The Lamb and Flag - Covent Garden - Pub Reviews

The Lamb & Flag is one of London’s most iconic and historic pubs, steeped in centuries of history and local lore. In one form or another, a tavern has existed on this site since at least the 17th century, and the pub gained notoriety in the early 19th century for hosting bare-knuckle prize fights that earned it the grisly nickname “The Bucket of Blood”. Today, however, this Grade II-listed pub has transformed into a cosy yet vibrant retreat that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern hospitality. The building – with portions of its structure dating back to the late 1600s – is impeccably maintained, featuring exposed wooden beams, low ceilings, and other period details that create a warm, conversation-friendly atmosphere. Owned by Fuller’s Brewery (which has operated the pub since 2011), the Lamb & Flag also prides itself on a top-notch beer selection to complement its historic character. The pub currently holds a strong customer rating (around 4.5/5), reflecting its positive reputation for authenticity, beer quality, and ambiance. Opening hours are 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM on Sundays.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Lamb & Flag offers a traditional, no-frills pub setting – don’t expect an array of modern arcade games or high-tech gimmicks here. Notably, there is no on-site parking available (standard for a central London pub tucked in a small alley), and you won’t find the usual pub games like dartboards or pool tables. In fact, aside from a television for sports, the pub largely eschews in-house games and loud music, maintaining an environment oriented more toward conversation and historic charm. One modern amenity it does embrace is live sports: the Lamb & Flag has a television and will show big games, particularly rugby matches, which are a highlight for sports enthusiasts. On major rugby match days (for example, during Six Nations tournaments), the pub can fill up with fans, generating a lively, communal atmosphere. However, beyond these occasional sports screenings, the entertainment here is relatively low-key – there are no regular quiz nights, DJs, or live music acts. This seems intentional, as the pub’s appeal lies more in its timeless character and convivial atmosphere than in flashy entertainment extras. In warm weather, a bit of outdoor seating sometimes appears just outside the pub, allowing patrons to enjoy their pints in the alleyway and providing a small respite from the cosy interior crowd.

Food on Offer

The Lamb & Flag serves a diverse menu of classic English pub fare crafted with fresh, local produce. The kitchen delivers hearty, traditional dishes with a touch of refinement, ensuring that meals feel both familiar and satisfying. A standout is their Sunday roast, which has garnered praise for its quality and authenticity – it’s a must-try if you visit on a Sunday. Expect tender cuts of meat (beef, lamb, or chicken as available), crispy roast potatoes, perfectly prepared seasonal vegetables, and Yorkshire puddings, all generously drenched in rich gravy. It’s no surprise that locals and tourists alike flock here for a proper traditional roast dinner. The regular menu offers something for everyone, with an array of small plates and starters, rustic sandwiches, classic mains, sides, and traditional puddings for dessert. You might find beer-battered fish and chips alongside lighter options and vegetarian-friendly plates, all executed in a straightforward, delicious way. While the menu sticks to pub classics at its core (think pies, bangers and mash, and hearty stews when in season), there are occasional modern touches or specials that keep things interesting for repeat visitors. Overall, the food hits the mark for what you’d want in a British pub – comforting, good-quality, and reasonably priced for the portion. Regulars often comment that the Lamb & Flag’s dishes feel like home-cooked favourites, elevated just enough to stand out. And if you have room after your main, consider a dessert (the sticky toffee pudding, if on offer, would be a quintessentially British way to end the meal).

