Why a Pub Crawl Can Be a Better Weekend Plan

When the calendar flips to Saturday and Sunday, the instinct is to book a hotel or book a flight. I’ve tried it twice, and the price tag—£120 for a two‑night stay in a city centre—was a hard sell. A pub crawl, by contrast, costs the price of a pint plus a few extra drinks. It gives you a taste of local culture, a chance to meet people, and the flexibility to pause or skip venues. The only rule I set for myself is: never start after 11 pm, because the first two hours are the most memorable.

London: The Classic Pub Crawl with a Twist

In London, the traditional route is the “Westminster Circuit.” Start at the Old Bailey on Fleet Street, a 15‑minute walk from the station, then head to the Whitechapel Bell Tower Pub for a gin‑and‑tonic that’s been on the menu since 1873. From there, a 10‑minute stroll brings you to the Ravensbourne, a hidden speakeasy that requires a password—“Red Lantern”—to enter. The crawl ends at the Riverside Tavern, a riverside spot where the view of the Thames is worth the extra pint. Total walk time is about 45 minutes, and you’ll have sampled at least three different styles of ale, a craft cocktail, and a classic British stout.

Edinburgh: The Secret Speakeasy Trail

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a maze of cobblestones, but the “Hidden Bars Trail” is a map of 12 bars that most tourists miss. Begin at the Glenfinnan Pub, a 12‑minute walk from the Royal Mile, then hop to the Witching Hour, a bar tucked behind a bookshop that serves a single, house‑made gin. The next stop is the Black Cat, a tiny venue that offers a rotating selection of local micro‑brews. The trail finishes at the Hogwarts House, a themed bar that requires a QR code scan to gain entry. The entire route takes roughly two hours, and the price per pint ranges from £3.50 to £5.50.

Manchester: The Underground Crawl

Manchester’s nightlife is often associated with clubs, but the city has a thriving underground pub scene. The “Northern Lights Crawl” starts at the Alfred & The Great, a Victorian pub that hosts live jazz on Fridays. From there, a 7‑minute walk takes you to the Red Room, a micro‑brewery that offers a 20‑minute tasting session of their flagship IPA. The next stop is the Blue Door, a speakeasy that doubles as a theatre space. The crawl ends at the Holloway, a basement bar known for its whiskey selection. The entire experience costs about £30 for drinks and covers the walk.

Hidden Bars Worth the Search

• London – The Blind Pig on Chiswick Road: a speakeasy behind a laundromat.
• Edinburgh – St. Andrews on Queen Street: a cocktail bar that serves only drinks made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Manchester – Under the Bridge on Oxford Road: a bar that opens at 3 am and serves a signature “Manchester Mule.”
• Bristol – The Green Room near the Harbourside: a hidden venue that requires a QR code for entry.

While the buzz of a pub crawl is undeniable, it’s worth noting that the best experiences often come from the quieter, off‑beat bars. These spots typically have smaller crowds, allowing for more conversation and a deeper dive into local brewing traditions. However, the trade‑off is that they may close earlier, usually at 10 pm, so plan your route accordingly.

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Wrapping It Up

A pub crawl is more than a drinking spree; it’s a cultural snapshot of a city’s social fabric. By choosing routes that mix well‑known spots with hidden gems, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of the local scene and, hopefully, a few new friends. Just remember to pace yourself, keep an eye on your wallet, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

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