Guinness Bars and Proper Pubs for After Work
For a proper pint of Guinness in the City of London, start with a pub or bar that knows how to keep the room steady, the glass clean, and the pace unhurried. This guide brings together old pubs with wood panelling, bars near Liverpool Street and Leadenhall Market, and places where a drink can turn into a longer night without much planning. You will find cask ales, stout, whisky, cocktails and simple pub food, from fish and chips to pie and roast plates. Some spots suit a quick stop after work, others have booth seating, upstairs rooms or tucked-away corners that make staying for one more easy. It is a short route through the City for people who want a pint first and everything else after.
Fox & Anchor
Image / Tripadvisor
Victorian pub with a private Fox’s Den and proper roast dinners in Barbican
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What to expect
You can settle in with a pint of ale, a glass of wine or a simple breakfast plate, then move on to pub classics such as lamb chops, fish and chips or a roast with Yorkshire pudding and vegetables. The menu suits both a full meal and a lighter stop, and there’s enough choice to make it work for mixed groups at different times of day. The private room adds a useful option if you want a more tucked-away meal.
Plan your visit
Go here with a proper appetite, because the roast plates are generous and often come with enough vegetables to make a meal feel complete. If you’re eating with a small group, ask for the Fox’s Den as it gives you a more private setting without losing the pub feel.
The Market Porter
Image / The Market Porter
Victorian pub in Borough Market with cask ales, guest draughts and an upstairs view over the market
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What to expect
Come for a pint after browsing the market, or settle in for a proper meal at the bar or upstairs. The menu leans on pub staples, from fish and chips and burgers to pie of the day and Sunday roast. When the weather is good, the outdoor space on the market square is a simple place to stay a while, and the upstairs room gives you a clear view over the market below.
Plan your visit
If you want a calmer visit, aim for a meal before the market rush builds or settle upstairs once the browsing crowd has moved on. The bar works well for a pint, but it also suits a full lunch or dinner after time in Borough Market, especially if you want a view over the square.
The Railway Tavern
Image / FANZO
A split-level Liverpool Street pub with darts upstairs and a private function room
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What to expect
Inside, you can settle into one of the pub’s different sections, from a quiet nook to the upstairs area with dart boards. Order fish and chips, pies, burgers or small plates, then pair them with cask ale, wine, cocktails or alcohol free drinks. On busy nights, table service and phone ordering help keep things moving, and there’s space for private events too. The outdoor tables are useful when the weather is kind.
Plan your visit
If you want a quieter meal, ask for one of the smaller seating areas or the upstairs nook. For drinks with a group, the interactive darts setup and the outdoor tables work well. If you need a private space, ask about the Office room, which is used for corporate gatherings and celebrations.
The Market Coffee House & Bar
Image / Tripadvisor
Family-run coffee house and bar with set lunch, high tea and seasonal plates
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What to expect
You might begin with small plates, then move on to mains such as lamb neck or hake, both mentioned by guests for careful cooking. The menu shifts with the season, and there’s high tea between lunch and dinner. Save room for school cake or strawberries and cream, and some evenings include piano music at a volume that still allows conversation.
Plan your visit
If you’re planning a meal, go with the short menu rather than trying to over-order. The smaller plates make it easy to share, while the larger dishes suit a more settled dinner. If you want a quieter pace, pick a time when you can sit for longer and make use of the upstairs space.
Old Tom's Bar
Image / Old Tom's Bar
An underground bar in Leadenhall Market with 19th-century tiles and a strong whisky list.
Good for
What to expect
Head down into a set of stone and brick rooms where the pace feels calmer than the market above. You can settle in for a pint, order an Old Fashioned or pick from whisky, wine and beer, then add small plates such as cheese, pickles or a Scotch egg. The room works well for a quiet drink, a catch-up with friends or a private gathering in the basement space when you want a bit more room to spread out.
Plan your visit
Go inside the market and look for the entrance that leads down to the basement rooms. If you’re with a group, choose one of the corners or bench seats so you can hear each other easily, and keep an eye out for the food counter if you want to order snacks with your drinks.