The Cockpit — Restaurant in London

🚇 Blackfriars 🍺 £6.20 Madri

The Cockpit is tucked away on St Andrew’s Hill, close to St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London. The nearest Tube is Blackfriars which is just around the corner.

This Grade II listed pub was originally built in the 18th century close to Shakespeare’s Blackfriars home. This pub was used as a “Cock Pit” and takes its name from the sport of cockfighting. The sport was banned in 1849 and the pub was renamed The Three Castles. The pub was rebuilt in 1865 and reverted back to its original name in the mid 1980’s, ironically the pub owners at the time (Courage) have a Cockerel as their emblem.

This is traditional one bar pub with bags of oldschool charm. The servery is located at the back right and has a curved counter and a superb 1970’s back bar. Above the servery and the left wall is a gallery which replicates where people used to watch cockfighting from back in the 19th century. The seating is red velour banquette pews with matching small red stools plus a few tall stools around the bar. The walls are adorned with a plethora of beer jugs, Courage signage and paintings of Blackfriar Freddie, the local champion cockerel. To cement this pubs oldschool status, there is a proper red patterned pub carpet running throughout.

The beer selection is familiar keg stalwarts plus four cask options. I decided on a pint of Madri, my pint hit the spot, price point was reasonable considering the location. This pub doesn’t serve food but bar snacks are available.

I arrived around 1.30pm on a warm Saturday lunchtime in March. The pub was fairly busy with a number of punters outside, a few day trippers sat inside and some regulars at the bar. The atmosphere was chilled and relaxed, the service friendly and welcoming.

I have visited this outstanding boozer a number times over the years and it always draws me back. Maybe it’s the allure of the black and gold exterior, the charming location, the oldschool decor or the history surrounding the pub, maybe it’s all of these things. If ever there was a pub you must visit in London, The Cockpit is definitely it.

ℹ️ Info...

• Pub reopened on 17th May 2021 *

I visited the pub on a Saturday afternoon, around 3pm. All the tables inside were occupied, and as the current virus guidelines meant that I had to be seated to be served, it looked like I was going to go somewhere else.

The manager however pointed out that there were stools outside that were available. These were in Ireland Yard next to the pub's side exit. Two wall electric bar heaters and an awning pulled down made for an acceptable outside seating arrangement.

Entrance to this pub is by the curved doors in St Andrew's Hill.

The barman was very efficient at getting our orders. I don't know the cost of each drink, but a pint of Guinness and a pint of Tribute bitter came to £9.70.

This is a popular location for tourists, and there were at least 2 walking tours that stopped in the alleyway for Shakespeare's connection to be told. Pre-virus these groups would crowd into the bar for a brief drink, so there's at least one advantage for the other customers, not the bar for the loss of takings though.

The staircase down to the toilets is narrow - care is needed.

A good old fashioned pub in an interesting part of the...

While not the most prominent venue in the area, I feel this meets my criteria for a proper pub. It is completely unfussy and a great place to while away a wet weekend afternoon.

A fast disappearing sort of venue, an interesting pub building with great heritage that retains freehold and is closely run by the landlord. I have only really visited on a weekend, which I think is the best time to experience this place. You are almost guaranteed to be served by the friendly landlord, there is a small selection of well kept beers. There are often sandwiches or rolls available if you're in dire need of food. This is a quiet venue on rarely used back streets: most other venues are closed on these streets at...