Where to drink
The Vintry
A warm, amiable and inviting pub in the heart of the city. The Vintry has been slaking the thirst of many a parched banker for years now. A fairly recent sprucing has seen the pub become the very picture of comfort. The long bar and under lighting provide the place with a familiar feel and like all good Fuller’s pubs they serve proper London beers. Not to mention some rather excellent pub grub too. As lively in the daytime as it is at night, you may feel out of place if you’re not wearing a suit but that’s a reflection of the area, not the pub itself.
Abchurch Yard, London EC4N 7BA
www.vintryec4.co.uk/
London Stone
In a playful nod to the aforementioned fragmented rock, the London Stone is a gothic themed pub that revels in the mysterious and bizarre. It’s hardly the kind of place that’s likely to become your new local but if you’re in the area and fancy something a little different then why not give it a go? They serve beer, wine, food and even cocktails. Yes, it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but sometimes it’s fun to just to with the crowd. Especially when the crowd are all dressed up like your standard gothic horror nightmare.
109 Cannon St, EC4N 5AD
www.eerie-pubs.co.uk/london-stone/
Harry’s Bar
Tucked away on Abchurch Yard is the ever famous Harry’s Bar. Alright, you’ve got us this isn’t the actual Harry’s Bar but then you’re not in Venice are you? What this place does well is the finer things in life. We’re talking Champagne, fillet steak, Martinis and Manhattans. They’ve even got a little courtyard where you can drink your bubbles in peace. The rest of Harry’s Bar feels like you’ve walked into something between a Georgian townhouse and a really upmarket store. Soft carpeting and oak panelling give the whole of the bar an incredibly pleasant feel. Oh and the restaurant’s not half bad either.
5 Abchurch Yard, EC4N 7BA
harrys.co.uk/abchurch/
Where to eat
One Lombard Street
Given that we’re in the heart of the city here, Cannon Street is not an area that’s short on the odd place to lunch. Business lunches, working lunches, long lunches and liquid lunches are all dutifully catered for across the square mile. Making it a real gastrophile’s dream. At the very top of the pile for many of those people is the stunning 1 Lombard St. Opened some 15 years ago, it’s both a brasserie and a more formal restaurant. Don’t be surprised to be surrounded by bankers at every turn, this is their territory and a popular haunt for both closing deals and celebrating them.
1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA
www.1lombardstreet.com/
The India
Another one that’s proving very popular with the working locals. Step underground and into The India and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to some other place altogether. We’re not going to say that place is India, as the restaurant is made up of three interconnected tunnel spaces. But the transformation is impressive nonetheless. The food is fantastic. With a real mix of popular old classics and some new fare for the more adventurous diner. Popular at both lunch and dinner times so make a reservation.
Cannon street, London EC4R 2RP
theindia.restaurant/
Hawksmoor Guildhall
If you’ve never visited one of the growing number of Hawksmoor restaurants in London then don’t panic, this is not a chain in the traditional mould. While all of the sites are styled in the same fashion, they’re managed much more like franchises. Whereby each site is allowed to impress its own particular feel on its staff and customers. The food is widely meat based, with a phenomenal range of steaks to be had. But there’s also some terrific fish dishes for those less inclined. It’s also worth mentioning that the cocktails wouldn’t be out of place in any of London’s finest bars. Try the Sunday Roast.
10 Basinghall St, London EC2V 5BQ
thehawksmoor.com/locations/guildhall
What to do
The Monument
Amidst the constant hubbub of the city, it’s nice every now and again to stop and remember. Designed by hallowed British architect Sir Christopher Wren, The Monument was built in 1667 to remember those who died in the Great Fire of London. A giant Doric column which is hollowed out in the centre to make way for the 311 steps that spiral upwards. The height of The Monument is designed to reflect the distance from the site where the fire actually started – a former bakery not far away. For a reasonable price you can climb the tower to check out one of the best views in London.
Fish St Hill, EC3R 8AH
www.themonument.info
The Clink Prison Museum
And you thought when people referred to prison as “The Clink” it was just an expression. No, The Clink was in fact a notorious south London prison which held thieves, murderers, harlots and drunkards between the 12th and 18th centuries. The name actually comes from a local building – Clink Manor. Today the museum stands on the same site, and you can visit it. Built in much the same vein as the London Dungeons, this place paints a gory picture of London’s gruesome past and although it may sound like one for the kids, we had a pretty good time underground too.
1 Clink St, SE1 9DG
www.clink.co.uk
Shakespeare’s Globe
OK, yes so we’ve crossed the river again here but it’s only a short walk (or an even shorter cab ride) away. Not to mention the fact that if you’ve never been before, The Globe is an unmissable treat. Rebuilt in 1996 with the ardent lifelong support of famed American director Sam Wanamaker, the outdoor(ish) theatre now stands as a constant symbol of the world’s greatest playwright. Go to visit or, preferably go to see a play. But be warned, the theatre is very much built as a replica so don’t expect comfy seats. Or in some cases seating at all. We recommend you bring your own cushion. Enjoy the show.
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT
www.shakespearesglobe.com
