The time of social competitiveness has arrived, with stats showing that the idea of playing games and taking on a challenge with your friends and colleagues is the new trend across London.
As your guide to the Square Mile, we’ve had our fair share of fun after the office, taking on colleagues to prove who’s the best around (it’s always me). We recently took our hand to some new experiences too, so we thought it was a good time to highlight some of the best things you can do after the office that are suitable for all, and offer more than just a packed pub (but of course, you can head there before or after too).
If we’re missing any, just let us know on socials and we can get them added in, find us @onecityldn. Without further ado…
Axeperience– Okay, maybe don’t go to the pub before you head to this one as it does contain a lot of sharp objects. If you want to get out some of that angst, Axeperience is a great place to go. With their many lanes of axethrowing and different experiences for groups, it’s a sure-fire winner for after work.
Boom Battle Bar– This one ticks all the boxes, from axe throwing to beer pong, mini golf and karaoke, you can make an evening of this one and make sure everyone in your group gets involved.
Clays The City– This one is a unique experience! Based on clay pigeon shooting, but with interactive screens and motion sensors. From minigames and pirate ships, you’ll go on a quest with your gun and a dream, along with some good food and great cocktails (which is safe, nothing gets actually fired!).
Dabbers Social Bingo– You’ve definitely seen it on your Instagram feed, and you probably have a friend who has won an air fryer from this party. Dabbers bingo has a home in the City of London, and it’s the BEST place for an absolute lark after work or on the weekend. Think huge scale fun and games, and big prizes to be won.
F1 Arcade– For the racing fans. The high-octane F1 arcade will put you in the hot seat as an F1 driver. Think Mario Kart on steroids. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be into the sport to enjoy the racing and competitiveness, it’s fun to get your hands on the gear stick and show them who’s best.
Fairgame City– Okay, we’re definitely biased, but Fairgame City is 100x better than the one in Canary Wharf (but both are very fun). This is a self-proclaimed place for grown-up children, and having tried it ourselves, it’s fair to agree. Grab a cocktail, a bag of candy floss, and head back to your childhood.
No Escape Aldgate– As the biggest brand of immersive escape rooms in all of London, these guys know how to make you scream at your closest friends and question your relationships. Okay maybe we’re not selling it, but they’ll give you the best escape room experience you can get, so definitely worth trying out.
Poolhouse– Hot off the press, Poolhouse just opened last week near Liverpool Street, and it’s already a winner. We were one of the first down there, and we cannot recommend it enough! It’s bang for your buck, pool like you’ve never seen before, and a great way to bring joy to the whole group. You don’t need to be into the game to enjoy your time here, as the minigames make it about anything and everything, so it’s certain to bring some smiles.
Puttshack- Mini golf, but on another level. Puttshack isn’t your run-of-the-(wind)mill mini golf place, with tech to make your game easier and no score cards required, it definitely took us by surprise when we first went. With unlimited options for an evening, and a very swish bar area, you can set yourself up here for a good Friday night.
Quiz Room– Ever fancied yourself a TV Quiz star? Now’s your chance with Quiz Room! You’ll enter a quiz room like never before, with interactive TVs, a host, and a fierce competitiveness you’ll struggle to find anywhere else. This is a fantastic option for all, where you can choose your own categories, join a music quiz, or make it family friendly!
London Sports Festival– Every summer the City comes alive with London Sports Festival. Last year we saw a football pitch take over the Guildhall courtyard, a padel court right in front of St Pauls and padel table tennis in bars around the area. This year, a similar lineup is expected, so there’ll be plenty of opportunity to get stuck in, try something new, fill your lunch break, and become victor of the friend group.
Watch our experience of last year’s Summer of Sport here.
Nothing in life comes free? Well, that’s just not true is it! Everyone wishes their money went a bit further, and knowing you’ve not paid for something just makes it all the more better.
It may come as a surprise to some, but the Square Mile can be one of the cheapest places in London and beyond. The abundance of events, galleries, experiences and activations that shape our City often come without a price tag, and this can make for a packed day out without having to spend a penny. Of course we can give you the best lunch recommendations which may cost something, but for now, let’s focus on the things that won’t require you to empty your pockets at all.
