Fitzroy Tavern — Restaurant in London

The Fitzroy Tavern in London, a venerable establishment with a history dating back to 1883, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of conviviality and cultural significance. Evolving through the ages, this iconic tavern has borne witness to the ebb and flow of history, seamlessly weaving together the threads of the past and the present.

Originally known as the Fitzroy Coffee House and subsequently transformed into the Hundred Marks in 1887, it finally adopted its enduring moniker, the Fitzroy Tavern, in 1919. The tavern's journey is a reflection of the dynamic cultural tapestry of London, adapting and embracing change while preserving its core identity.

A large semi-island bar now serves as the heart of the tavern exquisitely adorned with well-crafted etched glass, mirrors, tiles, and wood panelling. It's a visual feast where Sam Smiths has truly lavished attention on the intricate details. The walls come alive with paintings, photos, posters, and memorabilia, each telling a story of the past.The Fitzroy Tavern, a pub that effortlessly bridges generations, remains accessible to all who seek its timeless embrace.

A place where figures as diverse as Pierrepoint the hangman, Fabian of the Yard, Coco the Clown, writers like Dylan Thomas and George Orwell, and politicians such as Nye Bevan and Hugh Gaitskell converged. As one peruses the archive photos of the pub's past as a Charrington's house, it becomes evident that the Fitzroy Tavern is more than just a public house; it is a living embodiment of history and community. The tavern, quickly became a hub for artists, writers, musicians, immigrants, and creative minds of all kinds.

Within the hallowed walls of the Fitzroy Tavern, the culinary and libation offerings are a harmonious symphony of tradition and innovation, paying homage to British culinary heritage while embracing contemporary palates. The menu and drink selection at this iconic establishment are a testament to its commitment to providing a memorable experience for patrons. The Fitzroy Tavern prides itself on offering a wide array of beverages to suit every preference. The menu at the Fitzroy Tavern is designed to cater to diverse tastes while offering a taste of traditional British pub fare. The Fitzroy Tavern is renowned for its savory pies, with fillings ranging from rich steak and ale to creamy chicken and mushroom. These pies are a comforting and flavorful choice, especially on a chilly London day. The tavern's gourmet burgers are a standout, featuring high-quality beef patties and a variety of toppings to satisfy your cravings. For those looking for a lighter option, the Fitzroy Tavern offers an assortment of bar snacks, perfect for pairing with your drink of choice. The Fitzroy Tavern's commitment to quality, both in its drink selection and culinary offerings, ensures that every visit is a gastronomic journey. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal to complement your evening or simply looking to unwind with a drink among friends, this iconic establishment offers an experience that is as diverse and rich as the history...

🚇 Goodge Street 🍺 £7.00 Taddy Lager

The Fitzroy Tavern is located in the backstreets of Fitzrovia in central London. The nearest Tube is Goodge Street on the Northern Line.

The building began as the Fitzroy Coffee House in 1883 and was converted into a pub named the Hundred Marks in 1887—a nod to the German landlord Heinrich Hundertmark and the area’s German community at the time. In 1919, amidst post–World War I anti-German sentiment, the establishment was renamed the Fitzroy Tavern, after Charles FitzRoy, who developed much of the area.

Over the years, this pub has been knocked about a bit and has lost much of its character. In 2015, Sam Smith’s Brewery extensively renovated it to restore its former Victorian splendour. There are now three separate bars, all featuring beautiful Victorian details. The centrally located servery is horseshoe-shaped and has a traditional back bar. The décor consists of etched glass, mirrors, tiles, wood panelling, and partitions—not to mention the Lincrusta ceiling. The walls are adorned with paintings, photographs, posters, and other memorabilia of artists, writers, and intellectuals who have all called this pub their local.

The beer lineup, as with all Sam Smith’s pubs, features their own in-house selection of beer, wine, and spirits. I opted for a Taddy Lager; my pint was a little lively, price point was as expected. The food menu consists of British pub classics—fish and chips costs £18.25.

I arrived around 3pm on a warm Thursday afternoon in April. The pub was fairly quiet inside, with the majority of punters enjoying the spring sunshine at the tables and chairs outside. I got chatting to an American chap who now calls Blighty home. He’s a regular at the pub for post-work pints and a big fan of the beers here. The service was fantastic—the team on duty were welcoming and good-natured.

Sam Smith’s pubs can be divisive for a variety of reasons, but personally, I’m a fan. I appreciate the décor and the commitment to preserving each pub’s original character. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and would wholeheartedly recommend a visit.

📅 24th April 2025

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Important details - it's a sam smith's pub so your beer choices are limited to what they brew you will get all types, so it's not a bad thing, just you can't ask for a pint of fosters (and I'm eternally grateful for that. You know we don't actually drink that stuff in Australia? No, we don't. Y'know, rumour has it, for every pint of fosters sold, a koala sobs quietly in anguish.. don't make koalas cry. Please? Pretty please?).

The kitchen closes at 9, and the food is decent pub-standard. I sampled some of the beef & stout pudding from the friendly person to my right (yes, I did know them), and was impressed by the fact it was a decent suet pastry, and the vegies weren't overdone to hell and back (carrots, broccoli, and a mash). Chips are your standard offering, but I'd say avoid the onion rings - they're stodgy and not nearly crisp enough.

The bar staff are pretty friendly, and it's got a nice relaxed feel to it in general, so can quite recommend dropping in for a pint or three, and as a local uni-ish pub, nice and cheap. Nothing special on the decor, but it's clean and befits a pub.. ah, except, if you choose to sit, avoid the tables near the door to the stairs down - the aircon is trained to blast those sitting there into arctic oblivion.

(there's a £5 min on cards, no surcharge, but the nearest ATM is literally across the street at the...