27/09/2025
When considering a place to work or unwind in London, the vibrant district of Waterloo consistently emerges as a prime contender. It's not just the unparalleled transport links or the proximity to iconic landmarks that draw people in; it's also the thriving social scene, particularly its impressive array of pubs and bars. For those seeking a place to relax after a demanding day, or a lively spot to catch up with friends, Waterloo offers a diverse and exciting selection. This guide delves into the heart of Waterloo's drinking establishments, highlighting what makes each one a unique and appealing destination.
The Allure of Waterloo
Waterloo is more than just a major transport hub; it's a dynamic area buzzing with energy. Its strategic location makes it a natural gathering point, and the abundance of quality pubs and bars caters to every taste and occasion. Whether you're a discerning beer aficionado, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply looking for a welcoming atmosphere, Waterloo has something to offer. From riverside establishments offering stunning views to hidden gems tucked away in charming streets, the area provides a rich tapestry of social experiences.
A Pint Above the Rest: Waterloo's Top Pubs and Bars
Let's dive into the specific establishments that make Waterloo a go-to destination for a tipple:
Duke of Sussex: A Garden Oasis
The Duke of Sussex stands out with its plentiful beer selection, ranging from classic lagers to craft IPAs, and an impressive array of bottled beers, including the renowned Blue Moon. The spirits collection is equally robust, featuring premium brands. Food-wise, it offers a diverse menu with vegan options and a tempting grazing selection, with chicken wings and Chef Lee's hot sauce being a particular highlight. Its most identifiable feature is its front beer garden, a welcoming space that's visible from Waterloo station. For those seeking a bit of fun, a lively Monday night pub quiz with a £2 entry fee and attractive prizes is a regular fixture. While bottomless brunch isn't currently available, its return is anticipated.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Beer Selection | Lagers, IPAs, bottled beers (incl. Blue Moon), premium spirits |
| Food | Diverse menu, vegan options, grazing platters, chicken wings |
| Outdoor Seating | Prominent front beer garden |
| Special Events | Monday pub quiz, anticipated return of bottomless brunch |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Sat: 12pm-11pm, Sun: 12pm-10:30pm |
Waterloo Tap: Craft Beer Haven
Waterloo Tap boasts an ever-changing beer selection with 28 lines, featuring independent local breweries alongside global names. From lambic and sours to stouts and porters, it caters to even the most discerning beer enthusiast, with prices starting at a reasonable £4.20. The food menu complements the drinks with homemade gyozas and a variety of bar snacks. While it doesn't have a traditional beer garden, it offers extensive outside seating, accommodating over 70 people, and benefits from the unique cover of the railway line above. This female-run business is also a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and is dog-friendly.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Beer Selection | 28 lines (22 keg, 6 cask), independent and global breweries |
| Food | Homemade gyozas, bar snacks |
| Outdoor Seating | 21 outside tables, covered by railway line |
| Key Features | Female-run, LGBTQ+ safe space, dog-friendly |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Thu: 3pm-11pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm-12am, Sun: 12pm-10pm |
The Stage Door: Award-Winning Cellars and Rooftop Views
Recognised for its award-winning cellar, The Stage Door offers an extensive range of craft beers, lagers, stouts, and ales. The food menu is hearty, with a focus on pies and mash, alongside pizzas, paninis, and sharing platters. A standout feature is its rooftop garden, which enjoys sunlight throughout the day and often hosts live music. The pub also offers rooms for rent above, which have received excellent reviews, and screens live sports. Sunday evenings are enlivened by an open mic night, attracting considerable talent.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Beer Selection | Award-winning cellar, craft beers, lagers, stouts, ales |
| Food | Pies and mash, pizzas, paninis, sharing platters |
| Outdoor Seating | Rooftop garden |
| Additional Offerings | Accommodation, live sports screening, Sunday open mic night |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Sun: 12pm-11pm |
Mulberry Bush: Sophistication and Sunday Roasts
While offering a good beer selection, the Mulberry Bush truly shines with its fine wine and impressive spirits collection, particularly its Fever-Tree G&T and Gin Spritz menu. The food is described as impressive, with a focus on high-quality pub dining, including a notable cheddar and Guinness rarebit. Instead of a traditional beer garden, it features a stunning terrace that opens from the front doors. The Sunday roasts are a major draw, especially the 'Sunday Roast Feat Board' for meat lovers. It's also a great spot to catch sporting events like Wimbledon.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Good beer, excellent wine and spirits, G&T and Gin Spritz menu |
| Food | High-quality pub dining, fish and chips, steak, cheddar and Guinness rarebit |
| Outdoor Seating | Inviting front terrace |
| Specialties | Magnificent Sunday roasts, sports viewing |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Sat: 12pm-11pm, Sun: 12pm-10:30pm |
