BarChick loves the train, no need to stick to two drinks, phones are allowed, no traffic, and if you’re lonely, there’s the chance to meet lots of new friends down in the buffet cart. That said, us Brits are known for our delays, but with this guide to bars near the stations, you’ll never mind a delay again, in fact, you might even want to catch a later train…
Waterloo
If you are on your way over the Waterloo Bridge to the station, then make a worthy detour to Skylon bar for a killer cocktail complete with incredible views of the Thames. Only seven minutes walk to the station, it’s the perfect calm before the madness of rush hour.
Paddington
There’s not much in the area, so stay in the station and start your trip in style with a glass of fizz at the Searcy’s Champagne Bar. If your trip home makes you feel more like commiserating than celebrating then don’t worry, they serve beer and wine too. Not feeling it, then hit Yo Sushi for a dragon roll and some Saki, it’s right next to Searcy’s so take the later train and do both.
King’s Cross
Even if you find yourself cutting it close for time, The Booking Office bar is literally inside St Pancras, so grab a quick punch and a handful of veggie crisps, or just grab one of their English Ales to go and you’re on your way in minutes.
Victoria Station
Hit the Grand Imperial Bar, approximately seven minutes walk from most platforms, and grab yourself one of their imaginative Bubble Tea cocktails for the road. Fill up on dim sum while you’re there; it’s better than anything WH Smith has to offer.
Liverpool Street
For a sneaky underground drink before boarding, hotfoot it six minutes from Liverpool St, duck into the Breakfast Club and then sneak through the Smeg fridge and downstairs into London’s cutest speakeasy, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. Cocktails are their thang, and their DIY Bloody Marys are legendary. Enjoy.
Clapham Junction
Seven minutes walk up St John’s hill from Clapham Junction Station you’ll find Colonial-esque PDK aka Powder Keg Diplomacy. Have a homemade ginger beer, or work your way through their enormous beer selection.
Charing Cross
Head underground into the French brasserie style Bedford & Strand, a quick three minute stroll from Charing Cross station. Choose from their extensive wine list or even grab a bite to eat… the train can wait.
London Bridge
Choose from over 200 bottled beers at The Rake, fifteen minutes walk from the station, it’s London’s smallest pub, but it has a heated beer garden out back for some fresh-air and a brew or two before your trip.
Euston
The twin cider and beer lovers’ havens that are The Euston Tap and The Cider Tap, right outside Euston Station, are not to be missed. Set in two facing stone lodges, they are small but perfectly formed so settle in for some pints, but be warned: the spiral staircase can be lethal when drunk or if attempted with your wheelie bag.
