The Masons Arms
Mon: 12 pm - 9 pm
Tue - Thur: 12 pm - 11 pm
Fri: 12 pm - 10 pm
Opening hours:
Address:
12-14 Masons Ave, London EC2V 5BT
Historic wine roots, modern pub spirit
Tucked in a magical pedestrian backstreet within the maze of small alleys of the City of London, and located just a 10-minute walk from St Paul’s Cathedral, this place is a must-see. Step into a ridiculously narrow street (ironically called an “avenue”), flanked by Tudor-style buildings, and you will stumble upon a spot that has always revolved around wine. First opened as “Corney & Barrow”, later taken over by Davy’s and renamed El Vino, it has finally become a proper pub, which sounds like a win to us!
The heritage of the wine bar still lingers in the air, with a wide glass front, moody lamps, and that softly glowing bar. But you know you have arrived in proper pub territory the moment the landlady, Monique, greets you with her infectious good mood and hearty pub grub at prices that welcome all. At the Masons Arms, big and small wallets alike are catered for, with homemade burgers and grilled sandwiches under a tenner. Hats off to the team for keeping things accessible and unpretentious in an area not exactly famous for affordability.
The not-so-secret Masons connection
The street was once home to one of the City’s livery companies and boasted the Worshipful Company of Masons’ Hall. The Great Fire of London wiped much of the City, including the Hall, from the map. City authorities required that post-fire buildings be constructed from stone or brick, making Masons the hottest trade in town, with wealth that soared before tumbling again when the work ran out.
