When Mark found himself stuck in a dreary office on a Friday afternoon, he decided that the only way to break the monotony was to chase the city’s best pint spots. He walked from one historic alehouse to another, each stop a chapter in a story he’d later write for the local newsletter. If you’re looking for a weekend that feels like a well‑planned adventure, this guide will give you the concrete routes, the exact opening times, and the little quirks that make each pub unique.
1. The London Underground Crawl – Southwark to Soho
Begin at The Old Angel on Borough High Street. Open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, it serves a 12‑hour pint of full‑strength London bitter that costs £4.50. From there, hop on the Northern Line to Embankment, walk 5 minutes to The Grapes, a 17th‑century tavern. Its signature is the “Grapes Grog” – a rum‑based drink that costs £5.20. Next, a 10‑minute walk to The Crown on Charing Cross Road, known for its 200‑year‑old oak bar. The pub closes at 10:00 pm, so you’ll have to finish before then.
For a secret stop, skip the main entrance at The Crown and turn left onto the back alley. A discreet door leads to The Blind Pig, a speakeasy‑style bar that opens at 8:00 pm. Its cocktails are crafted on a small, black‑iron stove, and a regular will offer you a “Pig’s Pints” for £4.00 each.
2. Edinburgh’s Hidden Gems – From the Royal Mile to the Grassmarket
Start at The Royal Oak on the Royal Mile. Open 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, the pub offers a 12‑hour dram of single‑malt scotch at £6.50. Walk 3 minutes to The Elephant House, the café where Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter. It’s a coffee shop until 7:00 pm, then transforms into a bar serving a 12‑hour “Easter Ale” for £5.00.
Next, head to The Greyfriars, a former friary turned pub. Its basement holds a hidden tap of 10‑year‑old bourbon, sold for £7.00 per pint. The pub’s entrance is a narrow stone door that only opens after the third doorbell ring. Finally, finish the crawl at The Castle, a 17th‑century building with a 12‑hour “Castle Lager” at £4.80. The entire route takes about 3 hours, leaving time for a late‑night stroll across the city.
3. Manchester’s Underground – From Deansgate to Ancoats
Kick off at The Old Swan on Deansgate, open 9:30 am to 11:30 pm. Their “Swan’s Ale” is a 12‑hour IPA for £4.20. A 7‑minute walk brings you to The Brass Monkey, a 19th‑century pub that serves a 12‑hour “Monkey Mash” for £5.50. The last stop is The Ancoats Vaults, a former coal‑storage vault turned bar. It opens at 6:00 pm and offers a 12‑hour “Vaulted Porter” for £4.75. The venue closes at midnight, so plan your return accordingly.
4. The Hidden Bar Scene – London’s Speakeasies
For those who prefer a quieter evening, London’s speakeasies offer a more intimate experience. Hemingway’s on Fleet Street opens at 7:00 pm, and its menu features a 12‑hour “Hemingway Daiquiri” for £6.00. A 10‑minute walk takes you to Ritzy’s, a hidden bar behind a bookshop. It opens at 8:30 pm and serves a 12‑hour “Ritzy Rum” for £5.80.
Another gem is Backroom, a basement bar that requires a password. The password is “Friday Night.” It opens at 7:00 pm and offers a 12‑hour “Backroom Bourbon” for £6.50. The last stop of the night is The Secret Garden, a rooftop bar that opens at 9:00 pm. Its signature is a 12‑hour “Garden Gin” for £5.90. The bar closes at 2:00 am, giving you plenty of time to unwind.
5. The Practical Side – Planning Your Crawl
When organising a crawl, note the opening hours and the closing times of each venue. A 12‑hour drink is a standard in the UK, but not all pubs offer it. Check the pub’s website or call ahead to confirm. Also, many hidden bars require a password or a discreet entrance; ask a regular for the code or look for a subtle door. Finally, keep a small wallet with a few extra pounds for unexpected costs – a few pubs charge a small entrance fee or a “cover” for the bar.
6. From Pints to Pixels – A Quick Detour
After a night of clinking glasses and laughter, it can be tempting to switch gears and dive into an online gaming session. If you’re looking for a quick way to test your luck without leaving your sofa, you might enjoy exploring a site that offers a range of casino games. For example, https://bracesbystein.com provides a selection of games that can be played from any device.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned pub‑hound or a first‑time visitor, the UK’s pub crawls and hidden bars offer a mix of history, craft beer, and secret corners that make any weekend memorable. Plan your route, respect the opening hours, and enjoy the local flavours. Cheers to a weekend that feels like a well‑charted adventure.
