London Dining Guide

The Anchor is an iconic pub in the London Borough of Southwark, specifically in the Bankside area on the south bank of the River Thames. During Shakespeare’s time, this district was the center of theater, and the Thames served as London’s main highway. The Anchor is the only remaining riverside inn from that period, and it used to be a favorite spot for actors from neighboring playhouses such as the Globe, the Swan, and the Rose. It was also where diarist Samuel Pepys witnessed the Great Fire of London in 1666, as he took shelter in “a little alehouse on bankside … and there watched the fire grow.” Sadly, the pub was destroyed by fire because its primary construction material was oak. However, it was rebuilt in 1676 and has undergone several additions over the centuries. The Anchor has a rich history of attracting river pirates and smugglers. During repairs in the early 19th century, a massive oak beam was discovered, revealing cleverly hidden hiding places most likely used to store stolen goods and contraband.

The Coach & Horses Mayfair boasts a long and impressive history dating back to 1744, making it the oldest pub in Mayfair. As the only remaining establishment in this esteemed area of London that adheres to traditional pub-keeping, it stands out amidst the designer fashion houses and boutique shops. Locals and tourists flock to this exquisite pub to experience the allure of tradition. The Grade II listed building is a testament to its longevity, retaining its original features, such as cellars and an old-fashioned cold room. The bar exudes charm and character, adorned with rich, dark wood and featuring a delightful fireplace and cozy corners for patrons to unwind.

Granary Square Brasserie, an all-day dining haven that opened in December 2017, is located amid the lively bustle of London’s King’s Cross. The restaurant replaced the Grain Store restaurant. It offers a mix of British classics and international cuisine — and vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Located at 1 King William Walk in Greenwich, London, The Greenwich Tavern is a pub with a deep history. It was previously known by several other names, including the Gloucester Hotel and Gloucester Arms.

Records show that in 1902, the Gloucester Hotel was built on land that previously housed a prison used to confine Protestant prisoners during the reign of Mary I in 1555. Later sources also mention a debtors’ prison in Greenwich in 1812, near a Court of Requests. This term may refer to a law court linked to the nearby Greenwich Royal Palace of Placentia or a small claims court created in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The current building that houses The Greenwich Tavern dates back to the mid-19th century. In December 1851, a fire was reported at The Gloucester Hotel on the corner of Nevada Street (formerly Silver Street) and King William Street (formerly King Street). The hotel was rebuilt and later transformed into The Gloucester Arms, The Greenwich Park Bar & Grill and, today, The Greenwich Tavern.

The Argyll Arms dates to 1868, though a pub has apparently stood on the spot since 1740. Designer Robert Sawyer redesigned the Argyll Arms, named after the second Duke of Argyll, in 1895. The Duke lived in a mansion where the London Palladium now stands, and according to legend, a secret tunnel once connected the pub to the Duke’s mansion.

The Market Porter was officially established in 1890 during the reign of Queen Victoria. However, there has been a pub on the corner position since at least 1638, and it was apparently renamed The Market Porter in 1890. Why it took the name is open to debate. Previously known as the Harrow, the pub was the site of a grisly 1890 murder.

The Shipwrights Arms, designed by George Treacher of Treacher and Fisher and constructed in 1884, is now a Grade 2 listed establishment that showcases an original tiled mural depicting the ‘Shipwrights’ working. The pub has been intentionally maintained in a traditional style, featuring a unique central island bar offering an extensive selection of continental lagers and up to six real ales that are “Cask Marque quality assured.”