Unique Bars & Pubs London's Best Pubs West End Pubs The ClachanClachan - Soho
The Clachan is a pub tucked behind Liberty & Co. (it was at one time, owned by the store), just yards from one of the busiest shopping streets in the capital. The Clachan
is refreshingly free of crowds, and provides good honest beers and unfussy pub food in a classic pub environment. Unbeatable as a place to recharge on a shopping trip without having to fight your way to the bar. Easy to miss and popular with locals rather than tourists, you won't find many more convenient pubs in the West End.
I first wandered into The Clachan sometime in the mid-eighties, when it was a drinking only place with a loud jukebox and more than a few motorcycle couriers (there's still one diehard in the photo). The recent visit was after a gap of 4-5 years and I'm pleased to say it hasn't changed much. It's smarter and more airy, with natural daylight (you can see through the windows now) and much more emphasis on food. The food was surprisingly good and reasonbly priced. The atmosphere has remained though - it's welcoming and un-cliquey and has an unhurried pace. A good spot to spend an hour or two in the afternoon. It's useful to have places like the Clachan dotted over town, for when you need to sit for an hour and revive without having to nudge your way to the bar.
There are a few places worth seeing nearby to The Clachan. Carnaby Street is just around the corner and Ain't Nothin' but the Blues Bar is a few doors down. Hamleys toy shop is nearby on Regent Street - as is the Apple Store.
The Clachan, 34 Kingly Street, London, W1B 5QH.
Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus Tube.
Call: 020 7494 0834
