The Anchor - Bankside - Pub Reviews

Key Information:

• Name & Location: The Anchor (Bankside), 34 Park Street, Southwark, London SE1 9EF. Nestled on the south bank of the River Thames in historic Bankside, it’s close to Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge station.

• Opening Hours: Open daily. Monday–Wednesday 11:00–23:00, Thursday–Friday 11:00–23:30, Saturday 10:00–23:30, Sunday 11:00–23:00.

• Contact: +44 20 7407 1577. (No on-site parking – use public transport or nearby car parks.)

• Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Approximately 3.9/5 from customer reviews, reflecting a generally positive but mixed experience.)

• Facilities: Historic riverside pub with beer garden/terrace overlooking the Thames. Dog-friendly and family-friendly with outdoor seating. No parking on-site, and no pub games like darts or pool. No live sports screenings on TV, keeping the atmosphere conversation-friendly. Free Wi-Fi is available, and the pub can host functions. Accessibility is fair, but note a multi-level interior with some narrow stairs due to the 17th-century building layout.

• Food: Classic British pub fare – e.g. fish and chips, steak-and-ale pie, burgers, and Sunday roasts. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options ensure all guests have choices. Food is served until about 10:00pm nightly.

• Drinks: A range of beers on tap, including cask ales and popular lagers, plus some rotating craft brews. Also, a well-stocked bar of wines and spirits – in fact, the whisky, gin, rum, and vodka selection is notably comprehensive for those who fancy something beyond beer.

• Price Range: ££ (Moderate). Mains ~£10–£16, which is reasonable for central London. A pint of ale is competitively priced for the area.

• Service: Friendly and welcoming in general, though service can slow down during peak busy times. Many visitors praise the staff’s warmth and knowledge, but a few have reported slower food arrival when the pub is packed. Overall, the staff contribute to a pleasant visit.

• Events: No regular quiz nights or live music weekly – The Anchor doesn’t host scheduled events or themed nights as a rule. However, its historic setting and spacious terrace make it a popular spot for informal gatherings. (On occasion, it may join city-wide events or host private functions, but there’s no recurring entertainment programme.)

A Pub Steeped in History and Legend

The Anchor is more than just a pub – it’s a piece of London’s history. A tavern has stood on this Bankside site for over 800 years, bearing witness to the city’s evolving story. The current pub’s lineage traces back to the early 17th century, when it began life as the taproom for the old Anchor Brewery founded in 1616. In an era when Shakespeare’s plays were the talk of the town, Bankside was a bustling entertainment district, and this pub (under various names over the centuries) served ale to theatre-goers and locals alike. In fact, it is Bankside’s oldest surviving tavern, outlasting all its contemporaries from Shakespeare’s time.

Legends swirl around The Anchor’s storied past. One oft-told tale is that diarist Samuel Pepys took refuge here during the Great Fire of London in 1666, “in a little alehouse on bankside… and there watched the fire grow”. Pepys’s account places him on this very spot as he witnessed the catastrophic blaze across the river. (Notably, the Great Fire never actually crossed to the Southwark side of the Thames, so the tavern survived that conflagration – but it makes for a dramatic story!). A decade later, a fire did ravage the pub itself – largely built of oak – and it was rebuilt in 1676, incorporating structural additions over time. The red-brick building that stands today dates from that restoration and subsequent 18th- and 19th-century modifications, giving us the charmingly labyrinthine layout we see now.

Over the years, colourful characters have passed through The Anchor’s doors. It was a notorious haunt for river pirates and smugglers in its earlier days – during 19th-century repairs, a massive oak beam was found to conceal hidden compartments, likely for stashing contraband goods. In more respectable circles, the pub welcomed famous literary and theatrical figures. Samuel Johnson (Dr Johnson, the lexicographer) is said to have written parts of his dictionary here, no doubt buoyed by a tankard of ale. David Garrick, the 18th-century actor, and playwright Oliver Goldsmith were also known to frequent the tavern in its Georgian heyday. Such illustrious past patrons add to the sense that when you drink at The Anchor, you’re drinking in good company – and in the very place where snippets of history were made.

