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Written by Mae Bristow - 08 December 2023


Our selection of the best Clerkenwell bars


Historically, Clerkenwell was a strange brew of religious orders – home to the Knights Hospitallers and St Mary’s Nunnery – and lawlessness, prisons, and brothels. In the early 20th century, Clerkenwell was a place of radicalism with connections to the Communist party and tales of Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin meeting in a Clerkenwell pub. In short, it’s had a wild thousand-year history.


Today, Clerkenwell is home to relatively quiet residential streets, creative firms, and the Sadler’s Wells Theatre. It’s certainly less touristy than its other central neighbours, with old-fashioned pubs, gastropubs, and cafes dotted about Clerkenwell Green and Exmouth Market, and that’s just the way Londoners like it.


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interior of coin laundry clerkenwell bar london
interior of coin laundry clerkenwell bar london

1. The neighbourhood bar in Exmouth Market: Coin Laundry

Clerkenwell, London

Coin Laundry is about a 5-minute walk from Angel Station, on the corner of Rosoman Street and Exmouth Market. It has sage-green and teal subway tiles on the outside and carries the colour theme to its casual interiors of wooden floors and tables punctuated by comfy worn sofas.


Coin Laundry has got it all – a love for ‘70s & ‘80s cocktails, a DJ set on Thursday evenings, regular comedy nights, Sunday Roasts, and a classic pub fare menu.


This Clerkenwell bar is a top pick for private hire. The Lounge is available with a capacity of 30, the Front Area with a capacity of 40, and the Basement Bar with a capacity of 50 seated and 90 standing, or you can hire the entire venue which can accommodate up to 200.



people outside exmouth arms clerkenwell bar london
exterior of exmouth arms clerkenwell bar london

2. The old-fashioned pub in Exmouth Market: The Exmouth Arms

Clerkenwell, London

You’ve probably seen photos of this pub if you’ve seen any marketing for Exmouth Market. The pub is housed in a stunning red brick Victorian building with a green subway tile facade and stained glass windows, apparently a popular design choice in the Clerkenwell bar scene. On a sunny day, you’ll see patrons occupying the outdoor tables and standing around the entrance beneath the old-fashioned front that proudly displays ‘courages, fine ales & stouts’.


The inside is just as lovely as the outside with a deep and rich colour scheme complementing the dark wood interiors. The bartenders always have a good playlist on, there’s a DJ set on Thursday evenings, and pub fare worthy of Exmouth Market.


The first-floor bar of the Exmouth Arms is available for private hire. Originally a cocktail bar, the space accommodates 40 seated and 55 standing, comes with a bartender, and the pub offers bespoke packages that can be tailored to suit your event.



fireplace at the holy tavern clerkenwell bar london
exterior of the holy tavern clerkenwell bar london

3. History, heretics, and candlelight: The Holy Tavern

Clerkenwell, London

The Holy Tavern occupies a beautiful preserved Georgian building dating back to the early 18th century. It was built on the land that once belonged to the Clerkenwell Priory – home to the medieval order of the Knights Hospitallers. Since then it has been a watchmakers’ shop, architectural firm, coffee shop, and even a notorious brothel.


This Clerkenwell bar is the epitome of ‘cosy and intimate’ with snug corners amidst stunningly-preserved original wooden panelling, and old blue and white tiles. On Tuesday evenings it is lit entirely by candlelight, making it hard not to feel the nearly thousand-year history of Clerkenwell all around you. This is one for the history buffs and lovers of good old-fashioned boozers.



interior of the crown tavern clerkenwell bar london
pint at the crown tavern clerkenwell bar london

4. On the edge of St James’s Church Garden: The Crown Tavern

Clerkenwell, London

The Crown Tavern is another historic pub in Ye Olde Clerkenwell. It’s said that back in the early 20th century, Lenin and Stalin met here, no doubt discussing dialectical materialism over a pint of stout. These days, the Clerkenwell bar may still hear revolutionary fervour from over-caffeinated UCL students. Still, it’s more likely to be the place you come to for a relaxing Sunday Roast or to celebrate a special occasion. Oh, how the times have changed.


The Victorian building was once the site of a concert hall and its pretty facade is well-preserved and as picturesque as the surrounding green of St James’s Church Garden. Inside, the pub has stepped into the 21st century with its period features blending with contemporary touches. The Crown boasts two stunning function rooms for private hire and a seasonal menu making it a top destination for private hire in the area.



cocktails at tabac cafe clerkenwell bar london
sign detail of tabac cafe clerkenwell bar london

5. The French wine bar & bistro: Tabac Café

Clerkenwell, London

It’s hard to miss Tabac Café when strolling down Exmouth Market, it has a ruby-red facade, with little wine tables and chairs outside that are so perfect for people-watching. This Clerkenwell bar doubles as a French bistro and wine bar – it’s big on cheese, wine, apéritifs, and digestifs.


