The 800-year-old Thames-side tavern crowned London’s best local pub

The establishment has been around for over 800 years (Picture: Jonathan Wilson/Getty Images) Everyone has a favourite pub in London, but now, a new ranking has officially revealed the best in the capital. According to Secret London, the crown goes to Anchor Bankside. Right on the Thames, it’s a stone’s throw from Borough Market and Shakespeare’s Globe — and has a clear view of St Paul’s across the water. Inside, it’s got all the markings of a quintessential British pub. Oak-beamed rooms and cosy nooks spread over multiple levels, plus an outdoor terrace for crisp but sunny autumn days. A historic riverside landmark The site of the Anchor Bankside has housed watering holes for over 800 years. Rebuilt in 1616 by James Monger as a small brewhouse, by the 19th century, it had grown into one of the largest in the city. Diarist Samuel Pepys famously watched the Great Fire of London unfold from the bank in 1666, while literary giants like Dr Samuel Johnson and Oliver Goldsmith were frequent patrons. Smugglers and river pirates in the 18th century once used hidden trapdoors in the pub’s basement to stash contraband straight from the Thames. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Beyond its centuries of history, the Anchor has a place in the pop culture hall of fame. Latest London news Film fans might recognise its exterior from the climax of Tom Cruise’s 1996 blockbuster Mission: Impossible. What’s on The Anchor’s menu? Aside from traditional fare like fish and chips, pies and steaks, the Anchor has a large menu of fusion food including crispy Korean-style duck nachos to share for £15.75. There’s a Camembert Sharer, featuring a baked camembert with garlic glaze, ciabatta, roasted peppers and red onion chutney for £18.75. Plus a Japanese-style Karaage Chicken (£8.45), vegan soup with ciabatta (£6.45) and mussels in a creamy white wine and garlic sauce (£8.95). Coeliacs aren’t forgotten either. There’s a gluten-free menu, with five starters, eight mains, four sides, and three desserts, giving plenty of choice. Of course, a pub wouldn’t be complete without a Sunday lunch, and four are on offer: beef, lamb, turkey and mushroom galette, alongside roast potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, a Yorkshire pudding and gravy, with prices ranging between £18.45 and £20.45, or £7.95 for kids. Though many may recognise the Anchor for its outdoor seating in the summer, there’s also plenty to look forward to in this historic pub as we enter the colder months. From Christmas Day and Boxing Day bookings to save you from cooking at home, Christmas buffets (£21.99 or £24.99 per person depending on the package), and a Festive Fayre menu from November 12 to January 3, visitors are truly spoiled for choice. What do The Anchor’s punters say? On TripAdvisor, the pub is praised as ‘charming and historic’, with a ‘warm and welcoming atmosphere’ and ‘fast, friendly service’. Reviewers say the drinks are ‘reasonably priced’ for such a ‘fantastic location.’ One even called it the ‘perfect London pub experience’. Not everyone was so impressed, though. It’s right by Shakespeare’s Globe, ideal for a pre-theatre meal (Picture: Jozef Durok/Getty Images) One woman said her food took over an hour to arrive, while another person described the fish and chips as ‘overcooked and dry’. Maybe just go for a pint? How to get there Located at 34 Park Street, Bankside (SE1 9EF), the Anchor is easily accessible for anyone exploring central London. The nearest stop is London Bridge station, which is less than a 10-minute walk away via the river. The pub is open from 11am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, stays open until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday (and opens at 10am on Saturdays), and closes at 10.30pm on Sundays. The pub has even made it into Hollywood movies (Picture: Moonstone Images/ Getty Images) Make a day of it Thanks to its prime riverside position, a visit to the Anchor seamlessly fits into a full day out along the South Bank. You can pair a pint with a street food run at Borough Market right next door, drop in after taking in an exhibition at the Tate Modern, or catch a show around the corner at Shakespeare’s Globe. Our Top Shopping Picks Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in Most of us aren't getting enough fibre – this easy supplement could change that My honest review of the new UKLash Lash Lift Gel Kurt Geiger's new Notting Hill collection is a love letter to London's chaotic weather Dyson fans are swapping to this Hoover vacuum-mop that washes floors as it cleans It is also an ideal pitstop to walk off a Sunday roast with a stroll along the Thames. More London must-visits Do you have a story you’d like to share? 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