Coin Laundry

Who Should Book Coin Laundry; and When

Coin Laundry on Exmouth Market is the right call for after-work drinks with a group, a casual first date, or anyone who wants a lively bar with outdoor seating on one of central London's better pedestrianised streets. If you're planning to visit on a warm evening or a summer weekend afternoon, this is the kind of spot where the terrace matters as much as what's inside; book or arrive early to claim outdoor space before it fills.

The Space

Exmouth Market is a compact, largely traffic-free strip in Clerkenwell, Coin Laundry sits right on it. The outdoor seating here is the main draw: you get pavement tables on a street that actually feels pleasant to sit on, which is rarer in London than it should be. Inside, the format is relaxed bar-casual, not a hushed cocktail den, not a standing-room-only pub. It occupies a middle ground that works well for groups who want to spread out and for pairs who want to talk without shouting. First-timers should know: this is a bar with food, not a restaurant with a bar. Arrive with that expectation and you won't be disappointed.

Booking and Timing

Booking difficulty is low. You won't need to plan weeks ahead for most visits, midweek evenings are accessible without a reservation, though if you want guaranteed outdoor seating on a Friday or Saturday, call or book ahead. Summer weekends on Exmouth Market draw a crowd, the terrace tables go fast. For first-timers, a Thursday evening is the sweet spot: busy enough to have atmosphere, easy enough to get a good seat.

How It Fits the Neighbourhood

Clerkenwell has a strong bar scene, Coin Laundry earns its place on Exmouth Market through accessibility and atmosphere rather than cocktail prestige. It sits comfortably alongside the food and drink mix of the street without trying to be the destination bar of the neighbourhood. If you're already in the area for dinner at one of the market's restaurants, this is a natural before or after stop. For more on what else is worth your time in London, see our full London bars guide, our full London restaurants guide, or our full London experiences guide.

Pearl Picks Nearby

• 69 Colebrooke Row, if you want a more serious cocktail programme a short walk away in Islington
• Amaro, a strong option for those who want a more focused drinks list
• Academy, worth knowing if you're exploring the broader Clerkenwell and EC1 area
• A Bar with Shapes For a Name, for those who want something more technically ambitious in London

Further afield, Bramble in Edinburgh is the benchmark for approachable neighbourhood bar-doing-cocktails-well, Bar Kismet in Halifax shows how the format travels. For something further out, Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu sets the standard for serious craft in a relaxed setting. See also our full London hotels guide and our full London wineries guide for broader planning.