Today, many London pubs have been turned into trendy gastropubs, whilst other more modern watering holes have gone to great lengths to achieve an old-fashioned look.

Nonetheless, those pubs that have been carefully preserved for hundreds of years make the perfect spot for any visitor to soak up a bit of traditional English culture and see day-to-day London life in action.

London: 5 classic pubs that we love

Before you head out, read our guide to drinking at a traditional pub in London. Ready to sip a pint? Here are five of the best to kick-start your London pub-crawl:

The Prospect of Whitby

57 Wapping Wall
E1W 3SH

This Docklands pub marks the spot where fishermen, sailors, smugglers and pirates used to stop off right back in 1520. Sadly, all but the flagstone floor was destroyed in a fire and the pub was rebuilt in the 1770s. In the seventeenth century, Samuel Pepys used to frequent this watering hole, hence the aptly named “Pepys Dining Room” upstairs. In more recent years the pub has attracted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton and Kirk Douglas.

The Prospect of Whitby is perfectly positioned on the edge of the Thames making it an ideal spot to gaze out at the river and admire the city of London whilst enjoying the comforts of a real local pub.

The George Inn

77 Borough High Street
Southwark, SE1 1NH

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Borough Market and flanked by some of London’s most iconic modern buildings, the George Inn is a perfectly preserved little chunk of old London. The earliest reference to the inn is on a map dated 1542, however, the George had to be rebuilt after the Southwark fire destroyed the original building in 1676.

Today, the George is famous for its wooden galleries that characterize the front of the building. The simple, wooden interior boasts plenty of cozy corners to escape the cold and enjoy a good ale and in the summer months, the enormous outdoor terrace is popular with city slickers and market traders alike.

The Argyll Arms

18 Argyll Street
Soho, W1F 7TP

Ever popular and ever special, the Argyll Arms is strategically located just off Oxford Street, making it the pub of choice for office workers, theatergoers and West End shoppers. Built in 1742, the Argyll received a makeover in 1897 when “snugs” became fashionable and the bar was split up into several ornately decorated little compartments so that punters could drink privately. Several years later regulators demanded that some of the partitions were removed to prevent “unsavory” goings-on and so the Argyll took the shape it has today.

The beautifully etched glass partitions and mahogany bar and paneling even survived the Blitz and the Argyll remains one of London’s most atmospheric pubs. Lovers of ale are also in for a treat as the Argyll boasts some of the UK’s finest cask-conditioned real ales and the selection is constantly changing, giving punters another reason to keep coming back.

The Holly Bush

22 Holly Mount
Hampstead, NW3 6SG

A real treat hidden away in one of London’s oldest villages, The Holly Bush is one of those rare urban locals that manages to transport you far away to a rural countryside hideout. The pub opened in the early nineteenth century but is housed in a building that dates back to the 1640s and the original fireplaces, wooden booths and oak paneling are all still intact and beautifully preserved.

The warm, inviting ambiance of the pub draws you in, as do the many different dynamics going on as you meander in and out of the rabbit warren of rooms. From romantic whisperings on intimate tables by the fire and walkers refueling after a brisk stroll across Hampstead Heath to family get-togethers on long tables in the back rooms, this is a special place that embodies what a traditional pub should be.

The Dickens Inn

Marble Quay
St Katharines Way, E1W 1UH

A wonderful way to enjoy the calm of St Katharines Dock, the Dickens Inn is actually a relatively new arrival on the London pub trail. However, this inn has an interesting story to tell and is certainly worth a visit! The timber frame that houses the Dickens Inn was built as a spice warehouse in 1775 and was sadly encased in brickwork in the 1820s to fit in with the modernization of the dock.

Almost 150 years later architects discovered what lay beneath and, in order to save the building, they had to transport it 70 meters across the dock to make way for a new housing development. The timber frame was painstakingly restored in the style of an 18th-century balconied inn and was opened by Charles Dickens’ grandson in 1976.

Your favorite pubs in London

If you need even more ideas, check out our list of 10 favorite bars in central London. Do you have a favorite pub you’d suggest adding to our list? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post 5 Traditional pubs in London worth a visit appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It’s perhaps unsurprising that these are also great places to let your hair down and have a good time. With prices far cheaper than the average London bar tab, these venues are definitely worth celebrating.