Beers on Tap

Beer enthusiasts will feel at home at the Lamb & Flag. As a Fuller’s-owned pub, it features Fuller’s renowned ales (with London Pride – the brewery’s flagship bitter – as a perennial favourite on tap) as well as a rotating selection of guest beers. The bar is well-stocked with a mix of modern craft beers and well-kept cask ales, ensuring there’s something to satisfy both adventurous craft beer drinkers and lovers of traditional English pints. It’s common to find a couple of seasonal or guest ales on rotation, which means each visit might present a new brew to try alongside the familiar pints. For example, you might see a hoppy craft IPA from a UK microbrewery on tap next to Fuller’s classics like ESB or a golden ale, depending on the time of year. The pub takes good care of its beer: each pint is poured with care and at the proper temperature, and the cask lines are maintained well (a point noted by many ale aficionados). The staff are generally knowledgeable about the offerings and can make recommendations if you’re unsure what to choose. Beyond beer, the Lamb & Flag’s bar also carries a standard range of other beverages – decent wines, a selection of gins and whiskies, and the usual spirits and mixers – but the ales are truly the highlight here. The combination of reliable house brews and interesting guests makes the Lamb & Flag a bit of a haven for beer lovers, and the steady turnover of casks ensures you’re likely to get a fresh, flavourful pint. If you’re a real ale fan ticking off historic pubs, you’ll be pleased to know this pub’s heritage extends to its pints as well: many of the interior’s fixtures are original Victorian-era woodwork, earning the Lamb & Flag a spot on CAMRA’s list of Real Heritage Pubs for its authentic character – and what better way to enjoy that than with a well-pulled pint in hand?

Price Range & Value

By Covent Garden standards, the Lamb & Flag falls into a moderate (££) price range, offering good value for the location and quality. Eating and drinking in Central London is never truly cheap, but this pub manages to keep prices reasonable. Most main courses on the menu are priced in the low-to-mid teens (around £12–£16 for a hearty dish like fish and chips or a pie), which patrons find fair given the generous portions and homey quality of the cooking. The much-loved Sunday roast, for instance, is competitively priced for the area and often remarked upon as good value for money considering the full plate of food you receive. Drinks are similarly on par with (or a touch below) other pubs in the tourist-heavy West End: a pint of ale here usually comes in around the £5 mark (depending on the brew), which is quite reasonable for central London. House wines and spirits won’t break the bank either, and there are no sneaky service charges just for ordering at the bar. In essence, you get what you pay for – in a positive way. The freshness of ingredients and the care in the pours are evident, so patrons generally leave feeling that their money was well spent. There aren’t many gimmicks or upsells to worry about; the Lamb & Flag sticks to honest pricing. It’s the kind of place where you can have a couple of pints and a filling meal without feeling like you’ve been gouged by Covent Garden tourist traps. Considering the prime location and historical ambiance, many visitors are pleasantly surprised by how accessible the pub remains in terms of cost. It’s easy to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening here without blowing your budget, which certainly contributes to its loyal following.

Customer Service

Customer service at the Lamb & Flag earns mixed reviews, and it can somewhat depend on when you visit. During quieter times, you’ll typically find the staff efficient if not overtly bubbly – they’ll pull your pint, take your food order, and let you get on with your pub experience in peace. Many patrons appreciate the no-nonsense, old-school service style which fits the historic vibe of the place. That said, when the pub gets busy (which is often, given its size and popularity), service can slow down and feel a bit strained. On peak evenings or when a big match is on TV, the bar counter might be just one row of patrons deep, but waits for drinks can grow as the limited staff scramble to keep up. On a recent visit, for example, our observer noted that while several staff members were present, they appeared somewhat indifferent or overwhelmed, leading to longer wait times for orders. Some customers have echoed this sentiment, mentioning that they felt a bit ignored or had to flag someone down after a while. It’s not that the staff are unfriendly – rather, they tend to adopt a “hands-off” approach unless you actively seek their attention. This suggests that while the Lamb & Flag offers a fantastic product in terms of atmosphere, food, and drink, there is room for improvement in attentiveness and efficiency. Simple things like a quicker acknowledgment of waiting patrons or a bit more warmth in the greeting could elevate the experience significantly. On the positive side, the historic ambiance tends to put people in a forgiving mood; many are content to soak in the surroundings with pint in hand, even if it takes a few extra minutes to get that pint. Regulars might argue that this is part of the traditional pub experience – you’re here to linger and chat, not to rush in and out – but first-time visitors should be prepared for a potentially leisurely pace of service during the busiest periods. All in all, customer service at the Lamb & Flag isn’t usually a major detractor, but it isn’t the standout feature either. You come here for the history and the beer; the service, you hope, will simply be solid enough not to detract from that, and most of the time it is.

