The Grapes in Tower Hamlets

Nice east london neighbourhood pub. Famous for people. Queuing outside the door for Sunday lunch in the summer, for the unmissable river views of the Thames and Canary Wharf and also for its owner Sir Ian McKellen. We popped in for a quick drink at the weekend.

Character pub on the Thames with an ok selection of beers and plenty for the lotr enthusiasts.

Great pub! Went on Monday night which is Quiz Nights and very popular. Ian McKellen's Gandalf staff hangs behind the bar, but he wasn't there when I went. Very friendly staff!

Neat spot along the Thames for a pint.

Gandalf's staff is here! But they don't allow babies in (because they're under 18 FFS!!)

Me and my friends went for a day out on the Thames. It was so exciting we went to the grapes pub for a nice Guinness. we got on an Uber boat from Westminster to the Limehouse walked for a short period of time around 10 minutes.

A local pub with celebrity features. This pub feels like a real English pub, locals at the bar and a wide range of real ales. Although there were clearly many visitors (some international) this pub does not feel like a theme park and maintains its own culture. A must visit. Walk here, the Prospect of Whitby and The Town of Ramsgate. Note Gandalfs Staff behind the bar

Wow ! I was so excited to be there, to see the real Gandalf staff! I was not disappointed, the food was really good, especially the fish and chips, and the apple crumble was fantastic. And the beer, wow, I don't really like beer and I was in love ! There are lots of people that come there, but the wait is worth it. I 100% recommend it!

My friend was there this very morning literally to look at the staff of Gandalf and was to shy to ask if he could touch it and take a picture. This man, due to be married soon, who teaches the next generation could not ask the staff for this gift so i called from ireland, spoke with a lovely lady on the phone who confirmed she could see my friend staring longingly and said he could in fact, touch the staff. 10/10, great service from another country no less.

A small gem of a pub, on the Wapping walk. Great historic features. Has a small outside area, which is on the water. Can get very busy, but we'll worth a visit.

Tasty food and great atmosphere. Can't get much older than this pub!

Six of us decided to go for the Monday night quiz. Being a tiny pub, one of us had to go there at 4 o’clock in order to make sure we had a table. Otherwise by 8 o’clock when the quiz starts is standing room only. The food was good and so was the beer. Being a small place the noise was at an extreme high level. Still it was fun - even though some people thought it was appropriate to cheat by using their phones to get the right answers for the quiz. Given the amount of misinformation going on on line, however, I don’t think it was much help.

For information, it is a pub prohibited to under 18s, so unfortunately impossible to enjoy it with family even if it looked very nice

We had lamb curry Shepard's pie and fish and chips Hardy and Hanson's bitters all excellent . Had to squeeze in but opened up a little while we were there. Food came up before we finished our first beer.

Nice pub with deliciouse food and beer.

We just dropped in for a few drinks and to enjoy the view of the Thames River from the small balcony out the back. The beer was great, service was quick and the views were fantastic. It's an old, small pub with character and it was quite busy but we still managed to get a seat on the balcony, which could probably seat around 12 people. The view of the sun setting over the city was a great way to enjoy a drink on a pleasant evening. Worth a visit.

Came on a day the Thames was getting over friendly… What a history and it’s all in the atmosphere of the place.

A lovely pub, but ruined by the rude staff behind the bar. When I asked if the Gandalf staff was one used in the films, I was given a sarcastic, vague answer. When I didn’t know what to say in response and tried to clarify what I was asking, she continued to be rude and sarcastic

A lovely great local pub owned by the great Sir Ian McKellen… what more could one ask for!?

Great atmosphere and made more atmospheric by waves lapping the outdoor seating !

Proper pub, with great food and an amazing view of the Thames. Friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere.

Interesting vibes, obviously went there since it’s more Lord of the Rings lore. They had an okay drink selection. Extremely small and cheap food. The extremely boisterous bartender was doing shots with locals at 7pm so that was something to behold.

Superb historic pub, a great view on the terrace and very good beer, you can even see Gandalf's staff in Lord of the Rings because the bar belongs to the actor.

Food and drinks were incredible. Serivce was lovely and the whole bar had an amazing classic pub-vibe to it. A must-visit if you're in the area

Nice quaint little pub. Decent beers on offer. Food looked good but we didn't eat as booked elsewhere.

I popped in for a drink with a colleague and friend and I just had to leave a review because the staff and atmosphere was so warm and friendly. The bar staff are such kind and friendly people I really felt welcome. It was just a lovely experience and I just wanted the management to be aware what a wonderful team you have. Bars now are quite indifferent but you have magic at the grapes.

Just bloody good, simple pub food and drink. Great atmosphere.

Quaint pub, probably very popular with locals, unfortunately no reservations possible. That's why we were there at 5:30 p.m. Eating possible from 6 p.m. Self service at the counter.

I popped in for a quick drink because I had a long journey ahead of me but as soon as I set one foot in the door I wanted to stay I felt so comfortable there im going back soon with some very ol friends

Such a lucky break to be able to hop a few trains and hit a pub where JRR Tolkein would spend time. The atmosphere is great and the wood paneling and decor is warm. The calamari was the best I've had in a while.

