Toast the town at bars near The Shard

Find perfect pubs to unwind near The Shard.

Published: April 2, 2025
Discover the Best Pubs and Bars Near The Shard

After soaking in the stunning views from The Shard, you might find yourself looking for the perfect spot to unwind with a drink. Luckily, the area surrounding this architectural wonder is teeming with fantastic bars and pubs. Whether you’re after an elegant cocktail with skyline views or a cozy pint in a traditional pub, we’ve uncovered the best spots to suit every taste. 

High-end 

Aqua Shard Bar 

Walking distance: 0 minutes (inside The Shard) Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Stylish cocktails and panoramic views Google rating: 4.3 

Aqua Shard Bar is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a stylish cocktail alongside breathtaking views. Situated high up in The Shard, this bar offers drinks like the "London Spritz" that complement the stunning skyline. The chic interior and vibrant atmosphere make it perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in luxury. Enjoy sipping a crafted cocktail while the cityscape unfolds beneath you—an experience that combines elegance with a hint of magic. 

Oblix East 

Walking distance: 0 minutes (inside The Shard) Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Lounge cocktails and scenic views Google rating: 4.4 

Located within The Shard, Oblix East offers expertly crafted lounge cocktails such as the "Oblix Negroni," paired with stunning city views. The sleek design and ambient lighting create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Ideal for both intimate gatherings and lively evenings, Oblix East ensures a memorable night out with its unique blend of flavour and style. 

Ting at Shangri-La 

Walking distance: 0 minutes (inside The Shard) Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Elegant cocktails and Asian-inspired ambiance Google rating: 4.5 

Ting, located in the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, offers a refined cocktail experience in an Asian-inspired setting. Known for their "Shangri-La Royale," this high-end bar provides a serene escape with breathtaking views. The sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service create a delightful atmosphere for relaxation and indulgence, making it a must-visit for those at The Shard. 

Hutong Bar 

Hutong Bar 

Walking distance: 0 minutes (inside The Shard) Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Innovative cocktails and exotic decor Google rating: 4.2 

Hutong Bar offers innovative cocktails with an exotic flair, set against the stunning backdrop of the London skyline. Known for drinks like the "Silk Road," this bar captivates with its unique decor and atmospheric lighting. It's an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a drink in a distinctive environment that transports you to a different world, all while perched atop the city. 

Gong at Shangri-La 

Walking distance: 0 minutes (inside The Shard) Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: World-class cocktails and rooftop views Google rating: 4.3 

Gong at the Shangri-La hotel within The Shard offers world-class cocktails alongside rooftop views that captivate. Known for its "Gong Martini," this venue combines luxury with elegance. The intimate setting and superb service ensure an exceptional experience, making it perfect for a leisurely evening or celebratory toast. 

Mid-range 

The Refinery 

Walking distance: 5 minutes Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Craft cocktails and industrial-chic vibe Google rating: 4.4 

The Refinery, located just a short walk from The Shard, delivers craft cocktails in an industrial-chic setting. Known for the "Refinery Fizz," it features exposed brick and stylish decor that create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for casual gatherings or after-work drinks, The Refinery pairs innovative beverages with a welcoming vibe that draws you in. 

The Hide Bar 

Walking distance: 8 minutes Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Creative cocktails and cozy feel Google rating: 4.5 

The Hide Bar offers a cozy escape with its creative cocktail menu. Known for "The Crypt Keeper," it’s a haven for those who appreciate expertly crafted drinks. The warm interiors encourage intimate conversations and relaxation. It’s an ideal choice for unwinding with friends or enjoying a quiet drink after exploring the sights. 

The Old Thameside Inn 

Walking distance: 7 minutes Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Riverside views and varied ales Google rating: 4.3 

Set along the river, The Old Thameside Inn combines scenic views with a varied ale selection. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it's a perfect spot for those who enjoy casual dining with a view. The historical charm and lively crowd make it popular among locals and visitors alike. 

