The Cavendish Arms

Looking for the kind of London pub that makes you text your friends at midnight saying "GET HERE NOW"? The Cavendish Arms in London's Stockwell neighborhood is that mythical unicorn - the kind of place that starts as "let's grab one drink" and ends with you making lifelong friends while playing tipsy mini golf under string lights at 1am.

Listen, I need you to forget everything you think you know about London pubs. This isn't your standard dark wood and brass rails situation. The Cavendish Arms is what would happen if your eccentric great-aunt won the lottery and decided to open the world's most fabulous drinking establishment. We're talking red mood lighting, pink furnishings, and the kind of maximalist decor that makes you wonder if you've stumbled through a portal to the most glamorous parallel universe.

THERE'S A BLACK AND GOLD CRAZY GOLF COURSE. I repeat: A BLACK AND GOLD CRAZY GOLF COURSE! Right there on the side of the pub! Because apparently, someone brilliant decided that regular pub games weren't quite entertaining enough. And that's just the beginning of the madness.

Step into the covered outdoor area, and you'll find yourself in what can only be described as the world's coziest speakeasy garden. Picture this: leather chairs that definitely have stories to tell, vintage sofas perfect for plotting adventures, and a wooden globe drinks trolley that makes every beverage feel like it's being served on the Orient Express. Oh, and there's a fireplace. Outside. Because of course there is.

Inside is where things get properly magical. The main room feels like it was designed by a theater set designer who was given unlimited budget and zero restrictions. Two enormous sofas face each other in the middle of the room like thrones for the evening's main characters (spoiler: that's you and your crew). The red bulbs cast everything in a dreamy glow that makes everyone look like they're starring in their own movie.

But here's where it gets really good - this isn't just a pretty face. The Cavendish Arms is London's secret weapon when it comes to entertainment. Comedy nights that'll have you crying with laughter, live music that ranges from jazz to Japanese (yes, really), and burlesque shows that would make Moulin Rouge blush. And the best part? Many events are FREE. Free! In London! What is this sorcery?

Their pizza game is strong too - we're talking proper, crispy-based beauties that arrive just when you need them most. The drinks menu is extensive enough to keep you interested but not so overwhelming that you spend 20 minutes deciding. The staff treat you like you're a regular, even if it's your first time in, and they'll happily bring drinks to your seat during shows because they understand the importance of uninterrupted entertainment.

Here's some insider intel: Tuesday nights are for Comedy Virgins - new comedians testing their material. It's free entertainment that's either brilliantly funny or so awkwardly bad it becomes legendary - either way, you win. Book ahead for weekend shows - this place may be tucked away in Stockwell, but word has definitely gotten out.

The covered outdoor area is heated in winter and breezy in summer, making it the perfect year-round spot for those "just one more drink" moments that turn into epic conversations. And yes, you can bring your dog - because even four-legged friends deserve a taste of the good life.

Look, I'm not saying The Cavendish Arms is going to ruin other pubs for you... but The Cavendish Arms is definitely going to ruin other pubs for you. It's that perfect sweet spot between neighborhood gem and destination venue, where the prices won't make your wallet cry but the experience feels like you've stumbled into the coolest private club in London.

Get yourself to Stockwell, find this magical corner of London, and prepare to send those "You NEED to see this place" texts to everyone you know. Just don't blame me when you can't go back to normal pubs anymore. The Cavendish Arms has that effect on people - one visit and suddenly everywhere else seems just a little bit... boring.