A small pub with a huge history! Centuries of operation! Charming, cozy and small atmosphere, a classic London pub. Petit entries are a great option! It's worth going to the pub quiz nights that take place on Mondays, great fun!

Beautiful pub! Like a trip back to the Dickensian era. Good service too these people know what they’re doing clashing 500 year old history with modern life 👏👏👏

Perfect little hang out spot for a pint and some excellent fish and chips

The people who work in the pub are very cool, very friendly, in the back you can enjoy the view of the river, the food and snacks are very good, the cold beer is the best (and I hardly drink beer) excellent service! I love the Lord of the Rings and there they have some collectible pieces from Sir Ian McKellen, Charles Dickens and Gandalf!

A quiet, friendly and warm neighborhood pub, small but very nice. He saw people pass by, including Dickens and Oscar Wilde. It belongs to Ian Mc Kellen, hence the Lord of the Rings statue at the back of the room. The small terrace offers views of the Thames. The fish and chips and mash sausage are great.

I didn’t try the food so cannot comment but what came out to other customers looked good. The pub itself is very cool with a ground floor and first floor view of the Thames. The two ladies serving were very welcoming and friendly and I chatted with some really nice patrons too. A really lovely little pub in a special setting.

It was wonderful to see that place, it had a very good atmosphere. A place with beautiful views.

Loved the Grapes even though we only went in for a swift Guinness. It is a small venue so don’t expect a seat as it is very popular and for good reason. The atmosphere was great and the staff were friendly.

A cozy, rustic pub with a small terrace directly above the Thames. A good selection of drinks, combined with delicious food and a great price-performance ratio. Plus, Ellinor, the best bartender in London. Absolute recommendation! / Very cozy, rustic pub with a little terrace above the Thames. Good variety of drinks combined with tasty food and a very good price-performance ratio. And with Ellinor the best bartender/barmaid in London! Highly recommended!

Went to this pub as had seen it on Facebook as owned by Sir Ian McKellen and had the staff used in his portrayal of Gandalf behind the bar. The pub is full of character going back to Dickens time and yes the staff of Gandalf is indeed behind the bar. We didn't have anything to eat but looked like a popular menu was being enjoyed by customers. We had a couple of drinks and left but I would recommend this pub for Lotr fans and indeed anyone who likes a small old world atmospheric watering hole. It comes in pints? I'm getting one! (the lord of rings fans will get this)

A truly lovely pub great cosy atmosphere great food great drinks especially the hot toddy 😉 Rounded off with the friendliest staff in London Will absolutely return when next passing through. Thank you guys

Simply fantastic, we had a really good time, the environment is small and welcoming, the staff is smiling and available to help you, the food is amazing and the beers too! If you happen to be in London or are nearby, try it!

Today I went inside the pub I asked for a Coke and a Guinness the lady who was quite friendly gave me the Coke but forgot to give me my Guinness because she was too busy talking to her friend and that’s unprofessional

Amazing riverside location. Amazing light. Food was wonderful. The staff and the staff were wonderful (in joke you have to be there)

Known the Grapes for years. Used to whizz past in the day using Narrow Street as a back double to the Isle of Dogs. A delightful Thames side boozer. Nicely faded. Go upstairs for a pint and a view.

Very cozy pub with a terrace right on the Thames. Nice atmosphere and the food is very tasty. There were also mostly locals there / Very cozy pub with a terrace directly on the Thames. Nice atmosphere and the food is delicious. We are also mainly locals on site.

An incredible place to visit, whether you like Lord of the Rings or not. The atmosphere is wonderful and rustic, it has two floors and a terracotta that overlooks the river. We ate fish & chips and some wonderful sausages in sauce with mash, they are very filling. The beers were well served and the waiters were very friendly despite seeing us as pure tourists. Highly recommended, we will go again.

Great traditional pub in fantastic location by the river. Staff were friendly and helpful. Had Whitebait and Chips which were very good and reasonably priced. Pub had good atmosphere and beautifully 'unrestored'.

Friendly staff. Good atmosphere for a quiet beer.

Cracking old pub with a unique charm. Good beer served by friendly staff.

Popped in for a pint as the weather was bad, very cosy. Great view of the river, great 👍didn't eat, bit early but menu looks ok, look out for gandalfs starff behind the bar

The staff are very rude and lazy and have absolutely no tolerance for people who are not from around. Don't go if you don't want to have a bad time. Also, the food isn't any better than the appalling service, I ordered a steak and I might as well have eaten the sole of my shoe and it would've been a more pleasant experience, another person ordered a beef mushroom pie and it was literally burnt. The place was dirty and even the tables were sticky, the waitress gave me cutlery which had pieces of food stuck to the fork and knife and the napkin had a brown stain. There's nothing else around the area so if you're going just for this pub, you're kind of stuck in there if you don't like it. In short, they gave me no reason to go back or even recommend anyone to visit.

