Anchor Bankside is a historic pub located at 34 Park Street, London SE1 9EF, in the Bankside area. Established in 1615, it is one of London's oldest surviving taverns, frequented by notable figures such as Shakespeare, Dr. Samuel Johnson, and diarist Samuel Pepys. The pub offers a riverside terrace with views of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. The menu features classic British pub fare, including steak and ale pie, mushroom chilli, and a selection of burgers. The establishment also has a coffee shop serving hot drinks, bacon rolls, and ice creams. The outdoor seating area provides a great view of both St. Paul's and Tower Bridge. The pub is dog-friendly and offers free Wi-Fi in its beer garden. It is a family-friendly venue, making it suitable for all ages.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Classic Pub Fare The menu offers a solid selection of traditional pub dishes, with the fish and chips and Sunday roast being highly recommended by many visitors.
- Dog-Friendly This pub welcomes dogs, making it a great option for visitors traveling with their furry friends and looking for a relaxed dining or drinking experience.
- Excellent Location Situated on the River Thames near Shakespeare's Globe, the pub provides scenic riverside views and a convenient spot for tourists and locals alike exploring South Bank.
- Historic Charm and Atmosphere The Anchor Bankside boasts a rich history and traditional English pub decor, including exposed beams and wooden furnishings, creating a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
- Rooftop Garden with Views Enjoy stunning views of the Thames and London skyline from the rooftop garden, enhancing the overall experience, especially during pleasant weather.
Criticised
- Bar Service Required Customers must order at the bar, which can be inconvenient, especially when the pub is crowded. There is no tableside service offered.
- Crowded and Noisy The pub tends to get very busy, especially during peak hours, leading to a crowded and noisy environment that may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet meal.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While some dishes receive high praise, others, like the steak sandwich, have been reported as lacking flavor and tenderness, indicating inconsistencies in the menu's quality.
- Outdoor Seating Limitations Drinks served outside at ground level are served in plastic cups. Additionally, there are no outdoor heaters available for chillier evenings.
- Toilet Cleanliness Issues Some reviewers have noted that the toilets are not well-maintained and have an unpleasant smell, detracting from the overall experience.
The longer read
The Anchor Bankside is a historic pub situated on the River Thames near Shakespeare's Globe, offering scenic views and a traditional British pub atmosphere. Many reviewers praise its location and ambiance, citing its historical charm with exposed beams and wooden furnishings, making it a unique and memorable experience for both tourists and locals. The pub features multiple seating areas, including a rooftop terrace and outdoor seating at ground level, though plastic cups are used for ground-level outdoor service. The interior is spacious with different rooms catering to various moods, making it suitable for different types of gatherings. Known for its classic pub fare, the fish and chips are frequently highlighted as a standout dish, featuring crispy batter and solid fish. The Sunday Roast, particularly the Sirloin of Beef, is also very popular, with reviewers praising the generous portions and delicious sides like cheesy cauliflower and legendary gravy. Other recommended items include the steak and ale pie, sticky toffee pudding, battered halloumi, and the seasonal crab burger. Service experiences vary, with some reviewers commending the friendly and attentive staff, while others note that service can be slow, especially during peak hours. Ordering is typically done at the bar, and some reviewers experienced a lack of table service. Despite some inconsistencies, the staff are often noted for their friendliness and willingness to accommodate requests. The pub can get very crowded, especially after work hours, but many find the lively atmosphere and diverse crowd—a mix of tourists and locals—to be part of its charm. While some reviewers found the drink quality to be inconsistent, the pub offers a wide selection of ales, beers, and craft cocktails, with some recommending the cider. A few reviewers noted issues with the toilets, citing cleanliness and broken locks. Prices are considered reasonable for the location, although some found certain items, like the Peroni served in generic pint glasses, to be a bit overpriced. Overall, The Anchor Bankside is recommended for its location, atmosphere, and traditional pub fare, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring South Bank and Borough Market.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7407 1577
- Website
- greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/anchor-bankside?utm_source=g_places&utm_medium=locations&utm_campaign=HT_pubpage
| Mon | 11:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 23:30 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 23:30 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 23:30 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 against a median of 4.5 across the 1,957 places to eat we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is The O2.
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Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.