Initially called Bishopsgate, the station received a name change in 1874 after the longest-serving British Prime Minister, Lord Liverpool. Over the years, it has transformed into Britain’s third busiest station and is a bustling transport hub for commuters and visitors.
Fortunately, Liverpool Street is home to fantastic watering holes for thirsty commuters, working lunches, and pubs to soak up the local scene. Here is a guide to eight of the best Liverpool Street pubs.
The Best Pubs Near Liverpool Street: Map
Dirty Dicks – A Notorious Client
The unique history of Dirty Dicks, might seem too tall a tale to be true. However, it is a somewhat tragic story.
The legend of Dirty Dick dates back to the 18th century. Richard Bently, a prosperous merchant, became so brokenhearted by the untimely death of his fiancée that he refused to clean anything, including himself. He was so dirty that even letters arrived addressed to his Dirty Warehouse. Reports suggest that because Charles Dickens met Dirty Dick in the then-named Jerusalem pub, he inspired Miss Haversham in Great Expectations.
Jerusalem’s landlord later named the pub Dirty Dicks, including its cleaning regime, or lack of, citing Richard Bently, alias Dirty Dick’s celebrity status.
Today Dirty Dicks’ dirtier side is restricted to a display by the bathrooms of the main bar.
Dirty Dicks offer traditional pub grub in a beautifully crafted wooden interior. The now comfortable pub caters for parties of up to 100. For a Sunday Roast Liverpool Street, the menu includes a 21-day aged rump of beef with all the trimmings for £19.00.
The drinks menu has real ales, craft beers, wines and spirits. The Dirty Dicks, near Liverpool Street, prides itself on pulling the perfect pint.
Address: 202 Bishopsgate, City of London, EC2M 4NR
Telephone: 020 7283 5888
The Kings Arms – Sports Pub
The Kings Arms is an 18th-century traditional pub with a reputation for being a delightful pub serving great food and a fantastic sports pub.
The pub is often buzzing with a friendly atmosphere, and a team of efficient staff are keen to help.
There is a significant selection of beers and a great beer garden away from the bustling street to enjoy a refreshing pint or dine alfresco.
The Steak and Ale Pie is a favourite at £14.25 with award-winning slow-cooked beef.
There’s a pool table downstairs, darts, and football or horse racing are regularly shown on the TVs.
The Kings Arms is an inviting Liverpool Street pub with a beer garden, a short walk from the station.
Address: 27 Wormwood St, London EC2M 1RP
Telephone: 020 7588 4655
The Lord Aberconway – 150 Years of Iconic British Pubness
The Nicholson pub brand celebrates its 150th year serving the great British pint. Central to their theme is a warm and welcoming atmosphere whilst enjoying a pint in beautiful surroundings.
The Lord Aberconway near Liverpool Street is no exception to the theme. Just a short hop from Liverpool Street Station, the characterful traditional pub takes its name from the last chairman of the old Metropolitan Railway.
You may not be alone when you visit The Lord Aberconway, and it won’t be the drink fooling you. The spirits behind the bar are not the only spirits, as rumours say ghosts haunt the pub.
On top of a good pint, Nicholson serves award-winning traditional pud grub. The Nicholson’s Fish and Chips are popular, which are £15.50. A Vegetarian Sausage and Mash is £13.00.
The pub also offers snacks, a buffet menu and a lunch menu. The drinks menu is extensive, with beers and ales from around the world and an extensive selection of whiskies and gins.
If you want to relax and unwind after a day in the city, The Lord Aberconway offers a great respite.
Address: 72 Old Broad Street, London EC2M 1QT
Telephone: 020 7929 1743
Williams Ale & Cider House – An East London Boozer
An East London boozer with a wide range of ale and cider, that is how Williams Ale & Cider House describe themselves, as do many people.
The interior decoration is clean and typical pub style. The bar is dominant, with plenty of stools and tables to relax. The pub has several dartboards to book for tournaments, private games or parties. The Williams website says tongue in cheek, ‘Settle office politics and disputes with sharp objects.’