The George Inn 

The George Inn 

Walking distance: 12 minutes Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Historic charm and traditional ales Google rating: 4.4 

The George Inn offers historic charm with its selection of traditional ales. Known for the "George Ale," this pub exudes warmth and character with its cozy nooks and classic decor. With a history dating back centuries, it provides a genuine taste of London’s rich pub tradition, offering both ambiance and heritage. 

The Bunch of Grapes 

Walking distance: 10 minutes Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Cask ales and friendly vibe Google rating: 4.2 

The Bunch of Grapes delivers a friendly atmosphere with its offering of cask ales like "Grapevine Bitter." The relaxed seating and vibrant décor create a lively environment perfect for socializing. Whether catching up with friends or meeting new people, it’s a wonderful spot to enjoy quality ales in good company. 

The Old Thameside Inn 

The Old Thameside Inn 

Set right by the river, The Old Thameside Inn combines a traditional British pub experience with stunning views of the London skyline. With its spacious outdoor terrace and historic charm, the pub offers a range of ales, wines, and hearty pub meals like fish and chips. The picturesque location and inviting ambiance make it an ideal spot for enjoying a relaxing drink near The Shard. 

Budget-friendly 

The Market Porter 

Walking distance: 9 minutes Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Real ales and bustling atmosphere Google rating: 4.3 

The Market Porter offers a bustling atmosphere with its selection of real ales. Known for the "Market Ale," this pub is lively and inviting, ideal for casual drinking. The authentic setting and friendly patrons contribute to a vibrant experience without straining your wallet. 

The Rake 

Walking distance: 10 minutes Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Craft beers and eclectic ambiance Google rating: 4.3 

The Rake is a haven for craft beer lovers, offering an extensive selection in an eclectic setting. Known for "Rake Pale Ale," it provides a quirky and fun environment. The unique decor and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere perfect for beer enthusiasts. 

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The Sheaf 

Walking distance: 11 minutes Nearest tube: Borough Known for: Rotating taps and cozy underground feel Google rating: 4.5 

The Sheaf offers a unique underground setting with rotating taps that keep things exciting. Known for its "Sheaf Stout," it’s a cozy retreat for casual drinks. The intimate layout and warm ambiance make it a hidden gem worth discovering after visiting nearby attractions. 

The Woolpack 

Walking distance: 14 minutes Nearest tube: London Bridge Known for: Relaxing beer garden and classic pints Google rating: 4.4 

The Woolpack features a relaxing beer garden paired with classic pints, such as "Woolpack Best." It’s an inviting venue that provides a breath of fresh air, perfect for sunny afternoons. The vibrant crowd and laid-back vibe make it an excellent choice for budget-friendly relaxation. 

The Horseshoe Inn 

Walking distance: 13 minutes Nearest tube: Borough Known for: Traditional beers and warm setting Google rating: 4.3 

The Horseshoe Inn provides a warm, traditional setting with a fine selection of beers. Known for "Horseshoe Bitter," it boasts a cozy interior that invites you to linger. Its friendly atmosphere and genuine hospitality ensure a pleasant and affordable experience near The Shard. 

For more, check out our London Eye v The Shard guide, or peruse the best of the rest of South London. 

