Entertainment in Clerkenwell
The Crown Tavern
Positioned on the corner of Clerkenwell Green, The Crown Tavern is a striking old Victorian public house which is steeped in history and maintains many of the original features from when the hostelry was originally erected.
As you enter through the main doors, you will come directly in to the bar area, which comprises of etched glass panes and decorative mirrors. Pulling up a seat you can never be sure who may have already sat there in that exact same spot, possibly, Lenin and Stalin who first held a meeting in 1905, or maybe Dame Judi Dench, when the film Notes on a Scandal was shot in this very pub.
Through the main bar area lays the back lounge area with its original fireplace and old ‘Conspirators clock’ of 1683. Amble up the stairs to the famed Apollo Lounge with its gold walls and large chandelier, definitely the more decadent area of the pub. In Victorian times, the Apollo Lounge was the renowned ‘Apollo Concert Hall’ where every night ‘Music hall entertainment with a vocal instrumental concert.
Outside you will find the old Green where extensive seating is available on those warm sunny summer nights resembling a European street scene. Sit down with a drink or meal and enjoy the view , alternatively close your eyes and listen for the River Fleet, which flows underground nearby. This area of Clerkenwell was once a busy market, most famously referred to in ‘Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, where Fagin and the Artful Dodger introduce Oliver to the skill of pick pocketing.
The Betsy Trotwood Inn
The Betsey Trotwood is a characterful Victorian pub in the bustling heart of Clerkenwell, Central London. Combining the joys of the traditional pub with an eclectic range of cultural shenanigans, we offer homemade food and a first class drinks selection.
The Betsy trades on three floors, the main bar room is at street level whilst downstairs you will find our famously atmospheric cellar gig venue. The upper level comprises of an elegant bar and acoustic room for the guests enjoyment.
Whether you're calling in for lunch, checking out a band, poetry or drama performance or hiring your own space for the night, there's something here for everyone.
You'll always get a warm and friendly welcome from the amenable staff at The Betsey Trotwood.
Wilmington Arms
The Wilmington Arms foremost bar is a charming, traditional pub space with dated wooden furniture, comfortable sofas, daily newspapers, a fantastic Jukebox, and a brilliant selection of drinks and scrumptious food, all that the perceptive client could ask for.
The Wilmington has been joined by two incredible chefs, who are more than happy to continue to produce the old pub favourites, such as burgers and the now renowned fish and chips. There inspiration has also introduced a newly creative and seasonal selection of Chef’s specials to tempt the regulars away from their usual delectations.
Picnic tables adorn the Pub perimeters and provide alfresco dining and drinking in the summer months. After a small refurbishment and the replacement of the old windows, new wooden sash windows offer a fully open air scenario, to allow for a feeling of being outside whilst sheltering from the sun, or a rain shower.
The traditional lighting of candles celebrates the arrival of the evening, when guests gather to slice up the day or maybe even step next door to see what the live entertainment has to offer.
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
Ronnie Scott’s is possibly one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world. The Club first opened its doors to the general Public in 1959 and since that time has featured most of the Mega-start legends and admired names in modern jazz and jazz fusion.
Zoot Sims was the club's first transatlantic visitor back in 1962, opening the gates to many others American visitors, often saxophonists whom Scott and King, tenor saxophonists themselves, admired, such as Johnny Griffin, Lee Konitz, Sonny Rollins and Sonny Stitt in the years that followed.
Many adored UK jazz musicians regularly featured at the Club, including Tubby Hayes and Dick Morrissey who would casually drop in for jam sessions with the visiting stars. In the mid-sixties, Ernest Ranglin was the house guitarist. The club's house pianist until 1967 was Stan Tracey. For nearly 3 decades it was home of a Christmas residency to George Melly and John Chilton's Feet warmers. It was the site of Jimi Hendrix's last live performance ever.
The club went through a major refurbishment officially in early 2006 finally reopening on Monday 26th June 2006. The club staff and management team look forward to welcoming you to the newly refurbished club, Ronnie Scott's on your next visit to the UK’s capital London.
Old Truman Brewery
The Old Truman Brewery, East London's ground-breaking arts and media quarter, is home to a plethora of creative businesses as well as entirely independent shops, galleries, markets, bars and restaurants.
For over a decade and a half, the Old Truman Brewery has been rejuvenating its ten acres of vacant and derelict buildings into the astonishing office, retail, leisure and event spaces of today. The finely tuned mix of business and leisure has created an environment unique in London, making the Old Truman Brewery a destination and major London Visitor attraction in its own right.
