The Old Bell Tavern — Restaurant in London

The Old Bell Tavern is undoubtedly a lovely historic pub with a charming ambiance, but our recent experience left much to be desired. Unfortunately, the poor service and rude staff overshadowed the quaint atmosphere and historical charm.

We visited on a Saturday evening, well aware that the pub closed at 9 pm. To our astonishment, the staff refused to serve us well before 8 pm, kicking us out shortly after 8 pm. This early closing attitude was a significant disappointment, especially considering we had made a reservation and were eager to enjoy our evening.

The food we ordered arrived cold, and the overall quality left much to be desired. Strangely, despite having a reservation, we were informed that some items on the menu were unavailable, leaving us with limited choices. The staff made us feel like an imposition, with audible mentions that they shouldn't even be there and that serving us was not their job.

Two staff members were responsible for just two tables, and we were the only table ordering food, consisting of four people. Their rolling eyes and scoffing were not only rude but entirely unprofessional. In hindsight, we should have heeded the warning signs and walked away. However, not only did we stay, but we even left a tip, despite the dismal experience.

To add to the frustration, we never received a bill. The staff member with a beard appeared extremely unhappy when we requested to split the bill among us. He negligently added up our total without providing a receipt or any documentation, leaving us with an uneasy feeling about the final cost.

Why take reservations if the establishment cannot provide a satisfactory dining experience? Perhaps it would be more considerate to close down the restaurant when the capacity to serve customers is limited.

Our evening at the Old Bell Tavern left us paying far too much for mediocre food, coupled with cold and rude service, and not even a simple thank you. It's disheartening to see staff complaining to customers and making it abundantly clear that they'd rather not be there. No issue, no matter how out of control, could ever justify the very rude and unprofessional attitude...

Blackfriars 🍺 £7.50 Paulaner

The Old Bell Tavern is located at the eastern end of Fleet Street infront of historic St Bride's Church. The nearest Tube is Blackfriars, it’s a five minute walk to get here.

The Old Bell stands on the site of an earlier tavern, The Swan. The current Old Bell (previously the Golden Bell and later the Twelve Bells) has been greatly renovated but was originally built in 1678 by London’s most famous architect Sir Christopher Wren.

This is a cosy one bar pub that has a ye olde pub feel. At the centre of the bar is a curved servery which is clad in dark wood panelling. Around the bar are a number of nooks, crannies and snugs which make for an intimate setting. The decor is traditional with a bare boarded floor, comfy furniture, a couple of fireplaces, the low level lighting sets an atmospheric tone. The stand out feature is the stained glass window at the front of the pub. There is no beer garden, but you can stand in the back Alleyway which looks across to St Bride’s Church.

The beer line up was solid and included popular keg beers, some craft and impressively six cask ales. I decided on a Paulaner, my pint was great, price point was a bit punchy. The food menu is classic pub grub, Fish & Chips cost £17.

I arrived around 1pm on a sunny Saturday lunchtime in March. The pub was fairly busy with several groups settled in around all parts of the pub. The atmosphere was chilled and relaxed with the odd hail of laughter from a wedding group by the stained window. The service was pleasant, I was served by a welcoming member of the team who was busy beavering away behind the bar.

Fleet Street has some notable pubs and The Old Bell Tavern is no exception. This is a nice spot to have a pint in, if a little pricey.

ℹ️ Info correct on...

I LOVE ❤ THIS COSY HISTORIC LONDON TAVERN - A REAL GEM. My wife and I have twice recently visited this wonderful historic tavern - and for me personally already a 'Number One' favourite within the famous 'Square Mile'. It gave me the impressions of a warm, attractive, welcoming Inn with a charm to lure you through its low beamed wooden doors, as here awaits fine tasty food on the menu and a varied selection of beers and ales. ( I love the 'GHOST SHIP'🍺) We thoroughly enjoyed a festive meal, pint or two in a good spirited vibrant atmosphere. Good music in the background finely tuned, and beautifully decorated with decore throughout the confines of the bar. Noteworthy are the interesting historic wall relics steeped with London history, and also the elaborate front stained glass window with a fine portrait of Sir Christopher Wren by the front entrance. If you come far and wide to the City of London, then I recommend folks this one for your bucket list of places to visit. Even if only for a drink and admire its historical showcase interiors and exteriors. Very clean ( good toilets despite a flight of stairs), with a vibrant atmosphere to embrace you. Relaxed moments here too experience depending on times, day, week of the year. An excellent location too and perfectly ideal after a good City hike. Thank you to the kind hospitable and polite staff, and 👍 yes, we will return!. Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 regards Patricia & Chris....