Anchor Tap, Bermondsey, SE1

This pub dates back in some form to the mid-18th century, when it was probably the Cod Smack. Rebuilt in the 19th century, it was the tap for nearby Park Street’s Anchor brewery (Barclay Perkins, later Courage), demolished 1981. It’s grade II-listed and is cited on CAMRA’s list of pubs with historic interiors, this being of Some Regional Importance; photos of the interior can be seen on the site. This is now a Sam’s pub and is well described below. It’s fairly small and very cosy, with multiple rooms, brown lacquered wainscoting to around half height, then nicotine yellow Anaglypta to a gloss chocolate brown Anaglypta ceiling, above a burgundy Lino floor. Furniture is low and traditional, there are knickknacks and framed black and white pictures of the locality from yesteryear, along with a framed, autographed photo of Babs Windsor; mention is made below of the landlady’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the Carry On genre. Customers were few in number, even on a Friday evening, on arrival a couple of French tourists were departing, leaving just a mother and young son propping up the bar, with a couple of others, unseen, playing pool to the rear. Ales amounted to Old Brewery on pump, me opting for a half of Extra Stout at the unbelievably expensive – for Sam’s – price of £2.60, cash only and as usual, freezing cold, served by an old-school landlord. This place is fantastic for the heritage value, but I really couldn’t spend an evening knocking back Sam’s beers, but it’s definitely a place to visit at least once.

Tucked away just off the main tower bridge drag. Sam Smith’s pub with a quirky multi roomed interior. Didn’t visit upstairs.

A splendid looking corner back street pub run by Sam Smiths. The interior consisted of a snug on the left hand side, central room with back along the back wall and another room on the right hand side along with an upright piano. The interior décor was all dark woodwork and mustard coloured painted walls and ceilings.