It’s casual and rustic, and dare we say a little romantic – there’s a lovely intimate garden in the back if you want to break from the busyness of Exmouth Market. It’s the place you’ll find us drinking wine, eating fondue and munching on cornichons, and taking a coffee break before diving back in with a round of cocktails.



interior of the green clerkenwell bar london
cocktail at the green clerkenwell bar london

6. The pub on Clerkenwell Green: The Green

Clerkenwell, London

There’s nothing green about the Green – its exterior is blue and it’s located on Clerkenwell Green which Dickens once described as, “an open square which is yet called, by some perversion of terms the Green”, but if you’ve ever seen Clerkenwell Green you’d know there was no greenery. It’s a lovely pub all the same, with period features on the outside and modern features on the inside.


This Clerkenwell bar is one for the locals and the post-work crowd. It’s casual, and relaxed, focusing on natural wines, cocktails, and good beer. While the kitchen isn’t open, it still offers an upstairs function room for private hire or you can book the whole pub which can accommodate 150 people standing.



exterior of the clerkenwell tavern clerkenwell bar london
interior of the clerkenwell tavern clerkenwell bar london

7. Salt Beef Sandwiches & Reubens at The Clerkenwell Tavern

Clerkenwell, London

One of three pubs in Exmouth Market, the Clerkenwell Tavern has been serving the locals since 1876. It’s classic on the outside, and the many windows let in plenty of natural light – the benefit of being a corner pub.


This Clerkenwell bar is known for its Salt Beef sandwiches and Reubens, and being part of the well-known Exmouth street food market, you know these sandwiches have to be good – and they are. Pop along for an afternoon session or a special occasion, the craft beers, organic and natural wines, cocktails, and pub fare menu (let us not forget the sandwiches!) are well worth the visit.



exterior of the sekforde clerkenwell bar london
interior of the sekforde clerkenwell bar london

8. The Clerkenwell bar for elevated pub dining: The Sekforde

Clerkenwell, London

The Sekforde is a corner bar located at Sekforde and Woodbridge streets near St James’s Church Garden. Its brown brick and dark wooden facade – stately and elegant – looks out onto a relatively quiet residential street.


The pub has been around since 1829 and only shut in 2015 to undergo re-development and restoration. Since opening back up in 2018, the Sekforde has gone on to win architectural awards for its restoration and commitment to sustainability.


With its set menu, weekly menu, Sunday menu, and wine list, you can understand how the Sekforde is a popular and picturesque destination for group bookings, private parties, and weddings.



interior of the clerk and well clerkenwell bar london
interior of the clerk and well clerkenwell bar london

9. Gastropub, boutique hotel & signature gin: The Clerk & Well

Clerkenwell, London

The Clerk & Well is a historic pub near Farringdon station, although you wouldn’t necessarily know how old it was just by looking at it, so much attention has been paid to its preservation. The Clerkenwell bar has updated its exterior and interior for the 21st century, highlighting its period features and adding elegant contemporary touches throughout.


The Clerk & Well bar comes with all the bells and whistles you expect of a gastropub, but it also has a cocktail bar where you can enjoy signature gin that’s infused on-site. The Dining Room is an upstairs function room ideal for private hire, and it’s equally relaxed and elegant in decor as the rest of the pub.


The Sunday Roasts are great, and we have a soft spot for its signature gin. We haven’t stayed in one of the rooms yet, but we’ve got high expectations if the pub is anything to go by.



interior of clerkenwell and social clerkenwell bar london
interior of clerkenwell and social clerkenwell bar london

10. House-infused cocktails & hand-crafted pizzas: Clerkenwell & Social

Clerkenwell, London

The Clerkenwell & Social, located in St John’s Square, is a modern spot, bright and generously spacious, with quirky decor, known for its house-infused cocktails and pizza.


This Clerkenwell bar offers exclusive hire of its first floor, ideal for parties, meetings, and many other types of events, it has a capacity of 120 standing, but if you’re looking for an even larger space for your party or event, you can book out the entire venue with a capacity of 200 spread over two floors.


The Clerkenwell & Social also has a great outdoor terrace for the sunnier days to enjoy those house-infused cocktails and pizzas.



Check out the best bars in Clerkenwell

We've put together the best bars in Clerkenwell for you to find and book. From activity bars for a corporate day out to cosy pubs to swanky cocktail bars, Clerkenwell is full of amazing bars for you to explore. Take a look at all our bar venues in Clerkenwell. Alternatively, tell us exactly what you need and we'll make sure the very best Clerkenwell bar venues respond to your enquiry.