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Valentine’s Day in London

Valentine’s Day in London isn’t just for the loved up. It can be for those in couples, sure. But it’s increasingly a day that caters to those looking for love. And those giving love the cold shoulder this year, tired of dating and the hype and the ceremony of it all. Those who say things like, “Valentine’s Day was just invented by greetings card companies.” Those who don’t. If you take it seriously, red heart balloons and all. Or if you go round popping said balloons. There’s something for you this Valentine’s Day in London. So dig into our guide on what to do this Valentine’s Day in London, including... Romantic Thames cruises for couples An evening under the stars, straight out of the movies A couple of unique twists on traditional speed dating, for those looking for love A murder mystery evening for those who are looking for a suspect And much, much more... The View from The Shard The View from The Shard are hosting a super special Valentine's Day event this year. Book as a couple and head up to London's highest viewing platform to catch the sunset, taking in incredible views across the city. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to the soothing sounds of a live harpist. You'll get a souvenir digital photograph and a single red rose too. Outside of special event times, a trip up to see the View from The Shard is included with The London Pass. Click the button below to discover how you can see The View from The Shard with The London Pass, along with many, many other top London attractions. The View from The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG. For more details and to book, head HERE. theviewfromtheshard.com[/caption] Valentine’s Day Thames River Cruises with City Cruises For plenty of people, a Thames River cruise on Valentine’s Day is as romantic as it gets. Getting out on the water, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks pass by, drifting off into the sunset. It’s hard to think of a more classically romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day in London. City Cruises are offering three different cruise options on 14th February. Take it slow with an afternoon tea cruise, enjoying sandwiches and cakes to a soundtrack of smooth, smooth jazz. Or treat one another to a three course dinner with a live band for company. Finally, the evening cruise is the best option for those looking to dance off into the sunset together. Interested in a sightseeing Thames River Boat Cruise without the Valentiney twist? 24 hour access to City Cruises’ main services is included with The London Pass. Find out more about Thames River Boat Cruises available with The London Pass below. 14th February. To find out more about the three special Valentine's Day cruises run by City Cruises and to book, head HERE. citycruises.com[/caption] London's Rooftop Bars For many, there’s nothing more romantic than a rooftop bar. Cocktails and heights just do it for lots of people. You can survey all those beneath you, say, “Look, there’s my office,” and watch the sun go down. They’re usually pretty swanked up. For places lucky enough to have roof space, it’s good London real estate worth spending a penny or two on. Have a read of our article on the best rooftop bars in London to find your perfect date location for Valentine’s Day in London. Valentine’s Evening with the Stars, Royal Observatory Greenwich Ross and Rachel and the juice box. The two jazzed up lovers in La La Land. That scene in Manhattan. Planetariums are romantic, guys. Head up to the Royal Observatory Greenwich for a romance themed planetarium show, the chance to see space through an 18-tonne Victorian telescope and some time holding hands across the Greenwich Meridian. These special lates take place on February 8th and 14th, with tickets costing £24 for adults. To visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich during normal opening hours, get yourself The London Pass. Entry to the attraction, and many more of London's finest, is included with the pass. 14th February. Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Ave, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ. To find out more and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6260" align="alignnone" width="1000"] rmg.co.uk[/caption] London Valentine’s Speed Duetting Night Find someone you can truly harmonise with at this unique speed dating event. You’ll be split into groups, then paired up in a private karaoke booth to have a go singing a classic duet. It might go a little flat and fail to hit the high notes, or it might be the moment you find the Sonny to your Cher, the Simon to your Garfunkel. If you’re looking to take a chance doing something completely different this Valentine’s Day in London, this could be the show-stopping event you’re looking for. For daters aged 24 to 38. Lucky Voice Holborn, 84 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DL. