The Cockpit is a warm cubby hole tucked away on one of the little winding lanes between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames.

The Venue
The Cockpit was once a home to the very sport that it was named after and the bird above the door nods to the cock-fighting heritage that it possesses. It stands on a hill with a small hidden doorway that merges into the black painted facade.

The first thing you’ll notice inside is the height of the ceiling. The small boxy shape extends upwards and two small show balconies jut out of the walls above that don’t seem to be accessible from anywhere. The main bar area is a cosy lounge. There may only be four tables but the red carpet is a pleasure to rest on whilst you stand. The red walls complement the heavy browns of the wood well and the beams that run over the bar are violated with nails from which old clay jugs hang. The bar accentuates the depth once again as it is itself up two small steps that create a platform room with a low ceiling that the bar slots into well. The window shows a novel touch in the form of a painted ode to St Paul’s - its roof smothered in deep green. There is a large flat screen TV, projector and fruit machines for entertainment beyond the person or people you choose to be there with.

The Atmosphere
Thanks to its location, the Cockpit doesn’t attract much passing trade. Weekdays are busy as it fills with the spoils of local businesses but come the weekend when all is shut and locked, the pub has a quiet, peaceful feel. There are worse ways to spend a Saturday afternoon than in a warm, quiet pub with a pint and Sky Sports News for company. There are a few tourists that have braved a journey from the usual route and all seem welcome at this pub. Due to the lack of table seating, the bar stools are fully utilised and conversations across the bar hatch frequently and often become fairly intense, with friendliness always present.

The Drink
The Cockpit serves a traditional range of drinks that won’t appeal to anyone looking to make an adventurous choice. The wines are few but a reasonable price and there is a full stock of popular spirits. On draught there's Becks, Fosters, Kronenbourg and Stella and they also serve Adnams bitter and London Pride.

The Last Word
The Cockpit provides a warm and cosy venue for a long Saturday spent boozing with friends.

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