The Anchor Tap in Southwark

A great old fashioned pub very close to the crowds but seemingly undiscovered. Excellent Sam Smith's beers and cider. Decor looks untouched for decades; upstairs dining area verging on the dingy but did 8 of us fine. Very friendly service. Fish and chips, Big Catch and steak pies all excellent. Definitely worth the detour from the more obvious locations nearer Tower Bridge or the river.

Tasty food at a good price with friendly staff. Recommended

Amazing pub and fantastic beer!

Traditional pub with great people & service. Very welcoming pub with lovely food & friendly bar staff. Has a pool table & darts for some activities & encourages you to have conversation without the need of your phone. Great place & a hidden gem!

Anchor Tap is amazing! Natalie shared with us about how the 250 year old bar (1761) was once bombed and gave us great recommendations for local Samuel Smith brews. We loved the “digital detox” without tvs, music allowing just a great atmosphere to talk and share a beer!

Total rip off. Unfriendly staff. Terrible experience

I had fish and chips and steak and ale pie. I asked for beer as a recommended menu item, so I tried it as the best one. It was a very delicious and satisfying meal. It's a quiet pub that's good for conversation, and they welcomed us brightly on the second floor and took great care by coming to ask us how each menu item tasted! I am so grateful to the staff whose boisterous laughter is so nice to hear. Thanks to them, I was able to have a pleasant last night of my trip to London👍🏻😎 Be sure to try the Steak and Ale Pie!!!

Absolutely loved this little pub. Quite a large group of us, 8 adults and 3 kids on a Sunday lunchtime, but the service couldn't be bettered. The lovely lady managed everything spot on. Food was excellent and of course so was the old brewery best bitter. We'll make a point of returning when in this area which is fairly regularly.

This place is so underrated. It’s a bit hidden away but it’s a lovely little local pub. It’s never super crowded. It has great prices and it’s quiet so you can have a chat with friends. I really like the fireplace in the winter.

A long-standing site, it has not lost its charm. We were amazed by the good vibes there were and the number of interior rooms and parlors depending on the rest, dining or living areas.

Great traditional pub just off the Tower Bridge. Obviously very traditional. Good service. Food was a bit middling if I'm honest - the loaded nachos were really just plain corn chips with 3 x different sauces. The garlic bread was burnt on the underside. The pie was alright if a bit plain. The beer was excellent, though (like the food) they were out of several options. It's not helped by the massive construction racket next door unfortunately. Nevertheless, I liked it and was happy with the place.

I lost my puppy and the staff found it and it was still alive. Thank you Well the puppy has run off again if you see him just call him his name is Patrick Thank you

Real old-fashioned pub. Surprisingly quiet despite being at the foot of Tower Bridge. The food was very good and the waitress was adorable.

Perfect proper pub, great staff and fantastic landladies

Really great pub. Lovely atmosphere, good beer, friendly staff and fair prices.

I felt like this place was a little unwelcoming, didnt stay long Also the toilets are up a very steep set of steps

I found this pub by chance on Christmas Eve, but the service and atmosphere were really great. Be sure to visit

So rude ! First the barman ignored us when we walked in. Then we waited for him to finish what he was doing and then I said hello and asked something but he just ignored me. I thought he just didn’t hear and I asked again but he ignored me again. After some time, he just replied “sorry I was doing something”. Yes sorry I didn’t know that cleaning a glass would make you so busy that you can’t even look up and say hello.

Great discovery by Hazard! The cozy atmosphere with the fireplace! Brilliant and nice exchange with my son for a good while without checking our cell phones since it was strongly discouraged by the boss (just a photo taken of the fireplace discreetly)! Top !

A great traditional pub. Staff and clientele very friendly just how a pub should be.

Wunderschöner original authentischer Pub. Burger und Fish&Chips mega lecker, riesige Bierauswahl und total freundlicher Service!!!

Classic pub food - fish and chips, pies etc - with good chips in a quiet upstairs room with a discouragement of phones. Not haute cuisine, but that's not the point. Cosy bar downstairs. Lovely warm staff. Smith's beers. Everything you need from a good pub, and bang where you need it.

