamed Hammersmith Odeon in 1962. It is known as the Eventim Apollo through sponsorship. The Beatles played their second Christmas show here in 1964 – it ran for 3 weeks and sold out its 100,000 tickets. The show involved music, comedy sketches, and special guests which made for a uniquely British holiday experience. Affectionately known as Hammy-O, this venue was just for live music. Live albums Alchemy by Dire Straits and appropriately titled No Sleep to Hammersmith by Motorhead were also recorded here. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore This historic venue dates back to the 1800s and was named after Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert. From the 1960s it has been used regularly to pop and rock concerts, which is when Cream performed their last show and Bob Dylan upset some of his folk purist fans by playing an electric guitar – the horror! The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys are just a few of the legendary names to have graved the stage of what is the grandest venue in London. Ronnie Scott’s, Frith Street Primarily a jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s club in Soho is also a hotspot for rock music. The Who deafened an audience of journalists when the band launched their album Tommy here in 1969. It’s also the location of a sad farewell as Jimi Hendrix gave his last live performance here in September 1970. Up on a Roof, 3 Savile Row Savile Row may be known for Georgian townhomes and upscale bespoke tailors but this Mayfair street housed the Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd group of companies. On 30 January 1969, the roof of Apple headquarters marked the group’s final performance and one of the all-time greatest moments in popular culture. The Beatles got up onto their roof and had a set list of five songs. Their neighbours were no pleased with the surprise performance and called the police. When they arrived they stayed to watch the show. The performance was stopped after 42 minutes but the footage lives on. The building is now a branch of Abercrombie Kids. London Landmarks Abbey Road Most of the Beatles records were made at EMI Studios in St John’s Wood in North London. They named their last recorded album after the road where the studios were situated: Abbey Road. The photograph on the front cover was taken on the zebra crossing right by the studios. Ever since that album release, millions of people have made their way up to St John’s Wood in order to replicate the famous photo – at the expense of their safety and traffic flow. Abbey Road Studios have estimated 300,000 people come every year, making it one of the top 20 most visited tourist attractions in London. Ziggy Stardust Another one of the most imitated album covers is David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust which was photographed outside 23 Heddon Street, near Regent Street. Here is where visitors come to stand by the phone booth where David Bowie once stood. The Clash The photograph on the cover The Clash’s eponymous first album was taken on the steps right outside the Stables Market in Camden Town. This is where they had their rehearsal rooms. Animals Pink Floyd’s album cover for Animals shows Battersea Power Station with a large inflatable pig tied to its recognisable chimneys. During the photo shoot the pig came loose and drifted skywards. It caused a lot of confusion amongst pilots flying in and out of Heathrow airport! Subterranean Homesick Blues Bob Dylan shot the video for this song at the back of the Savoy Hotel where he was staying during his 1965 UK tour. Two Virgins 34 Montagu Square in Marylebone has an exciting rock and roll history. Ringo Starr and his new wife Maureen moved into this apartment in 1965. Later, Paul McCartney recorded demos of Eleanor Rigby with a portable recording studio. Jimi Hendrix lived at this address with his girlfriend Kathy Etchingham and manager Chas Chandler. The trio were replaced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono and became the location of their famous naked photo that graced the cover of their Two Virgins album. Dedicated Followers of Fashion There has always been a connection between music and fashion, and London has many places where the art forms collide. The King’s Road in Chelsea has been associated with fashion and music since the 1960s when Mary Quant opened her first shop here. Later on the wonderfully named Granny Takes a Trip opened at 488 King’s Road. The street became known for being the place where The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix shopped, meanwhile internationally renowned fashion designer Vivienne Westwood owns a shop called World’s End at No. 430. The shop has had many names over the years and when it was co-owned by Malcom McLaren, one of the minds behind the Sex Pistols, it was called Sex. The members who would later form the band were regular patrons at the store. Another street associated with music and fashion is Carnaby Street in Soho. It became popular with the Mod crowd in the 60s. The area was no stranger to The Who and The Small Faces who bought clothes there regularly. Carnaby Street was mentioned in The Kinks’ song Dedicated Follower of Fashion: “Everywhere the Carnabetian army marches on, Each one a dedicated follower of fashion”. And that's everything you need to know about London's historic music scene! Of course, there are a tonne of amazing London attractions to experience in the city, so why not see them all and save with a London Pass? 
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Matthew Pearson
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