FYI, we’ve added all of the below into a Google Maps list which you can view here to help your navigation.
Now you don’t have to do any of this in order, but if you fancied yourself a stroll from start to finish, we’ve put together a step-by-step of where to start, where to walk and where you can end, but feel free to pick out what takes your fancy, or split it up to spread out the fun.
Fleet Street Quarter
Get yourself to Temple, City Thameslink or Blackfriars station to get started on our tour. If you start at Temple, have a wander in Temple Gardens just before you hit the boundary of the Square Mile.
Now, let’s get started. Your first stop, starting right in the Western point of the City is Temple Church and Garden. You can also pop through to St Dunstan in the West and take in some history and greenery to kick off.
From here, Fleet Street Quarter is your playground. We’d recommend heading to Fleet Street itself, where you can walk the famous road and breathe in the history of London’s journalistic scene (FYI, if you’re a literary lover, this page on a Literary City could be for you). Take in the famous Fleet Street Heritage Sundial which highlights some of the area’s media outlets that have now ceased publishing. You can also swing south down Magpie Alley. This street has a mini exhibition charting the history of print in the area and makes for a great informative space to centre you within the locale.
You can then take a swing north and head to Gough Square, the home of Dr Johnson’s House. While you do have to pay to get in, the Square itself is a gorgeous spot rife with history, and you can give a loving stroke to Hodge, Dr Johnson’s beloved pet cat who will charm any visitors.
After Gough Square, make sure to pop in to St Bride’s Church just off of Fleet Street, another institution of the City, also surrounded by beautiful architecture. You can then walk the rest of Fleet Street until you land at St Paul’s.
St Paul’s and the Surrounding Area
Tours of St Paul’s do cost money, however just walking around the gardens and gawping at the London icon is more than enough. Take in the intricacies of the architecture, take your pics with one of the most well-known landmarks of our city, and wander the gardens for some greenery with a phenomenal backdrop.
From here, the next stop is NOT to be missed, cross the road on the East side of the cathedral and head to St Paul’s reflecting pool. If it’s your first time there, this one will take your breath away and is a well-kept secret within the City workforce. The quaint little spot perfectly reflects the image of St Paul’s onto the pool, and offers some of the best pictures in the Square Mile.
The Barbican area
From one icon to another. After the reflecting pool, head towards Cheapside, one of the City’s most frequented streets, and on your way North make sure to head into Postman’s Park, one of the City’s most gorgeous green spaces, and certainly a One City favourite with our office nearby. From here, head North until you reach the Barbican Estate. The Barbican is one of the UK’s most visited cultural institutions, and you can really make of it what you want here. We’d recommend wandering the estate and heading into the Barbican Centre itself to take in the architecture and gorgeous space inside. Top tip, if you’re planning in advance, you can also reserve free tickets to head into the Barbican Conservatory, which we could not recommend enough!
Head outdoors, walk towards St Giles Cripplegate Church and wander the expanside outdoor waterfront which will impress anyone who’s never stepped foot there, and those who constantly return (myself included). You can really spend an entire day here, or just a few hours, but the Barbican offers one of the best spots to take a breather and have a sit down before you get ready for some more walking!
From St Giles at Cripplegate Church, head Eastwards with your next stop being Finsbury Circus Gardens. This is the largest green space within the whole of the City, so is worth checking out for that alone.
Guildhall
After your Barbican cultural soiree, there’s more culture to come with Guildhall. Head towards Guildhall via Basinghall Avenue and London Wall Place, during this stretch you’ll be able to see the historic remains of the wall which surrounded the City for protection during Roman Times, and you can also walk along the City Skywalk, raising you above the pavement navigating the square mile from above the road. Down Basinghall Avenue you can also take in Girdler’s Hall, the home of one of the City’s many livery companies and is a great space to take in the architecture juxtaposing the imposing glass towers surrounding it. This sets you up perfectly to walk south and enter the West Wing of the Guildhall.