Came across this pub by chance and what a fabulous find. Very quirky and so full of character. The staff were very friendly and helpful. A lovely old place, and would love to try out the food on my next visit

This is a great place to go if you're looking for a traditional English pub atmosphere. The food was hot and delicious!

Super cozy and friendly place to meet up away from the crowds of central London

Very traditional pub hidden away from the mainstream, worth seeking out.

Helt ok pub strax intill Tower Bridge. Här är det lite enklare att få plats jämfört med de ställen som ligger i direkt anslutning till bron. Det serveras god öl och bra mat till modesta priser för att ligga centralt i London. Men väldigt trevligt lite ruffigt med en fin innegård för de som vill sitta ute.

On our first trip to England, first day in London, after touring the Tower, we asked for the best and oldest pub nearby for that old pub experience we had heard about so much. We couldn’t have picked a better, more special place. It was like being at a friend’s warm home where you could relax, or have fun with some social games. We arrived close to midday kitchen break, so were the only couple besides one regular. The bartender was the coolest, happiest and most accommodating and personable host we ever met. He gave us a tour of the place, including the cellar where the kegs are stored. The experience was about the best of our entire trip. More special memory for our 20th wedding anniversary than Buckingham Palace. Thx John for a great time, great pint, and awesome fish n chips.

Rude member of staff. Mentioned cider had line cleaner in it and tasted vinegary. Staff said ‘bloody hell’. After insisting of getting a pint of something else, he said, do you want a half or something else? My reply was” no! I would like a pint I paid for please!!” He then proceeded to laugh at me with his colleagues… Not professional in my standards. As with other I know. I used to love this place and no longer be coming back because a narrow minded member of staff. It’s a real shame…

Ao lado da Tower Bridge, esse pub fica escondido, mas vale a pena a visita, principalmente por não ser ponto de turistas ele é um genuíno pub britânico, oferecendo bons pratos, boas cervejas e com o bom atendimento londrino.

Hidden Gem. Unspoilt old school pub not many around these days, loved it.

No music, No electronic devices; but thats what makes it a great place to catch up over a quiet pint. Thats not for everyone, i get it... but its the city of London.. Theres limitless other venues you can get the laptop out and make your loud twatty phone call in. Not here. This one is ours.

A very authentic pub, just a touch out of the bustle of the Tower Bridge tourist traffic.

Great pub and staff, can't beat a Samuel Smiths pub! Barman on duty was a legend!

You want a real British pub feel go here! Super atmosphere, great staff.

Great pub with great prices and atmosphere.

This place smells like a old dog, i love it!

Loveley hidden pub just behind Tower Bridge.

Food was nice but for this price would expect proper chips not frozen . Thin gravy with the pie and not sure if the mash was properly prepared or pre packaged. Authentic pub down stairs but no Aymosphere in the upstairs dining area. Altogether nice enough but nothing special

Good Sam Smiths pub.... well kept beer but limited bitter choice

Hidden away a bit. Great pub, excellent fish and chips (upstairs dining).

Tout est parfait dans ce pub ! L'ambiance londonienne, les plats sont gourmands et très bien réalisés, et la serveuse fait vraiment très bien son travail (sourire, serviabilité, communication). De plus, la maison interdit les téléphones afin de privilégier la discussion, entre vous voire avec les autres tables s'ils sont d'humeur ! Je recommande à 100%!

Great place, amazing food, and even greater staff. :) Had a blast.

Excellent food with very pleasant service

Pleasant traditional pub. Staff happy to have random football conversations. Sam Smith's beers cheap as ever, despite being yards from Tower Bridge

If you seek a genuine London's pub here you are! Enjoy your beer and relax! Food also is recommended, you won't regret.

The pub is kind of isolated. Pretty quiet. The waiters are all funny chaps they love to drop a joke or two and be super friendly with you. Rarely seen such easygoing service. They also checked is everything fine with our food. The food was amazing. Burger and Mac and cheese were really good. They had this weird selection of beers but the obscure one we got were pretty good. If you want to meet people, have a good time and preserve your eardrums, go here.

I was here for just a brief second and ended up going to a different pub for unrelated reasons. However this is a lovely, cozy and friendly place. I was greeted kindly at the door and I will return to stay for longer next time. Really nice!

