Anchor Tap — Restaurant in London

Wonderfully preserved old London dock pub in the back lane between Tower Bridge & the ancient wharfland. A beautifully aged corner pub by the legendary Samuel Smiths. The heritage lobby, packed with vintage collectables, benches, pews & a barrel takes you straight back to when these were old working docks. A cozy Victorian London home bar opens into a labyrinth of anterooms for games, drinking, chat, no music or digital friending & reminiscing by original iron fires, including a corner set piece cracking orange over a authentic leatheresque floor. Spill runs perimeter the floor round the bars. A central bar that sits broadly through the property in a sold wood L. Simple worker back bars sit against heritage patterned paper under the decoratively papered ceiling. This is a vintage gem in dark seclusion, period authentic, with beanded barrel table & bench seating under dimple glazed windows. There historic location story pictures over the half wood pannelled walls. This is a superbly authentic piece of London pub heritage that captures its rime & essence perfectly accompanied by pub genius Samual Smith , the quality, vintage brews in their signature lit bar towers.

Landladies Gerri & Julie set a superb vibe for banter & enjoyment. I loved chatting in pub talk with them & their team;...

The Anchor Tap in Shad Thames is a hidden gem and a must-visit for anyone who loves a traditional pub atmosphere.

As a Sam Smith’s pub, it offers a fantastic range of their unique beers, and I have to say, I’m particularly fond of their Chocolate Stout and Organic Wheat Beer.

The Chocolate Stout is rich, velvety, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, but with a delightful hint of chocolate that makes it incredibly satisfying.

The Organic Wheat Beer, on the other hand, is light, refreshing, and has a crisp finish that makes it an excellent choice whether you’re popping in for a quick drink or settling in for the evening.

The pub itself exudes charm, with its cozy, old-world interior that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and there’s a real sense of community here. It’s a great spot to unwind, catch up with friends, or even enjoy a quiet pint on your own.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, The Anchor Tap is definitely worth a visit.

I highly recommend stopping by for a pint (or two) of their excellent beer selection. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back...

Right next to Tower Bridge. This is no tourist trap.

I'll have to guess here cause I'm not sure if it is Gerri or Julie is the boss. What I am sure of, as a one time, long time, resident of London, is that the Anchor Tap is an exceptional pub. I worked in pubs all over the city but this was special.

It is a tied house, and that limits your choices on drinks, and has a small menu.

But this is more than compensated by the lovely ladies who run the house and barman Mark who we met today.

The beer is good, we tried the India and the Pale. The food was proper English pub food. But the real stars are the staff and the centuries old pub.

It won't be for everyone. It isn't as polished as many. But if you want to experience what a real London pub is then I can't think of better. Try the varied, traditional, bottled beers. Play pool or darts. But ideally, have a feed, sup some excellent pints and chat to the other customers.

No music, no TV, but great craic and fun with locals, tourists, and suits from the local offices.

I couldn't...