Despite its age, The Anchor has not been preserved in aspic – it has changed with the times. In 2008, it underwent a major refurbishment (reportedly one of the costliest pub refits in the UK, at around £2.6 million) to update facilities while retaining historical charm. The investment paid off in renewed popularity. Today, the pub is part of the Greene King brewery’s portfolio (having previously been under Punch Taverns). Greene King’s stewardship means you’ll find their ales on tap and a consistent standard of food, but the pub maintains a distinct character that sets it apart from a generic chain outlet. The combination of modern hospitality and old-world atmosphere keeps the history alive in a living, breathing way – you can admire the centuries-old wooden beams above as you connect to the free Wi-Fi below.

Prime Location on Bankside – At the Heart of Southwark’s Landmarks

One of The Anchor’s greatest assets is its unbeatable location. It sits directly on the Thames Path at Bankside, offering views across the river to the City of London. In fact, St. Paul’s Cathedral’s great dome is visible from the pub’s riverside terrace – a reminder of the historic cityscape surrounding you. “This Thames-side patio in sight of St Paul's dome is perhaps the most popular spot in London at which to sit with a fresh-pulled pint,” raves Frommer’s travel guide. Indeed, on a sunny day, there are few places more delightful to enjoy a drink.

For anyone exploring South London’s cultural treasures, The Anchor makes for an ideal pit stop. Just a stone’s throw from the pub is Shakespeare’s Globe – the painstaking reconstruction of the open-air theatre where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. It’s easy to combine a Globe matinee or tour with lunch or drinks at The Anchor, to really immerse yourself in the Elizabethan atmosphere (with some modern comforts!). A few minutes’ walk east along the river brings you to the Tate Modern, one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, housed in the imposing former Bankside Power Station. Whether you’ve been contemplating cutting-edge art or just enjoying the riverfront walk, the pub’s hospitality awaits as a refreshing break.

Head westwards, and you’ll find the bustle of Borough Market within five minutes’ walk. This famous food market – among the oldest in London – tempts visitors with artisan cheeses, baked goods, charcuterie, fresh produce, and street-food from around the globe. After delighting your senses at the market, a quick wander down the riverside towards The Anchor is a natural next step – perhaps to sample a pint of ale and some proper British fare to round out your culinary tour. Other notable Neighbors include Southwark Cathedral (a beautiful Gothic church steeped in its own history), the Clink Prison Museum (if you fancy a dose of grim medieval prison lore), and the Golden Hinde (Sir Francis Drake’s famous galleon, recreated and docked nearby). With London Bridge station and the iconic Shard skyscraper also within walking distance, it’s clear that The Anchor sits amid a cluster of attractions. You could hardly plan a day out in Southwark without stumbling upon this pub – and its prominence on the riverside ensures you won’t miss it.

Importantly, despite being in the thick of a tourist area, The Anchor also serves the local working crowd and residents. The City across the river and offices in Southwark mean there’s an after-work rush of professionals alongside the sightseers. The pub’s proximity to so many sights makes it a crossroads for people from all walks of life. This vibrant mix of clientele adds to its energy – at any given moment, you might have tourists excitedly reviewing photos of St. Paul’s at one table, office workers unwinding over pints at another, and maybe a local or two relaxing with their dog by their feet (dogs are welcome, especially in the outdoor areas). The pub truly capitalises on being at the heart of Bankside, offering not just refreshment but a sense of place amid London’s historical and cultural landscape.

