Hop on the Elizabeth line from Central London and in just 11 minutes you will arrive in bustling Ealing. Once a rural village, it is hard to picture this lively part of west London as anything other than the hive of activity it is today. Chiswick, Hanwell and Acton are right next door and offer a quieter, more village-like feel within easy reach of the Ealing action, but if you are looking for somewhere to grab a glass of wine for date night, an after-work beer or some celebratory cocktails with friends, the array of Ealing bars and pubs offered has something for everyone. Here are some of our recommended Ealing bars..
No.17 Dickens Yard
The group behind No.17 Dickens Yard uses the Instagram handle @wearetheaddress, and before you have even set both feet inside the door of this lively Ealing Broadway bar, you will see why. Offering everything from Monday morning coffee, to Friday evening cocktails, to a weekly Sunday roast, this bright, trendy Ealing haunt really is the place to be.
With gathering and socialising at the heart of its ethos, No.17 Dickens Yard offers a cool and contemporary backdrop for your get-togethers. Nestle into the luxurious sofas, watch the mixologists in action with a spot at the bar or, if the sun’s out, make the most of Ealing Broadway’s sunniest garden and roof terrace. The bottomless brunch and curated soundtrack will kickstart your weekend with friends, while the extensive eating and drinking options will take you from day to night, time after time.
Castano Lounge
Castano Lounge is an unfussy, all-day hangout that oozes home comforts. Think big, comfy, vintage armchairs to sink into, a stack of games and books and somewhere you can bring the whole family – including the dog. Something you won’t find at home, though, is the extensive list of food and drinks to choose from, including separate menus to accommodate the vegans, gluten-intolerants and the little ones in your group.
Castano is all about laid-back fun, which is reflected in everything from the quirky curios and eclectic art adorning the walls, to the weekly quiz nights, group-friendly space, and weeknight cocktail offer of two for £10.50. Parched and peckish after hitting the shops in Ealing Broadway or walking around Ealing Common? Unwind with a speciality cocktail or a homemade ice tea and with food as colourful as the interiors. Why not top it off with some tapas to share?
The Drayton Court
There are many reasons you will want to put the bar at The Drayton Court Hotel on your list of great places to eat and drink in Ealing. Not only is it just a two minute walk from West Ealing station, it also boasts the largest beer garden in London, which during summer months comes alive with a full roster of events including jazz nights, beer festivals, and sports screenings.
Making the most of the prime outdoor London real estate, it’s also got an Aperol lounge, a recurring pop-up bar by Siren brewery, and if you get hungry, the wood-fire pizza oven and all-day garden BBQ will keep you well fed without having to give up your spot in the sun. As if that isn’t enough, there are pub quiz nights every Monday, they accommodate large group bookings, and you can even spend the night in one of the decadent rooms and suites upstairs.
Star & Scorpion
Step into the dark and opulent interior of Star & Scorpion and you will be greeted by a knowledgeable and attentive team, happy to talk you through the small but perfectly formed curation of freshly made cocktails, fine wines and elegant-but-extensive food menu. The emphasis here is on fresh ingredients, prime spirits and expertise both behind the bar and in the kitchen.
The Star & Scorpion’s menu is a perfect combination of elegant and crowd-pleasing, with everything from pan-seared sea bass to sourdough stone baked pizzas, making it the perfect choice for special evenings with friends, or a romantic evening for two. If you are just in for drinks, there’s something for everyone on the impressive cocktail list, but even so, tell the mixologist what flavours you like, and they will whip you up the tipple you didn’t even know was your favourite.
The Grove
Just opposite Ealing Green and an easy stroll from Ealing Broadway station, The Grove in Ealing is a go-to for seasonal menus and al-fresco dining and drinking, thanks to its patio and beautiful garden that wraps around the building. A classic, modern London pub, interiors are contemporary but characterful with original red brick, warm lighting and comfy sofas to sink into after enjoying a cold pint, and the menu has proper fish and chips and a sticky toffee pudding. Ensuring everyone can have a great time, it’s family friendly, dogs are welcome, and there are delicious vegan and veggie options.
Warm evenings see those in the know flocking to the large terrace to sample the extensive drinks menu and bar snacks, and if you are there on a Thursday, the soundtrack of the resident DJ could have you leaving long after the sun has gone down.
The Lodge Tavern
Describing itself as ‘Ealing’s premier cocktail bar’, the Lodge Tavern is a lively yet laid-back spot for lovingly made, fresh cocktails and good comfort food. Stepping inside you will want to get comfortable and stay a while thanks to the inviting chesterfield sofas, reclaimed wood, chandeliers and, of course, the extensive list of 40 cocktails.
Located in the heart of Ealing Broadway and boasting a large outdoor seating area, the Lodge Tavern is the place to be for a relaxed, fun evening with friends, whether you are there for a comedy night, two-for-one cocktails on a Thursday, or to sample the sizzling garden BBQ during the warmer months. On weekends, the chesterfields look less inviting than the dancefloor, with club nights every Friday and Saturday.
Bar 8
At Bar 8, delicious food, swanky interiors and friendly service are all on offer, but it’s the variety of high-quality, expertly made drinks that will have you coming back. Take a seat at the exposed brick bar and speak to one of Bar 8’s expert mixologists who will be glad to concoct your perfect tipple with fresh ingredients and premium spirits.
Pop in on a Tuesday to Saturday, from 3pm-6pm, for happy hour on all classic cocktails, and if cocktails aren’t your thing, they’ve got you covered with beer, cider, wine, liqueurs and hot/soft drinks, too. The atmospheric setting makes it a great spot to enjoy jazz nights, and it’s no wonder it’s a popular place for private hire for special celebrations.
From opulent wine bars, to trendy cocktail dens, to classic pubs and beer gardens, the vast array of bars and pubs in Ealing has something to suit everyone. Whether you are looking for a sunny terrace to enjoy a cold beer and a pizza with friends, somewhere to impress your date with quality cocktails, or a comfy seat to unwind over some drinks and snacks with the whole family and the dog, you are never too far from what you are looking for in Ealing.
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