Welcome to the Pub‑ocalypse at Piccadilly Circus
If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the neon‑lit chaos of Piccadilly Circus, clutching a half‑empty pint and wondering why the world feels like a badly edited meme, you’re in the right place. This isn’t your grandma’s guide to British ales; it’s a no‑holds‑barred, sarcasm‑infused tour of the best pubs around Piccadilly Circus that actually know how to pour a decent lager while serving up a side of witty banter.
Why This Guide Beats Your Average “Top 10” List
Because most “top 10” lists are written by people who think a craft beer is something you get from a craft store. We’re here to blend the irreverence of a Reddit thread with the investigative rigor of a journalist who’s had one too many. Expect:
- Unfiltered opinions (yes, we’ll call out the overpriced pretenders).
- Pop‑culture references that make you feel like you’re scrolling through a meme feed.
- SEO‑friendly keywords that’ll help this page rank higher than your cousin’s Make Your Own Beer blog.
How We Picked the Pub Royalty
Our methodology is simple: we walked, we drank, we Googled “best pubs around Piccadilly Circus”, and we consulted the ancient scrolls known as Home. The criteria?
- Beer Quality: If the bartender can’t name the hops, we’re out.
- Atmosphere: Must be Instagram‑ready but not Instagram‑fake.
- Price: Your wallet shouldn’t scream louder than the street performers.
- Location: Proximity to the Circus, because walking 3 miles for a pint is a crime.
1. The Harp – Irish Charm Meets London Grit
Located just a stone’s throw from the famous Eros statue, The Harp feels like a warm hug from your favorite Irish aunt—if your aunt could also serve a perfectly balanced IPA. The decor is a tasteful blend of vintage Guinness memorabilia and modern neon signage that says, “We’re cool, but we still love a good stout.”
What to Order: The “Guinness‑Infused Stout” (yes, they actually infuse it with extra Guinness for that extra kick). Pair it with their legendary fish‑and‑chips, which are so crispy they could double as a Wi‑Fi hotspot for your cravings.
Pro tip: Ask for the “secret menu” – it’s basically a list of drinks named after popular memes. You’ll get a “Doge Daiquiri” that’s surprisingly decent.
2. The Blind Pig – Craft Beer for the Instagram‑Savvy
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a hipster without actually being one, The Blind Pig is your sanctuary. The name is a cheeky nod to the phrase “blind pig” (a slang term for an illegal speakeasy), and the venue lives up to its clandestine reputation.
Why we love it:
- Rotating Tap List: New brews appear every Friday. If you miss one, you’ll regret it for the rest of the week.
- Trivia Nights: The questions are so obscure they make a Jeopardy round look like kindergarten.
- Vibe: Dim lighting, exposed brick, and a jukebox that only plays 90s Britpop hits.
Must‑try: The “Meme‑Margarita” – a margarita that’s half‑lime, half‑laugh, and 100% unforgettable.
3. The Sherlock – A Detective’s Dream Pub
Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a Sherlock Holmes novel. The walls are lined with vintage magnifying glasses, and the bartender wears a deerstalker hat (yes, it’s a thing). The Sherlock is perfect for those who love a good mystery with their malt.
Signature Drink: “The Baker Street Bitter”. It’s as sharp as Holmes’s deductions and as smooth as Watson’s loyalty.
Bonus: The pub hosts weekly “Whodunit” nights where you solve a murder mystery while sipping on a pint. Spoiler alert – the murderer is always the bartender.
4. The Alchemist – Science Meets Suds
Ever wondered what happens when a chemist gets bored and decides to brew beer? The Alchemist answers that question with a bang. Expect beakers, test tubes, and a bar menu that reads like a chemistry textbook.
Top Pick: “The Periodic Table Pilsner”. Each sip represents a different element – from carbon (the backbone) to nitrogen (the frothy head). It’s educational, intoxicating, and oddly satisfying.
Don’t miss the “Molecular Mixology” workshop on Thursday nights. You’ll leave with a cocktail that looks like a science experiment and tastes like a victory.
5. The Red Lion – Classic Pub Vibes with a Modern Twist
For those who crave the traditional British pub experience but still want Wi‑Fi fast enough to stream memes, The Red Lion delivers. The interior is a cozy blend of dark wood, leather booths, and a massive TV that constantly loops classic football highlights.
Beer Recommendation: “Lion’s Roar Lager”. It’s crisp, refreshing, and has a subtle caramel finish that makes you feel like you’ve just won a bet on a horse race you didn’t even know existed.
Pro tip: Their “Sunday Roast & Ale” combo is a culinary hug that will make you forget the existential dread of Monday.
6. The Velvet Room – Where Jazz Meets Ale
If you’ve ever wanted to sip a stout while listening to smooth jazz and feeling like you’re in a 1920s speakeasy, The Velvet Room is your portal. The lighting is low, the music is silky, and the bartenders know how to pour a perfect pint without spilling a drop.