Is it happy hour yet?

Related: Saving on nightlife, culture and bars in London

1. Simmons

Several locations around London

Not a happy hour but a happy FIVE hours is the norm in this chain of bars. You can find them in locations around London including Soho, Kings Cross, Fitzrovia and Camden. All the bars benefit from the eclectic decor, mixing kitsch toys, neon signs, and granny-style light shades. That style is reflected in the drinks too, and they even serve cocktails in teapots (for £15 during happy hour).

The times for the Happy Hours vary between venue – check their website for details – but offers include spirit and mixer or a glass of wine for £2.50 (perfect for those who prefer more a conventional drinking receptacle!).

2. Be at One

Several locations around London

Another chain of bars that prides itself on its happy hour, Be At One has locations in central London including Camden and Covent Garden. Again, the time of their happy hours varies between venues, but usually spans a couple of hours every night, including the weekend.

You’ll find a two-for-one on their extensive cocktail menu, which includes all the classics as well as some more unusual numbers such as the “Swedish Death Nettle”. The bars share a fun, party atmosphere, while some — including the Covent Garden Russell Street branch — have a late license.

3. London Cocktail Club

Several locations around London

Describing themselves as “a serious drinkers party bar”, this is another cocktail chain. There are branches in Goodge Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Oxford Circus, Islington, and Bethnal Green.

LCC serves up some truly imaginative cocktails, served in equally inventive ways — fancy a bacon and egg martini, served with a garnish of real bacon? It’ll taste even better when bought as part of the 2 for £12 happy hour deal. Times vary between venues so check their site for details.

4. Cafe Kick & Bar Kick

Leave behind the cocktails for just for a bit (although they do serve them too), and step into one of the two branches of these Soccer-themed bars. It takes its cue from European bars, rather than British pubs, offering bottles of European beers, wine, and the opportunity to play your own game of foosball (known as ‘table football’ across the pond).

Their happy hour runs from 4 pm to  7 pm every day, when you can buy a bottle of house beer for £2. At Bar Kick, you can also pick up a bottle of the house wine for only £12.

5. Barrio

Four locations in London: Angel, Soho, Shoreditch & Brixton

Also on a global theme are the Barrio bars that can be found in Angel, Soho, Shoreditch, and Brixton, offering a colorful and kitsch take on South American style.

Their “Amigo Hours” are the time to really become friendly with their drinks menu. Running all day Sunday and Monday, and until 8 pm (9 pm in Brixton) from Tuesday to Saturday, they offer £5.50 select cocktails, while you can pick up a selection of beers for £3.50 a bottle.

6. Slim Jims

112 Upper Street, Islington
Tube: Angel

Okay, it might not be why you wanted to visit Europe, but Slim Jims aims to offer a taste of the States in the heart of London. They have a big love of whiskey, liquor, and rock n roll.

There’s regular live music, but one of the attractions has to be their happy hour, running from 4 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday to Friday, and until 10 pm on Sundays and Mondays. The deal? 2-for-1 cocktails!

7. Joe’s Southern Kitchen

34 King St, Covent Garden
Tube: Leicester Square or Covent Garden Station

Another British take on the States, Joe’s serves up generous portions of fried chicken, pulled pork, mac n’ cheese and the like. They’re also generous with their happy hours at their bar — running all day Sunday and from 4 pm until 6.30 pm on Monday to Friday — where selected cocktails are just £4.

It’s also well worth checking if their downstairs “Cocktail Baby” space is open. Not only does it play a great mix of disco, soul, and house music, it’s £5 for cocktails from Thursday to Saturday.

8. The Drunken Monkey

222 Shoreditch High St, Shoreditch
Tube: Liverpool Street

Head to The Drunken Monkey (just down the road from Bar Kick) for dim sum and cocktails. It’s a cool space, decorated in rich red with kitsch touches and a DJ playing funk, house and soul, with even cooler happy hour offers.

