Bar in London, United Kingdom
Coin Laundry
100Pearl PointsClerkenwell's go-to for easy group drinks.
About Coin Laundry
Coin Laundry on Exmouth Market is a reliable, low-pressure bar with pavement terrace seating on one of Clerkenwell's better pedestrian streets. It works well for groups, casual dates, and after-work drinks. Booking is easy midweek; claim outdoor space early on summer weekends. A practical neighbourhood option rather than a destination bar.
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, and 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, and 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, and 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, and 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the signature drink at Coin Laundry?
Coin Laundry doesn't trade on cocktail prestige — its draw is atmosphere and accessibility on Exmouth Market, not a headline drink. If you're after a destination cocktail bar, Nightjar or Happiness Forgets will serve you better. Coin Laundry is the place you go to drink well without overthinking it.
Does Coin Laundry have outdoor seating?
Yes, and it's the main reason to come. Exmouth Market is largely traffic-free, which makes the outdoor tables genuinely usable rather than just pavement overflow. On a decent evening, grab a spot outside — it fills up after work on Fridays, so arrive by 6pm if you want your pick.
Is Coin Laundry good for groups?
Yes — this is one of its stronger suits. Low booking difficulty, outdoor space, and a lively atmosphere make it a practical choice for after-work groups in Clerkenwell. For larger parties wanting a more structured experience, Quo Vadis a short distance away offers private dining options, but Coin Laundry keeps things easy and unpretentious.
Is Coin Laundry good for a date?
It works for a casual first date where you want energy around you without the pressure of a formal setting. The outdoor seating on Exmouth Market helps. For something with more intimacy or cocktail ambition, Bar Termini in Soho is a sharper choice for a first date — but Coin Laundry is low-stakes in the right way.
Is the food good at Coin Laundry?
Coin Laundry functions primarily as a bar rather than a food destination. Exmouth Market itself has several strong food options nearby if you want to eat properly before or after. Don't book here expecting a kitchen to anchor your evening.
Does Coin Laundry have happy hour deals?
Coin Laundry has historically run drinks deals aimed at the after-work crowd on Exmouth Market, which suits its positioning. Check directly before visiting, as offer details change seasonally. The pricing is in line with an accessible Clerkenwell bar rather than a premium cocktail room.
What's the crowd like at Coin Laundry?
Primarily post-work Clerkenwell regulars — media, creative, and office crowds from the surrounding EC1 area. It gets loud and social on Thursday and Friday evenings. If you want a quieter drink, midweek afternoons are the call. The vibe skews casual and convivial rather than scene-heavy.
Location
70 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QP, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom
Compare Coin Laundry
| Venue | Booking Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Coin Laundry | Easy |
| Bar Termini | Unknown |
| Callooh Callay | Unknown |
| Happiness Forgets | Unknown |
| Nightjar | Unknown |
| Quo Vadis | Unknown |
What to weigh when choosing between Coin Laundry and alternatives.
Also Consider
- Bar Termini, Notable alternative
- Callooh Callay, Notable alternative
- Happiness Forgets, Notable alternative
- Nightjar, Notable alternative
- Quo Vadis, Notable alternative
Against the serious cocktail bars in this part of London, Coin Laundry occupies a deliberately different lane. Happiness Forgets in Hoxton and Nightjar in Shoreditch both demand more commitment, reservations further in advance, higher spend, and an expectation that you're there for the drinks programme first. Coin Laundry asks none of that. If your priority is the cocktail itself, go to one of those. If your priority is a convivial outdoor table on a pleasant street with a drink in hand, Coin Laundry is the easier, lower-stakes choice.
Bar Termini near Soho is worth comparing if you're after a compact, precise aperitivo-style experience, it's more focused and arguably better for two people than for a group. Callooh Callay in Shoreditch is the closest match in terms of accessible-but-fun bar energy, though it leans harder into its concept. For groups who want outdoor space and low booking friction in EC1, Coin Laundry has an advantage over most of these options simply by virtue of where it sits.
Quo Vadis in Soho is in a different category entirely, more of a members' club with a bar than a neighbourhood spot, so don't compare them on price or occasion. The honest framing: Coin Laundry is for when you want the evening to be easy. The others on this list are for when the bar is the point of the evening.
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