Atmosphere and Ambience: Old-World Charm Meets Riverside Buzz

Step inside The Anchor and you are greeted by a warm, old-world pub charm that instantly transports you from the modern city into a bygone era. The interior is a warren of nooks and crannies, spread across multiple levels. Low, blackened wooden beams span the ceilings, and wooden panelling and cabinetry give the rooms a cosy, lived-in feel. There are little alcoves and snug corners where you can tuck yourself away with a pint – remnants of an age before open-plan design, when privacy and intimacy were prized in taverns. It’s easy to imagine an 18th-century guest quietly scribbling in a journal by candlelight in one of these snug corners (perhaps that’s what Dr Johnson did!). In the daylight, the interior can be a bit dim (a consequence of small windows and authentic historic construction), but that only enhances the atmosphere on a drizzly London afternoon. On cold days, a roaring fire in the hearth (if they’ve got it lit) would complete the picture of a quintessential British pub.

What’s striking is how the pub’s historic character has been preserved even as modern amenities have been added. Exposed timber beams and centuries-old floorboards are complemented by traditional pub decor – think vintage beer signs, brass fixtures, and shelves of liquor bottles catching the low light. A recent visitor noted that “the bar retains much of its original charm, featuring exposed beams, wooden furnishings, and a warm, traditional atmosphere.” Despite the buzz of customers, there’s a certain cosiness that makes you want to linger. The layout, with its narrow staircases and various rooms, invites exploration. It feels a bit like a maze – you might wander off to find the toilets or the next bar counter and stumble upon an unexpectedly quiet room or an upstairs seating area you hadn’t known was there. This gives The Anchor a sense of discovery; even repeat visitors can find a “new” favourite spot inside.

However, as charming as the interior is, many people would argue the prime real estate is outside on the terraces. The Anchor boasts a spacious outdoor terrace at the back, directly facing the Thames. Here, wooden picnic tables accommodate throngs of people on any sunny day, all enjoying the panoramic river view. You can watch boats cruise by and take in that skyline: across the water rise the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral and the modern skyscrapers of the City. This blend of historic and contemporary scenery, viewed from the comfort of a pint glass in hand, is hard to beat. One review praised the terrace as “one of the best spots in London to enjoy a drink while overlooking the Thames” – and it’s true that on a summer evening, there are few places with a better atmosphere. The riverside beer garden vibe is lively and convivial; you’ll hear a mix of accents from all over the world as tourists mingle, as well as the laughter of Londoners soaking up the rare sunshine. In warmer months, the outdoor areas become a hive of activity, often full to capacity with patrons standing wherever there’s room. (Be prepared: at peak times you might find yourself in a standing room only situation, plastic cup in hand, since glasses are often exchanged for plastic outdoors when it’s very busy.)

Not to be missed is the roof terrace – a lesser-known gem of The Anchor. Accessible via the upper floors, the pub has a small rooftop area which also offers open-air seating. From here, the views are even better: you can see the Thames and London skyline from an elevated vantage, and it feels a bit more removed from the bustle below. It’s worth carrying your pint up a flight of stairs for this vista. There’s something special about sipping your drink on a rooftop that’s perched above a building dating from the 17th century! The roof terrace tends to be popular yet slightly quieter than the main riverside level, and it’s a favourite spot for some regulars (“The roof garden is my favourite spot in this pub,” one visitor remarked). With multiple outdoors sections – ground-level tables along the riverbank and the roof terrace above – the Anchor provides ample space to enjoy fine weather. Heat lamps and covered sections also make these outdoor areas usable even when the weather is brisk.

Overall, the ambience deftly balances historic charm and lively social energy. Inside, you have the cosy tavern feel with a hush of history; outside, especially in summer, you have a vibrant beer garden feel with the river’s openness and city views. Despite its size and capacity, The Anchor manages to create pockets of intimacy. You could find a quiet corner mid-afternoon for a reflective drink, or plunge into the crowd on a Friday night for a more spirited experience. Just keep in mind that because of its popularity, the pub can get extremely busy during peak hours – expect a bit of a crush at the bar and a cheerful noise level when the after-work crowd or tourist groups pour in. If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, try visiting on a weekday afternoon or in the quieter winter months. But if you thrive on a bustling environment, the buzz here is part of the fun – as one London review put it, “if you’re after a bustling pub in the area, then the Anchor will always be a good option.”

Food and Drink – Classic Pub Fare with a Riverside Twist

Food: The Anchor’s menu sticks to what it (and British pubs in general) does best: hearty traditional pub fare. You’ll find all the classics present and accounted for. Fish and chips? Of course – a generous fillet of fish in crisp batter, with chunky chips, tartare sauce and mushy peas on the side. Steak and ale pie? Indeed – slow-cooked beef in ale gravy under a flaky pastry crust, a comforting favourite. Burgers and chips, sausage and mash, and other pub staples are available too. On Sundays, they serve up Sunday roasts with all the trimmings – think roast beef or chicken with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy – giving visitors a chance to experience a beloved British tradition. These roasts have garnered positive feedback; one recent diner proclaimed the Sunday roast “absolutely delicious” and praised the generous portions. It seems The Anchor can deliver a satisfying roast dinner to cap off your weekend wanderings.

Vegetarians and vegans will not go hungry here, either. The menu caters to plant-based diets with clearly marked options. Expect something like a vegan burger or a plant-based “fish” and chips alternative, as well as hearty salads or a vegetarian pie. The kitchen also offers some gluten-free choices, ensuring most dietary needs are covered. While this isn’t a gourmet or avant-garde dining spot, the breadth of the menu means everyone in a group should find something to their liking – a crucial trait for a tourist-friendly pub. Prices for main dishes hover in the mid-teens (£) which is very reasonable given the prime location. Portion sizes are generally decent; a few reviewers have mentioned they were happy with the quantity, especially after a long day’s sightseeing.

It must be said that food reviews are mixed, however. Many patrons enjoy their meals – describing them as tasty, well-cooked examples of pub grub – but some have found the food underwhelming at times. There have been occasional comments about dishes arriving lukewarm or not living up to expectations. For example, one customer felt their fish and chips was dry and not as flavourful as hoped. Others have described the fare as “mediocre” when the pub is extremely busy, or noted inconsistency in quality. It appears that when The Anchor is packed (which is often), the kitchen can struggle a bit to keep every plate perfect. Still, for most visitors the food hits the spot – especially if you stick to the classic dishes done in volume. It’s wise to remember you’re coming here for the atmosphere and history as much as the cuisine. If you want a transcendental gourmet experience, you have Borough Market’s artisanal offerings next door; if you want comforting, familiar pub food as a satisfying accompaniment to your pint and view, The Anchor delivers that well enough.

One tip: if you’re in the mood, consider trying the pie and a pint deal. They often have a combo offer that pairs a hot pie (such as steak & ale or chicken & mushroom) with a pint of beer for a fixed price – a good value for hungry travellers looking for an authentic meal. And be sure to leave room for dessert; traditional treats like apple crumble or sticky toffee pudding sometimes feature on the menu, providing a sweet finish to your British pub meal (as one visitor noted, even the apple pie was lovely).

Drinks: As a pub that was historically a brewery tap, beer is naturally front and centre at The Anchor. The bar offers a rotating selection of cask ales (real ales) which will please those looking for an authentic British pint. Being a Greene King establishment, you’ll typically find Greene King’s own ales on tap – such as their famous IPA or Abbot Ale – alongside guest ales or seasonal brews. The line-up might include a pale ale, a bitter, a stout or porter, and perhaps a craft IPA to cater to modern tastes. For those less inclined to ale, there are plenty of lagers (the usual suspects like Amstel, Peroni, etc., and popular British lagers) and possibly a cider on draught as well. According to one guide, “there are plenty of Greene King ales and bottled beers on offer” at The Anchor, so beer drinkers will have no trouble finding something suitable. The quality of the pints is generally good – the cellar management appears competent, as you’d expect from a long-running pub (and CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale – would be happy to know this historic alehouse is keeping the cask tradition alive).

Beyond beer, The Anchor surprisingly excels in its spirits selection. The bar carries a wide array of whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums. In fact, one review highlighted that the range of spirits is a strong point, even more notable than the beer list. Gin lovers will appreciate a G&T by the river (when in London, after all...), and whisky aficionados can likely find a nice single malt to sip. The pub also serves all the standard wines by the glass or bottle for those who prefer grape to grain. And if you’re not drinking alcohol, fear not – they have the typical soft drinks and juices, and often some non-alcoholic beer or mocktail options, which you can enjoy without feeling out of place.

One particularly charming aspect is enjoying a pint of ale on the terrace as the sun sets. There’s something about the combination of a hand-pulled beer, fresh from the cask, and the sight of the Thames flowing by that feels quintessentially London. It’s the same delight Pepys might have had, minus the modern skyscrapers on the skyline. Also worth noting: on busy evenings, the bar may serve your drink in a plastic cup if you plan to sit outside – an understandable policy to avoid breakages on the riverside. It might slightly diminish the experience for beer purists, but the view will likely compensate.

Prices for drinks are standard for central London. A pint will run around £5–£6, which, given the location and view, feels like a fair deal. Wine by the glass is similarly priced to other pubs (expect ~£6-8 for a decent large glass of house wine). Spirits with mixers are in the usual range, and they do pour a proper UK measure. If you’re budget-conscious, it’s worth looking out for any weekday deals (some pubs have a cheaper cask ale on certain days, or happy hour discounts, though being a busy tourist pub, Anchor may not need to discount much). Overall, drinks are reliably good – not a cutting-edge craft beer bar, but enough variety to please most, and with the added flavour of enjoying them in a historical setting.

Service and Amenities

Service at The Anchor generally comes with a smile. The staff are used to a high turnover of guests – from curious tourists to hurried office workers – and by most accounts they handle it with friendliness and efficiency. Many visitors have complimented the welcoming nature of the team, noting that bartenders are chatty and happy to recommend a beer or tell you a bit about the pub’s history. It’s not uncommon to find staff who can point out a historic detail or share a quick anecdote (after all, working in such an old pub must invite a bit of pride and storytelling). One reviewer observed that the staff were knowledgeable about the bar’s history and drink offerings, which can really enrich your visit if you’re interested. Another guest mentioned a particular bartender who “fulfilled every extra wish and went over the top” to make their group comfortable – high praise, indeed.

That said, the sheer size of the pub and its popularity means that during peak periods, service can be stretched thin. When the place is packed to the gills on a sunny Saturday or a festival weekend, you might wait a while to get your food, or have to jostle a bit at the bar to get attention. There have been a few reports of slower service on exceptionally busy days (for example, some diners waited longer than usual for their meals when the kitchen was dealing with a full house). This isn’t so much a criticism of the staff as a reality of a popular pub – so if you visit at prime time, bring a bit of patience. Generally, earlier in the day or on less tourist-heavy dates, you’ll find service is prompt and tables get cleared and food delivered in a timely fashion. Ordering at the bar is the norm here (as in most British pubs), though some seating areas or the dining room may have table service if you’re eating – it often depends on staffing. If in doubt, order at the bar and mention you have a food order; they’ll let you know if a table number and food runner system is in place or if you should wait at the bar.

Amenities-wise, The Anchor is well-equipped for a comfortable visit. Despite the old building, they do have modern toilets (including, we believe, a disabled access toilet on the ground floor – useful since much of the pub involves stairs). There’s free Wi-Fi throughout, which is handy for uploading those envy-inducing photos of your pint with St. Paul’s in the background. Families with children are welcome – you’ll often see a few prams or toddlers in tow during daytime, especially on weekends – and high chairs are available if needed. The atmosphere is casual enough that kids aren’t out of place at lunchtime (with the bustle of tourists, a noisy child hardly stands out), though in the late evening the pub is firmly adult territory.

