Crown & Anchor — Restaurant in London

I've been going to this pub for over ten years or so, meeting a large group of mates about half a dozen times each year. I tried to book upstairs the day of the final England match in the World Cup, but apparently, no one could book tables. On arrival, I noticed a majority of the tables were booked from 18:45 onwards. I asked the bar staff why this was so, explaining the above. I was given an abrupt, see the boss reply! Come 18:45, the whole group of us were told to vacate the seats that we'd been occupying since 13:00. There was no place to stand, as new people walked in and took our places. We left the pub and have decided to make another pub our groups gathering place. Over 10 years just thrown out the window by a terrible attitude.

Also, we noticed that because the pub doesn't take cash anymore, it's all card, and they've added a service charge onto every sale, but you wouldn't know that, unless you asked for a receipt.

This means that since covid, they've sneakily added gratuities for handing a drink over to you. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I decide if I'm gonna give a tip, not the owner! I tip for great service, not handing a pint over!

I wonder how many others know about that, as hardly anyone asks for a...

It was 6.30pm. Went in with my kids and wife, she went upstairs and sat down with them. I ordered the drinks at the bar. Drinks came, my ten year old boy came down to help carry drinks upstairs. I was then told in no uncertain terms that "Ze kits zey are not velocome". Nice. I was then told that I had already ordered and been served the drinks I could drink them outside in plastic glasses. I declined and left the drinks. My wife who was still upstairs was then also told by the manager that kids weren't allowed. She said that I was downstairs and had already ordered the drinks. The manager then told her that if that was the case we could drink them if we were quick. She then called me and told me this. I then went back to the bar and said my wife had been told by the manager that as we had already ordered we could have the drinks. The barmaid (very pleased with herself) said that that HAD been the case but as I had not actually paid we would have to leave.

All I can say is hello, WAKE UP! You are the closest pub to Matilda, one of the most popular kids shows in London. Why ban kids pre theatre? I can kind of get it later, say after 8pm, but why at that...

Just a short walk down from Seven Dials / Covent Garden tube in the other direction. Close to The Cambridge theatre & Donmar Warehouse, so ideal for a pre or post show drink.

A good London style pub serving the expected range of tap Beers, Ales & Cider as well as the usual selection of bottled choices. Wine too, but not sure if just from bottles / by glass or if a 'house tap' variety.

Enough space inside to accommodate a fair few, tables & chairs as well as standing room. Also an upstairs function room. They offer the ability to reserve tables for set times, so if arriving with a group, your space is there.

Outdoor standing space too, along a pedestrian street & the pub operates a policy of plasticware outside, of a decent quality. So you can happily enjoy your drink without fear of broken glassware.

Long may these traditional...