In addition to being an authentic east-end ale house, they take pride in the service and knowledge their staff provide. Along with the drinks, they have an excellent food menu offering small plates, sandwiches and some classic pub food. Fish and Chips are £16.00, and, Sausage and Mash are £14.50.
Williams Ale & Cider House is one of the best pubs near Liverpool Street. They are dog friendly, have free WiFi and screen many sporting events.
Address: 22-24 Artillery Lane, Whitechapel, London, E1 7LS
Telephone: 020 7247 5163
Simmons Bar – Epic Five-Hour Happy Hour!
Simmons Bar opened in 2013, intent on producing fun and relaxing bars without hefty prices. The first bar in Kings Cross is now one of 26 Simmons Bars across the capital. Simmons Bar Liverpool Street is one.
The pub near Liverpool Street fits the brief, brightly decorated with neon lights, a disco skull and space to dance.
Considering its central location, the five-hour happy hour makes Simmons Bar very affordable. Happy hour prices include bottles of beer or a spirit and mixer for £2.50. Two cocktails from the extensive cocktails menu are £10.00.
If you need a venue for a private function suite, the Liverpool Street bar can accommodate up to 50 guests. Use the website enquiries page for further details and prices.
Many people suggest the Simmons Bar provides value for money and a great night out, and the staff are excellent. The beer garden is a bonus. The negatives are that the venue is small and the music may be too loud.
Address: 21 Widegate St, London E1 7HP
Telephone: 020 3879 9247
The Astronomer – Inspired by the Night Sky
The Astronomer is a uniquely and tastefully styled pub drawing inspiration for the decorations from the night sky and the implements used for studying the subject.
The relaxed atmosphere and fresh theme make The Astronomer a fun place to meet with friends or go on a date night. The seating areas and size allow for intimate nights while others have a fun night.
The Astronomer provides spaces for private events within informally separate areas in the main bar. They also have The Hubble Room, a private events space with a bar and facility for a private DJ for up to 70 guests.
Along with a selection of quality cask ales, The Astronomer provides a range of options, including traditional pub food and a Sunday Roast menu. A vegan option is the Made In Hackney Plant-Based Burger for £16.95.
The Sunday Roast menu has a Duo Of Roasts, dry-aged sirloin of beef & Norfolk chicken with pork, apricot & chestnut stuffing for £25.50. A vegan nut roast is £19.95.
The Astronomer boasts a great atmosphere, quality food and drink, and friendly staff. The Astronomer is among the best near Liverpool Street pubs for a drink or a Sunday roast.
Address: 125-129 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7JF
Telephone: 020 7929 6818
The Kings Stores – A Diverse Crowd
The Kings Stores is a popular gastro pub near Liverpool Street, close to Spitalfields Market. The bar boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse clientele drawn by its great beers, large sports screens, traditional pub dishes, top-notch Sunday roast, and À la carte menu.
- Some of the dishes on offer include Pork Rib-Eye for £20.50
- Cider-battered fish and chips, priced at £17.00
If you have room for dessert, the Chocolate Brownie is said to be incredible for £7.50.
The Kings Stores receives excellent reviews for its sports bar and restaurant.
Address: 14 Widegate St, London, E1 7HW
Telephone: 020 7247 4089
The Magpie – Traditional British Pub
Sometimes only traditional pub grub and a proper British pint will hit the mark. If that’s what you’re craving, The Magpie in Bishopsgate is one of the best around. A Nicholson pub like the Lord Aberconway, The Magpie prides itself on its authenticity and service with a smile.
The site was once an ambulance station, and now it’s a pub serving pub favourites, such as,
Steak & Nicholson’s Pale Ale Pie is a gold-winning British Pie Award dish for £16.50, and there are several vegetarian and vegan options, like Puy Lentil and Vegetable Cottage Pie, for £14.00.
Wash your mouthwatering meal down with a pint of cask ale or fine wine, or choose from the extensive whisky and gin selections.
Address: 12 New St, Greater, London EC2M 4TP
Telephone: 020 7929 3889
A Tip for Choosing Pubs Near Liverpool Street
Check for busy times. Liverpool Street is a busy area, and pubs can get crowded quickly. Peak times for the Sports Bars are when big sporting events are taking place. So, if you want a meal, book a table in advance.