For most of us commuting is an essential part of our day - and far from the highlight. So why not lighten up this daily duty by indulging in a glass of bubbly - or whatever your tipple might be. By conjuring up this list of 'best train station bars' just for you, you have no excuse not to. So when your working day is done, you can look forward to the light at the beginning of the tunnel (see what I did there). Skip the tedious rush hour and enjoy a glass of what you fancy, after all, you deserve it.
On the go? Start your day right with a warm pastry & hot drink for just £5 and 2 other offers
Train stations are stressful enough without the disappointment of being lumbered by another Starbucks or Costa stop off. Enter The Parcel Yard. A far cry from the saturated station favourites, this Grade 1 listed bar boats 2 floors and original, timeless features giving the perfect pit stop for a relxing bevvy or wholesome meal.
Whether you're in the mood for a quick pint before your train or a wild night out, Jack's Bar has got it all. You'll find this welcoming spot under the railway arches at Waterloo, boasting a spacious, industrial interior and an outdoor terrace.
Settle down at one of their long wooden tables to enjoy a refreshing beer or one of their delicious cocktails. Pair this with Thai street food from kitchen residents Johnny Rice, who serve everything from drunken noodles to pad Thai. What's more, they host live music on a regular basis too.
Located literally around the corner from Finsbury Park train station, Someday is a slinky bar doused in velvet seating and marble-effect tables. Grab yourself a seat to explore the lip-smacking cocktail combinations, alongside pizzas that'll have you drooling at the thought.
Avoid the stress of Waterloo station with a trip to a bar – particularly, All Bar One. Featuring a menu packed with classic British dishes, and a whole series of deals on cocktails, wine and more, you can beat the rush hour stress with just one venue.
There's always time for a quick pint! And this is the last port of boozing call before you hop on the Eurostar to Paris. A spacious, elegantly grandiose pub with swooping domed ceilings and charming touches; what better place to bid adieu to London for the moment? Offering a variety of different spaces, including a light flooded terrace, boardroom, pantry and dining room, this is truly a pub for all occasions.
In the arches attached to Deptford station, you'll find Little Nan's - a quirky joint celebrating a love of Eastenders' Pat Butcher. Serving cocktails topped with nostalgic sweets, bottomless brunches or dinners, and afternoon tea, this one is ideal for any occasion.
Got some time to kill before you head off? Check out the impressive rooftop bar at Market Hall Victoria. Not only is this a hub for the city's best street food, but the terrace upstairs boasts amazing views, tasty concoctions and cosy heated booths.
With an interior that's inspired by turn-of-the-century colonial houses and members' clubs, Pondicherry is a gorgeous cocktail bar in Paddington. it's part of the Grand Hotel Bellevue, featuring warm orange walls lined with tapestries.
They've got a cracking selection of wines, as well as delicious classic and signature cocktails. Our favourite? The Violette Maharani, made with violet, plum and mint.
Formerly the VIP lounge for first class rail passengers at Victoria Station, you'll be glad to know that first class service is still of the utmost importance at Réunion bar. This fabulous drinking spot was once the elite of all train station bars, often frequented by famous actors including Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. So for those looking to sip upon their post-office beverage in the most stylish of fashion, look no further than the Reunion..
Located a stone's throw from Victoria station, Purgatory Bar on Cambridge Street is a top spot for smoking concoctions. Delve into its creative cocktail delights, which are all served with a side of theatre, in its gorgeous indoor space or outdoor terrace.
Only moments away from Waterloo train station, The Victory is a bar and restaurant offering a welcome breather from city life. The decor is bright and modern, making it a very attractive hangout for commuters and locals alike. There's a wide range of top-quality food and drink available, too.
Head to Kings Cross where Notes is bringing you some of the best coffee and cocktails in the area. Enjoy a warm cup of the good stuff, or settle in for an evening of live jazz and tasty tipples.
The King's Arms is a welcoming pub found close to Waterloo station, fronting rustic interiors filled with vintage posters, wooden beams and a well-stocked bar. They offer eight pumps of real ale and a selection of rotating beers, securing them a pub of the Year award on multiple occasions.
Expect traditional British boozer vibes here, though the menu has a Thai twist to it. You can enjoy all sorts of delicious eats, from ginger-infused stir fries to massaman curry or a classic pad Thai.
Just moments from Waterloo station, The Fire Station is a gastropub that can be both lively and relaxed depending on the day. Chesterfield leather booths, hanging chandeliers and tiles walls make for a vintage feel that's both cosy and atmospheric, while the drinks span craft beer, premium wines and expertly-made cocktails – fostering boozy blowouts.
The food menus is made up of small plates, pub classics and pizzas, with a Sunday roast and weekend brunch menu that will make you want to go out of your way to stop by.
You can jump off your train and head straight into Lucky Voice, as this convenient destination couldn't be any closer. Located under platforms 20 to 24, the stylish basement bar is complete with trendy neon signs, a stylish bar serving refreshing cocktails and, most importantly, eight private karaoke rooms. You and your pals can belt out tunes all night long, thanks to their 2:30am closing time most days, with thousands of songs to choose from on their state-of-the-art machines.
Located just minutes from London Bridge station, Pizza Pilgrims is serving up hearty slices to commuters and south Londoners alike. Expect the same tasty food and thirst-quenching cocktails that make the other outposts so popular.
Just a stones throw away from Euston station, pop into The Exmouth Arms for a spot of burger munching and pint guzzling pre or post commute. Their kitchen is renowned for running out piled high pattys as pulling a spread of fine beers and ales so you can come in whatever the weather and find yourself some hearty grub and a good drink.
Just a stone's throw from Kensington Olympia station, the Hand & Flower is a classic boozer found inside a Victorian building. Expect a warm, inviting atmosphere with traditional wooden interiors, as well as a well-stocked bar.
If you're feeling peckish, there's a cracking menu up for grabs too - think beer-battered haddock with chips, truffle mac 'n' cheese or wild mushroom risotto.
Nestled right inside Waterloo Station, Well & Boot is one of the best bars near train stations in London, perfect for a quick pit stop or a leisurely drink. Perched above platform one, this spot serves expertly pulled pints from 35 taps alongside quality coffee and bold bites, all inspired by the art deco charm of the old Waterloo News cinema.
Whether you've got five minutes or fifty, it's the ideal place to recharge before your next journey. Plus, with private areas available, it's a smart and affordable venue hire option in Central London.
Tap on the Line is a unique pub located, well, right next to Kew Gardens Station. It's a beautiful, bright space decorated with paintings of nature, framed and hung across its exposed brick walls. Decked out with wooden tables fronting potted plants, this boozer offers everything from moreish brunches, packed with pancakes and breakfast brioches to scorching sandwiches, filled with the likes of avocado, black olives and pesto.
Boasting all the charm and character of a true British Pub, this superb little Liverpool Street sanctuary offers everything you could want in a post-office/pre-commute drink, especially if you're feeling a tad peckish. Not only does it serve up some superlative drinks - whether you're a lover of the grain or the grape - but the menu is fantastic too. So what better excuse do you have to put your feet up (although the bar really is quite high) and shake off the days events, start to look forward to your journey home - as you should.
You'll find a stunning restaurant and Europe's longest champagne bar inside St Pancras International station. Roll in on the Eurostar, head over to Searcys and treat yourself to a fantastic all round dining experience. A good range of food is teamed with a plethora of whiskies, chic cocktails and library of champagnes. There's friendly service and blankets and fan heaters for year-round dining.
