The Cockpit

This place is incredible. I was just in this neighborhood for one night, but it was obvious how close the bar was tied into the local community. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. When I got there, their kitchen was closed, but they immediately directed me to the next pub over that was likely to have food. The staff are also incredibly knowledgeable about their wares, as you might expect from professionals. They’re happy to share their knowledge too. When you go to the Cockpit, you feel like you have a Londoner looking out for you. For sure recommended if you’re in the area.

The Cockpit is located not far from Blackfriars railway station, but is somewhat hidden away and easily missed. The pub acquired it’s name because cock fighting used to take place at this location! It is a small traditional locals’ local, but has a cosy friendly ambience. I don’t think many tourists frequent The Cockpit as it is off the tourist trail.
Real ale is available.

A great genuine local. Friendly staff and customers. It’s small and it’s genuine. We had the fish and chips and curry. Also had some hard cider from Suffolk all were well prepared. Prices were reasonable. Also open on Sunday which is a real plus in this area. They also offer free light fate on Sunday

This is a gem, buried in the labyrinth between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames by Blackfriars — but what a gem it is. I’ve been there twice today, gulping a few pints of Tim Taylor’s bitter, pale and bubbly stuff and having a real laugh with the regular fellas as one of the sweetest lady bartenders in zone-​one London makes the locals and not-​so-​locals (like your humble reviewer here) feel right at home. This is a place to stand by the bar — there is seating though not much, to be fair — and buy your neighbor a pint (or in my case, have one bought for me, to my surprise) and take in the richness of one of the finest cities on the planet. It’s a subtle thing, a small place with a decent but modest selection (only one stout on tap, alas) but you will know right away, in the way that you know a place could be like another home, that this place is special and worth your visit if you want to experience London in a way that is genuine but still within the heart of (and yet unscathed) in what has become such a modern commercial zone. Go in, be friendly and it will be returned in kind; buy a drink and maybe have one bought for you.

This is a great pub. It’s a local joint, with friendly bartenders and a cozy feel. The bartenders were actually the most friendly we encountered in Europe — strange for a place that gets its name from being a former male chicken gladiatorial battle arena. The bloodstains on the walls/​floor notwithstanding (jokes, there are no bloodstains), the place is clean and fun to sit around in. There is not a ton of seating, but there are TVs and beer. Like I said, friendly staff. Doesn’t always have food though, this is a traditional public house, only liquid calories here!
Definitely worth a visit. One of our favorites in London.

Lovely looking pub down an alley serving a decent if predictable selection of beers (Marston Pedigree was the least seen in London). Established 1787, a former home for the cruel entertainment of cock fighting (see the viewing gallery above).
Late in the week after work, despite the tricky to find location, the place is a bit too cramped for comfort (especially in the narrow bar area/​route to the gents!), but I reckon it could be quite nice at other times (one of the few pubs in the area to open at weekends).
Big projector screen for the sport.

This is a local pub.
Kind of dingy, friendly, old fashioned, and just old/​Tudor-​looking… My choir comes here after rehearsals and there are always a few other groups of people, mostly those who work in the area, lingering when we arrive around 10pm.
The inner space of the place has multiple levels and a somewhat strange layout, giving it is smallish yet intimate feel. I can see why those who frequent here like it: it is hidden, personal, and has a real olde English pub feel.

Having chanced upon the cockpit on st georges day, we had a really nice couple of hours .The landlord is a real character and the locals warm and friendly. There was a free BBQ in the alley which was funny when the table caught light. We could have spent all evening there, the girls in our group were given champagne before we resumed sightseeing, will certainly return.

Very pleasant little boozer that’s extremely convenient for transport links. Friendly staff and good selection of beer — plus it’s one of those classic little Victorian pubs that used to exist on every street corner in the capital and that are now sadly rather fewer in number.
Haven’t eaten here but I would bet that the food would be decent.