Events & Special Nights

Given its traditional bent, the Lamb & Flag is not a pub crammed with nightly events or themed parties – its identity is more about being a historic gathering spot than an entertainment venue. However, it does host a few notable happenings that draw in crowds. Live sports are the main event: the pub has become a popular venue for watching big games, especially rugby matches. When there’s a major rugby game on (be it the Six Nations, World Cup, or a big England match), expect the pub to be standing-room only, with patrons packed in to cheer on the action displayed on the single screen. The combination of a tightly packed historic pub and an excited group of sports fans makes for a uniquely lively atmosphere – imagine pints clinking, hearty cheers or groans at the screen, and good-natured banter all around. It’s an experience in itself to watch a match here, shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow enthusiasts in such an intimate setting. Aside from sports screenings, the Lamb & Flag doesn’t have a regular roster of entertainment like trivia quizzes or live music nights, which some pubs offer. Occasionally, Fuller’s (the owning brewery) might put on seasonal events or promotions – for instance, a special cask ale launch or a tasting event – but these are infrequent and often low-key. The focus at this pub tends to be on the simple pleasures: enjoying a pint, chatting with friends, and soaking up the ambiance. It’s worth noting that the Lamb & Flag’s very history could be considered its ongoing “event”: the walls and alley outside whisper tales of duels, poets, and prizefights. (In fact, a plaque just outside commemorates an attack on poet John Dryden in 1679, linking the pub to a bit of literary intrigue.) So while you won’t find karaoke or open-mic nights on the calendar, you will find that any given evening at the Lamb & Flag feels special in its own right. The combination of its age-old setting and the friendly buzz of conversation provides an organic entertainment that doesn’t need much embellishment. If you do fancy something beyond the pub itself, remember that you’re in the heart of Covent Garden – theatres, street performers, and live entertainment abound just a few steps away, making the pub an ideal pre- or post-show watering hole.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

The atmosphere at the Lamb & Flag strikes a delightful balance between old-world cosy and lively London buzz. Stepping inside, you immediately feel the history: the interiors feature wood-panelled walls, centuries-old exposed beams, and a collection of vintage decor and brewery memorabilia that give the impression little has changed here in a very long time. It’s the kind of pub where the patina on the furniture and the scuffed wooden floor all tell a story. Despite its age (or perhaps because of it), the pub is well-maintained and warmly welcoming – lighting is soft, and on cooler days you might find a fire or heaters adding to the snug ambiance. There’s no blaring music or excessive electronic noise, so what you mostly hear is the pleasant murmur of conversation and the clink of glasses. Thanks to the Lamb & Flag’s intimate size and layout, when the pub is busy it can feel very full – a cheerful hubbub of people enjoying themselves elbow-to-elbow. This creates a kind of convivial energy that many find charming: you might end up in a random conversation with the stranger standing next to you, or bonding with fellow travellers over the quirks of finding this tucked-away gem. During the day (especially on weekdays), the vibe is a bit more relaxed; you might spot a few history buffs or solo travellers quietly sipping a pint while admiring the pub’s interiors, or perhaps reading a book in the corner where John Dryden himself might have sat (if your imagination allows). In the evenings, particularly towards the end of the week, the energy picks up considerably – local office workers, theatregoers, couples on dates, and tourists who’ve heard of the pub’s fame all pack into the small bar area. The mix of clientele is notably diverse, which enriches the atmosphere: it’s not unusual to have tourists snapping photos of the historic fixtures right next to Londoners winding down after work, and somehow everyone fits right in. The staff, when not too harried, contribute to the friendly atmosphere with a quick chat or a bit of typical pub banter. And if you listen closely, you might even hear a tale or two being exchanged about the pub’s past (the “Bucket of Blood” stories tend to surface after a pint or two).

