Pubs in The City

The City of London, that ancient square mile of financial power and medieval lanes, empties out come evening when the office workers head home. By day it's all glass towers and hurrying commuters, but the pubs that remain open tell a different story, mixing centuries of drinking history with modern food and craft beer. The narrow streets around Liverpool Street and Bank still hold traces of their past, from Wren churches to old market buildings, though the skyline has changed beyond recognition.

You'll find proper historic boozers like The Blackfriar with its Arts and Crafts interior serving cocktails and craft ales, while Ye Olde Watling occupies a site rebuilt after the Great Fire, now offering DJs and a beer garden alongside the heritage setting. Smithfield Tap keeps irregular hours serving the meat market crowd, and The Bunch of Grapes brings craft beer and premium spirits to the mix. Most pubs here go quiet at weekends when the suited masses vanish.