If you're in the Waterloo area and looking for a traditional pub that pairs great food and drinks with genuinely outstanding service, look no further than The Mulberry Bush. Nestled just a short walk from the river, this cozy pub is a warm and welcoming retreat from the busy London streets—and what truly sets it apart is the exceptional service that makes every visit memorable.
From the moment you walk through the door, the staff at The Mulberry Bush make you feel like a regular, even if it's your first time. You're greeted with a smile, seated promptly (if you're dining), and offered help with anything you need—from food recommendations to helping you choose the perfect pint from their impressive selection of beers, ales, and ciders.
I’ve been to many pubs across London, but rarely have I experienced service this attentive, friendly, and genuinely caring. The staff don’t just take orders—they check in throughout your visit, always at the right time, never intrusive. You can tell that they take pride in what they do. Whether you're popping in for a quick drink, a Sunday roast, or a long catch-up with friends, the team goes above and beyond to make sure your experience is a great one.
During my last visit, we were a group of six—half of us arrived early, the other half got caught in traffic. The team didn’t rush us or pressure us to order; instead, they brought over drinks, helped us relax, and even held our table longer than they technically had to. They chatted with us like old friends, making us feel right at home. When the rest of our party arrived, everything was taken care of seamlessly. Orders were handled with patience (even with a few picky eaters in the mix), and the food came out hot, fresh, and exactly as we asked.
Speaking of the food—it's worth mentioning even though this review is about service. The quality is excellent, with a menu that balances pub classics with a few elevated dishes, and a fantastic Sunday roast that’s worth planning your weekend around.
But again, what really sticks with you is the genuine hospitality. There’s a real team spirit among the staff, and it shows in the way they work together, anticipate guests’ needs, and make everyone feel valued. It’s the kind of place where you’ll remember the names of the bartenders and servers because they made your night better just by being themselves.
Final Verdict: If you value great service as much as great food and drink, The Mulberry Bush in Waterloo should be at the top of your list. It’s not just a pub—it’s a place where hospitality still means something. A perfect spot for locals, tourists, and anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxed, high-quality pub experience with staff...
Read moreThe staff were lovely so I don't write this lightly - this is a review for management to seriously consider what type of establishment they are looking to run, rather than a commentary on the staff, with whom we had nothing but good experiences. Firstly, a minor inconvenience but the app doesn't work so twice we waited for service for at least 30 mins before going downstairs to check on the food and drinks order, to find it hadn't reached the system. Both times email confirmation was received however the signal in this place is shocking so not surprised if the software isnt always 100%. Like I say the app bugging is in theory fine but obviously frustrating and with a group of 7, not ideal to be constantly waiting on drinks and food. Also a revenue issue from the pub's perspective; we would have ordered far more drinks over the course of the evening had the app been working or table service offered. The real issue was the toilets which are horrendous, and I'm not precious. No toilet paper in the women's, and my door didn't lock. It wasn't a case of the door being jammy either, literally that the lock within the door had been removed and not replaced (?) The general lack of hygiene, mould and flaking walls made it feel like a public toilet on both the upper and lowers floors. Like I say I am not precious and I hate to leave such a scathing review but take my word for it that these toilets are utterly disgusting. The men's toilets were coated in a combination of sick, urine and excrement, and despite this were not cleaned for the duration of the evening. There was actually a jumper coated in vomit left in the only toilet cubicle for the entire time we were there - 6pm to c.11.30pm... horrendous. Because of this, the blokes attempted to use the disabled toilet which was coated in graffiti, with urine on the seat and again, no toilet paper available. This could and should be a good pub but the complete disregard of hygiene standards makes it comical to charge £20 for a circle of camembert and a few bites of stale sourdough. Food-wise, aside from the extortionate prices (expected because of the location but unfortunately not warranted), the food was fine. The Houmous desperately needs a good seasoning but the blue cheese is good and so was the piccalilli. I daresay this is the sort of place people aren't reading reviews for before they go but for me, I will mark it down as a...
Read moreI recently visited The Mulberry Bush and was genuinely impressed from start to finish. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly balances the charm of a traditional pub with a clean, modern feel. The decor is tasteful and cosy, with plenty of comfortable seating and a layout that feels both spacious and intimate at the same time. The staff were absolutely fantastic – genuinely friendly, professional, and attentive without ever being intrusive. They really contributed to the welcoming vibe and made sure everything was just right throughout the evening. You can tell there’s a great team here who care about delivering a quality experience. The food was a real highlight. I had the fish and chips, which were perfectly cooked – crispy batter, flaky fish, and proper chips, just the way it should be. Others in our group had the Sunday roast and burgers, and every plate looked amazing. Everything tasted fresh, well-prepared, and full of flavour – classic pub dishes done really well. The portions were generous too! As for drinks, the selection is excellent. A wide variety of beers, ciders, wines, and spirits – including some interesting local options and seasonal specials. Whether you're after a pint or something a bit different, there's plenty to enjoy. The overall ambience really sets The Mulberry Bush apart. There was a great buzz the whole evening – lively but never too loud, with a mix of groups, couples, and solo visitors all clearly enjoying themselves. It’s the kind of place that feels just as right for a relaxed midweek drink as it does for a celebratory evening out. In short, The Mulberry Bush offers everything you could want from a great pub – fantastic food, lovely staff, a relaxed yet vibrant setting, and a clear sense of pride in what they do. I’ll definitely be back, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a top-quality pub experience...
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