London's finest winter pubs, from the cosy to the quirky.
Whether it's cosying up to a bottle of red in front a roaring fire, or playing chess in a huge armchair while the jukebox plays your song, the season for hunkering down and setting up camp in a quirky pub is most definitely here. There are hundreds of cosy nooks and crannies to enjoy a drink in London. Spoonfed bring you our favourite five.
The Victoria
10a Streatham Place W2 2NH
The Victoria is, in my opinion, one of the finest pubs in London. The ground floor is classic West London Victorian boozer, with gilt and mirrors, polished wood, ceramic pot lids embedded in the walls, grizzled locals, the odd bewildered looking tourist, and Fullers ESB on tap. But upstairs in the tiny 'library' is where you want to be on a cold wintry day. With sumptuous oak panelling, huge armchairs and a roaring fire, it's like something out of a Dickens novel – and local legend has it that the man himself used to drink here rather regularly. And if it's good enough for the author of A Christmas Carol, it's good enough for me. TJ
Netil House
1 Westgate Street E8 3RL
The roof of a Hackney warehouse is not the first place that springs to mind when you're craving cosy, but Netil House is a top floor sanctuary: a divinely decked and heated roof terrace which is full of surprises. Walk through the wardrobe lined with furs (all for hire) as you enter, hunker down in a yurt over a hot toddy or mulled wine, rub shoulders under the canopied dancefloor, and enjoy panoramic views of London from your high perch. Festive vibes, pop-up dining, surprise DJs: this little gem has become the hub of London's flourishing artistic community. LC
New Evaristo Club
57 Greek Street, Soho
Formerly a brothel called Trisha's, this once secret drinking den on Greek Street is now widely known. One of several 'speak-easy' type bars and restaurants in Soho, there are no visible signs of a drinking establishment from the outside, only a bouncer whom you acknowledge with a conspiratorial smile and a nod. Head downstairs and you'll find a small, dim room, illuminated by two light bulbs (one red, one green) with a couple of wooden tables and chairs. Drinks are cheap and basic. Don't, whatever you do, ask for a Mojito – you'll feel incredibly foolish. There's a mural of Humphrey Bogart on the wall and photographs of Italian Mafia everywhere just in case you weren't aware you were walking into a den of iniquity when you passed the drunk hooker on the stairs. EM
The Shakespeare
57 Allen Road, N16 8RY
The back streets of Stoke Newington have quite a few pubs that are ideal for a quiet winter pint, but The Shakespeare has to be my favourite. Wood panelled, with a nice little garden, a large fireplace and an amazing plaster cast of an old actress adorning the wall, it sells nice German beer, shows the footy and is filled with totally sound people most of the time. They don’t do food, but the landlord lets you buy pizza from next door and eat it in the pub, which is a total winner. DH
Sun and Doves
61-63 Coldharbour Lane SE5 9NS
A film night, a weekly quiz night, big booths, bigger sofas, books and board games: Sun and Doves is one of the most supremely comfy places to snuggle in Camberwell. The food is good, the drinks are great (including fresh juice – so rare) and the cheery people that run this place wouldn't be surprised if you turned up with a blanket and slippers. You could equally take a laptop and use their carrot cake to fuel your wintry work ethic. NK
Thirsty for more? Why not check out our Where To Drink Sherry in London article.
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