Where to Stay in Clerkenwell
Chamberlain Hotel
The Chamberlain Hotel is an aesthetic home away from home ideally positioned in the centre of London. It is conveniently situated just north of Tower Bridge and is a short amble to many of London’s visitor attractions. The City location, offers business clientele convenient access to the square mile district and London’s financial areas.
The Chamberlain Hotel rooms have a welcoming ambiance as well as a sense of style. So no matter which room type you choose, you will feel comfortable in every space. All our bedrooms merge luxurious home comfort along side well-designed work rudiments such as data connections and business facilities. Our objective is to give you somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of London, allowing you to retire, relax and reinvigorate. Hide away in the bubbles in your marbled bath or simply pull your Egyptian cotton and feather duvet over your head and drift gently to sleep.
The Chamberlain Restaurant is a gathering of textures and harmonizing tones, a perfect blend of olde world and minimalistic modern. Offering the finest selection of British dishes, it puts the emphasis on the seasonal fresh ingredients. Discreet, personal service and a well-stocked wine cellar complement the occasion.
The Chamberlain Restaurant & Bar offers a different way to chill out, with a venue that ensures a relaxing atmosphere, stylish décor and ideal for a business lunch or a dinner meetings with associates.
Hoxton Hotel
Welcome to the Hoxton Hotel priding itself on luxury where it matters, more importantly, budget where it counts.
This award winning hotel is very much at home in its Shoreditch manor location. Complete with 205 Bedrooms, The Hoxton Grill Restaurant boasting a great yet simple conceptual menu and 6 Meeting and Event Rooms; the Hoxton redefines the urban hotel experience without compromise.
Boasting roaring fires, polished concrete, exposed brick for that homely feel and an diverse mix of leather sofas it's the ideal hang out away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.
Close to Old Street tube and the City of London, the hotel affords easy access to the Square Mile along with all of the visitor attractions. Blending ideally with the understated feel of the area, The Hoxton is the first exclusive, inexpensive, premium, pamper free, value for money hotel in the City, if not the country.
The Zetter Hotel
The Zetter Hotel first opened its doors in March 2004 and was the brainchild of two fellow local restaurateurs, Michael Benyan and Mark Sainsbury. The partners worked together previously on another Clerkenwell steadfast, the highly celebrated Moro restaurant. 2001 saw them collaborate again to buy an old Victorian warehouse building in the heart of the neighbourhood, and begin another massive project this time a hotel renovation project.
The Hotel offers varied accommodation types and deals dependant on what the clientele are looking for, from bijous comfortable rooms to a Deluxe roof top Studio. Whatever your choice the team at the hotel will be sure to pamper you and make sure your stay is a very memorable one.
Hotel Russell
The splendid Hotel Russell to be found in the prestigious Bloomsbury district was constructed at the end of the 19th century. Constructed from terracotta this grade II listed building demonstrates Victorian Renaissance architecture at possibly its best and rises into the London Skyline, an incredible eight storey’s.
The Hotel Russell, part of the Principal Hayley hotels group has recently undergone a £20 million makeover, but has certainly retained the impressive grade II listed exterior it began with back in 1900. Just a short walk away from the hotel you can find Russell Square offering its visitors the chance to take a break in a peaceful and tranquil location away from the hustle and bustle of the capitals streets.
As the Hotel has a convenient location is makes visiting London’s attractions very easy, being very close to the Russell Square tube station and other train and underground stations. A number of the capitals sights and attractions are a short distance away, and include the likes of the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Leicester Square.
London City Ibis Hotel
The London City Ibis Hotel is located on the edge of the square mile perfectly placed to visit all of the attractions London has to offer. Access to the hub of London’s West End could not be easier, with local transport close by and close to all the amenities. The City Hotel offers affordable luxury in an ideal setting to explore the capital.
Ibis hotels are great places to stay whether you are on a business trip or just enjoying a vacation break. At the Ibis you will always find the groups hotels the way you like them, friendly, helpful staff available 24/7, comfortable rooms and most importantly, services and amenities that make your stay more enjoyable. A great hotel if budget is a concern.
All of the Ibis Hotels are inviting, with a modern outlook, spacious and relaxed with a comfortable bed and a functional bathroom. The new ibis room has got everything you need for a pleasant stay.