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6261" align="alignnone" width="1000"] luckyvoice.com[/caption] Valentine's Vegan Speed Dating at Fortnum's Find love under the guidance of an eggless Eros at this vegan speed dating night. Another twist on the speed dating format, this event seeks to pair up like-minded meat and dairy-free singles. If you get beyond chatting about how long you’ve been a vegan, and start coming up with your favourite London vegan restaurants for a possible second date, you’ll know you’ve met your meatless match. Fortnum and Mason provide the perfect finger food accompaniment to this evening of green romance. 11th February. Fortnum's Bar and Restaurant, The Royal Exchange, The Courtyard, London EC3V 3LR. For more details and to book, head HERE. Love Letters Live This special take on the Letters Live series sees a host of famous faces and voices read out love letters sent by some of history and popular culture’s most interesting and important thinkers, artists, revolutionaries and lovers. From professions of love to confessions of heartbreak, interrogations of love and odes to its power, the letters read here approach love from every direction, offering new perspectives on the lives and thoughts of those who penned them. Letters Live has previously seen the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie read letters written by David Bowie, Che Guevara and Maya Angelou. This special event is raising money for the charity Help Refugees. 14th February. Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, Hackney, London EC1V 9LT. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6262" align="alignnone" width="1000"] letterslive.com[/caption] 'Cooking With Cupid' Valentine’s Cookery Class What’s on the menu tonight? It’s love, of course. With a side of green beans. This couples cookery class is designed to add a bit of spice back into the kitchen. People flirt with food. A date at a fancy restaurant. Planning a romantic meal where you cook that one thing you know how to cook. But cooking with and for your partner can quickly collapse into a question of who’s going to boil the pasta this evening and who forgot to get the milk and why did you put the carton back in the fridge if it’s empty and fine, just forget it, let’s get a takeaway and for goodness sake can you just make up your mind where you want to order from and it not take an hour and a half. This Valentine’s cookery class is looking to change all that. And it includes bottomless booze. Which is sure to turn even the most reluctant cooks into accomplished, artistically minded, flamboyant chefs. For the night, at least. 14th February. The Avenue Cookery School, 3 Enterprise Way, Wandsworth, London SW18 1FZ. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6263" align="alignnone" width="1000"] theavenuecookeryschool.com[/caption] Valentine’s Heart in a Jar Class Tired of the ephemerality of love? Jaded by the over-commercialisation of romance? Into taxidermy? Stuck for Valentine’s Day gift ideas again this year? Then this heart pickling class is for you. Spend the afternoon learning how to dissect and preserve an animal heart, then take your very own specimen home with you in a glass jar. Give it to your partner. If they love it, you were meant to be together. If they hate it, well, they can always regift it come Christmas. 16th February. The British Academy of Taxidermy, Islington Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Road, London N7OSF. For more information and to book, head HERE. Anti-Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery in the Sky Head up to the London Sky Bar for this inventive antidote to Valentine’s Day: a murder mystery evening set in a Prohibition era speakeasy. The bar’s proprietor has been found murdered. It’s your job to piece together all the evidence, interrogating suspects and working together to get to the truth. Find out who did him in, on Valentine’s Day of all days. When you’ve closed the case, take in the views from this wonderful vantage point, 29 floors up and overlooking the Thames. 14th February. London Sky Bar, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4QP. For more information and to book, head HERE. Right, that’s your lot. However you spend your Valentine’s Day in London this year, we hope you have a swell time. And let us know of any alternative ideas you’re cooking up in the comment box below.
Matthew Pearson
London British Pub Grub
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A Guide to British Pub Grub

