Bars & Pubs

The London County Council's grand Edwardian fire station on Waterloo Road was converted into one of the city's early gastrobars in the 1990s. The restaurant's in the back, while the large, high-ceilinged appliance bays out front ring with the shrill sound of office parties, sometimes not a far cry from wailing sirens. Thankfully, the only emergency now is likely to be choosing from a wide-ranging selection of faintly mediocre wines from around the world. Or perhaps plumping for a real ale (Pedigree, Pride and, on our visit, the interesting Jenning's Cross-Buttock) or draught lager (Paulaner, Foster's, Staropramen, Kronenbourg). Loud and busy, but convenient for the station.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9