One of the best secrets around awaits you in the West Wing, called The London Centre. In here, you can enter for free and see HUGE models of both London and the Square Mile, as well as some other exhibitions dotted around the venue. It’s a great place to have a break, shelter from outdoors if needed, and experience the models which will impress anyone of any age. Top tip, on Fridays at 12:30 they also offer free model talks, where an expert will give you a tour of the models and walk you through the history of the City.
Now you’re in Guildhall, you’re in a great spot. Head out into the courtyard and take in the surroundings of this building from the 12th century. From there, pay a visit to the Guildhall Art Gallery, a fantastic and free gallery with new and changing installations paired with historic pieces centred in the history of the Square Mile. For any Roman fans, you can also head into the basement and see the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre dating back 2,000 years, the definition of a true free gem!
If you’ve not yet had enough art, between here and your next stop is the fantastic Hypha Gallery at No.1 Poultry. This gallery makes use of an empty lot during development, giving purpose to ground floor activations and bringing culture and art to City workers and visitors in a space that would otherwise go unused. They have revolving exhibitions with fascinating artists, and is definitely worth the stop to complement the more historic Guildhall Art Gallery.
History time
You’ve had your culture fix, both modern and old, but there’s still so much more to explore. From Guildhall, you can walk south towards Cannon Street, dropping in at the London Mithraeum by Bloomberg. This is a fascinating space underneath the Bloomberg arcade hosting an ancient Roman Temple of Mithras, discovered during construction of the area and unearthed to be presented for the public to experience. It’s free to enter, and they also have light shows, and have turned their entrance into a mini modern art gallery. A brilliant find for anyone in the area!
For another quirky architecture shot, as you leave the Mithraeum make sure to walk past the Walbrook Club. While a private members club, just a view of the outside is astounding. The standard-looking old-style house is nestled within multiple glass skyscrapers, making for a brilliant picture.
Now you can start walking towards the Royal Exchange, and situate yourself at Bank Junction to give yourself the best view. You’ll find the building adorned by the backdrop of a beautiful sky and the tall buildings surrounding it. Many may think that you can’t enter the Royal Exchange, however you can take a step inside to truly get a grasp of the architecture, and you’ll be blown away. Whilst it’s a luxury shopping destination now, it’s brilliant to just walk through the building and be in a space that’s had so much history unfold. If you want to learn more about the building itself, we collected some facts which you can read here.
Now your history tour isn’t over yet, as the Great Fire of London is the next stop. Head down towards the Thames and you’ll land yourself at the Monument to the Great Fire of London. This huge monument marks the starting point of the fire which destroyed over 90% of London in 1666, and is a space to take in one of the biggest moments in history, which shaped London as we know it today. Fun fact, one of the reasons the fire spread so fast was not only the wooden houses, but the narrow streets and how close each building was to each other. After the fire, the streets were rebuilt in the same manner, just with stone, so around this area you can still get a feel for how close the streets were and see one of the reasons which contributed to the destruction of our City.
Just a stones throw from the Monument is another historic spot, but one of true beauty. If you head Eastwards you’ll stumble upon St Dunstan in the East. This is one of my personal favourite spots in the City, and offers a quaint corner of peace in the midst of a lot of hustle and bustle. In this small area you’ll see the remains of a church which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the fire. Then, in another key moment, the church was bombed during the Second World War and was never rebuilt. It now serves as a gorgeous and catching green space inviting guests to sit, ponder, and have a moment of reflection.
For some more intact history, just a couple of minutes from here is All Hallows by the Tower, a historic church in front of the Tower of London which is still active to this day, and has an exhibition on the history of the City, and the church in its crypts. It’s quite small so you can get around it easily, but it’s interesting nonetheless and offers another feather to the cap of our free tour.
The big big City
You’ve seen over 2,000 years of history, so lets bring you forward to the modern day. Did you know that any new developments of a certain height within the Square Mile required developers to include a free and accessible viewing platform. This has meant that in recent times, a bunch of brilliant experiences have come about allowing you to view London from a new perspective.
