The other day, we met up with a friend from The Netherlands and since he arrived at London Liverpool Street Station, we decided to meet at a pub that caught our eye a little while ago: “The Astronomer”. Of course with me being a total space and astronomy geek, I was well-excited about this!
We have walked past this pub a few times, but never had the time to go inside. This time, I made sure to bring my camera and snap a few shots of this remarkable pub in central London, England. And I was glad that I did.
Here’s what we found:
THE ASTRONOMER PUB LONDON
The Exterior
The Astronomer used to be called “The Shooting Star”, but was renamed in the Summer of 2016 and opened by Dallas Campbell, a British TV presenter of “Bang Goes the Theory” and “The Gadget Show”.
Located in a building called “Astral House”, dating back to 1896 and the home of the Jewish Board of Guardians in 1956, there couldn’t be a better suited location for this pub with a strong cosmological theme running throughout.
The pub is now part of the Fuller’s group, a pub company based in Chiswick (West London) that was founded in 1845.
The Interior
The interior of this pub is amazing, and definitely a must-see for anyone that loves astronomy. You can find two massive astronomical clocks on the walls, as well as many solar system prints and even records of space-related songs such as David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” in the bathroom!
The Observatory Bar
When you enter from street level, you get to the Observatory bar, a wood-paneled, mosaic-floored bar with mixed seating ranging from couches, tables with chairs and bar tables with attached stools.
Beers on tap are Fuller’s London Pride Premium Ale, Fuller’s Frontier Craft Lager , Oliver’s Island Golden Ale, Fuller’s Seafarers English Ale and Cornish Orchards Apple Cider.
The Hubble Room
Make sure to head down to the Hubble Room in the basement if you’re sitting upstairs, because here you can see a fantastic Wray telescope and taste a range of cocktails, whiskies and world wines at the bar. There are some cozy booths to sit in, each named after a famous astronomer.
You can also rent the Hubble Room for private parties and there is the option to host live music or DJs.
The Menu
Being a so-called “Ale & Pie house”, this Fuller’s pub serves -besides specialist ales- a breakfast menu, main menu and a Sunday menu for you to choose from. One of their signature dishes are their pies, which are all handmade with pastry rolled on site every morning. Their ingredients are sourced locally and delivered fresh at the start of each day to their kitchens. Yum!
Besides the pies (which we can recommend as we tried them out ourselves!), they also have the classic pub dishes such as fish & chips, sharing boards, sandwiches and puddings (desserts).
I really enjoyed visiting The Astronomer Pub London. The interior is really interesting and as a space-geek, you keep seeing little details of items related to space travel and our solar system. Definitely hope to return soon for some more stargazing!
THE PRACTICAL
Address
You can find this out-of-this world designed pub just off Bishopsgate, heading towards Aldgate East station, on 125-129 Middlesex St, London E1 7JF.
The location is super convenient, as it’s right next to Liverpool Street Station and only a short walk to places such as the London Spitalfields Market, Petticoat Lane Market and Brick Lane Market. If you’re looking to do some sightseeing, then head over to the nearby Gherkin, the Tower of London, The Monument to the Great Fire of London or go for a street art tour or one of the food tours of Shoreditch! There is plenty to see and do in this area!
Opening Times
Monday to Wednesday from 09:00 to 23:00, Thursday and Saturday from 09:00 to 00:00, Friday from 09:00 to 01:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 22:00.
As a true family pub, there is no cover charge and kids are welcome until 22:00.
Website
www.theastronomerpub.co.uk
Want a 360 degrees tour of the pub? Check out this link: www.theastronomerpub.co.uk/360-tour
Social
You can find The Astronomer also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Transportation in London
Make sure to order the London Oyster Visitor Card before you depart!
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Budget Accommodation
Midrange Accommodation
- Point A Hotel, Shoreditch
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