In terms of layout, the Lamb & Flag is composed of a compact downstairs bar-room and a smaller upstairs seating area. The ground floor, where you enter, has the main bar counter and just a handful of small tables – much of the space is simply open for standing patrons. Indeed, when it gets crowded, downstairs becomes mostly standing room only, with people cosied up in any nook they can find. (Regulars know that if you arrive during a rush, you shouldn’t expect to sit unless you’re very lucky.) There is an upstairs room accessible by a narrow wooden staircase; this room offers additional tables and chairs, providing a slightly quieter spot to sit and enjoy your drink or meal away from the crush of the bar. The upstairs carries the same historic charm – you’ll find more wood beams, framed pictures, and maybe even an old fireplace – and it’s a great refuge if you have your hands full with a plate of Sunday roast and need a place to set it down. Bear in mind, though, that those stairs are steep and narrow (a reminder of the building’s 18th-century origins), so take care with your footing and your full pints! The accessibility of the pub is somewhat limited due to its age and structure. There is no step-free access to the interior; the entrance from the alley has a small step up, and moving within the pub involves tight squeezes through narrow passages. Unfortunately, the upstairs area is not accessible to anyone who can’t manage stairs, as there’s no elevator or alternative route. The restroom facilities are also snug (and located on the ground floor down a narrow corridor), which could be a challenge for those with mobility concerns. In warmer months, patrons often spill just outside into Rose Street, effectively creating an informal outdoor standing area. The pub sometimes places a couple of barrels or high tables outside where you can rest a drink – a nice option if you prefer open air or can’t find room inside. This outdoor mingling in the little alley can be quite pleasant, almost continentally so, as you chat under the old Lamb & Flag sign with the sounds of Covent Garden in the background. On the plus side, the Lamb & Flag is dog-friendly – it’s not uncommon to see a well-behaved dog curled up at its owner’s feet or being petted by a group of tipsy admirers (the pub’s cosy scale and friendly vibe make it a comfortable spot for canine companions). All these factors give the Lamb & Flag an intimate, authentic atmosphere. It’s a place where the past feels present all around you, and despite the occasional crowding or tight squeeze, most visitors find that this only adds to the character. Just be prepared for a bit of a crush at peak times – consider it part of the experience of drinking in one of central London’s oldest pubs.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Lamb & Flag enjoys a prime spot in Covent Garden, one of London’s busiest and most beloved districts, yet its specific location is slightly hidden, which only adds to its charm. The pub’s address is 33 Rose Street, WC2 – a tiny alleyway that runs between Garrick Street and Floral Street, just a stone’s throw from the main Covent Garden piazza. If you’re coming by Underground, the closest station is Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), roughly a 3-4 minute walk to the pub. From the station, you’d walk west along Long Acre or King Street toward the market hall and then duck north into the side streets – part of the fun is that you have to know it’s there or simply stumble upon it. (Leicester Square station is also not far, about a 5-6 minute walk, for those coming via Northern or Piccadilly lines.) The area immediately around the pub is a warren of historic lanes and passages, so it feels a world apart from the traffic of nearby Charing Cross Road or the bustle of The Strand. That said, this is central London, so public transport or walking is by far the best way to get here. Driving is not recommended – there is essentially no parking in the immediate vicinity (aside from expensive commercial car parks elsewhere in Covent Garden), and many of the surrounding streets are pedestrianised or restricted. Instead, take advantage of the numerous bus routes or simply walk from other attractions in the West End.