Pub trouvé par hasard, nous avons adoré le cadre, la nourriture typique et copieuse, très loin de tous les cafés concepts alentours. Nous le recommandons !

Great place with nice atmosphere. The food was delicious and the staff super friendly. We'll definitely come back.

Muito bacana ter essa experiência .. o lugar data de 1761. Preservado , incrível ! Além da comida boa e atendimento divertido e impecável.

Good old fashioned South London pub I remember from my youth.

Went to this beautiful pub, great scenery and good service, the barman was kind and very efficient at pouring my beer, had a good chat with some locals too, would defo come back again.

Such a great classic pub with amazing good and people! Right next to tower bridge! Definitely worth a stop. Historical building and knowledge staff!

This place is much larger than it first appears but it is crowded! Get there early and you'll still search for a table, but it's worth it. As you would expect in a pub, lots of great beer and libations, friendly staff, and perfect location. And the food is as good as the location- fish and chips, steak and ale pie were tasty and served in good time. May go back.

Service was great albeit long, nice selection of food

A last minute discovery before retiring home, we came across this little gem of a pub, you know, one for the road, and all that. It was late, about to shut, but the atmosphere and the 2 bar staff were incredible. Worth revisiting at busier hours if only to soak up the proper atmosphere. A nice selection of lagers & ciders.

Great local pub at an amazing location. Really feels like you’re one of the locals when you’re there. You can’t really find places like this in the US. Staff was attentive and friendly.

Nice old pub with a good amosphere and lovely staff! First time there, after I moved to London from France and I had a lovely time!

Felt so awkward the moment I entered this pub. Just because I'm brown I felt this discomfort immediately with the bartender and the people sitting with him there. Conversing with the bartender himself was also weird as he himself seemed to be unwelcoming. I had to quickly finish my beer and get out of there as fast as I could!

Excellent food, drinks, and service. We had the steak and ale pie and the Big Catch plate.

I’m always hesitant about writing a review of a place like the Anchor Tap as I want it to last forever, but don’t want it rammed so as I can’t get a beer and bite when I’m Southwark. Anyway, it is a gem of place, really friendly staff and customers too. The food is simple, delicious and always cooked to perfection. The beer, well it’s always epic. If you like Sam Smiths, you won’t get it kept and poured better anywhere. Visited the Tower or the Tate? Then get refreshed in the Tap. However, if you wouldn’t mind ensuring there’s room for me to get a drink and a bite when I’m in Southwark, I’d be very grateful

We had a great time at this pub. We got there right when the restaurant part opened and chatted with the restaurant bar tender who was a very friendly and funny guy. The food was delicious. The steak and ale pie and bangers and mash are incredible. Great beers and ciders too. We’ll definitely be back.

Beautiful pub. Spotlessly clean

Another diamond pub, full of character just around the corner from the tower bridge

The food is good but the service is the worst I’ve ever seen No organisation, it’s a mess behind the bar and in the kitchen We waited 1h30 for three meal, had to wait 30 lin for the dessert I would recommend this restaurant if you have plenty of time. If not, avoid it!

Stumbled upon this little gem after the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Wasn’t super busy, but they were steady and our server was working really hard. Friendly to tourists. Really good fish and chips. Great place to kick back and relax!

We had a great time at this pub. We got there right when the restaurant part opened and chatted with the restaurant bar tender who was a very friendly and funny guy. The food was delicious. The steak and ale pie and bangers and mash are incredible. Great beers and ciders too. We’ll definitely be back.

Food was mediocre here. Just bar food. 3.5 stars but I rounded up for the vibe of this place. It's a nice vibe with the old wooden furniture.

As always, friendly and great service

We were hesitant to try this place after entering, boy am I glad we stayed. They weren't serving upstairs, due to construction, so we opted to sit in the back room ( watch your head lol ) It is a place that my mate wouldn't go to eat, but don't be a snob. Enjoy the local fare. The 2 servers were working hard to get everything right. And right they did. It was the best fish n chips I've ever had. My mate was so excited that she wanted to go back on our last day. SUPER SUPER FRIENDLY service

The landlady and welcome at the Tap were superb. It was the first time I’d been back to the pub for several years and was delighted to find the decor and atmosphere hadn’t changed a bit. Wonderful traditional pub, great service and the best sausage roll for miles. I would have loved to have stayed longer but vow to return again soon. Im not one for writing such reviews (indeed it’s my first) but felt it was worth taking the time to do so on this occasion. Thank you. Terry

Klasyczny PUB w doskonałym miejscu i z miłą obsługą.