I was chastised for trying to solicit a PG-​rated kiss whilst sitting in the Cockpit sipping on a Gordon’s G&T.
‘There’s no «being girlie» in the Cockpit.‘
Okay…
There’s also no drinking of good drinks in the Cockpit. Fosters, Strongbow, Stella, these are the kinds of things you’ll find on tap. High street liquor, that’s what you’ll find behind the bar. I wasn’t even going to risk trying the house wine.
Sure, the history and atmosphere are cool.
But I’d rather have good wine and girlie-​ness.

Since everyone is out at the Unilocalesque event having fun and I’m sitting at home bleeding after a particularly brutal visit to the dentist, I figured I might as well write a god damn review for a change.
So, most of you wont like the cockpit. It is a dive bar, it is shaped like an isosceles triangle and it serves beer. I like the isosceles triangle, but try to look past my geometric bias on this one.
It is not a gay bar. It should be though. The cockpit is a pretty awesome name for a gay bar.
Not an indie dive bar either. Sorry, should have said that. I blame the meds. It is an old-​time dive bar. Some would say dump, but that would be harsh. It smells of stale beer and has a dog. The dog looks like the owner, which is a trademark of a proper pub and fabulous.
My rat just peed on me…
So anyway, the cockpit used to actually be a cock pit. Like, cockfighting. Crazy man-​chickens kicking the shit out of each other. Pretty awesome, yes? No? I’m undecided myself. Even better, it hasn’t been decorated since. Win.
I’m not sure why I like it. It is unassuming, non-​pretentious. It has test match special on the radio all day. It isn’t full of douche-​bags. Young douche-​bags, that is. You get a few city types I suppose. They can channel douche-​baggery now and again. Just with money and cuff-​links.
Isn’t it weird how douche-​bag is having a renaissance in the last year or so? I think it is. FIrefox is uncertain on how to spell it and I must confess that I am too. I went for the hyphen as I was feeling nostalgic. I think it was a good choice.
I hate young douchebags with their shoes and lack of baby-​rats running on them as they type.
I like Nurofen with codeine.
There are old men who sit in the same place all the time. It is a bit like a white version of Desmond’s. Remember that? I loved Desmond’s.
Is that racist? I mean, they are definitely white. The only white guy in Desmond’s ended up being on Star Trek Enterprise. That was weird.
The movie Barbershop was based on Desmond’s. True Story.
That isn’t a true story. I made it up because it seemed feasible.
What? Oh, 4 stars. Obviously.
Isosceles.
There was also a white woman on Desmond’s. I forgot about her.

Small friendly pub still dominated by locals. Landlord/​manager is really friendly in a natural way, you don’t find so often nowadays.
Attractive interior with unusual gallery.
I found the big screen rather disturbing but if others like it, it’s good for them.
Choice average, including real ales.
Close to St. Paul’s.

I had reason to celebrate recently and chose the Cockpit — much to the delight of my guests. The all male crowd approved of the old man pub feeling and its slightly secluded location met with approval as we all had a table with a good view of the big screen. Perfect for watching the conclusion of the Six Nations.
Service is very friendly, décor is unpretentious and it’s quite simply one of the nicest pubs you choose for a few drinks in this part of town.
Luckily there are other pubs closer to the train station that serve to deflect the more poseurish crowd. Hallelujah for that!

The Cockpit is traditional pub near Blackfriars tube and rail station. It’s slightly hidden away and this is a good thing. I discovered it myself having met friends a few times at the rather dreadful Kos Bar (and its previous incarnation) which is visible from the station.
The Cockpit’s elaborate exterior is a treat in itself and once you get inside it’s warm and friendly. It’s slightly run-​down looking inside but I think this adds to its charm.
This is one of the few places I’ve come across in London where people talk to strangers. The staff is also welcoming and efficient — they never fail to notice when a small woman is next and they’ll most likely remember what you and your friends are drinking which makes getting rounds in that much easier.
The Cockpit is a great place to meet a few friends. It virtually clears out my mid– evening so if it’s busy it’s worth waiting a bit if it’s crowded. The close proximity of transport options is a bonus.
The quiz machine has regular users. If they are there, they’ll help you with the games, especially WordUp!