There’s something quintessentially British about a Wetherspoons, historic buildings repurposed into convivial pubs, budget-friendly pints, generous menus, and a quirky charm all their own. London, brimming with history, plays host to some of the most architecturally unique and atmospherically rich ‘Spoons in the UK.
With a cost-of-living crisis amid rising energy prices, it’s a difficult time to be in the pub trade. Even Wetherspoons announced that their operating profit had fallen by 4% in their Spring report, despite the fact that their revenue from slot machines had grown significantly.
Anyway, if you’re looking for a proper Spoons experience, here are five London locations worth raising a glass at.
1. The Crosse Keys (City of London)
- Why Visit: Housed in a magnificent former bank with soaring vaulted ceilings, marbled columns, and an expansive curved island bar, this pub delivers grandeur and scale that make it feel more like a drinking hall of factions than a typical pub.
- Vibe: Impressive, stately, and yet still down-to-earth, affordable. A perfect spot for after-work pints among City workers or tourists hitting the Square Mile.
2. The Moon Under Water (Leicester Square, West End)
- Why Visit: One of London’s largest ‘Spoons, made even more iconic by its name, a nod to George Orwell’s ideal pub in his 1946 essay. Spanning several floors with plenty of seating and buzz, it captures that lively, theatrical West End spirit.
- Vibe: Bustling, central, and perfect for pre-theatre pints or just people-watching amid the hubbub of Leicester Square.
3. The Knights Templar (Chancery Lane)
- Why Visit: A former bank transformed into a grand pub with Gothic touches, stained glass, chandeliers, and a famously opulent ladies’ loo complete with sofas and statues.
- Vibe: Elegant, offbeat, and steeped in medieval nods, a peaceful oasis for barristers, lawyers, curious tourists, and those partial to a bit of architectural whimsy.
4. Hamilton Hall (Liverpool Street Station)
- Why Visit: Inside the former ballroom of the Great Eastern Hotel, this station pub preserves cornicing and fixtures from a bygone era. It’s grand, luminous, and perfect for commuters, city workers, or history buffs alike.
- Vibe: Bustling yet classy, a beloved morning haunt for early risers and a boisterous pit-stop for football fans and travellers looking for old-world charm amid chaos.
5. The Liberty Bounds (Tower Hill)
- Why Visit: Right near the Tower of London, this atmospheric Wetherspoons sits in a beautiful stone building with huge windows and dark oak panelling. Its name nods to its location just outside the City’s boundary, “beyond the liberty bounds.”
- Vibe: Historic and moody, yet friendly and welcoming, an ideal spot for sightseeing pub crawls, with fantastic views and local storytelling in the décor.
Why London ‘Spoons Are Special
Wetherspoons continues to thrive by reviving old buildings, cinemas, banks, hotels and ballrooms into pubs that are both affordable and atmospheric. Sir Tim Martin, the founder, ensures that everything from lighting to layouts aligns with his exacting vision. This blend of price-conscious accessibility and architectural personality is a big part of the chain’s enduring appeal.
