Best Live Dj Pubs

There's something gloriously authentic about the Exmouth Arms in London that makes you want to camp out here for hours. Nestled at the crossroads of Exmouth Market, this isn't just another cookie-cutter London pub - it's the kind of place where the wooden floors have absorbed decades of stories, and the regulars treat their usual spots at the bar like inherited property. The moment you push open those heavy doors, you're hit with that distinctive aroma that only proper British pubs seem to master - a combination of polished wood, hoppy ales, and whatever delicious thing is happening in the kitchen. The Exmouth Arms has been holding court in this corner of London long enough to know exactly what it is: a proper neighborhood pub that doesn't need to try too hard to impress anyone. Let's talk about the space, shall we? The interior strikes that perfect balance between cozy and spacious - think warm lighting bouncing off dark wood panels, mismatched vintage chairs that are surprisingly comfortable, and windows large enough to let you people-watch while nursing your pint. There's something incredibly satisfying about nabbing one of the corner tables, especially during those moody London afternoons when the rain is doing its thing outside. The beer selection here would make any hop enthusiast weak at the knees. Local brews rotate regularly on tap, and the staff actually knows their stuff - none of that blank stare when you ask about the latest craft IPA. They pour a proper Guinness too (let it settle, folks, we're not animals here), and the wine list is surprisingly decent for a pub that doesn't pretend to be a wine bar. Food-wise, the Exmouth Arms knows its lane and stays in it beautifully. The fish and chips consistently hits that sweet spot between crispy and melt-in-your-mouth that makes you wonder why you ever order anything else. Though, if you're feeling adventurous, the Korean chicken has developed something of a cult following among regulars. The portions are generous enough to make you feel like you're getting your money's worth without breaking the bank. The atmosphere shifts as naturally as a London sky throughout the day. Lunchtime brings a mix of local office workers and market wanderers, while evenings can transform into anything from laid-back pint sessions to surprisingly lively DJ nights. Yes, sometimes it gets loud enough that you'll need to lean in close to continue your conversation, but isn't that half the fun of pub life? Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome here, and the staff often keeps treats behind the bar. The outdoor seating area becomes prime real estate during those precious sunny days, with locals and their pups creating the kind of scene that makes you want to cancel your plans and stay for "just one more." Payment is refreshingly 21st century (they take cards, contactless, and yes, actual cash for those keeping it traditional), and the prices sit comfortably in that sweet spot where you can enjoy yourself without having to check your bank balance after every round. It's not the cheapest pub in London, but it's far from the tourist-trap pricing you'll find in some parts of the city. Here's an insider tip: if you're planning to come with a group, especially during peak times or when there's a big match on, it's worth making a reservation. The Exmouth Arms can get properly packed, and while the staff works miracles, they haven't quite figured out how to bend the laws of physics to create extra space. What really sets the Exmouth Arms apart from the London pub crowd is its ability to be exactly what you need it to be. Whether you're after a quiet afternoon pint, a proper pub meal, or a livelier evening out, it somehow manages to deliver without feeling like it's trying too hard. It's the kind of place that reminds you why pubs are such an essential part of London's social fabric. Do yourself a favor and make the Exmouth Arms your next stop in London. Come early enough to grab one of those coveted corner tables, order something from the tap you've never tried before, and settle in for what might just become your new favorite London pub experience. Just don't blame me if you end up staying longer than planned - it happens to the best of us.

