The Greenwich Pensioner — Restaurant in London

🚇 All Saints 🍺 £6.40 Budvar

This pub is located in Poplar, in the East End of London. The nearest station is All Saints on the DLR.

The pub was built in 1827 and named after the Greenwich Pensioners, the naval counterpart to the Chelsea Pensioners. It features a stunning Grade II-listed facade, with original Victorian tiling and Taylor Walker lettering.

The interior is quite modern, and it seems that no original features have survived. This is a one-bar pub, with the servery located on the back wall. It has a granite counter, an arched back bar, and an old pub swing sign to the right.

The bar area is bright and airy, with a boarded floor, conventional seating through the middle, and a line of cosy booths. At the front of the bar, it was nice to see an old Joanna. The walls are decorated with colourful nautical prints and large mirrors.

One thing that caught my eye was a black-and-white photo of a large gathering outside the pub, probably taken in the 1920s. I studied the photo for some time—it tells a story of the East End that has almost disappeared.

The beer selection offered a good mix of keg options and one cask ale for the cultured imbiber. I went for a Budvar; my pint hit the spot, price point was a smidge above average. The food menu features pub classics—fish and chips is £14, and roasts are available on Sundays.

I arrived around 3 p.m. on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon in June. A couple of punters were putting the world to rights in the bar, and a few lads were having an after-work pint out back in the courtyard beer garden. The atmosphere was laidback and relaxed, so I decided to sit on a bench outside and enjoy my pint. The service was excellent—the team member who served me was welcoming and friendly.

Visiting this pub was, overall, an enjoyable experience. The exterior is absolutely stunning and rivals that of any pub in London. The beer selection was good, and the service was top-notch. As I left, I couldn’t help but think about that thought-provoking photo—and the rapid, irreversible change happening in the East End.

📅 14th June 2025

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Review is for the room not the pub which arriving late didn't have time for a pint, couple of customers only at 11pm Thurs. Room I had basically a bedsit. Pro: 15mins walk to canary wharf Cheap (£50 a night paid) room clean and tidy, if spartan microwave fridge and kettle staff friendly on arrival Con: dingy stairs and access no towels or anything for shower, maybe missed to bring my own noisy, facing road with buses early/late etc and music from pub uncomfortable bed with hot/scratchy polycotton sheets, couldn't sleep really. shared bathroom very tired, shower head held on with elastic bands. -£100 quid, a bit of effort and paint would make room serviceable for price Prob got about 2.5...

An amazing local. Proper decent, old school pub - if you are looking for a quiet, friendly local that does a good pint or cocktail and an even better food selection, this is your place. You can have a conversation in here, while you enjoy the top quality food and drink.

The staff are excellent - relaxed, friendly, attentive and not overbearing. A very fine experience all round, regardless if you are here for a few beers, a Sunday lunch, or an overnight stay.

They are about to celebrate 200 years of being open (in 2027). Please, come and give it some support. It's our favourite pub within East London. Well worth a visit - you...