The Old School Yard: A Retro Cocktail Playground in London Bridge
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Old School Yard is a vibrant retro cocktail bar located at 111 Long Lane, London SE1. Celebrated for its 80s and 90s nostalgia, it features classic arcade games, a private karaoke room, and a lively atmosphere with expertly crafted cocktails at reasonable prices. This venue offers a unique blend of fun, music, and socializing, making it a popular spot for groups and celebrations in the London Bridge area.
A brief summary to The Old School Yard
- 111 Long Ln, London, SE1 4PH, GB
- +442073576281
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5:30 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 5:30 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 5:30 pm-12 am
- Friday 5:30 pm-12:30 am
- Saturday 5:30 pm-12:30 am
Local tips
- Book the private karaoke room in advance for group celebrations to ensure availability and enjoy a unique party experience.
- Take advantage of the happy hour to enjoy expertly made cocktails at reduced prices, typically early evening on weekdays.
- Prepare for a lively atmosphere with loud music; consider ear protection if you are sensitive to noise.
- Bring your own food if you prefer, as the venue allows it and complements the drink menu with casual dining options.
- Arrive early on weekends to secure seating, especially if visiting with a larger group.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Old School Yard location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Old School Yard
A Nostalgic Atmosphere Rooted in the 80s and 90s
Step into The Old School Yard and you are immediately transported back to the vibrant era of the 1980s and 90s. The interior is thoughtfully decorated with memorabilia such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figurines, Pac-Man arcade machines, and a Nintendo 64 console, evoking a playful, retro vibe. The venue’s bright red, yellow, and blue exterior and signage emphasize its dedication to an old-school theme, creating a welcoming and fun environment that appeals especially to those with a fondness for this nostalgic period.Expertly Crafted Cocktails and Affordable Prices
At the heart of The Old School Yard’s appeal is its cocktail menu, curated by award-winning bartender and owner Darren Sum. The bar offers a range of classic and inventive cocktails, including popular choices like the ‘Man on Fire’ and ‘Sweet Manhattan’. Prices are moderate, with most cocktails ranging from £5.50 to £7, and a notable happy hour offering cocktails for as low as £4.50. The quality and creativity of the drinks make it a standout spot for cocktail enthusiasts seeking value without compromising on taste.Entertainment and Social Spaces for Groups
This venue is designed for socializing and celebration, featuring a spacious dance floor, comfortable seating areas with sofas for larger groups, and outdoor seating for alfresco drinks. A private karaoke room adds an extra layer of entertainment, ideal for parties or work outings. The lively music playlist combines classic old-school tunes with contemporary hits, encouraging guests to dance and enjoy the energetic atmosphere well into the night.Community and Clientele
The Old School Yard attracts a mainly young adult crowd, particularly those aged 25 to 30, who come for the fun, friendly vibe and the chance to relive or discover retro culture. The bar fosters a casual and inclusive environment where guests often stay late, drawn by the engaging music, games, and convivial spirit. It is a favored spot for group nights out, celebrations, and casual meetups.Practical Considerations and Venue Features
Located near Southwark and Borough stations, The Old School Yard is easily accessible in central London. The venue operates primarily in the evenings, opening from 5:30 PM until midnight or later on weekends. While it offers a lively and entertaining experience, some guests have noted the music can be loud, and the karaoke room is situated under the bar, which may affect acoustics. The bar does not provide parking facilities but allows guests to bring their own food, complementing the drink offerings with platters, burgers, and pizza available on site.Legacy and Cultural Impact
More than just a bar, The Old School Yard serves as a cultural hub celebrating retro gaming and music culture. Its dedication to recreating the feel of a bygone era combined with modern cocktail craftsmanship makes it a unique fixture in London’s nightlife scene. It invites visitors to unleash their inner child, enjoy quality drinks, and immerse themselves in a playful, nostalgic setting that stands out among London’s many bars.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southwark Bridge
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Custom House
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Monument to the Great Fire of London
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Wakefield Tower
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Historic England
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Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
1 Tower Hl Ter
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8-12 Tower Hill
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Roman Wall of Londinium
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Tower of London
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Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
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St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
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St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
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20 Fenchurch St
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London Stone (remaining part)
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113 Cannon St
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bermondsey St
0.4 km
Explore the vibrant Bermondsey Street in London, a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that captures the city's unique spirit.
Trinity Church Square
0.4 km
Tranquil historic garden square in London with a Roman-rooted statue and a classical music rehearsal church at its heart.
The View from The Shard
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Experience London’s highest panoramic views from the iconic glass spire of The Shard, with stunning 360-degree vistas and luxury amenities.
George
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Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, The George, where centuries of history meet traditional pub charm in a unique Southwark setting.
The Shard
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Experience breathtaking views of London from The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, where modern architecture meets stunning landscapes.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.5 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
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A poignant garden and memorial in London honoring the outcast dead, transforming a forgotten paupers’ graveyard into a place of remembrance and community.
Red Cross Garden
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Bermondsey Antique Market
0.6 km
Discover timeless treasures and rich history every Friday at Bermondsey Antique Market, London's oldest and most vibrant antiques hub.
Borough Market
0.6 km
Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
Menier Chocolate Factory
0.6 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in a historic 19th-century chocolate factory with intimate performances and rich industrial charm in Southwark, London.
Southwark Cathedral
0.6 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
Borough Yards
0.7 km
Discover Borough Yards, London’s vibrant fusion of historic railway arches and contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.7 km
Dive into 2,000 years of London’s darkest history and face your fears in the UK’s top horror attraction beneath London Bridge.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
0.8 km
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La Dame de Pic London
1.3 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
1.4 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Madison
1.6 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.6 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.8 km
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Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.9 km
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Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.9 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
2.0 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
2.0 km
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The Archduke
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Southbank Centre Food Market
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Ping Pong Southbank
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Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
2.1 km
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Troia Southbank
2.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
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Traders Gate
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A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.4 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
1 Poultry
1.5 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
The Royal Exchange
1.5 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
One New Change
1.6 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.6 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.7 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
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The Giftree London
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Sugar And Style
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Middlesex Textiles
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Petticoat Lane Market
2.0 km
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Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
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Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old School Yard
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Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Nine Lives
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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The Bootlegger
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Doggett's Coat and Badge
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Lyaness
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Demon, Wise & Partners
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.7 km
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Moonshine Saloon
1.7 km
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Black Parrot
1.9 km
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Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
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Punch Tavern
1.9 km
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The Bell
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The Understudy
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Bar @ 26 Leake Street
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Corsica Studios
1.1 km
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The Steel Yard
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STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
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Cirque Du Soul
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We Are Waterloo
2.0 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
E1
2.1 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Club 701
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
Proud Late
2.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.4 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Heaven
2.6 km
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London Best Night Clubs
2.7 km
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XOYO LONDON
2.8 km
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Carwash Nightclub
2.8 km
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The Hoxton Pony
2.8 km
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Union
2.8 km
Vauxhall's relentless nightclub heartbeat: techno-fueled nights stretching to dawn in multi-zone bliss along the Thames.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly