The Anchor, SE1

This is now branded as a Taylor Walker pub, but the general ambience, including faux chalkboards, makes it pretty obvious that it is part of the Punch Pubco group. This pub still meanders through some smaller, intimate drinking areas before opening up into the big room at the back on the right as you look from the river. On my visit it was festooned with all manner of hallowe’en tat, and the usual games machines and one-armed bandits were present as well. The music wasn’t being played too loudly though. Most people in this area looked to be tourists in there for a bite to eat, so I would have to assume this is a food led pub catering for visitors walking along the Thames. There’s a board outside claiming that Pepys was at this pub watching the Great Fire of London of 1666, just across the river. Of course he did say that he watched the Fire from a little Bankside tavern, and although he didn’t say which one, it could well have been this one. There were a couple of real ales, which for some reason I failed to note, but they were nothing out of the ordinary. This is another pub in this area that has lost a lot of its original character, but nevertheless remains worthy of a visit for the historical connections and riverside setting, but it can become incredibly busy, particularly on a nice day during the tourist season.

Popped in on Friday afternoon. Never saw the place pre-refurb so will take it at face value. The pint of Bombardier I had was fine. Admittedly the bar staff have a bit of an English deficiency but smiling and pointing at what you want does the trick? Had a £7-8 stuff-your-face carvery upstairs which was very good and excellent value for the location. Not the best pub in London, it’s far too dull for that, but I left satisfied. I wouldn’t make a specific point of seeking it out again but would pop back in on a quiet day if passing.

Randomness Guide to London - Anchor entry

Randomness Guide to London - Anchor entry