Posts Tagged "cosy" around Waterloo

Camel & Artichoke

Located right smack in the middle of Lower Marsh street, this is in my opinion one of the cosiest and friendliest pubs around (sorry Walrus Social, at the end of the street).

While the front looks very narrow, once inside you will find it is surprisingly roomy. Downstairs the bar and a few tables, upstairs a number of really plush and comfy leather sofas. For you book lovers out there, the comfortable seating arrangements upstairs go really well with the fact that this is an official Bookcrossing,com Crossing Zone. Seriously, there are worse places to sit and chill with a good book you just found lying around.

There is also a nice outdoor area for those sunny summer days.

Food is served all day, of the good variety too. Typical pub grub, but well done (although not the cheapest). There is always a nice homemade soup of the day, for those cold autumn evenings, but the best thing on the menu has to be their Mexican burger: beef burger covered in chilli concarne and cheddar… Just as sloppy and depraved as it sounds, it fills you up and leaves a nice stinging heat in your mouth.

Beer selection is limited, a few good bitters and the normal set of cheap lagers. They do have Budvar on bottle though, for those who are a bit more picky. Fully licensed, of course, and the drinks are not bad.

Being so conveniently located, and of such a high standard, this is a very popular place in the evenings for those after work drinks. If you come here for lunch though, you can usually get a seat quite easily.

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The Pit Bar below The Old Vic

While you can’t really go here for lunch (they don’t open until 18:00 except Wednesdays when they open at 13:00), The Pit gets a special mention for being a really nice place to go for a pint, a glass of wine or a cocktail after work. Why not bring a date, the hidden away feeling of this basement establishment and the general theatre flair of the place gives it quite the romantic air.

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Scootercaffe

If you are looking for some of the best coffee in south London, nay, make that all of London, consider your quest over. This is it. You have stumbled upon a scooter workshop cum cafe extraordinaire by public demand. All thanks to their Italian 1957 Faema espresso machine and Craig O’Dwyer, the very well travelled owner and scooter connoisseur.
There is a story behind this place that is as fascinating as the cafe is cosy. Which means in the upper levels of “incredibly”. Craig O’Dwyer is originally from New Zealand. Many years ago he started travelling to and fro from Italy to London, collecting old Vespas and Lambrettas, pieces of furniture and coffee machines while at the same time becoming fluent in Italian. Combining all his passions together, he set up the coffee shop as we see it today on Lower Marsh.
You will still see several of his machines in the store, alongside memorabilia, press clippings and artifacts of days gone collected on his travels. Some would maybe call what they see as they step through the door rubbish, to me it is like stepping through a time portal. If you are looking for spare parts or scooter accessories, don’t come here though. In that case you are better off visiting their workshop Scooterworks on Enid Street, Bermondsey.
Unfortunately the place is closed on Sundays, or this would be a great hang out with a good book. Preferrably while it is raining heavily outside.
UPDATE: The kind people at Scootercaffe also emailed me this – “We do hire the basement for private functions where we have a second little bar with cocktails. There is live music every Tuesday and Wednesday night and yes, we are still closed Sundays where upon we sleep solidly for 12 hours.”
Foodwise they sell cakes, hot chocolate (ask to have it dusted with nutmeg, yum!) and delicious coffee from Columbia and Costa Rica, freshly ground for them just outside London by a company called Londinium.
They are licensed, so you can also get Irish coffees and hot toddies. If that is not your poison of choice, there is a good shelf of alcohol as well as French cider, Suffolk Ale and Mexican and Italian beer. Throughout the winter months they serve mulled wine and hot spiced apple all day and evening.
You are allowed to bring your own food, so why not bring a food pack and take a quick detour over lunch to Italy. Or why not go for lunch at the nearby thai restaurant and finish with a coffee here?
Suggested by Wendy, thank you very much!

If you are looking for some of the best coffee in south London, nay, make that all of London, consider your quest over. This is it. You have stumbled upon a scooter workshop cum cafe extraordinaire by public demand. All thanks to their Italian 1957 Faema espresso machine and Craig O’Dwyer, the very well travelled owner and scooter connoisseur.

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The Kings Arms

This pub has a slightly hidden away dining area attached to it. If you find your way to the end of the bar, you will see a small door opening up to a larger space, with plenty of tables, a fireplace and decorations on the walls inspired by the local area.

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