Best Scenic View Pubs

Looking for The Bishop in London feels a bit like stumbling upon a secret riverside retreat that somehow escaped the capital's usual madness. Perched along the Thames with views that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy, this isn't just another cookie-cutter London pub - it's the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your evening plans and settle in for the long haul. Let's be honest: Thames-side pubs in London can sometimes be tourist traps with mediocre pints and sky-high prices. The Bishop, however, flips that script entirely. Here's a spot that manages to balance proper pub credentials with just enough polish to make it special. The building itself has that classic London pub architecture that makes you wonder about all the stories these walls could tell, but step inside and you'll find it's thoroughly modern where it counts. The real magic of The Bishop happens when you snag one of those coveted outdoor tables. There's something almost Mediterranean about watching the sun dance off the Thames while sipping a perfectly poured pint or nursing a glass of wine. The riverside terrace has become something of a local legend, especially during those precious London summer evenings when the light seems to stretch on forever. And unlike some of London's posher riverside establishments, there's no need to take out a second mortgage to enjoy an afternoon here - the prices are surprisingly reasonable for such a prime location. Inside, The Bishop strikes that perfect balance between cozy pub and contemporary dining spot. The interior is a clever mix of traditional wood paneling and modern touches, with enough nooks and crannies to make every visit feel like you've discovered a new favorite spot. The lighting hits that sweet spot between "actually being able to read the menu" and "everyone looks good here," which, let's face it, is an art form in itself. The food menu deserves its own paragraph (or three). While many London pubs treat food as an afterthought, The Bishop's kitchen team clearly got the memo that modern pub-goers expect more than just basic pub grub. Their Sunday roast has developed something of a cult following among locals, with the Yorkshire puddings achieving near-mythical status. The regular menu manages to walk that fine line between pub classics and more adventurous fare, all executed with obvious care and attention to detail. The drink selection is exactly what you'd hope for from a proper London pub, with a rotating cast of real ales that keeps the CAMRA crowd happy, plus a wine list that's clearly been chosen by someone who knows their Merlot from their Malbec. The staff actually seem to enjoy making recommendations, which is refreshing in a city where bartender enthusiasm can sometimes feel as rare as an affordable flat in Zone 1. Speaking of staff, they're part of what makes The Bishop feel special. There's none of that artificial corporate cheeriness here - instead, you get genuine warmth and the kind of service that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. They've mastered that distinctly British art of being attentive without hovering, and they know their stuff when it comes to both food and drink recommendations. Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome here, and the staff are known to keep a stash of treats behind the bar. It's these little touches that transform The Bishop from just another London pub into a genuine community hub. The fact that they take reservations is also a godsend, especially for those summer evenings when riverside spots become hotter property than a central London parking space. For the practical-minded, it's worth noting that they've embraced the 21st century with contactless payments and a decent booking system. There's paid parking nearby, but given its location and London's, shall we say, interesting relationship with parking, public transport is probably your best bet. The nearest stations are an easy walk away, which makes The Bishop perfect for both planned visits and spontaneous pop-ins. Sure, London has no shortage of pubs, but The Bishop manages to be something special without trying too hard. Whether you're planning a Sunday roast with the family, meeting friends for after-work drinks, or just fancy a solo pint with a view, this place fits the bill. My advice? Book ahead for those prime riverside tables, arrive hungry, and prepare to stay longer than you planned. Trust me, once you've found your spot at The Bishop, you won't want to leave.

Perched above Manorhamilton like a watchful guardian, Castle View B&B and Pure Irish Life Tours commands a view that stretches across the ancient landscapes of County Leitrim. Here, where the morning mist rolls across the hills and settles in the valleys like nature's own lace curtain, this charming establishment offers more than just accommodation – it presents a gateway to authentic Irish hospitality. The approach to Castle View B&B in Manorhamilton winds through countryside roads that seem to whisper tales of centuries past. Each turn brings you closer to what feels like the edge of the world, until suddenly, the B&B reveals itself, a haven of warmth against the wild Irish backdrop. The stone exterior stands in comfortable dialogue with its surroundings, neither imposing upon nor shrinking from the majesty of the landscape. Inside, the atmosphere shifts from the raw beauty of the outdoors to something more intimately crafted. Rooms are appointed with an attention to detail that speaks of careful consideration rather than flashy ostentation. Here, comfort is measured in the weight of hand-selected linens, in the way morning light plays across carefully positioned furniture, in the gentle creak of well-loved floorboards that have supported countless travelers before you. The breakfast room becomes a theater of morning rituals, where the day's first light streams through windows that frame the countryside like living paintings. Traditional Irish breakfast is served with a side of genuine conversation, the kind that flows as naturally as the tea from well-warmed pots. Local ingredients tell their own stories on the plate – eggs from nearby farms, bread baked in ovens that have been warming Manorhamilton kitchens for generations, and bacon that speaks of age-old smoking traditions. Through Pure Irish Life Tours, the B&B transforms from mere lodging into a portal for authentic Irish experiences. The proprietors don't just offer a place to rest; they unveil the hidden treasures of the region with the intimate knowledge of those who have lived and breathed these lands. Their tours weave through the fabric of local life, revealing secret spots where history feels less like a distant concept and more like a friendly ghost walking beside you. The communal spaces invite lingering, especially in the evening when the light softens and conversations between guests blend with the subtle background music of wind in the eaves. Here, travelers from across the globe find common ground in shared stories and travel tips, their voices adding to the collective memory of the place. The staff move through these moments with an intuitive understanding of when to engage and when to let the magic of spontaneous connections unfold. Each room tells its own story, but all share that coveted view that gives the B&B its name. From these windows, Manorhamilton spreads out below like a living history book, with the castle ruins standing as a reminder of times past. As darkness falls, the town's lights twinkle like earth-bound stars, creating a different kind of view, equally mesmerizing. The establishment's commitment to traditional Irish hospitality manifests in a hundred small ways – from the carefully curated local guides in each room to the handwritten notes suggesting the best spots to catch a sunset. Payment is handled with old-world grace, accepting both modern cards and cash with equal appreciation for the exchange of value for experience. Castle View B&B and Pure Irish Life Tours in Manorhamilton doesn't just offer a place to stay – it provides a chapter in your own Irish story. Whether you're using it as a base to explore the wild beauty of County Leitrim or seeking a deeper connection with Ireland's heart and soul, you'll find yourself drawn into a narrative that's been unfolding here for generations. Come, add your footsteps to the path, your voice to the stories, and your memories to the rich tapestry that makes this place not just a destination, but a beginning.