The most famous of these is probably the Sky Garden in the Walkie Talkie. While they do offer paid events and experiences, tickets to access the viewing platform are completely free, but do need to be reserved in advance. One of our absolute favourites is The Garden at 120, this is also completely free and doesn’t require reservations. Titled after its address, it also has a rooftop garden with a water feature. It’s a beautiful spot that you have to check out. On offer for viewing is also ‘The Lookout’ and ‘Horizon 22’, both also free, breathtaking, and require booking in advance to secure a spot.
If you need some time to decide which of the four platforms you’ll visit (or see all four!), you can head into Leadenhall Market to kill some time while you think. The famous market is a landmark of London and is a wonderful place to amble around. Walk all four corners to experience the place fully, and our top tip, look up! The ceiling has some wonderful art that just adds another layer to this great place.
This area of the Square Mile, also called the Eastern City, is a great place to simply wander if you like large-scale architecture. Walking amidst the huge skyscrapers offers a Manhattan-esque experience. One of the most interesting pieces in the area is the famous Lloyds building, an example of ‘Bowelism’ architecture similar to that of the Pompidou centre in Paris. Having an exploration of the Lloyd’s Building is a great one to pique your interest, and to add to the beauty of the area, head over to St Andrew Undershaft Church where you’ll witness probably the most juxtaposing picture of London. This church is placed right at the base of the Gherkin, an icon of British architecture by Norman Foster. This makes for the BEST picture of the area and really shows the development and history of our city.
Go East
It’s time to head out of the cluster of skyscrapers and head east for more culture and history. If you walk over to Aldgate Square, just a few steps from the base of the Gherkin, you’ll find yourself in one of the most culturally rich areas in the country. Aldgate bleeds into Whitechapel making a fascinating area in and around the Square Mile. The square offers a beautiful backdrop of Aldgate with Saint-Botolph-Without-Aldgate church, and a meeting point for those working in the area who you’ll often find having a drink or lunch in this park.
From Aldgate Square, you’re in an area surrounded by so many art institutions and galleries, like really, SO MANY! Whitechapel Gallery is certainly a great place to start, this beloved institution will take you on a journey through some of the best art in the City, whilst all being free!
If you’ve still not had enough art, there are countless galleries in this area. You can see more on the Petticoat Lane website here, and we also have a piece on art in the City where we highlighted some of the top galleries around.
After your stint at Whitechapel Galley, head down Vine Street to see another piece of the London Wall where you can continue South and find the South Eastern part of London Wall at Tower Hill. Here you’ll land yourself in Wakefield Gardens overlooking the Tower of London, another of London’s incredible landmarks, to mark the close of a huge walk, and some money well saved on your day out!
If you’re after more things to do in the City, make sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up to our mailing list to be in the know with some of the best things the Square Mile has to offer.
We’ve also added all of the above stops into a Google Maps folder, which you can view here to make your navigation easier.
When you think of a literary London, where does your mind go? Maybe over to Hackney, Brick Lane, Notting Hill? Well, here’s our case for centring the Square Mile at the heart of a literary London, with so much history and a huge range of attractions, the City NEEDS to be your next spot for a wistful day wandering around the past, present and future of London’s bookish fun.
Fleet Street
The best place to start is probably the very centre of the UK’s print history! The one and only Fleet Street is where printing and book publishing in the UK started, with not only its notorious journalistic history, but the first printing press and the first distribution of literary prints taking place in and around St Paul’s. As well as its historic significance in publishing, Fleet Street has always been the beating heart of journalism in the UK since the publication of the first newspaper in the area in 1702 (The Courant, for any future pub quizzes), with most major newspapers settling in Fleet Street and printing the hottest news right here. While most major papers moved out of the area in the early 2000’s, you can still hear the stories, explore the history, and even head to the journo pubs to try and get ahead of the latest news (The Punch Tavern is highly recommended).
The famous Fleet Street mural with five defunct publications. Fun fact: this wall is also a sundial!
