Nestled in London's Limehouse district, The Grapes pub has stood for nearly 500 years, witnessing history from Sir Walter Raleigh's 1587 expedition to Samuel Pepys' 1661 diary entries. Now co-owned by Sir Ian McKellen, the Gandalf actor, this historic watering hole offers a fish and chips experience that one diner described as leaving them 'gutted to leave'.
The pub, which also boasts connections to Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, and Arthur Conan Doyle, serves a £18.50 fish and chips meal that includes chunky chips, mushy peas, and a side salad. The reviewer noted the fish and light batter were not greasy, and the Guinness pint at £6.15 was deemed reasonable for London.
Despite the modest food, the atmosphere won praise. 'Pubs and restaurants are all about how they make you feel. In The Grapes, I felt happy,' the diner wrote, adding that the cosy interior and welcoming glow made the visit memorable.
The Grapes remains a popular spot, with its snug bar and upstairs barrel tables offering views of the Thames and Canary Wharf skyline. For those seeking a pint where history and celebrity intersect, this pub delivers.
