Waterloo's a no-nonsense part of London, all oil smells, and the clack of trains overhead. But in the noise, there are so many gems, and the Crown & Cushion is one of them.
It's in many ways unremarkable, free of the frills and frivolities associated with the London Pub norm. There's no Neck Oil here, no trendy chef, or 2-4-1 cocktail deals. This here is a pub, made like they used to & a darn good one at that. With exposed wood everywhere, this spot simultaneously channels the energy of a Western saloon with an old-school Guinness den. If you need a bite, you can grab some no-nonsense pub grub or pop into the Thai restaurant upstairs, but this isn't the main attraction of the Cushion.
The unassuming, retro signage outside amidst the noise and din of Waterloo might pull you in, but what makes you stay is the genuine town tavern feel inside. Through the doors the vintage vibe continues, creating an effortlessly cool energy free of the shackles of trying to capture the trends of the day. Complete with a beer garden, this is a boozer you feel hasn't changed in years, and its mixed patronage indicates this.
Inner-London locals prop up the bar while blokes who have recently got off the tools chew the fat on their day. Backpackers and young people passing through from Waterloo's hostels drink alongside young professionals who have clocked that this is a far cooler spot than so many of the identikit pubs around the city.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Barnsbury Wood is enjoyed by Londoners all year round, but it is at its most glorious in the summer months when the trees are drenched in golden sunlight.
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The gardens and pergola are open to the public and are a great spot for a walk or a peaceful afternoon with a good book in hand while lying on the grass.
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The people of Bonnington Square really know how to foster a vibe with leafy exotic plants spraying scattered shadows as you sit and eat...
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From focaccia to pasta, coffee to cake, this one-stop shop is as much a place to buy your brew and bread as it is to have a lunchtime bite of pasta...
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Of all the reasons why you have to check out this idyllic boozer, perhaps the most important is that this is the home of the finest scotch egg in London.
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Birds sing while trains rumble along atop the parallel railway arches, old men play boule in the shade and planes skim overhead on approach to Heathrow.
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From the run-down chic aesthetic to the strong beer selection and excellent pub garden, there are no chinks in the Dog House's armour...
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Inside, the bar is a welcoming, tightly-packed vibe with old-fashioned, old-world decor with gorgeous bare wood surfaces & countless pictures on the walls.
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With a rustic French feel, Pierre offers dishes with rich red-wine sauces and tasty meats from much of the spectrum of the French culinary roster.
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With old-fashioned vintage Guinness branding adoring just about every surface, this is the ideal spot to take a moment and enjoy a perfectly-poured pint.
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Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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