The Pimm’s cocktail- a mix of Pimm’s, English style lemonade, fresh fruits and mint leaves. When the summer sun shines down on London town, this traditional English drink is a fantastic choice to cool you down.
Invented in the 1840’s by a London oyster bar owner, Pimm’s No.1 Cup was based on gin and served as a tonic. Almost 200 years later (with a number of flavour variations added to the range) the fizzy, fruity Pimm’s cocktail is still a classic – and a necessary addition to a London summer visit.
The Waterway
Image courtesy of TimeOut.uk
Voted as the best terrace in London, The Waterway offers a great setting for an afternoon in the sun. The Waterway serves a “Luxury Pimm’s Summer Jug” – the classic Pimm’s Cocktail with a dash of Beefeater gin and ginger beer for a slightly spicy twist. Overlooking the Grand Union canal, this a perfect spot to spend a Saturday relaxing out in the fresh air.
Where: Maida Vale
When: Monday to Friday: 11am – 11pm, Saturday: 10am – 11pm, Sunday: 10am – 10.30pm
Craft Beer CO. Islington
Image courtesy of Craft Beer London
At less than ten minutes’ walk from Clink 78, Craft Beer Co is a good bet if you want your Pimms fix – quick! Here they serve up a lovely Pimms ‘Summer Cup’ Jug, a slight twist on the classic ‘No. 1 Cup’ which creates a different, but equally enjoyable, cocktail experience.
If you happen to be drinking with anyone who isn’t a Pimms fan (god forbid!) here they have 36 beers on tap, 50 more in bottles and a range of wines and spirits. So there definitely is something for everyone.
Where: Angel
When: Sunday to Wednesday: 4pm – 11pm, Thursday: 4pm – 12am, Friday and Saturday: 12pm – 1am
The Spaniards Inn
Image courtesy of About Time
Featured in our recent summer episode of What’s Up! London, The Spaniard is one of London’s oldest pubs and an idyllic setting for a cocktail or three. The Spaniard isn’t only famous for the authors who used to write there – namely the novelist Charles Dickens and the poet John Keats. With a spacious garden that offers weekend barbecues and “Pimm’s o’clock” almost every hour, you would be hard pushed to find a more quintessentially British way to spend a summer day.
Where: Hampstead
When: Monday to Tuesday: 12pm – 11pm, Wednesday to Friday: 12pm – 12am, Saturday: 12pm – 12am, Sunday: 12pm – 10.30pm
The Cutty Sark Pub
Image courtesy of My Restaurant
The Cutty Sark boasts stunning views over London’s Canary Wharf and iconic O2 buildings, and sits on the banks of the river Thames. A perfect location for watching certain sporting events (such as the upcoming Tour De France) and taking part in quiz nights, this is a classic English pub that serves local food with a smile. You can also find your Pimm’s cocktail served by both the pitcher and by the glass.
Where: Greenwich
When: Monday to Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm, Sunday: 12pm – 10:30pm
Make your own Perfect Pimms
Whilst Clink’s ClashBAR has your drinking needs covered in the hostel, you may want to remember your English Summer fun at home by making your own Perfect Pimms cocktail. Take a look at this video, and keep your Summer shining all year long.
Planning a trip to London? Find out more about Clink78 and Clink261, or visit our group accommodation page to find out more about our rates and best deals.
Written by Caitlin (A.K.A. The Indie Butterfly).
Caitlin is a writer, traveller and part-time superhero. Currently living in London, read more of her work on her blog, or stalk her onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.