Fun spot if you want to avoid the tourist pubs. Great service, super friendly bartender. Tasty food. Perfect after a long tiring day at the Tower of London.

Great local pub away from the tourists.

My husband and I found this gem on Sunday , April 30 , 2023. Darin the manager welcomed us & showed us around. It’s like walking back in time . He is knowledgeable & entertaining -honestly the reason we stayed & had a terrific meal! We had been looking for an authentic English pub experience and this place is indeed just that. Ordered the mashers with sausage and the fish & chips- terrific!!! Thanks Darin!!

Great pub with reasonable prices. Definitely try the POT PIE deconstructed(pie with awesome beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, gravy) Kids had a real hamburger and delicious fries. Hello to Jane and Katielan, super staff.

It is definitely like going back in time. Wonderful atmosphere. The barman was friendly and cheerful and we will definitely go back again.

Walked 30 minutes for dinner only to find the restaurant was not open, only the bar :( No mention of that on the site.

Good pub old and traditional with lots of character and history it’s like a step back in time the barmen are friendly and make you feel welcome with excellent service lots of little rooms to relax and play games

If you are looking for the authentical english pub, this ia your place.

Thank you for a lovely lunch, nice beer and great service!! We had a great time hanging out with you today. We forgot to grab the chips.

Great as always with Samuel Smith

Discriminating barman. I went there with some friends from Italy.When ordering a round including some half pints for wives he said that they don't serve half pints while everyone at the bar was drinking half pints. I highlighted that we should have had the same...

Nice old style pub with Sam Smiths brewery drinks which is a refreshing change. Highly recommend

Beautiful classic London pub with a great selection of drinks. Close to Tower Bridge with a nice, friendly atmosphere. Great to get away from all the tourist traps

Hidden gem, super rustic and still had it's original pub character.

Stopped in for a quick pint. Bartender was very engaging and informative. Worth dropping in to enjoy.

At this wonderful pub a few days ago while visiting tower of London highly recommended

I went for an event, it was too crowded and the place smelled funny

Proper Sam Smith's, lovely old brewery bitter, bit pricey, but then, I'm a northerner now.

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this little pub on our search for a classic pub and it was the perfect find. The barman, Darren, was an absolute delight. The beer, cider, and fish & chips were all delwand quintessentially British. Can't wait to go back and visit again next time we're in town!

Good old fashion pub, pleasant barman too

Real people, real ales, a blend of amazing locals & tourists: a real gem! This has always been my no.1 pub in London and forever will be.

A classic pub in a great location by Tower Bridge. The usual Sam Smith's selection of beers and food. Cosy rooms and good service.

This is a really hard pub to rate. It's a Sam Smith's so the drink limitations we all know and hate are in effect. It's their beer)spirits only and frankly, considering the prices that's borderline scandalous. Why 4 stars, Steersy? Like other SS pubs like the Cheshire Cheese this place has character in spades; quirky cubbies and corners provide plenty of places to hide away but if you do you'll miss the chance to savour the locals. An eclectic mix of folk with plenty to say and loads of banter. If you wanted to show someone what pins used to be about this would be a superb choice of venue

Very friendly staff, lovely service, they created a wonderful atmosphere for our birthday party. Would 100% recommend

Everytime I go there I feel welcome and it's such a lovely pub and the owners are very welcoming and bubbly people which makes the pub enjoyable I recommend going.

Cosy Sam Smith pub in the middle of london.

The pub itself is great, get a real feel for what it might have been like many moons ago. With the real fire and low ceilings there is something quite quaint about it. Up until the end we had a good night. They only have one red and one white wine but they were decent. Lots of interesting ales to try. General service was also good. Disappointing was when we still had half our drinks left and were told to leave. A member of staff stood over us and watched while we tried to finish our drinks. In the end we left most of it. Having worked in bars I understand there is a need to get people moving however last orders was called and then we were not given any warning that the place was closing before being told to leave. Hopefully they have worked on their people skills since then as it is a great little building.