The history of Literacy
There’s much more history in the City of London’s literary scene than just Fleet Street’s journalist accreditations! We could go on, but two great hat tips go to…
Dr Johnson’s House– As the Son of a bookseller, Samuel Johnson was destined to a life of literary fame. A notable character in the 18th century, Johnson is possibly most known for compiling the first ever modern dictionary. He’s also noted as England’s second most quoted man, and I’m sure you’ll know him from ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’. There’s much, much more to this elusive man, so to find out more why not pop round his house and pay a visit to his home in Gough Square and sit right at the very centre of modern literacy! You can even pop in after hours for a glass of something sparkling and take it all in.
The Stationers– Ever wondered why your pens and pencils are called ‘stationery’? Well, it’s not because they stay still. Introducing The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers… One of the City’s historic livery companies, the Stationers Company are the home of media, print and communications. When print first expanded across the UK, sellers would have to register their print pieces, and would ‘station’ themselves outside of St Paul’s and the surrounding area. Only those with printed materials permitted by the Stationers were allowed to set up a station and sell printed good, thus, the term stationary originated. You can visit Stationers Hall which is just around the corner from St Paul’s. They host guided tours, and you can also visit their archive which includes the first record of print from Shakespeare.
The famous statue of Hodge, Samuel Johnson’s beloved sidekick in Gough Square.
The Best Book Shops
Buying books and reading books are two totally different hobbies, so let’s indulge in a bit of both with these gems to go digging for your next read (we won’t judge if it sits on the shelf for years don’t worry).
Daunt– Daunt Books is arguably THE best spot in the Square Mile to go book shopping. The Daunt tote bags are a staple of London’s fashion scene, and the shops themselves are the best place to get lost for a while. Their City location on Cheapside has two floors of books with topics spanning from new fiction to local City specifics. If it’s remotely popular, chances are Daunt will be able to get you it. We headed to Daunt ourselves, and you can check out our visit below.
Leadenhall Market– Okay, so this one is a Waterstones sure, but it’s right in the middle of one of the best locations, Leadenhall Market! Chances are you may be popping by here, so having a venture in and browsing is always a great way to explore, experience the vibe of an area, and take something home from one of London’s most iconic spots.
Barbican– The Barbican is known for many, many things, but maybe its book shop doesn’t at first come to mind. Well, that should change. Although a bit more specialist than your usual, the Barbican stocks a fantastic range of cultural and architectural books that are well worth a browse, plus, who needs an excuse to visit the area and have a wander?
St Giles Book Fair– The St Giles book fair is an iconic experience for anyone to check out. Taking place for around a week, only four times per year, St Giles Cripplegate Church gets taken over with used books for a bargain. You can grab some real gems, explore old and new, and do something one-of-a-kind. This is definitely our top tip for any book lovers in the Square Mile.
Book shopping at St Giles Cripplegate is a *moment*. You can see their dates by clicking the image.
Reading Spots
Now this is where the City comes to shine. We all know the Square Mile combines centuries of history with modern glistening skyscrapers, and that makes for some of the best spots to grab a coffee and sit down with a book. The list is endless for this, but we’ve rounded up a few to get you started:
St Paul’s reflecting pool– The worst-kept secret around, St Paul’s reflecting pool is a sight to behold. Just behind One New Change this gorgeous spot features a calming pool which reflects the image of St Pauls within its bounds, a perfect quiet spot in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
Barbican– One of the best! Not only is the Barbican a great spot when the sunshine is out, but you can also head inside and use their cafe/library areas to chill out, nestle into a spot and get stuck in.
Love Lane– Read next to Shakespeare himself in Love Lane. This quaint spot just off of Guildhall offers cherry blossom surrounded by the Guildhall complex and a bust of Shakespeare himself, dedicated to the Editors of Shakespeare’s first folio.
St Paul’s Garden– Harping back to our Stationers history, the actual garden of St Paul’s is my personal favourite place to read. You’ll be just in front of one of the nation’s most iconic buildings while sitting right where the history of bookselling began in the UK.