Excited to try some British bites? You've come to the right place! We've crafted the ultimate pub grub guide to fuel your UK adventures. Nothing says Great Britain like sharing a meal in a pub - the locals' living room. You'll find value, casual atmosphere and hearty classic dishes, all washed down with top drinks. A pub visit is a must for any trip to these Isles. To help you find the best bites, we've researched pubs across the country and their specialties. This guide highlights traditional British staples, from fish and chips to ploughman's lunches. Whether you're after a light lunch or a full evening out, follow our recommendations and you'll leave satisfied. Don't forget to check the specials board! You’ll most likely find interesting ‘twists’ on pub favourites like special pies, curry, burgers or even sausages of the week! Dine out in a relaxed environment If you’re looking for a cosy atmosphere and home-cooked food, look no further than a pub. Casual dining is very popular in the UK and you often won’t need to book. Depending on the size and type of pub) you can sit in the bar area or a separate section for dining. Best of all, pub grub offers value for money and large portions! If you want to experience a London pub crawl, we've got some great recommendations. Read to the bottom for our list of fantastic pubs you need to put on your to-visit list. Fun for all the family Most pubs offer family-friendly opportunities to enjoy a meal out in a relaxed atmosphere (although we recommend you double-check first). When it comes to pub grub, there’s usually something for everyone. And if there isn’t a specific kids' menu, you can ask for smaller portion sizes or share some side dishes. A lot of pubs have beer gardens which are lovely in the summer months – even better if there’s some play equipment for the kids. Enjoy some great draught beer Draught beer, bitter, or ale are what pubs are famous for, and traditional British beers are seeing a revival. It’s hard to beat the quality and choice of beer in other eateries, so if you’re in a pub why not try a beef and ale pie? Or a delicious beer-battered cod, with chunky chips? What’s on the menu? Traditional British pub dishes haven’t changed much over the years, although you can now find the addition of non-traditional favourites inspired by cooking from all over the world. Check the menu before you choose your pub – you may be in for a surprise. Some, for example, serve Thai food only. Here are some traditional British pub grub faves: Typical main meals in London pubs Sunday Roast Usually served at lunchtime, the roast is usually chicken, beef, lamb or pork, though vegetarian alternatives are often available. Served with roast potatoes, a mix of fresh vegetables and gravy. And don’t forget the trimmings! Roast beef isn’t complete without Yorkshire pudding (a baked batter pudding, best filled with gravy), mustard and horseradish sauce. Pork is delicious with apple sauce; roast lamb and mint sauce belong together. Don’t worry too much if it’s not a Sunday – many pubs offer roasts throughout the week. Steak and Kidney Pie A savoury pie with a pastry lid, filled with a mixture of diced beef and kidney, fried onion and brown gravy. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s a great winter warmer and delicious with a side order of vegetables. Bangers and Mash A British staple named for its mashed potatoes and sausages, but the gravy is just as important. The type of sausages used varies, but a curly Cumberland is a popular choice. Filling and comforting, it's exactly what you want from British pub grub. Toad in the Hole Not as strange as it sounds and certainly has nothing to do with toads. This is another sausage dish, but this time the sausages are baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. It’s served with loads of gravy and fresh vegetables. Fisherman’s Pie Not in the mood for meat? Fisherman’s pie is classic pub grub. The pie is made with smoked whitefish in a white or cheddar cheese sauce, baked in the oven and topped with mashed potato. It can also contain prawns and hard-boiled eggs and traditionally comes served with garden peas. Fish and Chips No trip to the UK is complete without fish and chips, and the best thing about ordering this dish in a pub is that the batter will often have been made with some of the pub’s delicious draught beer. Try it with some tartare sauce and mushy peas. Ploughman’s Lunch A traditional lunch brought out to the fields by ploughmen, this cold plate of cheese, pickle and crusty bread is simple yet delicious. You might also have some apples, boiled eggs, ham or pickled onions on the side. As its name suggests, you eat a Ploughman's at lunchtime. Vegetarian and vegan eats Hello there, veggies and vegans. You have nothing to worry about. When in London, you'll find that most pubs have a great selection of vegetarian dishes, including vegetarian nut roasts with onion gravy, battered tofu & chips, as well as pies and pasta dishes. You can often customise dishes and order them without the meat element, too - don't be afraid to ask as pubs will usually do their best to accommodate dietary requirements. What's for dessert? Treacle sponge pudding Are you still hungry? That's fair enough. Try this typical British dessert – steamed sponge, with treacle on top and usually served with hot custard or ice cream. Knickerbocker Glory Finally, here’s one for the kids. A 'knickerbocker glory' is a colourfully layered cream, ice cream and fruit sundae served in a tall glass. A long spoon is essential if you want to get to the bottom! Here's the list of our top pubs in London The Prospect of Whitby - Wapping, Tower Hill The Royal Oak - Bloomsbury The Harp - Chandos Place, Covent Garden The Duke of Edinburgh - Cromwell Road, South Kensington Trafalgar Tavern - Park Lane, St. James's The Mayflower - Rotherhithe The Lamb and Flag - Covent Garden The Ten Bells - Commercial Street, Spitalfields The George - Great Portland St. - Great Portland Street, Marylebone The Blue Posts - Rupert Street, Soho And here are our favourites outside of London The Tan Hill Inn - Tan Hill, Swaledale, North Yorkshire The Salutation Inn - Ham, Gloucestershire The Dolphin Inn - Porlock Weir, Somerset The George & Dragon - Haddenham, Buckinghamshire The Bell Inn - Westhay, Glastonbury, Somerset If you’re looking for good food and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with a British pub - they're perfect for refuelling after a day of sightseeing. Of course, the menu will vary from place to place (from gastro-pubs to carveries and independent locals to national chains), but you’ll often find staple pub grub favourites to suit every appetite and occasion. Don't forget to check out a guided London pub tour while you are at it! Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️  
Vanessa Teo
Best Things to Do in London This July
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