Nestled high in the rugged embrace of the Silvermine Mountains, Carr's Pub in Nenagh isn't just another dot on Ireland's pub landscape - it's the kind of place that makes you believe in serendipity. Perched in the hidden hamlet of Killcommon village, this elevated escape offers something increasingly rare in our fast-paced world: authenticity served straight up, no chaser needed. You know those moments when you stumble upon something so genuinely local it feels like you've discovered a secret? That's Carr's Pub in Nenagh for you. While tourists flock to Dublin's Temple Bar or Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, seasoned travelers and locals alike find their way to this mountaintop haven, where the air is crisp and the welcome is warmer than a freshly poured whiskey. The journey to Carr's is half the adventure. As you wind your way up the southern slopes of the Silvermines, each turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista of the Tipperary countryside. But it's when you finally push open that well-worn door that the real magic begins. The pub's interior hits you with the kind of atmospheric perfection that Hollywood set designers spend careers trying to recreate. Rich wooden beams overhead tell tales of generations past, while the soft glow of carefully placed lighting creates the kind of ambiance that makes everyone look like they're starring in their own Irish drama. Behind the bar, you'll find TJ, who's not so much a bartender as he is a curator of good times and keeper of local lore. He pours the perfect pint with the kind of precision that makes you think he might have invented Guinness himself, all while keeping the craic flowing as naturally as the beer. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, TJ has this uncanny ability to make you feel like you've been coming here all your life. The beauty of Carr's lies in its simplicity. No fancy cocktail menus or craft beer flights here - just properly kept and perfectly poured traditional drinks. The Guinness travels from tap to glass like liquid velvet, settling into the kind of perfect pint that would make Arthur himself proud. The whiskey selection, while not encyclopedic, is curated with the kind of care that speaks to quality over quantity. Each bottle has earned its place on those shelves, and the staff knows the story behind every single one. Sound here is its own character: the gentle murmur of conversation mixing with occasional bursts of laughter, the soft clink of glasses, and sometimes, on special nights, the sweet strains of impromptu traditional music sessions that seem to materialize out of nowhere. These organic performances aren't scheduled - they happen when the moment is right, which somehow makes them even more magical. The pub's windows frame the surrounding mountains like living paintings, and as evening draws in, you'll witness sunsets that make you understand why ancient Celts believed in magic. On clear nights, the stars above Killcommon village put on a show that no city dweller could imagine, making the journey home (with a designated driver, of course) an ethereal experience. What sets Carr's apart isn't just its location or its libations - it's the way it preserves the true essence of the Irish pub tradition. This isn't a tourist trap playing at authenticity; it's the real deal. The conversations here are genuine, the friendships forged over pints are lasting, and the stories shared become part of the pub's ongoing narrative. For those planning a visit, a few insider tips: The pub is busiest on weekend evenings, but midweek visits offer a more intimate experience. If you're driving up from Nenagh, give yourself extra time - not just for the winding mountain roads, but for those inevitable photo stops along the way. And while the pub's focus is on drinks rather than dining, the crisps (that's chips for our American friends) and other simple snacks are perfect companions to your pint. So here's the truth about Carr's Pub in Nenagh - it's more than just a place to drink. It's a reminder of what pubs used to be, and what the best of them still are: gathering places where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and memories are made. Make the journey up the mountain, find your spot at the bar, and let TJ pour you a pint. Trust me, you'll understand why people have been making this pilgrimage for generations, and why they'll continue to do so for many more to come.