Covent Garden is packed with attractions, and the Lamb & Flag makes a great pit-stop as you explore. Just south of the pub is the famous Covent Garden Market and piazza, where you can often catch street performances (from classical musicians to magicians) and browse shops or the Apple Market craft stalls. For theatre lovers, you are spoiled for choice: the pub is walking distance from several major West End theatres. The iconic Royal Opera House (home to opera and ballet) is literally around the corner on Bow Street – you could easily drop into the Lamb & Flag for a pre-show drink before a performance there. Likewise, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (currently showing big-name musicals) and the Lyceum Theatre (home of The Lion King) are just a few minutes’ walk. The pub’s location has long made it popular for a pre- or post-theatre pint, and you’ll often overhear chatter about the shows as theatregoers gather there. Another cultural stop nearby is the London Transport Museum, also in Covent Garden, for anyone interested in the history of London’s iconic buses and Tube – it’s only about a 3-minute walk from the pub and can be a great daytime activity before settling in for a pint. If you wander a bit further afield (5-10 minutes), you can reach Leicester Square (the cinema and nightlife hub), Soho (with its myriad bars and restaurants), or Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery – all are within a comfortable stroll, underscoring just how central the Lamb & Flag is. Despite being in the thick of it, Rose Street itself is quite quaint and quiet, especially in the evenings when nearby shops close, which gives the pub a slightly secret, locals-only feel even as tourists pour in. In warmer months, some people take their drinks outside and effectively extend the pub into the alley, which can feel like a little street party of its own. For those looking to combine a bit of history with their sightseeing, note that just by visiting the Lamb & Flag you’re checking off a historical site: as mentioned, a plaque outside highlights the 1679 attack on poet John Dryden in the adjacent alley, and the pub’s former moniker “Bucket of Blood” harks back to its colourful past – details like these make great trivia to ponder over your pint. In summary, the location of the Lamb & Flag is one of its strengths: you’re in the heart of London’s cultural and entertainment centre, yet the pub manages to feel like a hidden gem on a side street. It’s an ideal meeting point if friends are coming from various parts of the city (equidistant from many central hotspots), and it’s an even better final stop after a day of exploring, when you want to kick back in an establishment that feels quintessentially London.

Overall Impression

The Lamb & Flag isn’t just a pub – it’s an experience. This Covent Garden hideaway captures the essence of what makes British pubs so special: a rich sense of history, a warm atmosphere, quality ales and hearty food, and that ineffable feeling of camaraderie that arises in a great local pub. From the moment you navigate the cobbled alley and step through its wooden doors, you can sense that you’re entering a piece of London’s soul. The very things that could be seen as drawbacks in another context – the cramped space, the occasional wait for service, the lack of flashy modern amenities – are, in the Lamb & Flag, part of the charm. Yes, it can get crowded and you might have to raise your voice to be heard over the happy din. And true, you won’t find big plasma screens on every wall or a digital jukebox or a fancy cocktail list. But that’s precisely the point: this is a pub that has steadfastly held on to its identity through the centuries, offering patrons an authentic slice of London life without succumbing to trends.

In terms of highlights, the history alone would make it worth a visit – few places can claim connections to events and figures spanning from the Restoration poets to Charles Dickens to modern rugby fans in one breath. But it’s not just a museum piece; the Lamb & Flag is very much alive and kicking, with excellent beers and satisfying food to keep you coming back. The Sunday roast, the well-kept pints of Pride, the flower-adorned exterior in the summer, the buzz of conversations that bounce off those old walls – these are the things you’ll remember fondly. The pub has a loyal following for a reason. Many locals see it as a haven of tradition amid the ever-changing city, and many tourists say it was one of their favourite stops precisely because it feels so genuinely “London.”

Of course, no place is perfect. If you visit at peak hour and dislike crowds, you might find it a bit overwhelming (in which case aim for an off-peak afternoon pint instead). If you require plenty of personal space or ultra-modern comforts, the pub’s historic cosiness might feel more cramped than charming. And if stellar, doting service is a priority for you, be aware that the Lamb & Flag’s staff, while efficient, adopt a more hands-off approach. But these quibbles are relatively minor in the grand scheme. The consistent praise this pub earns – for its atmosphere, character, and quality – speaks volumes.

In the end, the Lamb & Flag offers something that’s increasingly rare: a chance to drink in a place where, if the walls could talk, they’d have four hundred years of stories to tell. Whether you’re a local seeking a reliable local pint or a visitor hunting for that mythical “perfect English pub” you’ve always heard about, the Lamb & Flag delivers on its promise. It’s the kind of spot where you can imagine coming back in another 10 or 20 years and finding it largely unchanged (and that’s a comforting thought). In a city constantly reinventing itself, the Lamb & Flag stands as a delightful constant. Overall, I’d highly recommend a visit – come for the history, stay for the beer and ambiance, and leave with a lasting memory of a pub experience you can truly only get in London.