Postman’s Park– Famous the City over, if you know you know. This green spot is calm, surrounded by historic architecture and has an abundance of benches so you can get comfortable while you get reading.
Host Cafe– Another indoor option, and this one is truly special. Host is a working cafe inside an active church, offering you pews to take a seat in and enjoy a hot drink. I myself have spent a few lunchtimes reading in Host, and it’s certainly my go-to on a rainy day.
St Dunstan in the East– This one is certainly no secret, but is worth a spot on this list for its beauty alone. It’s a frequent spot for any City goer when you need a quick breath of fresh air and a moment of calm in a busy area, but with benches around the bombed out church, it offers a great spot for some people watching and page turning.
No doubt we’ll have missed some of your favourite nooks to get reading in, with so many to choose from that are full of literary history, we always recommend getting out there, exploring, and discovering the area for yourself! Happy reading.
That after-work pint just hits differently in the City, and you’ve earned it. But you probably walk past a handful of pubs in the short walk from the tube to your office, so where do you go?
Whether on the hunt for a spot that will impress your colleagues, looking for somewhere that offers the perfect Saturday afternoon moment, or seeking a place to bring the family when they visit that will inspire some every day wander, we’re rounding up some of the best pubs in the square mile. And we’re talking pubs, your-stand-with-a-pint-and-talk-utter-nonsense pubs, you won’t find a Simmons on this list.
We know that pubs are best when they’re a local, so we’re splitting these into five areas so you can see which are closest to you.
Fleet Street Quarter
Old Bank of England– The beloved with a bus. This pub is grandiose and gorgeous and will blow anyone away on their first visit. With imposing huge ceilings set in an old bank branch, and a double-decker bus in the beer garden, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Hoop and Grapes– A pub over four stories? Tick. This one offers a different vibe on each floor so offers something for everyone. The top floor has a piano and board games, and the architectural setting is one to truly impress.
Punch Tavern– The one for the gossipers, not only is the Punch Tavern visually brilliant, but this is an old journalist’s haunt, so you might just find yourself in front of the latest breaking news!
Olde Cheshire Cheese– Is this the oldest pub in London? Well, it’s the only one in contention within the City, so we’re going to back it up. That’s quite a claim, ay? Having the oldest pint around on your way home, not a bad shout for a visit.
Cheapside
Wren Tavern– A Bow Lane institution, the Wren Tavern offers a sophisticated yet lively option down a gorgeous space popular within the City, it’s also right next to Bank, Cannon Street and Mansion House, so not far to stumble back.
Ye Olde Watling– Another Bow Lane institution, and just opposite the Wren Tavern, so which one will you choose? With history stretching back to the 1600s, this is touted for its great food, and having been in there a good few times, the atmosphere is positively cosy and offers a warmth only a square mile pub could do.
Golden Fleece– A firm favourite for the Cannon Street commuters, waltz past here on a Thursday evening and you’ll be fighting for a space on the pavement as this pub packs a punch and provides the liveliest spot around.
Culture Mile
Old Doctor Butler’s Head– You might have missed this one on first glance, nestled down a small narrow alleyway, you could easily miss the drinks barrels outside, but inside you’ll be greeted with a warm, old-style, proper pub. This is the One City team’s go-to near the office, so it’s certainly OC approved!
The Globe– You definitely won’t have missed this one. Front and centre at Moorgate Station, the Victorian architecture juxtaposes the huge glass Deutsche Bank right behind it. The inside matches the gorgeous exterior, and if you’re heading to the Lizzy line, you’ll be popping in here at some point, I guarantee it.
The Butchers Hook and Cleaver– A combination of an old bank, and an old butchers shop, this spacious pub offers those in the Spitalfields/Farringdon area an excuse for a cheeky one on the way home. The interior is welcoming and calming, with striking tiles and chandeliers, it’s grand, and it’s great, certainly one to check out!
Eastern City
Lamb Tavern– Tradition and history come to mind here, oh, and the iconic Leadenhall Market. This place is a go-to in the Eastern City as you get the backdrop of the gorgeous Leadenhall landscape. Head here on a Thursday night and you’ll see it in a completely different light!
