Bars in Farringdon

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By Kiera Chapman Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 22nd July 2026

A popular spot with the after-work crowd, Farringdon is fit-to-bursting with an incredible array of bars and restaurants. From sleek wine bars fronting fine sips to quirky cocktail dens and some of the best clubs around, there's something for every drinker here.

To help you narrow down your options, though, we've rounded up the best bars in Farringdon so you know exactly where to head in EC1.

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Best Bars In Farringdon: Our Local Area Guide




Clerkenwell & Social

Clerkenwell & Social is the spot to be for tasty handmade pizzas and killer cocktails. Located on St John's Square, this joint is decked out in literary knick-knacks across its two floors that pay homage to the area's history. Swing by and take your time savouring delicious and affordable pizzas like salami, marinara, and pesto while sipping on custom-mixed cocktails made with homemade bitters and syrups, such as I See Lychee and Love Is A Smoke.

The Hat and Tun

Situated close to the Islington Town Hall, The Hat and Tun is a charming boozer that creates a cosy sitting room feel with its leather armchairs, roaring fireplaces and taxidermy on the walls. You can enjoy a range of brilliant ales here, and you don't want to miss out on their Monday night pub quizzes.

Tuck into a delicious menu of traditional British fare here, including freshly baked pies available for lunch on weekdays.

Harrild & Sons

60 minute masterclass - 2 Cocktails (£35PP) and 1 other offer

Harrild & Sons is an eclectic gastropub decked out in wood-furnished interiors, with a copper-topped bar and a diverse food menu. It offers real ales, craft beers, and a dedicated G&T menu. Downstairs, the 5cc drinking den provides a selection of top-flight whiskies and cocktails. Hungry? The menu includes gourmet pub grub such as wagyu burgers, crispy duck salad, and grilled lobster.

The Clerkenwell Tavern

Established in 1876, The Clerkenwell Tavern in Farringdon is a popular destination for various occasions. Whether you're looking for a delicious lunch option destination, a refreshing drink after work, or an exciting late-night event in the basement cocktail bar, this place has you covered. Located near one of London's vibrant street food markets, the tavern offers a selection of natural & organic wines and craft beers. Their menu includes delightful options such as salt beef Rinkoffs sandwiches, kale Caesar salad bowls, and delectable housemade tiramisus.

Viaduct Tavern

Viaduct Tavern is a bar in Farringdon with a great history and a lunch menu that has won over the locals of this vibrant area. The bar has a great selection of gin - in tribute to its gin palace history; it also has an ever changing real ale selection and a food menu packed with ingredients from the famous Smithfield meat market. 

The Prince Bar Old Street

A short wander from Farringdon station, The Prince is your go-to for a cocktail that's strong, sharp and mixed with old-school skill. It's one of those rare bars that feels instantly familiar, all warm service, hand-squeezed juices, perfectly balanced drinks and a playlist that swings from ska to soul to '70s RnB.

Order a martini or black velvet, tuck into a sharing board, and soak up the sort of unpretentious hospitality that makes this spot feel like the friendliest corner of East Central London. 

Smiths of Smithfield

Chef's Choice Menu and 2 other offers

With four floors to lounge about in, it's no wonder that Smiths of Smithfield is a sought after destination for dinner and drinks alike. Whether you're sucking up savoury treats over dinner, tucking in to delicious drinks, or knocking back a wee bevvie over lunch, the rustic interiors and classic British menu will do your palate proud.

Fox & Anchor

Located on Charterhouse Square, just a few minutes from Farringdon station, the Fox & Anchor brings a bit of Victorian charm to the city's pub scene. A space kitted out in grand mahogany, etched glass and heavy brass, get comfy in this historic boozer and while away the hours - the pub serves up both an excellent choice of cask ales and craft spirits as well as a delicious menu of seasonal, British food.

The Fable

Reef, Beef and Bubbles!

Enter a world of wonder at The Fable, Holborn's most enchanting venue where creativity meets culinary excellence. Inspired by mythical tales and magical moments, this dynamic space is as versatile as it is stylish, featuring vibrant interiors, cozy nooks, and an inviting ambiance that's perfect for any occasion.

By day, it's a bright and relaxed spot for coffee, brunch, and business meetings. By night, it transforms into a lively hub for cocktails, dining, and dancing. From their signature mixology creations to a menu packed with globally inspired dishes.

Farringdon Tap

FREE KARAOKE ON MONDAYS & TUESDAYS

Tucked beneath the dramatic Holborn Viaduct, Farringdon Tap is a standout in London's buzzing bar scene. Spread across three characterful levels, this repurposed restaurant-turned-pub delivers atmosphere in spades - from its high-ceilinged, arch-lined ground floor to the basement's private karaoke booths and the charming mezzanine reached via a spiral staircase.

With a bar stocked full of fresh, rotating craft beers from top breweries across the UK and beyond, it echoes the quality and vibe of its sister venues like Euston Tap and Aldgate Tap. 

The Rabbit Hole

Cocktail connoisseurs and lovers of all things quirky will adore this Farringdon find. The Rabbit Hole boasts unique interiors, from grass-covered walls to pretty chandeliers. Plus, it has an impressive drinks list, showcasing over 140 different mixes that fuses old and new-age bartending.

Fidelio Cafe

Looking for the best places to drink in Farringdon? Fidelio Café is one gorgeous spot for drinking and dining in Central London. Get you fix of European dishes, perfectly paired with classic cocktails and glasses of wine in a stylish setting.

Space Talk

Retro and futuristic all at once, Space Talk brings the 1970s lounge and listening bar experience to Farringdon. All walnut pannelling, chrome trims and mood lighting, it's the perfect spot for an afternoon aperitif or after-hours cocktail session. 

The drinks list is as carefully curated as the playlist, packing in aromatic signature serves alongside painstakingly selected wines and sakes. Over on the menu, Japanese small plates, scoops and sushi take centre stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Farringdon known for?

Farringdon is one of Central London's most characterful areas, sitting on the border of the City and Islington in EC1. It's best known for Smithfield Market — one of the UK's largest working meat markets, operating since the 10th century — as well as its thriving after-work bar and restaurant scene. The area is also home to Clerkenwell Green, a historic hub of radical politics and independent culture, and sits within easy reach of the Barbican, St Paul's Cathedral, and the legal quarter around Chancery Lane.

What are the best bars in Farringdon for a date night?

For a date night in Farringdon, the Zetter Townhouse Cocktail Lounge on St John's Square is hard to beat — its eccentric, Victorian drawing room interiors and inventive cocktail menu make it one of the most atmospheric bars in London for a romantic evening. Vinoteca on St John Street is a brilliant choice for wine lovers, with over 300 wines available by the glass in a relaxed, candlelit setting.

Is Farringdon good for a night out?.

The area has a brilliant mix of traditional historic pubs, lively cocktail bars, and entertainment venues — all within easy walking distance of each other.