In Pursuit of the Proper Pub
The Cockpit
7 St Andrew's Hill
EC4V 5BY
Tel: 020 7248 7315
7 St Andrew's Hill
EC4V 5BY
Tel: 020 7248 7315
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I'm on a search for real pubs, not bars or gastropubs, although the latter do serve a useful purpose insofar as they keep proper pubs free of undesirables.
Bars are short on seats and long on loud music - both measures aimed at getting the punters to drink faster. Gastropubs can be difficult to differentiate as a lot of great pubs serve food.
But a proper pub is unmistakable as its primary function is to serve real ale. If you ever find yourself in a pub without handpumps, turn straight round and make a quiet exit. It will save a lot of trouble.
Like a lot of my favourite pubs I came across the Cockpit more or less by accident, catching a glimpse of it as I walked along Carter Lane one morning. I carefully retraced my steps after work and even then I nearly missed it. So one box was ticked - some of the best City pubs are a little off the beaten track.
It is hard to imagine that Carter Lane was once one of the City's main thoroughfares and the next box to tick is history. Shakespeare lived in this part of town and there has been a pub on this site since the sixteenth century. The name is a reminder of London's bloodthirsty past. Cock-fighting was a traditional Shrove Tuesday activity for schoolboys and continued well into the Victorian era.
This is a small wedge-shaped pub with seating for about 25 and it has the feel of a Cockpit, with a gallery overlooking the floor area.
The proximity to Blackfriars and City Thameslink make it a handy pub for a post-work pint. There is a good selection of beer (typically Courage Best and Director's, Marston's Pedigree and Adnam's) and the pub has a tradition of good-looking barstaff.
All desirable attributes, but where the Cockpit really scores is on its lively and friendly atmosphere. For a City pub it has the feel of a local.
But a proper pub is unmistakable as its primary function is to serve real ale. If you ever find yourself in a pub without handpumps, turn straight round and make a quiet exit. It will save a lot of trouble.
Like a lot of my favourite pubs I came across the Cockpit more or less by accident, catching a glimpse of it as I walked along Carter Lane one morning. I carefully retraced my steps after work and even then I nearly missed it. So one box was ticked - some of the best City pubs are a little off the beaten track.
It is hard to imagine that Carter Lane was once one of the City's main thoroughfares and the next box to tick is history. Shakespeare lived in this part of town and there has been a pub on this site since the sixteenth century. The name is a reminder of London's bloodthirsty past. Cock-fighting was a traditional Shrove Tuesday activity for schoolboys and continued well into the Victorian era.
This is a small wedge-shaped pub with seating for about 25 and it has the feel of a Cockpit, with a gallery overlooking the floor area.
The proximity to Blackfriars and City Thameslink make it a handy pub for a post-work pint. There is a good selection of beer (typically Courage Best and Director's, Marston's Pedigree and Adnam's) and the pub has a tradition of good-looking barstaff.
All desirable attributes, but where the Cockpit really scores is on its lively and friendly atmosphere. For a City pub it has the feel of a local.
Here Is The Writer : John Kirk
John Kirk works at Precise Media where he monitors newswires and business internet sites. He previously worked in the wine trade and has lived in southwest London for 18 years. John grew up in Bristol and is in his fifth decade as a Bristol City fan. After a long and undistinguished career as a club cricketer he has recently taken up golf, reasoning that his lack of foot movement will be an asset. John is also interested in City churches and pubs.
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