East India Arms– A piece of history, the East India Arms is now the only remaining building which has links to the East India Company, although safe to say the money now doesn’t go into those problematic escapades. Built in 1829 in the Fenchurch Street area, this pub was included in the first Atlas of London, so truly a pint with a point.
The Railway Tavern– Just a hop away from Liverpool Street, this one is popular among those seeking a quick one on the way back to the UK’s busiest train station, and it’s fair to say this pub could be one of the UK’s busiest on some nights too. But that does make for a brilliant atmosphere, a great crowd, and the perfect place to get in the thick of it.
Aldgate
Hoop and Grapes– This one is famous the world over and always tops the lists of the best pubs in London. If you head in and have enough to drink, the pub may even start to look straight. Known for having an entrance that looks like it’s already more hammered than you’ll be by the end of the night, the building also escaped the great fire in 1666, so it offers some real City history within.
Princess of Prussia– This gem has a HUGE history. Nestled outside of the main hustle and bustle, the building was originally opened next to a courthouse. This meant the watering hole often played host to many underhand deals, which helped to ‘avoid the long process of court’. The clientele was mainly formed of court workers, and those who were summoned to court, no doubt that led to some jarring tensions. Further to this, the space is also next to a famous alleyway, Magdalen Passage, named after the Magdalen laundries of Ireland, in which many were also exported over to London. If you do stop there for a pint, it’s well worth giving a thought to the detailed history of this one.
The Magpie– Right next to Devonshire Square, this one is a traditional Victorian-style building covered in wood panelling and stories to tell. A favourite for those heading towards Liverpool Street from the East, they serve pies, fish, and burgers, so you can’t go wrong.
Recently announced by the go-to coffee shop guide ‘Best coffee shops in the UK‘, 2 coffee spots within the square mile have been listed as the best across the UK. This list is then a gateway to the world’s best 100 coffee shops, so big work! You can see more info on this on Time Out, which also shared their recommendations.
Now we KNOW the square mile is full of amazing coffee, and we’re no strangers to running around trying to find the best cup of Joe, but it was brilliant to see two of our own institutions highlighted on a national scale. The rankings evaluated local spots, so Pret isn’t one of the winners here (with that coffee, it wouldn’t be anyway), so these are real gems in the area. So… where can you find the best coffee according to the national rankings?
Well, where do we start with this one? Of course we’ve headed down to trial it ourselves, and it was out of this world! You’re immediately struck by the plants adorning the space, making the cosy area an inviting and enticing experience.
They’ve got a basketball hoop so you can try and score free coffee, and I loved the touch of having blankets and a newspaper on every table within the little sheltered arcade outside. To top it off, Curators is a non-profit too! Their coffee is great, but the star of the show in my opinion is their food selection, with the most gorgeous looking pastries, sweet and savoury croissants and the best blondie I’ve ever had (the sweat treat, not the. barista). One thing we can’t miss out, is that once it turns dark (or during the day, we don’t judge), they also do an alcoholic menu with, of course, espresso martinis. Do we think it deserves a top 100 rating? Absolutely, without a doubt.
This Vietnamese specialty coffee godsend is right by Liverpool Street station, so if this is on your commute to the office, I’m so jealous! With that said, it’s only 20 minutes walk for us, and it’s worth every second. If you’re yet to try a Vietnamese coffee, well this should be your next stop. Of course they also serve regular London coffees, but if you know, you know. Aside from this, you ever tried soy sauce in a cookie? Well you can here, if you’re not already intrigued, you can visit for their seasonal drinks, regional delights and the best vibe!
Other coffee shops to note
Zero to One and Curators deserve their spot in the limelight, but there are so many great spots around the square mile, so we wanted to flag some of the best out there that didn’t quite make the official list (but should have).
Nkora
Saint Espresso
The Wren Coffee
Host Cafe
Senzo Coffee
Rosslyn
Ozone Coffee
If we’ve missed any of the best spots, let us know on Instagram! We’re always looking for an excuse to explore yet another cup of coffee.