The Understudy: Riverside Craft Beer at the National Theatre
Located at the National Theatre, The Understudy is a relaxed craft beer bar with scenic riverside seating. It offers a range of draught beers, wines, and cocktails. The food menu is more minimalist, focusing on burgers and snacks, making it an ideal pre- or post-meal destination. The riverside seating effectively serves as a beer garden. The availability of board games makes it a popular and wholesome spot for a Sunday afternoon.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Craft beers, draught beers, wines, cocktails |
| Food | Burgers and snacks |
| Outdoor Seating | Riverside seating |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed, friendly, board games available |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Sat: 12pm-10:30pm, Sun: 12pm-10pm |
Bar Elba: Rooftop Cocktails and City Views
Bar Elba is a cocktail roof bar offering a good selection of lagers, pale ales, and ciders alongside its impressive cocktail menu, which includes signature creations like the 'Zombie' and 'Bourbon Street'. The food menu is perfect for day drinking, featuring tacos, burgers, and loaded fries, with the halloumi fries highly recommended. The entire bar is essentially a spacious beer garden with stunning views of the London Eye and the surrounding cityscape. It also hosts a popular bottomless brunch and a 'Super Sesh' package, and transforms into a rooftop cinema, screening popular films.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Cocktails, lagers, pale ales, ciders |
| Food | Tacos, burgers, loaded fries, halloumi fries |
| Outdoor Seating | Rooftop bar with panoramic views |
| Entertainment | Bottomless brunch, 'Super Sesh', rooftop cinema |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Sun: 2pm-midnight |
Vaulty Towers: Quirky Charm and Diverse Offerings
Vaulty Towers is renowned for its quirky atmosphere and a varied drinks selection, including its famously reviewed apple pie cider. It caters to all preferences with draught, canned, and bottled options, as well as a diverse cocktail menu. The food is classic and caters to snacking cravings, with options like loaded vegan fries, sweet potato latkes, and fried chicken burgers. While lacking a traditional beer garden, its unique interior is a draw in itself. The pub offers an astonishing range of activities, from life drawing classes and Sunday Blues sessions to weekly pub quizzes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Varied beer selection, apple pie cider, cocktails |
| Food | Classic snacks, loaded fries, burgers |
| Atmosphere | Quirky and vibrant |
| Activities | Life drawing, Sunday Blues sessions, pub quizzes |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Fri: 4pm-11pm, Sat-Sun: 12pm-11pm |
The Thirsty Bear: The Beer Wall Experience
The Thirsty Bear is celebrated for its impressive "beer wall", a self-serving tap display featuring a wide array of well-known and lesser-known beers. The food is described as lavish, offering a substantial menu with meat and vegetarian options, and uniquely, a buffet. While it doesn't have a beer garden, its indoor space is designed for enjoyment. The self-serving beer wall is its defining and most compelling feature.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drinks | "Beer wall" with self-serving taps, extensive beer selection |
| Food | Lavish menu, meat and veggie options, buffet |
| Atmosphere | Indoor focus, excellent beer experience |
| Key Feature | Unique self-serving beer wall |
| Opening Hours | Sun-Fri: 12pm-11pm, Sat: 12pm-1am |
Why Waterloo is a Great Post-Work Spot
Waterloo's appeal as a post-work destination is undeniable. Its central location and excellent transport links mean that escaping the office and meeting friends or colleagues is easy and convenient. The sheer variety of pubs and bars ensures that there's a suitable venue for any mood or preference, whether it's a quiet drink in a riverside setting, a lively atmosphere with live music, or a chance to test your knowledge at a pub quiz. The emphasis on quality drinks and diverse food offerings further solidifies its reputation as a premier spot for unwinding and socialising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which pub in Waterloo has the best beer selection?
While many offer excellent choices, Duke of Sussex, Waterloo Tap, and The Stage Door are particularly noted for their extensive and varied beer selections.
Q2: Are there any rooftop bars in Waterloo?
Yes, Bar Elba is a popular rooftop bar offering cocktails and city views.
Q3: Which pubs are dog-friendly?
Waterloo Tap is explicitly mentioned as being dog-friendly.
Q4: Where can I find live music in Waterloo?
The Stage Door often features live music in its rooftop garden, and Vaulty Towers hosts Sunday Blues sessions.
Q5: Are there good food options available at these pubs?
Most of the pubs offer a range of food, from traditional pub fare like pies and burgers to more unique offerings like gyozas and lavish buffets. The Mulberry Bush and Bar Elba are particularly praised for their food quality.
Conclusion
Waterloo truly offers a rich and varied pub and bar experience. From the craft beer haven of Waterloo Tap to the rooftop cocktails at Bar Elba, and the traditional charm of places like the Duke of Sussex, there is something to suit every palate and occasion. The area is a testament to London's vibrant social scene, providing the perfect backdrop for post-work relaxation and weekend enjoyment.
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