We’ve all been there. Homesick, with home feeling about a million miles away. Well, more like almost 10,000 miles away. But if you’re an Aussie living your best life in London and the homesick blues take hold, never fear. There’s a surprising amount of feel-good Australian bars in the capital that will make you feel right at home the moment you walk in the door.
Sounds good to you? Great! Now here are some of the best bars to make a beeline to in case of an emergency.
Milk Beach
Two boxes are ticked instantly here: it’s chic and it’s got brunch. So if you’re hankering after a Sydney-style hangout, Milk Beach is the place for you. This is a cafe that’s all about Aussie beach culture. Plus, it’s actually named after a beach along Sydney Harbour. It’s not just a cafe either: as night falls, this joint turns into a wine bar and serves up a delicious array of Australian wines
Where? Queen’s Park; 19 Lonsdale Road, NW6 6RA or SOHO Unit 3, Ilona Rose House
Manette Street, W1D 4AL
Wander
If beer is not your bag and you’re more of a wine person, then you should really take some time to get to Wander. This Stoke Newington hangout is a hotspot for all things Australian wine. The selection is pretty vast to say the least. And all of this is paired with laid-back down-under-inspired eats, all made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s run by an Aussie chef, too.
Where? Stoke Newington; 214 Stoke Newington High St, N16 7HU
Scarlett Green
This Soho institution has long been a buzzy spot for Aussie-inspired drinks and bites. This place is inspired by Melbourne and Sydney cafe culture, and as such it’s a super popular brunch location (yes: bottomless brunches and all). Again, it’s not just a daytime venue. Come night this is an atmospheric bar that makes for an ideal spot for casual dinner – or just a few wines, cocktails, or beers (or all three).
Where? Soho; 4 Noel St, W1F 8GB
The Falcon
The Falcon may be a British pub, but over the years of Aussie expats congregating here (Clapham is a bit of an enclave, anyway) it’s become pretty much the place to be. You won’t miss it because the facade is painted bright yellow. We’d honestly be surprised if you don’t find at least one other Australian in there propping up the bar. The popularity makes sense: the home of an Aussie rules football team, Wandsworth Demons, is in the vicinity.
Where? Clapham; 33 Bedford Road, SW4 7SQ
Antipode
By day Antipode is a cute coffee shop – nothing wrong with that, especially if you like Australian cafes. But by night, this cosy independent joint in Hammersmith flips from coffeeshop to cocktail bar. Espresso martinis are the name of the game here, made with beans from London-based Square Mile Coffee and mixed with Australia’s own Mr. Black coffee liqueur. If cocktails don’t float your boat, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a selection of Australian craft beers to choose from, too.
Where? Hammersmith; 28 Fulham Palace Road, W6 9PH
Granger & Co.
There are a few locations of this Sydney-born franchise across London: Chelsea, Clerkenwell, and Notting Hill, but it’s the King’s Cross iteration where you’ll probably end up. It’s easy-going, serves up a mean breakfast, and has indoor and outdoor seating. It may not be the most popping nightspot in town, but evening drinks are still dreamy here.
Where? King’s Cross; Unit 1, The Stanley Building, 7 Pancras Sq, N1C 4AG
Milroy’s of Soho
Those who enjoy a tipple of whisky should definitely hit up this whisky bar in Soho. It’s one of London’s oldest whisky bars, and though it may be small, it packs a punch. Wondering what the Aussie connection is? Well, the barmen at this whisky-lover’s paradise are all over Starward’s Nova. If you don’t know, that’s a Melbourne whisky that’s matured in casks once used for Shiraz. Downstairs there’s a little speakeasy-type hangout, while on sunny days it’s all about the terrace.
Where? 3 Greek St, W1D 4NX
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