What is it about a low ceiling, some open brick work and a dimly lit room that create the perfect atmosphere for drinking? It seems that boozing in broad daylight is far too socially accepted. Sometimes, we want to misbehave a little – add a bit of naughtiness to the tipple, as if nodding back to the prohibited age of alcohol. London’s arches and vaults, naturally, seems like a good place to start.
1. Putney Pies
There’s more beneath the crust than meets the eye – you’ll realise this once you visit this little pie stop on the edge of Putney High Street. Beneath the road-level homely restaurant, which serves up heartwarming and generously filled pies, there’s a tunnel leading to a vault beneath the arches by the Thames. This bar and underground space is frequently home to live music. You can see what’s happening this month here.
2 Putney High St, London SW15 1SL
2. Gordon’s Wine Bar
Established in 1890, Gordon’s is the oldest wine bar in London and, safe to say, it’s a not-so-hidden gem (it gets pretty bloody busy). They don’t take bookings after 4.30pm and even then it must be for a minimum of 8 people, which isn’t ideal if you’re after a romantic setting for two. The first-come first-served basis, so expect to queue (*sigh*) if you want to get a glimpse of the intimate candlelit coves.
47 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NE
3. Fu Manchu
15-16 Lendal Terrace, London SW4 7UX
4. Walkers of Whitehall
After being refurbished this year, this three-storey pub is tucked down a cobbled side street just south of Trafalgar Square. The building was originally built as an Irish bank in 1694. What were once the former bank vaults now make up the basement cocktail bar, which has since been fitted with a beautifully arched and embossed pewter ceiling. The food and drink is pretty classic – what you’d expect of a nice pub.
15 Craig’s Court, Whitehall, London SW1A 2DD
5. Milroy’s and the Vault
3 Greek Street, W1D 4NX