Just what London needs - another pub claiming to be the neighborhood's living room. The BlackStock in Finsbury Park had me rolling my eyes before I even crossed the threshold. Another watering hole trying to be all things to all people: craft beer for the beard-strokers, cocktails for the Instagram crowd, and football matches for, well, this is North London after all. But damn it all if this place hasn't wormed its way into my jaded heart like a particularly stubborn earworm. First, let's address the elephant in the room - the location. The BlackStock sits in that sweet spot where Finsbury Park's various personalities collide, and somehow it manages to cater to all of them without feeling like it's trying too hard. It's a feat that deserves recognition, even if it pains me to give it. The interior strikes that elusive balance between "actually clean" and "authentically lived-in" that so many London pubs get wrong. You won't find any manufactured vintage signs or deliberately distressed furniture here. Instead, The BlackStock offers something far more valuable: genuine comfort without the artifice. I hate to admit it, but the drink selection is impressive. The craft beer rotation shows actual thought rather than just ticking boxes, and - brace yourselves - they pour one of the better Guinnesses north of the Thames. The cocktail menu initially had me preparing my best eye-roll, but their Picante (which I ordered purely for research purposes, mind you) managed to shut me up mid-snark. The combination of spice and sweetness with that tajin rum is annoyingly good. The staff, curse them, are actually competent. Not in that rehearsed, corporate-training-manual way, but in the increasingly rare manner of people who genuinely know their stuff and seem to enjoy sharing that knowledge. They remember faces, drink preferences, and somehow manage to keep the place running smoothly even when it's heaving with Arsenal supporters on match days. Speaking of football crowds - here's where The BlackStock really distinguishes itself. While most pubs either become unbearable sports caves or try to pretend football doesn't exist, this place somehow manages to be both a proper sports pub and a legitimate venue for those who wouldn't know a corner kick from a corner shop. It's like watching a master class in crowd management. They've partnered with Yard Sale Pizza for food (delivery straight to your table), which is a smart move that saves us from another mediocre pub kitchen. The outdoor seating area is actually usable, not just a couple of sad tables plonked on the pavement, and - miracle of miracles - the bathrooms are consistently clean. I know, I can hardly believe I'm writing these words either. What really gets me, though, is how The BlackStock manages to shape-shift throughout the day without feeling schizophrenic. It's a proper local during afternoon hours, a lively match venue when required, and yes, they even have DJs that don't make you want to stuff your ears with bar nuts. The transitions feel natural rather than forced, which is rarer than a reasonable rent in Zone 2. Look, I'm as surprised as anyone to be writing this, but The BlackStock has managed to become one of those places that actually delivers on its all-things-to-all-people ambitions. The prices won't make you choke on your pint - they're standard for the area - and what you get in return is actually worth it. God, I hate when places don't give me anything proper to complain about. For those keeping score: yes, they take cards (including contactless), yes, they're dog-friendly (because of course they are, this is London), and yes, you can book tables, which you probably should for match days or weekend evenings unless you enjoy standing around looking hopeful. So there you have it. The BlackStock in Finsbury Park has forced me to eat my words, and they're surprisingly palatable. Whether you're after a proper pint, a decent cocktail, or just a place to watch the match that won't make you question your life choices, you'll find it here. Just don't blame me when it becomes your regular spot - I tried to be cynical, but the place simply wouldn't let me.

Looking for that perfect London pub where magic happens? The Cross Keys Pub in London is that rare gem where "just popping in for one" turns into the kind of night that becomes legendary. Trust me, I've seen it happen more times than I can count (or remember, if we're being honest). You know those cozy beamed ceilings and brick fireplaces that just SCREAM proper British pub? The Cross Keys has them in spades, but don't let the traditional vibes fool you – this place knows how to turn it UP when the moment calls for it. Sometimes there's a DJ spinning on weekends, transforming this charming neighborhood spot into the kind of place where strangers become best friends over perfectly poured pints. Let me paint you a picture: It's Friday night, you've had a week that deserves drowning, and the Cross Keys is calling your name. The beer garden is your first stop (because OF COURSE there's a beer garden), where the London air hits different and conversations flow as freely as the drinks. Inside, the atmosphere is this perfect mix of classic pub charm and "anything could happen" energy. Speaking of drinks – oh. my. days. The beer selection here is *chef's kiss*, and at prices that'll make your wallet sing happy songs. We're talking proper pub prices in a city where finding a reasonably priced pint can feel like hunting for unicorns. The bartenders? Absolute legends who remember your usual after just a couple visits. They're the kind of folks who make you feel like you've been coming here for years, even if it's only your second time through the door. !!! PRO TIP !!! If you're watching sports, this is YOUR spot. The vibe during big matches is electric – think perfect viewing angles, passionate fans, and that special kind of camaraderie that only comes from celebrating (or commiserating) with fellow supporters. Even if your team's losing, you're still winning at life here. The Cross Keys isn't just a pub – it's your new favorite living room, except better because someone else does all the cleaning and there's always good company. Whether you're planning an epic group night