For the most part, people enroute to London have their thoughts consumed with seeing the sights, such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the like. Then there are those who love nothing more than a great pint of beer in a cozy little pub. Those folks are spoiled for choice when they hit the streets of the English capital as there is virtually a pub on every corner. Many of those places are similar in style and while great to hang out in, they don’t really offer anything that original to the bar world. What you really want is a place that serves great beer, but which also offers something a little outside the ordinary. Here are 5 that do just that:
1. The Betsy Smith
If you are looking for a place whose décor is antique shop meets fairground, then Betsy Smith is the bar for you. The whole interior of the place is a mishmash of old furniture. But they have stellar food and cocktails, not to mention a DJ and a pretty snazzy dancing space.
2. Callooh Callay
As you may have already guessed by the rather odd sounding name, Callooh Callay is no ordinary British pub. Sure they have the regular bar and lounge set up that is common to most pubs in the UK, but the décor is extremely different, especially the rather oversized wardrobe that sits in the corner. Open the door to that wooden monstrosity and you are taken to the secret Juj-jub members only lounge.
3. Ninetyeight
Set in a Shoreditch basement, the Ninetyeight bar and lounge looks more like the interior of your crazy aunt’s house than it does a pub. Garish sofas and kitschy decorations are everywhere, but it’s definitely the place to be for those that love a delicious mixed cocktail (or ten.) It’s also the place to go if you love art and live music as they offer a liberal sprinkling of both.
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4. Half & Half
Ordering a half and a half at Half & Half will get you a half pint of beer and a shot of whisky at this pub. This fixture in Croydon has a great collection of both, with imported beers being the order of the day. It’s a cozy little place with a fantastically intimate downstairs bar.
5. Worship Street Whistling Shop
If you are looking for an alcohol related trip back in time then you need to visit the Worship Street Whistling Shop. The bar is set in an alley with almost zero signage to let you know where it is. That’s not bad advertising, but rather a hint at what lies inside — a speakeasy style bar and lounge that creates cocktails faithful to the period setting. You also have to check out the windowed laboratory in the rear where those cunning cocktails are concocted. This is a trip back in time that is definitely worth taking.
America 
Canada 
Oman 
Half & Half is the est place in the world! Go, go, go!
Now – I have lived in London for half of my life and never knew about these! Better late then never!
Awesome photo of Callooh Callay! It looks like a very Chic bar.
Nice list! Going to keep these in mind for our next trip to London in December
Will try to visit one or two of these on my next visit to London. Like you say though, you can’t beat London for it’s pub/bar scene such great variety!
Londoners do like their drink.
I am loving the ambiance on in those bars. Half and Half looks like a great little spot to spend some time. Does each bar specialize in a particular thing? I am curious which one is best known for its beer variety.
Thanks for the awesome suggestions!
Ryan
I usually tear my hair out at London posts, which tend to be unrepresentative of the London I know and love. But this post is great and I hang out at the Worship St Whistling Shop all the time! The cocktails are unreal.
Great info ! last time i have to to Glasgow to find the good bars .