For those with accessibility concerns, it’s worth noting that the interior’s historic nature means there are some tight spaces and stairs. The main bar area is on the ground level, which is accessible, and the riverside terrace is reached via a short flight of steps (if coming through the pub – there may also be an outdoor side gate). However, the upper rooms and roof terrace are only reachable by climbing stairs, which could be an issue for those with limited mobility. If you have a wheelchair or cannot manage stairs, you’ll still be able to enjoy the ground floor and outdoor front patio, but not all corners of the pub will be open to you. As mentioned, no on-site parking is available (the pub is in a pedestrian riverfront zone), so disabled visitors arriving by car would need to be dropped off nearby or park elsewhere and come on foot. Public transport is a good option: London Bridge station (with lifts/elevators available) is about a 5-7 minute walk.

On a different note, The Anchor is dog-friendly, especially on the outdoor terrace. It’s not uncommon to see a few friendly canines lying under the picnic tables while their owners chat away – water bowls are usually available. Inside, dogs on leads are typically allowed in certain sections (perhaps the bar area), but it can get crowded, so using the beer garden might be more comfortable if you have a pooch with you.

As highlighted earlier, The Anchor doesn’t run regular entertainment nights – you won’t find a weekly pub quiz, karaoke, or sports match screenings here. This is a deliberate choice that keeps the focus on conversation, food and drink, and soaking in the ambiance. On occasion, special events might occur – for example, a seasonal beer festival, or participation in the Thames-side summer events. (Greene King has in the past organised things like live music competitions or charity events that The Anchor might host as a one-off.) But if you’re looking for a quiet pint or a good chat with friends, you’ll appreciate that there isn’t loud music blaring or a football commentary in the background. The pub’s management knows that the heritage and location are the main draws, and they play to those strengths rather than gimmicks.

A Must-Visit Historic Pub by the Thames

With its rich history, characterful atmosphere, and prime riverside location, The Anchor – Bankside delivers a quintessential London pub experience. This is the kind of place where you can almost feel the echoes of the past as you enjoy the present moment. The fact that you might be sitting in the same spot where Shakespeare’s actors caroused, or where Samuel Pepys watched London burn, or where Dr Johnson pondered his dictionary, gives an extra dimension to your pint that few pubs can match.

Of course, as a popular venue, The Anchor has its caveats: it can get extremely busy, it’s firmly on the tourist trail, and the food while satisfying is not going to win Michelin stars. But these are small trade-offs for the chance to soak in the ambiance of a genuine 17th-century pub with a view that’s hard to rival. Riverside taverns are a London staple, and The Anchor is one of the last of a breed – a survivor that has been serving beer for centuries and still knows how to cater to the modern crowd. Sit outside on a sunny day and you’ll understand why it’s enduringly popular: “The outside space with St Paul's Cathedral in the background” creates a setting that is both lively and breathtaking. Even on a grey day, a cosy corner inside with a stout or a cup of tea can feel wonderfully snug.

Many visitors include The Anchor as a deliberate stop on their itinerary – a break between the Globe and Tate Modern, or a destination after wandering Borough Market. It works brilliantly for that. It’s equally a great choice for Londoners playing tour guide to visiting friends/family: you get to impress them with a bit of history and a gorgeous view, without straying from central London. The pub can accommodate groups across its many rooms and big outdoor areas, which is helpful if you’re with a bunch of friends (just try to arrive early to snag a table when it’s peak time). The mix of patrons ensures a friendly, cosmopolitan vibe – you might strike up a conversation with travellers at the next table or share a laugh with locals at the bar. Despite being in guidebooks, it hasn’t lost the basic welcoming spirit of a true pub.

The Anchor – Bankside is a pub that beautifully bridges past and present, inviting you to drink in some history along with your ale. Its flaws (the occasional slow service or crowded floor) are far outweighed by its unique charms. For those exploring Southwark and the South Bank, The Anchor provides a fantastic spot to pause and refresh with a view. Whether you’re visiting Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, or Borough Market, this historic tavern offers a satisfying and memorable stop along the way. In a city rapidly evolving, The Anchor remains a steadfast reminder of old London – and stepping through its doors feels a bit like coming home to the soul of the city. Cheers to that!