The Hole In The Wall — Restaurant in London

I've sat in a fair few pubs in my time. None quite like this. It's a bit of a Mos Eisley operation. Invariably some wastrels hang about outside, interfering with the rush of consumers exiting their buses and running to Waterloo station as though they fear a second more in Mepham Street will lead either to an indictable offence commited against them or the unavoidable voiding of their bowels. And upon entering the ominously - and suitably - named 'The Hole In The Wall' you can see precisely why.

This is where pub-goers who have done wrong come to seek penance. It is a veritable purgatory of drunkenness. We took our seat on our creaky seats and uneven table - this is a furniture graveyard - and ordered our drinks. Evidently not used to serving non-alcoholic beverages, the Coke was flat, but probably still Coke. It was also expensive, making the choice of this bar for anybody remotely regular when there are plenty of more upbeat establishments dotted throughout Waterloo all the more puzzling. I can only suggest that while at peak hour everywhere else was rammed with hot, sweaty fun and laughter, this was empty, peaceful and lonely.

We whittled away through the evening catching up with each-other, laughter fading in and out among the sounds of a sad soul playing the noisy slot machine jammed up against our table. Nearly ready to go, we each went to the loo in turn. I've been to toilets in very small Chinese and Jordanian villages with better sewage facilities. There weren't just puddles on the floor - the entire floor was covered in a putrid layer of liquid filth. It felt like I'd stepped into a set for the next Saw film except this was somewhat more real. To top it off, the soap dispenser, which looked like it had seen its fair share of vomit splatter, didn't dispense any soap. Gagging on self-loathing, I left the bathroom and hope to never have to return. Presuming I survive the inevitable bout...

🚇 Waterloo 🍺 £4.70 Pravha ❤️ A Waterloo institution, nestled under the arches. . Station pubs can be very hit and miss but now again you come across an absolute blinder. . The Hole In The Wall is situated in a railway arch just below the tracks going in and out of Waterloo Station. This is a two bar pub with a large bar at the back and a smaller bar at the front. I visited on a Saturday lunchtime and decided to plot up in the back bar to watch the Arsenal v Villa game. The pub was busy and there was a great atmosphere and buzz about the place. . This independent pub has an extensive beer choice, I opted for a Pravha which was decent and under a fiver. This is a no cash boozer even though the pubs name suggests otherwise. . The decor here is traditional and mixed, the back bar has a bit of a working man’s club feel to it which I love, no frills and an excellent social space. The front bar is a little bit more elegant with proper copper tables, plenty of wood panelling and a more relaxed feel. There is a small beer garden at the rear which has a TV so you don’t miss any of a game if you pop out for a salmon. . As I sat in this pub with the rumble of trains above my head, I couldn’t help but admire this place. This is a station boozer but the majority of punters here weren’t waiting for the 5.45pm train to New Malden, they were here for the beer. During the week this pub is also a firm favourite for post work pre commute beers. . The holeinthewall_waterloo was an excellent visit, great beer choice, great atmosphere, great surroundings. . 📊 Information correct on...

It's a station pub. The turnover of customers is high given that many are simply dropping in before crossing the road to depart on a train from Waterloo Station opposite.

It's the kind of place my mum would call spit and sawdust. And all the better for it in my opinion.

I was in here for 3 or 4 rounds just relaxing before my super-saver, mighty-fine, off-peak, limited-option, travel-only-on-a-day-with-a-Z-in-it ticket became viable.

The range of beer is impressive. Some 20 or so draught beers covering all the usuals, IPA, lagers, ales and several ciders. Not so many options for wine drinkers but gin enthusiasts will find several decent choices here.

The staff, on a busy football (and Grand National) Saturday, were quick and friendly and played a large part in my decision to stay rather than pub hop.

The other factor is price. Not many pubs this close to the centre of town sell beer around £5/pint so this is a very bank manager friendly option.

You won't be bringing a date here but this is a proper boozer with a cosy little beer garden and is worth a thousand of any of your crappy Wetherspoons or other pub chains.

Raise a toast to The Hole...