Running from 5 pm to 7 pm Monday to Friday, and from 12 pm until 7 pm and all day Sunday, you can buy four beers for £10. There’s a selection of cocktails available for £5 each too, from classics such as the Shanghai Sling and Mojito to their own inventions such as Monkey’s Strawberry Lemonade, a refreshing but potent mix of vodka, crème de fraise, strawberries, and citrus juice.

9. The Roxy

3-5 Rathbone Pl, Fitzrovia
Tube: Tottenham Court Road Station

This basement bar and club just near Tottenham Court Road is a popular spot for an evening out, open until late every night except Sunday and playing a wide range of music, from indie through to chart pop.

There are plenty of promotions that will make you want to stay out late — each weekday the happy runs from 5 pm until 8.30 pm, and on Saturday it’s between 6.30 pm and 10.30 pm. There’s a wide range of drinks included, including half price cocktail pitchers and bottles of house wine. In addition, Monday to Wednesday brings a 2-for-1 on cocktails.

10. The Old School Yard

111 Long Lane, London Bridge
Tube: Borough

This charmingly scruffy around the edges bar is inspired by your school days — they’ve even got lockers! However, it’s probably a lot more fun than your school days ever were, with video games, a karaoke booth, and plenty of cocktails.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, the happy hour runs from 5:30 pm until 8 pm. Enjoy two beers for £5 or cocktails for £4.50 each, to a soundtrack of suitably retro hits.

The post London Bars: 10 Best happy hour deals in London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In previous articles, we’ve explained the etiquette of visiting a traditional pub, where to find a lovely (and affordable) Sunday roast, and how to save on London nightlife and culture, but where should you go for an authentic (and not too costly) pub experience?

Well, we’ve picked out 10 of our favorite London pubs below. They’re all located in central London, and are all highly recommended for providing a well deserved respite from the bustle of London streets. These are pubs that are popular with locals, given their histories, locations, specialties, and — of course — drink prices!

And if you need a place to stumble back to after a fun night out on the town, you can check out these centrally located budget hotels in London. After all, you can afford to grab an extra pint or two when you save on your accommodations!

Here are our top 10 favorite pubs in central London. The next round’s on us!

1. Lamb and Flag

33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB
Tube: Covent Garden

The Lamb and Flag is ideally placed for escaping the throngs of Covent Garden. Slightly tucked away from the main streets, you’re more likely to be rubbing shoulders (it does often reach a rubbing shoulders level of busy) with a Londoner than with a fellow tourist.

The building has a great history — reflected in its appearance — having been on this site since 1772. Beloved of Charles Dickens, it once was called the “Bucket of Blood”, as it was known for bare-knuckle fighting. It’s much more welcoming now — so much that if you sign up to their mailing list, you can get yourself a free pint.

2. The George Inn

77 Borough High St, Southwark, London SE1 1NH
Tube: London Bridge

Another Dickens recommendation: this pub was actually mentioned in Little Dorritt. It’s an amazing building — a rare surviving example of a galleried inn and the exterior dates all the way back to 1677. Its uniqueness makes it one of the most expensive options on this list, so we recommend savoring a pint in their courtyard on a sunny day, and then moving on. We named the George Inn one as our favorite traditional London pubs for historic drinking.

Related: Five classic London pubs worth a visit

Princess Louise pub. Photo: KotomiCreations

3. Princess Louise

208 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EP, UK
Tube: Holborn

The Princess Louise is an all-round winner. First of all, it’s run by the Samuel Smith brewery, who serve up some of the cheapest pints in London. Then there is its astounding Victorian interior. Entering is like stepping back in time — it’s divided into small compartments, each seating just a handful of people, arranged around a central bar. Mirrored, frosted glass and mosaics create a visual feast that’s unlike most pubs or bars you’ll ever visit.

4. Bradley’s Spanish Bar

42-44 Hanway St, London, W1T 1UT, United Kingdom
Tube: Tottenham Court Road

Despite the name, this is less bar and more pub. The name does have some truth in it, however, as it serves a good line of very well priced Spanish beers and wine. This unpretentious, fun but battered around the edges venue spans several levels. The star attraction is the much-loved vinyl jukebox.

5. The Harp

47 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HS, United Kingdom
Tube: Charing Cross/Leicester Square

Another oasis of civility in the middle of one of the busiest area of town. Behind this pub’s charming stained glass windows, you’ll discover plenty of choice for ale aficionados. The two narrow floors make it a tight squeeze, but drinkers spill out onto the alley outside in the summer. As with the Lamb and Flag, it’s operated by Fuller’s, so sign up on the site for your free drink.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. Photo: George Rex

6. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU, UK
Tube: St Pauls

You’ll find the entrance to popular Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in the narrow alleyway coming off Fleet Street. That sets the tone for the pub — rebuilt after Great Fire of London, it’s a maze of rooms and passageways. It’s undeniably atmospheric, with its dark corners and open fires, and past famous drinkers are said to have included Mark Twain, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and, yes, like many other pubs, Charles Dickens. Like the Princess Louise, it’s a Samuel Smith’s pub, so it offers some of the most reasonably priced drinks in central London.

7. Scootercaffe

132 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE, United Kingdom
Tube: Waterloo

The Scootercaffe is definitely the least pub-like of all the drinking establishments we’re recommending, but it’s a charming cafe-bar of the type that’s surprisingly hard to find in London. Their coffee machine keeps going into the night, but there’s bottled beers and wine to be enjoyed here, too. Spread over two higgledy-piggledy floors, with vintage furniture and sometimes even a cat, it’s a dark and cozy place to enjoy a few drinks.

8. The Lyric

37 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LU
Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Looking for a small, but a perfectly formed Victorian pub in a busy part of town? The Lyric is a great example of a good British boozer — there’s a great selection of craft beer, an open fire, reasonably priced tasty grub, and the likelihood of a football game showing on the screens.

9. The Lexington

96-98 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9JB
Tube: King’s Cross/Angel

The Lexington’s drink selection differs from the traditional British boozer in that it favors U.S. bottled beers and whiskies. That’s in keeping with its rock n’ roll spirit — the Lexington is one of the city’s best places to see up and coming bands. In fact, it’s a brilliant place to spend an afternoon that tips into an evening, as there’s plenty to entertain here — from music quizzes to club nights. It pulls off feeling just decadent enough while still being welcoming.

Enjoying a couple of pints at Holborn Whippet. Photo: Tom Anderson

10. The Holborn Whippet

25-29 Sicilian Ave, London WC1A 2QH
Tube: Holborn

London has some great traditional pubs, but the Holborn Whippet goes to show that good drinking doesn’t have to involve dark rooms with brass fittings. This is a tiny place, close to the British Museum and, while it’s stripped back in decor, it definitely doesn’t stint on the drink. They pride themselves on the different craft beers — there’s some good food, too — and it’s a favorite with local workers. In better weather, you’ll see them spilling out of the pub onto Sicilian Avenue outside where there’s not that many better ways to spend a sunny London evening.

Cheers!

The post Our 10 favorite local pubs and bars in central London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But warning: Without proper planning, you could easily blow your entire budget on a couple of nights out on the town. But you don’t need to spend a lot to have a fun and memorable night. To prove it, we’ve compiled this Cheapo guide to some of our long-standing, wallet-friendly favorite nights out in London.

London transport at night

Transport needs to be factored into any night out in London as, sadly for late-night revelers, the Underground closes relatively early. The exact time varies, but last tube trains are generally between midnight to 12:30 a.m. (check in the tube station for the exact time of its last train).

A highly-anticipated “Night Tube” was meant to start this past September, but the project has been postponed, leaving the huge network of night buses as the cheapest way to get home after the Tube  closes. You can check out Central London routes here. Use your Oyster card to travel at night, as you would during the day. If you’re using a day travel card, it’s valid until the Tube starts running again the following morning.

Related: London Public Transport: How to save on Tube and bus tickets

London’s famous black cabs are expensive, though you might save as a group by booking a licensed mini-cab in advance. And, as with other cities, many Londoners are dedicated Uber users.

Yo Olde Cheshire Cheese is a classic, and yes, very old London pub. Photo: George Rex

Drinking: Pubs, bars and coffee shops

You’ll find places to drink all over London (navigate your way around a London local with our pub guide), although areas with a reputation for the best nightlife include Soho and Shoreditch. Further afield—and likely to be slightly cheaper—Brixton and Dalston both have great reputations for their bar scenes.

