Anchor Bankside — Restaurant in London

I tend to walk along the River Thames on some days to unwind and enjoy a day off work. I don’t usually pop into pubs during these particular walks, but I decided to check out 'The Anchor' since I’ve passed it multiple times.

As you approach the pub, you instantly get a sense of how busy it is, from the outdoor seating area (which also has an outdoor bar) to the entrance and then inside. You’ll notice people constantly coming and going, and honestly, quite a few just popping in to use the toilets (can’t blame them 😂). It’s definitely a bit overwhelming at first, and not exactly welcoming, but once you're in, it does feel worth it.

When you finally make it to the bar through the crowd, you realize just how big the place actually is. The main ground floor has loads of seating for food and drinks, though don’t expect a table unless you’re lucky, it gets very busy. If you do manage to snag one, you can properly relax and enjoy your pint or meal, depending on how much the crowd bothers you.

The bar area itself is surprisingly clear, clearly designed to keep the ordering space free while seating is spread out to avoid congestion. When I ordered my drinks, the staff already seemed tired, and it was only mid-afternoon. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt; dealing with that many people all day can't be easy. Still, a little enthusiasm would go a long way for both sides. But again, I get it, it’s nonstop for them.

I didn’t try any of the food, and since it’s a 'Greene King' pub, I’d expect it to be pretty standard, nothing special. That said, I didn’t taste it myself, so I can’t really judge.

As for the drink I ordered, I have to be honest, it didn’t taste quite right. I ordered half a 'Neck Oil', and it definitely wasn’t how it should’ve tasted. It was flat and just... off, in a way that’s hard to describe. I was served in a plastic cup however that wasn't the issue, as I've had many drinks in plastic cups (I don't care whether it's glass or not). On the matter of the drink, I’m not the type to complain in person (don’t want to be a nuisance), but it was disappointing. Maybe the lines weren't cleaned properly or it was just a bad keg, different variables could be the reason. Still, if you’re looking for reasonably priced beer in central London, this could be a good spot, just be prepared that quality might vary. The upstairs outdoor seating I managed to find did make it worthwhile, though.

The crowd is a mix: tourists, locals, and everyone in between. A diverse range of people pass through, but no one was overly rowdy or annoying. Everyone seemed to be there to chill out and have a good time, which made the atmosphere more relaxed than you might expect from such a busy place.

Overall, the experience was pretty much what I anticipated: a packed pub, average service, and drinks that didn’t quite hit the mark. But the outdoor seating and the view made up for a lot of that.

I may not have loved it, but you might, especially if you’re visiting from abroad. It gives you the full-on experience of what a busy London pub is like in the heart...

We recently had the pleasure of visiting The Anchor Bankside for a pre-Christmas family gathering, and I wanted to share our wonderful experience. Our group consisted of 12 people—8 adults and 4 children—and we were met with exceptional service from start to finish.

From the very beginning, the team at The Anchor was incredibly responsive and helpful when I made the initial inquiry. The booking process was seamless and straightforward, making the whole experience stress-free. When we arrived on Sunday, 15th December, we were a bit early—about 20 minutes ahead of schedule—but the staff graciously allowed us to be seated at our table without delay, which was a lovely touch.

To our surprise and delight, The Anchor had reserved an entire private room, "The Snug," just for our group. This was a fantastic gesture that made the occasion feel even more special. The Snug offered the perfect setting for our family reunion, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It featured ample seating, a charming fireplace, and easy access to nearby restrooms. We were particularly impressed by the addition of a private bar and dedicated bar service, which made the experience feel even more exclusive and personalized.

The service throughout our visit was exemplary. One highlight was the thoughtful arrangement of individual tabs for each person, which made it incredibly convenient for everyone to pay separately. Our bar server, Ethan, deserves special mention. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had everything we needed, offering friendly, attentive, and efficient service with a smile. His professionalism and warm demeanor truly enhanced our experience, and we couldn't have asked for a better host.

This gathering was particularly meaningful to our family, as we travelled from different parts of the world and The Anchor made it a memorable and unforgettable occasion. We are so grateful for how the staff made us feel welcome and well-cared for.

Having previously visited The Anchor for a birthday celebration in December 2022, I can confidently say that this recent experience was truly exceptional. We’ve always felt at home here, and I am certain The Anchor will continue to be a favourite venue for our family gatherings in the future.

A sincere thank you to all the staff, especially Ethan and the managers who made the arrangements for The Snug. We look forward to many more visits...

The Anchor Pub had been on my list to try while exploring London. It was on a couple lists I perused, I knew it had a rich history, and walking by it several times, the vibrant yet cozy exterior seemed to draw me in.

The interior is similar to other pubs in the area. Plenty of small high tops, wooden bar counters, lively atmosphere, etc. There is also outdoors bankside/Thames River seating (and walkup bars).

The staff behind the bar was nice and would offer up suggestions when prompted. The servers that brought us our food would not say a word to us, did not smile, and when we asked if we could have silverware they made us feel like it was all part of their plan to go back and grab some anyway.

The food was mediocre at best. The fish & chips were nothing to write home about. There are far better fish & chips even within stones throwing distance. The sticky toffee pudding was nice, but they were out of ice cream so we had to make do with custard and vegan ice cream (I got 2 to try both options out). The steak and ale pie was a real let down. I had previously visited a couple other pubs where the pies were not only on point, they actually kind of blew me away. Anchor's pie was bigger, but it lacked flavor and the aged beef gave a lingering sour and salty taste. The ales were the typical ales you could find in any London Pub.

I wish I had better things to say about the pub, but the ambiance was more loud and annoying than fun, the food was simply less than what I expected, and the staff was hit or miss in terms of quality service.

If you're in the Tate Modern or Globe Theater area you can certainly swing by this pub, but you're actually so close to Burrough Market, and you should DEFINTELY check that out. And in terms of pubs, I would recommend the Red Lion Pub or Churchill Arms if you get a chance.

Worth Noting: Pub Trivia lovers, the Anchor hosts a weekly Monday night pub trivia. I really wanted to attend, but unfortunately, I was busy that...