The Widows Son — Restaurant in London

🚇 Devons Road 🍺 £6.50 Mahou

The Widows Son is located in Bromley-by-Bow in the East End of London. The nearest station is Devons Road on the DLR, Bromley-by-Bow Tube is also close by.

Built in 1848 and Grade II listed, this pub is claimed to be on the site of an old widow’s cottage.

This East End pub is known locally as "The Bun House". Legend has it that a widow’s son joined the Navy and went off to war. He said he would return home at Easter and asked his mother to have a hot cross bun waiting for him. He never returned home, but she made a fresh hot cross bun every Good Friday for the rest of her life. Every year on Good Friday, the tradition of the Widow’s Buns is celebrated with a sailor from the Royal Navy placing a new bun in the net hanging above the bar each year.

This is a one bar pub that is traditionally decorated with some contemporary touches here and there. The servery is a good size and has the legendary bun net hanging above. Dark green wall panels, a boarded floor, ample seating including a couple of Chesterfields, and some beautiful etched mirrors define the decor.

The beer selection is all keg and offers a mix of mainstream brews and a full complement of Camden brewery beers. I decided on a pint of Mahou, my pint was excellent, price point was above average. The food menu comprises of Greek dishes plus some comfort food options.

I arrived just after 12 pm on an overcast Saturday lunchtime in November. There were a few patrons dotted about: a couple of old-school bikers, a solo imbiber, and a family gathering for some lunch. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, with a chilled soundtrack playing in the background. The service was pleasant; I was served by a friendly member of the team who was all smiles.

The East End has historically been a staunch working-class area. Although this unique character is being steadily eroded, thankfully, pockets of the East End tradition still persist. Visiting @thewidowsson.pub was an enjoyable experience, and it was heartening to witness this cherished establishment thriving once again.

📅 30th November 2024

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"The Widow's Son – Where History Meets Culinary Excellence"

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in the heart of London, The Widow's Son is the place to be. This 200-year-old historic pub doesn’t just captivate you with its rich history but also amazes you with its exceptional food and creative cocktails.

The menu offers something for everyone, but the Sunday Roast is truly a standout! Perfectly tender meat, fresh seasonal sides, and generous portions make it a must-try. As for the cocktails, they are nothing short of artistry. My personal favorite was the "Widow's Kiss" – a perfectly balanced blend of flavors with an elegant presentation.

The cozy and welcoming atmosphere, combined with top-notch service, makes The Widow's Son ideal for both special occasions and a casual escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Surrounded by history and indulgent flavors, this pub is a gem that...

Not pleasant. The setting doesn't really do it any favours, sitting on the edge of a light industrial estate and nestled behind a road barrier. But I thought I'd check it out as my nearest local. The vibe on a Friday evening was not particularly welcoming from either staff or other clientele. The bar is dominated by a pool table with only a few seats around the edge. Seating outside is in a car park. Not much effort to improve the feel off the place is in evidence.

It has its interesting history, but now I've checked out the net full of hot cross buns from the last couple of centuries hanging over the bar, I haven't really got a...