69 Colebrooke Row

Hidden away in Islington’s backstreets, this tiny 1920’s cocktail bar has a capacity of 30, so it’s wise to book in advance. ‘The Bar With No Name’ prides itself on its unique cocktail repertoire – it’s definitely worth a visit for a taste of their experimental creations. The Prairie Oyster, for instance, features tomato ‘yolk’, horseradish vodka, sherry and various spices in a ceramic shell, ready to slurp. Another, the Terroir, contains distilled clay, flint and lichen.
Sun-Wed 5pm-12am, Thur 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am
69 Colebrooke Row, N1 8AA
Tube – Angel
www.69colebrookerow.com

Bar Pepito

This cosy sherry bar is only accessible via an alley at the bottom of Pentonville Road, and because it’s so small, the toilets are situated on the other side of the road. With only four or five tables, all shaped from sherry casks, the tiny Andalusian-themed bar offers a range of sherries for visitors to try, including ‘fino’ (dry, pale) and ‘oloroso dulce’ (fruity,  sweet). There is also a cold-food tapas-style menu, featuring cured meats, olives and cheeses amongst other things.
Mon-Fri 5pm-12am, Sat 6pm-12am
3 Varnisher’s Yard, The Regent’s Quarter, King’s Cross, N1 9FD
Tube – King’s Cross
http://barpepito.co.uk/

The Dove

A public house since the seventeenth century (Charles II romanced and dined his mistress here), The Dove is listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the smallest bar room in the world. It does however have another room and a patio, so there is a bit of space to spread out. Set alongside the river, the Hammersmith alehouse offers its visitors a freshly prepared menu of British classics and a wide range of high quality beers and ales.
Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sun 12-10.30pm
19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA
Tube – Ravenscourt Park
http://dovehammersmith.co.uk/

The Rake

This multi-award winning Borough Market pub says it’s the smallest pub in London, and with a capacity of about 40, it might have a solid claim to the title. Run by the Utobeer guys who have traded on the market for years, its beer selection frequently changes – at any one time, they stock over 130 varieties. Putting it simply, you’ll be able to find the beer you want at The Rake.
Mon-Fri 12-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 12-8pm
14a Winchester Walk, Borough Market, SE1 9AG
Tube – London Bridge
http://www.utobeer.co.uk/aboutus_rake.html

CellarDoor

A former Victorian toilet, CellarDoor is now an intimate basement bar space located beneath the Aldwych. Live cabaret, lounge singers and drag acts perform every night from 9pm to a small audience of about 60 people. The drinks menu features a wide range of cocktails, and it’s a third off all drinks before 8pm – house cocktails to try include ‘Starbucks Must Die’ and ‘Never Trust a Flamingo’. Just a small note of warning – make sure you lock the toilet doors, since they only steam up once they’ve been locked…
Mon-Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 2-5pm/6pm-1am, Sun 2-4.30pm/5pm-1am
Zero Aldwych, London, WC2E 7DN
Tube – Temple
http://www.cellardoor.biz/cellardoor.htm

Finborough Theatre

Situated above a Victorian pub in Earls Court, the 50-seat theatre is renowned for showcasing new British writing talent and rediscovering old 19th and 20th century plays. Under the direction of Neil McPherson, the theatre has won an array of different awards and receives no public funding. Currently playing is Doug Lucie’s Hard Feelings and David Storey’s Early Days as part of the Summer 13 season.
Performances Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Sat/Sun Matinees 3pm
118 Finborough Road, SW10 9ED
Tube – Earls Court/ West Brompton
http://www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk/index.php

The Hen & Chickens Theatre

Located above The Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar, where actors and audience members mingle after performances, this cosy theatre prides itself on its small, intimate 54-seat capacity. Productions range from musicals to new writing and comedy, and the theatre also hosts two months of Edinburgh previews every year. A host of famous faces have graced the stage, including the likes of Harry Hill and Eddie Izzard, to establish The Hen and Chickens as a legendary venue.
Performances Mon-Sun 7pm, Sat Matinees 3pm
109 St. Pauls Road, N1 2NA
Tube – Highbury and Islington
http://www.unrestrictedview.co.uk/page/venue.php?id=1

Old Red Lion Theatre

Located in Islington, this 60-seat fringe theatre sits above the Old Red Lion pub. Since its opening in 1979, it has showcased some of Britain’s newest and most exciting theatrical talent, providing visiting companies with a space to experiment. The pub remains integral to the theatre’s success, so make sure you pop in post-performance for a quick beverage.
Performances Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Sat/Sun Matinees3pm
418 St John Street, EC1V 4NJ
Tube – Angel
http://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/old-red-lion.htm

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