Pubs

• City wide, Samuel Smith and Wetherspoons pubs both offer cheaper than average drinks. The former are especially worth checking out for their historic interiors.

• Other traditional pubs that won’t break the bank include the wonderfully named Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street—dating back to the 17^th century and boasting an amazing history.

• Also check out the Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell.

Cocktail bars

Fancy something a little more fancy than a pint? Seek out some of the capital’s finest happy hours.

• The Barrio chain—with four branches around London—has daily £5 cocktail Amigo Hours (times vary between branches).

• The fun London Cocktail Club venues host regular discounts on their delicious drinks, too.

Cafes and coffee houses

London is somewhat lacking when it comes to evening drinking options that aren’t alcohol-focused. However, for a late-night coffee you could try Soho’s legendary cafe Bar Italia, which serves up the black stuff 24 hours a day.

Waterloo’s cute Scooter Caffe—open until midnight on weekends—puts as much emphasis on its coffee as its beer (if not more), as does Shoreditch’s The Bridge Coffee House and Lounge, another late-night favorite.

There’s usually free admission to the fun blues bar Ain’t Nothin’ But. Photo: Vlad

Nightlife: Clubs and live music

London has something for all tastes and budgets. The nightlife scene is constantly changing, so pick up a free copy of Time Out magazine for the up-to-the minute latest.

Clubs

While London’s dance clubs are so diverse that it’s hard to state hard and fast rules about them, in general you’ll probably pay less if you get to the venue early. Look out for fliers or try to get on the guest list online for cheaper entry fees. Here are some favorite clubs:

• For central London cheesy music, you could try The Roxy (take note of their happy hours).

• Heaven is one of London’s most famous gay clubs. Note that it’s worth making a pre-club outing to the G-A-Y bar to try and pick up free entry fliers first.

• Shoreditch’s Catch, meanwhile, is a late night DJ bar/club. As they describe themselves on their website, it’s “always free, always fun!”

Live Music

Larger concert venues tend to sell out well in advance, but there are a few last-minute options:

• King Cross’ Lexington and Shoreditch’s Old Blue Last are both pubs that specialize in hosting the best new guitar bands.

• Ain’t Nothin’ But is an atmospheric and lively blues bar, found near Carnaby Street. It offers free admission most nights, and is free before 8:30 p.m. on weekends.

• Jazz more your thing? Take a look at Soho Jazz Wednesdays—sign up on the website for discounts and special offers on some of London’s best jazz joints.

Related: A Cheapo’s guide to free music in London

Snag a cheap ticket to a show at the Old Vic. Photo: Peter Morgan

Entertainment: Theater and culture

London is filled with evening culture options. From the big shows in the West End theatres to late nights at museums, you’re certain to find something culturally rich to do in London once the sun goes down.

Theater, cinema and comedy clubs

Free (or at least seriously cheap) theater tickets? Yes, it’s true. Score yourself free and cheap theater tickets with our guide to free tickets. (And don’t forget, if buying tickets to a big West End musical or play, head straight for the official TKTS discount theatre booth at Leicester Square — and not from the dealers surrounding it!)

We’ve also got some invaluable money saving tips on cinema going in the capital.

Or chortle your way through an evening at one of Angel Comedy’s impressive array of free events, or the New Act Night at the Comedy Café. That also costs nothing, and who knows what up-and-coming talent you’ll spot?

Museums and galleries

First of all, remember that national museums are open for free to visitors. To enjoy them after-hours, attend a Museum Late—evening openings at the museum, often with music and additional talks, tours and workshops.

Arty types will also enjoy First Thursdays, where over 150 east London galleries open their doors for free events and private views.

Something different

And for something completely different, check out the range of activities at Drink, Shop and Do. You can take part in evenings involving everything from making Lego robots to adult coloring in—many for free when you buy a drink.

And, after all that craftiness, be sure to round off your night by hitting their downstairs dance floor!

The post London Nightlife Savings: How to save at pubs, clubs and culture appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.