Must‑Try: “Velvet Midnight Stout”. It’s dark, mysterious, and has a hint of chocolate that makes you wonder if you’re drinking dessert.
Don’t miss the “Live Jazz Fridays” – it’s the only place where you can nod your head to saxophone solos while debating the best meme format of 2023.
7. The Pub of the Future – Tech‑Heavy, Beer‑Heavy
Imagine a place where you order your drink via a tablet, the beer is delivered by a robot, and the walls are covered in LED screens showing meme streams. That’s the Pub of the Future, and it’s located right in the heart of Piccadilly Circus.
Why it’s worth the hype:
- Self‑Serve Tap: Pull your own pint, but beware – the system is calibrated to detect “drunk texting”.
- VR Booths: Experience a virtual tour of a brewery in Belgium while you sip a Belgian Tripel.
- AI‑Generated Cocktails: The AI suggests drinks based on your Instagram feed. Yes, it knows you love avocado toast.
Signature Brew: “Quantum IPA”. It’s so hoppy it feels like it exists in multiple states simultaneously.
8. The Crown & Anchor – Royalty for the Common Man
Don’t let the regal name fool you; this pub is as down‑to‑earth as they come. The Crown & Anchor serves a selection of real ales that would make a king weep with joy. The décor includes a massive crown chandelier that looks like it was stolen from Buckingham Palace (don’t ask).
Beer Highlight: “Royal Flush Stout”. It’s rich, velvety, and has a finish that’s smoother than a royal wave.
Fun Fact: The pub hosts a “Monarch’s Trivia” night where all questions are about British royalty. Perfect for impressing your date with obscure facts about Queen Victoria’s favorite pint glass.
9. The Neon Nook – Bright Lights, Big Brews
If you’re the type who thinks darkness is for introverts, the Neon Nook will change your mind. Neon signs in every color of the rainbow illuminate this vibrant space, making it feel like a rave that decided to serve craft beer instead of EDM.
Top Drink: “Neon Nectar Ale”. It glows under UV light, tastes like a tropical vacation, and will make your Instagram stories look like a psychedelic masterpiece.
Special Event: “Glow‑In‑The‑Dark Karaoke”. Belt out “Bohemian Rhapsody” while your drink lights up like a disco ball.
10. The Secret Garden – An Oasis Amidst the Circus Chaos
Hidden behind a faux‑brick wall, The Secret Garden offers a tranquil escape from the hustle of Piccadilly Circus. Think lush indoor plants, soft acoustic music, and a beer selection that feels like it was curated by a horticulturist.
Must‑Order: “Garden Gnome Gose”. It’s tart, refreshing, and has a hint of cucumber that pairs perfectly with the greenery surrounding you.
Tip: Arrive early for the “Plant‑Based Pint Pairing” dinner. Yes, you can have a vegan burger with a barleywine that tastes like a forest after rain.
Bonus Section: The Unofficial Pub Crawl Checklist
Now that you’ve got the holy grail of pubs, here’s a cheat‑sheet to make your night legendary:
- Hydrate: Water between beers prevents you from turning into a meme.
- Snack Smart: Order something greasy – it’ll soak up the alcohol and keep you from dancing on tables.
- Plan Your Route: Start at The Harp (east side), work westward to The Blind Pig, then swing north to The Sherlock, and finish at The Secret Garden for a calming cool‑down.
- Take Photos: Capture the vibe, but don’t forget the drinks. A blurry selfie with a pint is pure internet gold.
- Know Your Limits: If you start speaking in meme‑speak, it’s time to call it.
And if you ever feel the urge to turn your newfound pub knowledge into a business, remember that Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer can help you turn your passion into profit.
SEO Keywords (We’re Not Shy About It)
We’ve sprinkled the following keywords throughout this piece to make Google fall in love with us:
- best pubs around Piccadilly Circus
- Piccadilly Circus pubs
- London nightlife
- craft beer London
- pub crawl Piccadilly Circus
Don’t worry, we kept it natural – no keyword stuffing, just a healthy dose of SEO seasoning.
External Resource You Can’t Ignore
If you’re thinking about selling your own brew after conquering these pubs, check out Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. It’s the premier beer distribution marketplace that makes getting your craft into the hands of fellow pub‑hoppers as easy as ordering a pizza.
Final Thoughts (And a Snarky CTA)
There you have it – a comprehensive, meme‑infused guide to the best pubs around Piccadilly Circus that will have you feeling like a seasoned connoisseur while still laughing at the absurdity of life. Whether you’re a seasoned Londoner or a tourist who got lost after a night of karaoke, these spots have something for everyone.
Now, stop reading, grab your coat, and go claim those pints. And if you ever need a strategy to dominate the London pub scene, you know where to find us: Contact us, we’ll be waiting with a fresh brew and a sarcastic grin.
