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Date for PuG crawl in Cambridge. with Pangolin
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Detail Pages
Punch Tavern, EC4
EC4
EC4Y 1DE
Pub Type
Punch TavernsReviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Steve of N21 left this review about Punch Tavern
The junction of Fleet Street and Farringdon provides the opportunity of a small crawl of four pubs whilst covering virtually no distance whatsoever. Of these the Grade ll listed Punch Tavern is probably the most interesting for pub decor and history, with a pub on this site getting a mention in Samual Peeps diaries. But not this one, which was rebuilt around the 1890’s and the splendid in parts Victorian interior has already been well described by several previous reviewers below. Although there are several references to Mr Punch from Punch and Judy fame, including the external sign by which you find the main entrance in the first place, it actually takes its name from an association with the Punch Magazine which had its offices at that end of Fleet Street.
Nowadays it is run by the Urban Pubs and Bars Arm of Heineken and sadly the drinks offering is not as exciting as the interior and although all three of the handpumps located centrally on the bar were in operation, the available choice of GK IPA, Fullers London Pride and TT Landlord didn’t do a lot to get the pulse racing. But my pint of Landlord was perfectly fine and this is a good pub interior in which to enjoy it. Rating more for the interior than the pub itself.
On 14th May 2025
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2245 recommendations about 2105 pubs]
Moby Duck left this review about Punch Tavern
Having never , oddly, been to this pub before, I found it a bit of a let down, though there are undoubtedly some nice features within the pub the overall feel was bland and lacking ambiance much like the mainstream beer selection of Pride, Tribute and Landlord with the later beer being extremely average in quality although reasonably priced for the area at £5.50. It's a pub I had to see but once will likely be enough.
On 11th March 2025
- rating: 4
[User has posted 2183 recommendations about 2150 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Delboy 20 left this review about Punch Tavern
Another interesting old pub which is well described below. My pint of Proper Job was fine.
Well worth a visit.
On 19th June 2023
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 1839 recommendations about 1710 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brainy Pool left this review about Punch Tavern
I had basically the same experience and same beer choice as Will - I went for a half of Landlord in a dimpled mug which was ok.I didn’t like the pub much at all though. snooty, pompous, miserable service, just not my kind of place at all really. the highlight of my visit was the codgers next to me trying to guess the nationality of the waitress and possibly offending her...
On 1st February 2019
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1174 recommendations about 1136 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about Punch Tavern
Third and last of my three pub crawl of the ancient taverns of Fleet Street, this was easily the best. While the Tipperary and the Old Bell were rather quiet and low key, this one was vibrant and clearly popular with a young crowd of cosmopolites. The decorative features are impressive and lit by discreet lighting. The bar has three hand pumps, with two Trumans beers and Timothy Taylor Landlord. I went for a half of Trumans Runner 4%, which was very bland, especially in comparison with the strong bitter I'd had a few doors along, or perhaps just very bland; at least I didn't have to twist anyone's arm to get a full glass, and the price was £2.15, so slightly cheaper than either the Tipperary or the Old Bell, though only by a few pence.
The highlight of this pub's architectural features was the barrel vault ceiling with a fantastic relief of cherubim framing a portrait of Mr Punch himself. At ground level, this is a very well presented pub, with tables, some of them with reserved signs on, and low seating around the walls, and higher tables in front of the bar counter, which has a brown marble top. The lack of seating didn't bother me as I was only stopping for a quick beer before my train to Luton, and anyway I was pleased to discover a hook under the bar counter on which I was able to suspend my shoulder bag while writing a few notes. I can't say for sure I'll be back, but if I'm in the area again I'll certainly bear this one in mind.
On 30th January 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 4349 recommendations about 3997 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about Punch Tavern
30th September 2016:
A pub has been on this site since the 17th century and the current edifice was rebuilt in 1894 with the finery installed in 1897; the pub is Grade II Listed. The place has a beautiful original entrance hall covered with mirrors, polychromatic tiles and images of Punch and Judy. As you enter the main bar area, look up at the fine lantern with more polychromatic tiles to the perimeter; the oak panelling, banquette seating and marble bar top are also original and there's also a part mosaic and part bare boarded floor. However, I doubt that the rather ugly tropical fish tank to the rear was installed in the late 19th century, nor was the sound system which was far too loud.
Ales: Sharp's Doom Bar and Marston's Extra Pale Ale at £2.10 a half which was ok and cheap for the area.
A pretty curiosity which warrants a visit, but the loud music and poor ale choice aren't an incentive and it's also very gloomy in here.
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A return visit on 30th August and the place has improved. I didn't have a drink as I was pacing myself but it would appear that the aquarium has gone, the lighting is brighter and the music was less noticeable, possibly off altogether though the acoustics are terrible, making conversation somewhat laboured. Mark increased accordingly.
On 14th September 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2243 recommendations about 2200 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pub SignMan left this review about Punch Tavern
This pub has the distinction of being mentioned in Samuel Peyps' diaries, although he would've known it in a very different form to that of today, as the pub underwent a significant redevelopment in the 1890's, giving it the fabulous Grade II listed gin palace interior that has been preserved ever since. The pub was originally known as The Crown and Sugarloaf, but changed its name to reflect the journalists from Punch Magazine who would regularly congregate here. You enter the pub through a magnificent mirrored passageway with a fabulous tiled floor and glazed tile pillars, into the main bar area which is L-shaped with the servery on the back wall opposite the entrance. The bar has a marble counter and spectacular mirrored bar back with lots of elaborate decorative features including some Mr Punch themed bits. Above is a grand barrel-vaulted skylight with further decorative touches and the walls have a mix of original panelling and huge etched glass mirrors. Seating includes some fixed banquettes supported by standard chairs around the perimeter, with a few more tables and chairs in the entrance passage. To the rear left, a door leads through to a much plainer rear room, which I believe is available for functions and used to host events such as tutored wine tastings.
Just the two beers on handpull on this visit - Sharps Doom Bar and Marstons EPA. I gave the latter a try and found it a bit lacking in conditioning and perhaps a touch too warm in the hot weather we'd been enjoying at the time. The bar staff seemed pretty efficient and there was loud music playing throughout my stay, which didn't really fit with the pub's overall feel.
This is a pretty spectacular pub that is certainly worth a quick pint to admire, although I had the sense that the place could do with a bit of a tidy up (the skylight in particular looked to be in a bit of a poor state). The problems with the beer range and quality would preclude this from repeat visits, but if you're touring the many interesting historic pubs on and around Fleet Street, you would do well to include this in your plans.
On 23rd August 2017
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3361 recommendations about 3361 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
hondo . left this review about Punch Tavern
An impressive tiled entrance is let down by the beer selection. 2 real ale taps (just 1 on during my visit).
On 22nd November 2016
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2945 recommendations about 2878 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about Punch Tavern
More pubby than the next door Punch Tavern. Four real ales on but the quality of my Hogs Back Tea was poor.
Wouldnt go out of my way to come back and there is plenty of choice in the area.
Fleet Street Pub Crawl at http://bit.ly/2etkXjQ
On 19th October 2016
- rating: 6
[User has posted 277 recommendations about 276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about Punch Tavern
Only one out of the two real ales was on - and this was Doom Bar. It was as good an example of it as I have had.
Really more aimed at diners, with a more formal dining area at the back.
Beautiful marble bar and matching fireplace. Lovely decor.
Fleet Street Pub Crawl at http://bit.ly/2etkXjQ
On 19th October 2016
- rating: 6
[User has posted 277 recommendations about 276 pubs]