out (they've got space for your whole squad) or looking for that perfect casual date spot (those brick fireplaces = instant atmosphere), this place delivers. And can we talk about location? Perfectly positioned for either starting your night or becoming your whole night. The kind of spot where "let's just check it out" turns into "why would we go anywhere else?" Before you know it, you're making friends with the regulars, planning your week around quiz night, and wondering why you ever went anywhere else. They've gone all modern with the payment options too – contactless, cards, you name it. Because nothing kills a vibe faster than hunting for a cash machine. Though between us, you might want to keep some cash handy for tipping these amazing bartenders who keep your glass full and your spirits high. Listen, I'm going to level with you – The Cross Keys Pub is the kind of London pub that makes you cancel other plans. Why? Because when you find a place that hits this sweet spot of perfect atmosphere, friendly faces, and prices that don't make you wince, you hold onto it like that last chip in the basket. Don't be the person who has to hear about last night's epic pub quiz victory or that spontaneous karaoke session that had the whole place singing secondhand. Get yourself down to The Cross Keys Pub in London and start creating those "you had to be there" moments of your own. Your future self will thank you for making this your local – and so will your bank account. Just don't blame me when "quick drink after work" turns into "best night of the month." Actually, no – definitely blame me. I'll probably be there too! 🍻

Ever wondered what it's like to sip a pint while Big Ben winks at you across the Thames? The Pub on the Thames in London isn't just another riverside watering hole – it's quite literally a floating slice of British charm that bobs gently on the river's surface, offering what might be the most uniquely London drinking experience you'll ever have. Nestled between the London Eye and Westminster Bridge, this vessel-turned-venue gives you front-row seats to the city's greatest hits. Let's be honest – plenty of London pubs claim to have "the best views in the city," but how many can say they actually move with the tide? The gentle sway of the Thames adds an extra splash of adventure to your gin and tonic, though don't worry – it's more of a subtle waltz than a rock concert. The real magic happens at sunset when the Houses of Parliament light up like a Victorian Christmas card, and you're there with a perfectly poured pint, feeling rather smug about your choice of venue. Speaking of drinks, the Pub on the Thames knows its audience well. The bar staff pour with the kind of precision that would make a Swiss watchmaker proud, and their selection of beverages hits all the right notes. From local craft beers to champagne (at surprisingly reasonable prices – £70 for Veuve Clicquot, anyone?), they've mastered the art of keeping Londoners and tourists alike in good spirits. The prices won't make your wallet weep, which is refreshing considering you're basically drinking in a postcard. Step aboard, and you'll find yourself in what feels like a clever mix of traditional British pub and maritime adventure. The interior wood paneling gives off that classic pub warmth, while the floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you don't miss a single moment of London's riverside theater. There's something delightfully surreal about watching tourist boats wave as they pass by, their passengers probably wondering how you managed to score such prime real estate on the Thames. The atmosphere shifts with the time of day, like London's famously fickle weather. Afternoons are casual affairs, perfect for long lunches or lazy pint-sipping sessions. But as evening descends, the energy ramps up. A DJ often spins tunes that get feet tapping, and the mix of locals and visitors creates a buzz that's infectious. The covered areas downstairs provide shelter when British weather does its thing, while the upper deck becomes prime real estate on those rare, perfect London evenings. Food-wise, they keep it simple but satisfying. The fish and chips booth serves up that most British of comfort foods, while the main menu offers heartier fare for those settling in for the long haul. The grilled chicken sandwich has earned itself quite a following, and everything tastes better when accompanied by that million-pound view. One of the venue's clever tricks is its multiple personalities. By day, it's a family-friendly spot where tourists recharge after battling the London Eye queues. By night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub where comedy shows in the dedicated performance space add another layer of entertainment to the mix. The security team keeps everything running smoothly with a friendly but firm hand, ensuring the good vibes stay good. Navigation tip: if you find the main area packed (and it often is), make your way to the back of the boat near the Pimms Bar. It's amazing how many people miss this little nugget of space, and you might just find yourself with a prime spot. The outdoor seating areas are worth their weight in gold during summer, but don't discount winter visits – there's something magical about watching a misty Thames from the cozy interior while nursing a hot toddy. Worth noting: yes, the bathrooms could use some TLC, but let's be honest – you're here for the views, the vibes, and the uniquely London experience of drinking on the river. And speaking of unique experiences, the Pub on the Thames has mastered that peculiarly British art of making everyone feel like a regular, even if it's their first visit. So here's my advice, as someone who's watched countless sunsets paint the Thames gold from this very spot: make your way to Westminster Pier, look for the floating pub that's practically waving at Parliament, and prepare for one of the most memorable drinks you'll have in London. Whether you're a tourist ticking off attractions or a local looking for a fresh perspective on your city, the Pub on the Thames delivers something special. Just remember to raise a glass to Big Ben – he's been watching over this stretch of river a lot longer than any of us.