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Your guide to hiring a bar in Clerkenwell, London

In one of London's most vibrant areas, hiring a bar for an event in Clerkenwell offers a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary flair. With its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and cultural attractions, Clerkenwell provides the perfect setting for a memorable event. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about hiring a bar in Clerkenwell, including pricing considerations, seating options and more.

1. Search for bars in Clerkenwell:

Start your search for the perfect bar in Clerkenwell by conducting thorough research. Use online platforms such as HeadBox and social media to explore the diverse range of bars in the area. Look for venues that are known for their atmosphere, drinks on offer and ability to host events. Consider factors such as location, capacity, amenities and customer reviews to narrow down your options.

2. Define your event requirements:

Before you start looking for bars in Clerkenwell, clearly define your event requirements and objectives. Determine the type of event you're hosting, the estimated number of guests, the preferred date and time, budget constraints and any specific amenities or services you require from the venue. Having a clear understanding of your event needs will help you find a bar that matches your vision.

3. Contact bars for availability and pricing:

Contact selected bars in Clerkenwell to enquire about availability and pricing for your preferred date and time. Provide detailed information about your event, including the estimated number of guests and any special requests or preferences you may have. Request a quote for venue hire and enquire about any additional services or amenities offered for events.

4. Understand pricing and packages:

The price of hiring a bar in Clerkenwell can vary depending on factors such as the location, size, facilities, day of the week, time of day and duration of the hire. Some bars may offer package deals for private events, while others may charge a flat fee for venue hire. Review pricing and package options carefully to determine which option best suits your budget and event requirements.

5. Explore seating options:

Consider the seating arrangements that will best suit your event and the needs of your guests. Bars in Clerkenwell typically offer a variety of seating options including bar stools, high tables, lounge areas and outdoor seating. Depending on the nature of your event and the number of guests, you may opt for a cocktail style arrangement with high tables and bar stools or a more formal dining arrangement with tables and chairs.

6. Evaluate amenities and facilities:

Evaluate each bar's amenities and facilities to ensure they meet your needs and enhance your guests' experience. Look for bars with features such as a well-stocked bar, knowledgeable bartenders, speciality cocktails, audiovisual equipment and restroom facilities. Make sure the bar has sufficient staff and services to support your event, such as servers, security and cloakroom services.

7. Check catering options:

Check the catering options available at each bar in Clerkenwell. Some bars may have an on-site kitchen and offer a varied menu of starters, small plates and gourmet snacks prepared by their culinary team. Others may allow outside caterers or provide recommendations for trusted caterers in the area. Discuss your culinary preferences, dietary restrictions and menu choices with the bar's catering team to create a customised dining experience for your event.

8. Confirm logistics and services:

Once you've selected a bar for your event, finalise the logistical details with the venue's management team. Coordinate set-up and break-down times, access for vendors or decorators, and any special event requirements. Confirm arrangements for bar service, beverage options, glassware and any additional services or amenities you may require.

9. Review contracts and policies:

Before signing a rental agreement with the bar, carefully review the contract terms and policies to ensure you understand and agree to all terms and conditions. Pay close attention to details such as the venue rental fee, deposit requirements, cancellation policies, liability waivers and any additional fees or charges.

10. Plan a memorable event:

On the day of your event, arrive at your chosen Clerkenwell bar prepared and ready to host an unforgettable gathering. Communicate effectively with venue staff, suppliers and event attendees to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. Monitor the progress of the event closely and deal with any unforeseen problems promptly to ensure the success of your event.

Hiring a bar for an event in Clerkenwell provides a dynamic and vibrant setting for all types of gatherings. By following the steps outlined in this guide and working closely with the venue's management team, you can create a memorable event experience that will exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Here's to an unforgettable event at a trendy bar in Clerkenwell!

Frequently asked questions

It's advisable to book a bar for your event in Clerkenwell as early as possible, especially for popular dates and times. Booking well in advance ensures that you secure your preferred venue and have plenty of time to plan and coordinate the details of your event.

Many bars in Clerkenwell offer bespoke drinks menus for private events. You can work with the venue's bartenders or beverage manager to create a bespoke selection of cocktails, wines, beers and soft drinks to suit your preferences and the theme of your event.

Many bars in Clerkenwell can accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy-friendly options. It's important to discuss any dietary requirements or preferences with the venue's catering team in advance to ensure they can meet your guests' needs.

Some bars in Clerkenwell may offer audiovisual facilities such as projectors, screens, sound systems and microphones for presentations, speeches or entertainment. It's a good idea to enquire about the availability and rental costs of these facilities when booking the venue for your event.

Some bars in Clerkenwell may have designated outdoor areas or smoking areas for guests who wish to smoke during the event. If outdoor space is important to your event, make sure you check availability and any restrictions or regulations on its use.

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