The Anchor, SE1

Official site of The Anchor - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

The Anchor dates from the late 15th century but was rebuilt around the 1770s though the exterior appears to be modern, sporting hanging baskets and oriel windows. It also features a raised railed off patio by way of a beer garden, with views out towards the Thames and Cannon Street railway station. Employed are much in the way of gastro colours with plenty of wood panelling and glass partitions as well as brick fireplaces with some bare brick and nogging along with wooden rafters; windows feature tie-back curtains with artificial light coming from a variety of lamp styles, from Wellington lanterns to sconce lights and downlighters inset into the white Anaglypta ceiling. Furniture is traditional and eclectic with armchairs, conventional chairs and stools in the bar area, the bar itself appearing to be modern but traditional with a brass footrail and tiled bar apron, punctuated by an ugly ATM, games machines and TVs, combined with prints to the walls. There’s food, but it’s all a bit chicken wings, burgers and fish ‘n’ chips rather than gastro. Typically very crowded, I've never really taken to this place, with its all things to all people approach to hospitality and tourist trap location. The patio isn't too bad, but there are better riverside pubs outside touristy areas and better pubs south of the river.

Official site of The Anchor - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

it certainly looks the part from outside, but the corporate branding everywhere gives the game away. This is just the pub equivalent of those dreary chain restaurants that dominate this stretch of the Thames. it has probably the best outdoor seating location in London with the view of St Pauls etc so it’s naturally the mother of all tourist traps. It’s nothing special anyway.