The Blue Anchor is nestled between another great pub, The Rutland Arms, and Hammersmith Bridge. The benches sit right on the promenade and there’s always a buzzy, friendly atmosphere, especially on summer evenings when pub goers spread along the river wall, beer, cider or other refreshing drink in hand. Here, a fish and chips will cost you £18.placeholder image
The Blue Anchor is nestled between another great pub, The Rutland Arms, and Hammersmith Bridge. The benches sit right on the promenade and there’s always a buzzy, friendly atmosphere, especially on summer evenings when pub goers spread along the river wall, beer, cider or other refreshing drink in hand. Here, a fish and chips will cost you £18. | Aggie Warren

Best London pubs on the River Thames including a Wetherspoons: 9 great bars

Aggie Warren
By Aggie Warren
Published 10th Jun 2023, 06:30 GMT

We take a stroll along the bank of the River Thames for a look at some lovely London pubs.

The summer is here in London - and what better place to spend it than the pub?

Not just any pub though. Preferably one with outdoor seating and ideally one with the sights and the sounds of the River Thames.

While there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars on the South Bank, between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, there are also historical pubs dotted around.

Here we guide you through inns dating back half a millennium, prime outdoor terraces and even a riverside JD Wetherspoon.

So, whether you’re planning a midweek night out, a quick one on the way home or a Sunday club special, time to head to the river for a pint, glass of wine or just an orange juice and lemonade to accompany a chat with old friends.

And maybe fish and chips?

But the title for London’s oldest riverside pub goes to the Prospect of Whitby. Built in 1520, this pub is a must-visit. Legend has it that it was a haunt for smugglers, thieves, and pirates back in the day, but now it’s always filled with a lively crowd enjoying the river views and a selection of good food and drinks. Here, the crispy battered Atlantic cod, with chips of course, will cost you £16.95.

5. Prospect of Whitby

But the title for London’s oldest riverside pub goes to the Prospect of Whitby. Built in 1520, this pub is a must-visit. Legend has it that it was a haunt for smugglers, thieves, and pirates back in the day, but now it’s always filled with a lively crowd enjoying the river views and a selection of good food and drinks. Here, the crispy battered Atlantic cod, with chips of course, will cost you £16.95. | Aggie Warren

Another ship-inspired tavern, the Cutty Sark was named after the celebrated historic sailing ship which you can see in real life just down the river. But if the ship-like style of The Cutty Sark pub, including a Crow’s Nest, is enough for you, head there for a similar amount of excitement… plus beer! The fish and chips here is £18.50.

6. Cutty Sark

Another ship-inspired tavern, the Cutty Sark was named after the celebrated historic sailing ship which you can see in real life just down the river. But if the ship-like style of The Cutty Sark pub, including a Crow’s Nest, is enough for you, head there for a similar amount of excitement… plus beer! The fish and chips here is £18.50. | Aggie Warren

The Dove, in Hammersmith, has cosy interiors but, more importantly, a terrace right on the river (at high tide you can sometimes touch it). It has also been in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the smallest bar room in the world. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of space for all.

7. The Dove

The Dove, in Hammersmith, has cosy interiors but, more importantly, a terrace right on the river (at high tide you can sometimes touch it). It has also been in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the smallest bar room in the world. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of space for all. | Aggie Warren

For a more cheap and cheerful alternative, go to JD Wetherspoon’s The Rocket. Its outdoor seating wraps around the building with views of the river and Putney Bridge. Here you’ll likely find the cheapest pint and fish and chips on our list.

8. The Rocket

For a more cheap and cheerful alternative, go to JD Wetherspoon’s The Rocket. Its outdoor seating wraps around the building with views of the river and Putney Bridge. Here you’ll likely find the cheapest pint and fish and chips on our list. | Aggie Warren

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