London's best accessible bars and pubs

The great thing about living in London is that there are so many things to see and do with friends and family. However, as we get older, or come to depend on indoor stairlifts, it can become hard to visit these places, especially if they don’t have the appropriate facilities. This certainly rings true for pubs and bars but the good news is that there a number of fantastic locations in the city that are welcoming and accessible to those with mobility issues. Enjoying a nice pub lunch or having a drink at a bar with friends should be an activity available to everyone, after all. With that being said, we’ve put together a collection of London’s best accessible bars and pubs, letting you know which places to go for a nice evening of conversation or delicious Sunday lunch.

Trinity Arms

Situated in Brixton, the Trinity Arms is a pub with a truly homely feel, boasting a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy yourself. Perfect for a quiet drink in the evening, a casual dining experience in their dining room, or for enjoying the sun in their beautiful beer garden, Trinity Arms is the place to be. Trinity Arms offered us a few more details:

“Trinity Arms is a traditional British pub with a modern twist. It was built back in 1850 as a part of London's ever growing southward expansion and since has become one of the main destinations for the pub-lovers in Brixton. Our main feature is our beer garden with a fire pit that is amazing for friendly gatherings both in winter and summer and we are really proud of how popular it is with our customers. We have a huge selection of drinks and we regularly organise tasting events, so our customers can try new spirits and learn about wines in the comfort of their local.”

Trinity Arms also made sure to describe the accessible nature of the pub: “Our main bar is on the ground floor, which makes it accessible for everyone. We have a ramp and accessible bathroom facilities, so that everyone feels welcome and comfortable when they come down for a drink or a Sunday roast. Trinity is a very cosy pub with a homey atmosphere and we truly believe in the importance of good drinks, delicious food and excellent customer service.”

Mulberry Bush

Mulberry Bush is a favourite of locals and perfect for those visiting the city. Mulberry Bush is a charming and accessible pub that will surely delight. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, Mulberry Bush’s head chef, Roger, has been serving up a regularly changing menu of British seasonal produce for 25 years. For those looking for a top spot for lunch, Mulberry Bush’s steak & ale pie and 28-day-aged sirloin steak are just two of the terrific options on offer. Mulberry Bush told us:

“We consider ourselves to be the friendliest pub in central London and take great pride in our warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located seconds from the South Bank and just moments from Waterloo and Blackfriars stations, the Mulberry Bush is your local in the heart of London that is ideally situated for both locals and visitors alike. Whether it’s a coffee in the morning or pre-theatre drinks, we are open from 9 am daily and offer brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between.”

Regarding their accessibility for those with mobility issues, Mulberry Bush say: “We have great accessibility on our ground floor and a disabled toilet. Our team offers table service and will happily provide assistance where required. We have plenty of accessible areas and tables that can be reserved and are very happy to cater to special requests.”

Norman’s Coach & Horses

Featured in The Times’s 20 coolest pubs list in 2017, Norman’s Coach & Horses is a traditional ‘proper’ pub that is a favourite destination for people in search of a friendly local watering hole. Located on the ground floor at its Soho location, Norman’s Coach & Horses is naturally accessible and the staff welcome one and all into their establishment, with wheelchair users finding the pub to be a particularly enjoyable venue.

Norman’s is a historic spot, full of characters and wonderful stories. Serving up great ales and offering fantastic sing-a-longs on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from 7.30pm, as well as Sunday night live music, this Soho favourite is well worth stopping by at. And for those health-conscious individuals out there, Norman’s Coach & Horses was the first place to serve up vegan and vegetarian pub food in London.

St. Bart’s Smithfield

St. Bart’s Smithfield in Farringdon is a historic and elegant pub that is only a short walk away from Barbican and St Paul’s Tube stations. This 120-seat capacity pub has an all-day bar and is certainly a luxurious environment in which to enjoy dinner, a pint of craft cider, beer, international wines, and award-winning British wines from their vineyard in Kent.

Their menu includes pub favourite small plate dishes such as Scotch eggs, chicken wings, sausage rolls and pulled pork sandwiches, as well as more substantial meals like smoked brisket, baby back ribs, and flat iron steak. St. Bart’s also has wheelchair access and disabled toilets, making for a roomy and welcoming pub experience for one and all.

The Long Acre

Located in Covent Garden, The Long Acre Kitchen Bar, formerly known as Scarlet’s Covent Garden, is an establishment that is a popular spot for work colleagues to visit once the day is done but is also perfect for those looking forward to a nice Sunday lunch.

Boasting a classic dining menu with items such as calamari and BBQ chicken wings, as well as fish and chips and potato rosti with pulled smoked ham, there is a delicious option available no matter the occasion. The Long Acre even cooks up a mean all-day breakfast! Regarding that all important accessibility component, The Long Acre exceeds in this area as well, with the bar offering assisted wheelchair access, wheelchair access, and accessible toilets.

The Refinery

Another fantastic accessible bar and restaurant in London is the sleek and trendy spot known as The Refinery. Found close to Blackfriars, The Refinery is a sophisticated space in which to enjoy a top meal with innovative cocktails throughout the day. The Refinery also offers beers from London’s best breweries and exquisite wines from around the world.

If you happen to be in the area after breakfast but too early for lunch, make sure to choose an item or two from their brunch menu, with highlights including chicken satay, blueberry pancakes, and the egg white omelette. Or, as The Refinery serves breakfast all day, the classic full English is always an option!