If you’re new to London (or the European continent in general), you’ll quickly discover the essential role trains play in everyday life here. Travelers and locals spend decent chunks of their commute in and around trains and, inevitably, train stations.
And while they’re mostly transient waypoints en route to larger travel adventures, many train stations themselves are worthy of your attention, thanks to a mesh of shops, art installations, restaurants, and bars.
So, whether you have 30 min to kill or just want to spend an afternoon checking out some alternative establishments, read on for some of the best bars at or near train stations in London.
Image Credit and Location: Booking Office 1869, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London
London’s best train station bars
The Betjeman Arms
Station: King’s Cross St Pancras
Nestled within the picturesque St Pancras International station, The Betjeman Arms is an elegant yet welcoming gastropub that features a sun-soaked outdoor seating area (when it’s sunny, that is). With a stunning view of the Eurostar terminal, this is a perfect spot to unwind with a pint of craft beer or indulge in some hearty British cuisine before catching your train.
The Euston Tap
Station: Euston
Located in a Victorian gatehouse in front of Euston station, The Euston Tap is a mecca for beer connoisseurs. Despite its small size, it boasts an extensive and rotating selection of craft beers from around the world, including plenty of local UK ales. Whether you're into IPAs, stouts, or sours, you're bound to find a brew worth savoring.
The Beer House
Station: Victoria
Similar vibes to The Euston Tap, but at a different train station, The Beer House at Victoria station offers an equally impressive selection of brews to enjoy before you catch your train. With a remarkable array of cask ales and craft beers on tap, it's a welcoming spot to quench your thirst while waiting for your train, with plenty of snacks and meals on offer too.
Booking Office 1869
Station: King’s Cross St Pancras
Located inside the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, this is definitely the classiest joint on our list. The bar, opened in November 2021, is an orange-tinted throwback to the 1800s, with exposed brick, wood finishings, and low lighting, meshing to create an undeniably charming vibe. It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other bars on this list, but for those willing to spend, expect to fall in love with the place. Just don’t miss your train.
Image Credit and Location: Frontline Club, Paddington, London
Frontline Club
Station: Near Paddington
Though not technically located in Paddington station, the Frontline Club is right across the street, and is one of the more unique pubs in London. Boasting an incredible food menu to pair with an extensive drinks list, the Frontline Club is a meet-up spot for journalists, filmmakers, and artists, and frequently features events catering to that crowd, including documentary screenings, book launches and panel events. Perfect for the traveler who also has a subscription to The New Yorker.
The Fire Station
Station: Near Waterloo
Like the Frontline Club, The Fire Station is not technically inside a train station, but it is directly down the street from Waterloo station and is very much worth your time if you’re in the area. Located in a former fire station (yes, hence the name), expect standard pub and drink fare with a bit of an edge...
Image Credit and Location: Cahoots, Soho, London
What is the bar in the old train station in London?
Cahoots London
Station: Near Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus
No list of noteworthy train station bars in London would be complete without mentioning Cahoots, which is not actually a train station bar, but rather a train-station themed bar. You'll find it in the (fictional) abandoned Kingly Court Underground station in Soho. Patrons can enjoy premium cocktails and delicious food in three unique rooms modeled after the Underground, a ticket hall, and a signal station. There’s even a space for live entertainment, with live shows, cocktail mixing classes, music, and cabaret filling the bar’s busy events schedule. Cahoots is well worth a trip—even if you have to miss your train to experience it.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
Station: Near Charing Cross
If you're looking for another train-themed bar, London's got you covered. Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration has a life-sized model of a Victorian-era train carriage, complete with banquette seating and gleaming brass lamps where passengers can let off steam over a libation or two. Located in Covent Garden just a stone's throw from Charing Cross station, the bar pays tribute to Jules Verne's legendary explorer Phileas Fogg, protagonist of Around the World in 80 Days. A perfect place to plan out your next train journey.
Image Credit: Johnny Stephens Photography. Image Location: Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration, Covent Garden, London
Thirsty for deals?
If you're looking for train tickets in or out of London, your first stop should be the Trainline App. And if you want more travel inspiration for what to eat and drink in the British capital, check out our articles on best afternoon tea, best Indian food and best street-food markets in London.
Header Image Credit and Location: Cahoots, Soho, London