Vaulty Towers

If Lewis Carroll designed a pub in modern-day London, it might look something like Vaulty Towers. Tucked away in Waterloo, this isn't just another London watering hole – it's what happens when theatre kids grow up and decide to run a bar. And thank goodness they did, because Vaulty Towers has become the kind of place that makes you question whether someone slipped something extra into your drink, in the best possible way.

The moment you step through the door, you realize you've stumbled into something special. Connected to The Vaults theatre beneath Waterloo station, this pub has inherited all the dramatic flair of its theatrical sibling, minus the pretense. Think of it as that creative friend's apartment who never quite grew out of their art school phase – except here, it absolutely works. The walls aren't just decorated; they're wearing costumes. Props from past productions find new life as bar furniture, and every corner feels like it's telling its own peculiar story.

Let's talk about the seating situation, because calling them "seats" is like calling the Tower of London "just some old building." At Vaulty Towers London, you might find yourself perched in a treehouse nook, lounging in what they've dubbed the "Pink Cave" (which is exactly as gloriously bizarre as it sounds), or sharing stories while sitting on what appears to be a giant sparkly crescent moon. It's like someone raided a theater company's storage room, took a few shots of espresso, and went wild with interior decorating.

Speaking of espresso, their drinks menu is as eclectic as their decor. Where else in London can you get cocktails on tap, served from contraptions that look like they were designed by a steampunk enthusiast? Their craft beer selection rotates regularly, keeping things interesting for the hop-heads among us. The reasonably priced drinks menu hits that sweet spot between "I can afford another round" and "this is actually good stuff." And yes, they do serve boozy slushies, because apparently, someone finally answered our collective prayers.

The atmosphere shifts as naturally as a stage production. During daylight hours, it's a quirky refuge for laptop warriors and friends catching up over craft beers. As evening falls, the space transforms into something more magical – if that's even possible. The lighting gets lower, the music gets livelier, and suddenly you're part of an immersive experience that you didn't even buy tickets for.

Dog lovers, rejoice – your four-legged friends are welcome here, and they often receive more attention than the paying customers. The pub's own resident pooch has been known to make appearances, adding to the homey vibe that somehow works perfectly alongside the theatrical madness.

For those planning a visit, here's some insider intel: while walk-ins are welcome, booking ahead for evening visits is wise, especially on weekends. The place has developed quite a following among London's creative crowd, and the best nooks (like that coveted treehouse spot) get snapped up faster than tickets to Hamilton.

The location, just a stone's throw from Waterloo station, makes it dangerously convenient for "just one quick drink" that inevitably turns into an evening of exploration and discovery. Each visit reveals something new – a hidden corner you hadn't noticed before, a prop that seems to have materialized overnight, or a cocktail creation that wasn't there last week.

Don't come to Vaulty Towers London expecting your typical pub experience. Come for the kind of night that starts with "let's check this place out" and ends with you planning your next visit while sitting in a spaceship-themed booth (yes, that's a thing). It's the perfect antidote to London's sometimes too-serious drinking scene, offering a reminder that pubs can be playgrounds for grown-ups.

So here's my advice: grab your most adventurous friends, leave your expectations at the door, and dive into the wonderful weirdness of Vaulty Towers. Whether you're a theatre buff, a curious tourist, or a local looking for something different, this place delivers an experience that's uniquely London and completely unforgettable. Just don't blame me if you find yourself trying to recreate the decor in your own living room – some magic is best left to the professionals.