Anchor Bankside, a historic pub on the Thames with over 800 years of history, has been named London's best local pub in a new ranking by Secret London. Located near Borough Market and Shakespeare's Globe, the pub offers views of St Paul's Cathedral across the river.
The pub features oak-beamed rooms, cosy nooks across multiple levels, and an outdoor terrace. Its history includes a rebuild in 1616 as a small brewhouse, growth into one of the city's largest by the 19th century, and connections to diarist Samuel Pepys, who watched the Great Fire of London from the bank in 1666.
Historic Landmark and Pop Culture Fame
In the 18th century, smugglers and river pirates used hidden trapdoors in the pub's basement to stash contraband from the Thames. The pub's exterior also appeared in the climax of the 1996 film Mission: Impossible starring Tom Cruise.
The menu includes traditional fare like fish and chips, pies, and steaks, alongside fusion options such as crispy Korean-style duck nachos (£15.75), a Camembert Sharer (£18.75), Japanese-style Karaage Chicken (£8.45), vegan soup with ciabatta (£6.45), and mussels in white wine and garlic sauce (£8.95). A gluten-free menu offers five starters, eight mains, four sides, and three desserts.
Sunday Lunches and Festive Offerings
Sunday lunches are available in beef, lamb, turkey, and mushroom galette options, priced between £18.45 and £20.45, or £7.95 for kids. For the colder months, the pub offers Christmas Day and Boxing Day bookings, Christmas buffets (£21.99 or £24.99 per person), and a Festive Fayre menu from November 12 to January 3.
On TripAdvisor, reviewers have described the pub as 'charming and historic' with a 'warm and welcoming atmosphere' and 'fast, friendly service', with some calling it the 'perfect London pub experience'. However, some customers reported long waits for food and described the fish and chips as 'overcooked and dry'.
Location and Opening Hours
The Anchor is at 34 Park Street, Bankside (SE1 9EF), less than a 10-minute walk from London Bridge station. It opens from 11am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday (opening at 10am on Saturdays), and closes at 10.30pm on Sundays.
Its riverside position makes it easy to combine with a visit to Borough Market, Tate Modern, or Shakespeare's Globe, or a stroll along the Thames after a Sunday roast.