Magic wand of Gandalf on the wall…

A beautiful pub with an amazing atmosphere and a very welcoming staff. The food was very delicious and very well portioned. Don't forget to check upstairs for a wonderful view of the Thames.

Stopped by for a couple pints. Quaint and cozy pub, cool backstory.

Great site right beside the Thames. Upstairs is a lovely area. Real old world pub. Did not have food but drinks were served promptly and were of a good quality. Gandalf's staff has pride of place behind the bar because it is rumoured the pub has Wizardly connections. Orcs or Balrogs will not served, can't hold their liquor.

Beautiful old pub, staff were friendly.. atmosphere is great. Gandalf’s movie staff was quite epic

Came here after having dinner in a close restaurant. My friends have been called out while smoking outside, even without any signs of no smoking allowed. Another friend faced a bar-lady? Manager maybe? Refusing her an order because she looking “swaying” and even if is she was, there was another way to saying that instead of saying in out loud, making her ashamed even if she wasn’t “swaying”. Also saw a mouse upstairs close to the toilets. Even if my friend was “swaying”, that’s not the way to manage it.

Great atmosphere and a must visit for LOTR fans! The balcony is pure vibes on a sunny afternoon.

Although we couldn't stay, since it was full, just by entering we could appreciate how authentic it is. I hope I can go when we return to London.

Splendid evening! Amazing pub Amazing first class staff Amazing first class pub food Excellent reasonable priced beer And we had a magical being that blesses us with there humble presence

My daughter and I had so much fun here. Joanne was the best barmaid, attentive, funny with lovely stories! I loved the fish and chips with the mushy peas. Being an American, I got advice on what I should eat while in London! I promise to try the Victorian Sponge! Quiz night was a blast!

Not many spots to get some food around here - so a very welcome spot to have a break. Pint and a bowl of chips. Upstairs, steaming hot day so welcome shade and a breeze off the Thames. Place to myself mid afternoon. Superb views of the river. Gorgeous old boozer. Staff were friendly. Perfect.

Friendly atmosphere and cosy. Nice views out back. Great pint of guiness

I really like this place, full of character and set in a great location. Highly recommended.

Ian Mckellen, Charles Dickens, and the river side.

Great pub right on the water in London. Over 400 years old and steeped in history. Really friendly staff too

What a gem! A magical little pub that is a bit of a TARDIS. A very comfortable place to let your mind wander. Well kept cask beers too.

Such a brilliant pub. Quite apart from being a must-visit for any Lord of the Rings fan, just to see Gandalf's staff behind the bar, it's an excellent pub serving great food and real ales with a cosy interior and the a wonderful riverside setting. Had a lovely meal and drinks here and I'm looking forward to my next visit. Highly recommended.

Shame, nice pub Was there for years …till manager ‘Jo’ doesn’t like me …why? Staff was happy, so was my bday friend, and, the crew from CW … But then. All of sudden.. we were barred and have to leave 😳😳 oh, why? Because two years ago Jo was ‘too high’ to tell her off? 8 guests, confused had to leave the place without explanation… Why? Q Perhaps, I was in ‘ orange’ outfit?

Idris knee heard that Ian McKenna owned this pub so we got an Uber on the Thames got off of the Limehouse and walked for around six minutes

Popped in for a few pints yesterday. The staff were very friendly and quick service. Loved the staff behind the bar, was cool to see in person! Lots of nice snugs to sit in, and lovely views onto the river.

A lovely olde worlde pub on the river Thames. Extremely narrow with a long history. Conversation encouraged as no WiFi. Enjoy life here as it should be enjoyed with good ale & food also available.

Nice old pub, very small, drinks were good and a nice lil chalk board in the gents toilets

Called in one afternoon for a pint after walking canal walk . Very friendly staff and nice ale

Beautiful place, good value beer, good upstairs space too if you can get up the narrow staircase! Do mind your head on the way down...

Well worth a visit. Beautiful ancient pub.

It's a lovely place, nice staff, and amazing view

Amazing location and atmosphere. Cannot recommend the 1983 edition of Trivial Pursuit enough. Lovely food, great service, great access of the river!

Nice Pub, fair prices with a good selection of local beers. It belongs to Ian McKellen. The terrace directly at the Themse ist very nice to sit and enjoy a drink.

Cozy, the girls serving are super cool and ofc Gandalf's Stuff!

Smart little pub in a great setting with balcony's over the Thames.

Nous avons été déçus de voir l'état du restaurant. Mur dépeinturés, toilettes trop petites avec du vieux matériel, mobilier inconfortable. Seule la dame qui nous offrait tout le service à elle seule a été à la hauteur. De surcroît, le menu offert est trop cher pour ce qui est servi. Passez pour le bâton de Gandalf, mais n'espérez pas trop du repas.

Great pub with a rustic atmosphere, delicious food and great beers.

Lovely atmosphere, wonderful staff. Small balcony with room for a few people to enjoy the close proximity of the river.

If you're looking for an English Pub type, this is it! On the banks of the Thames it creates a surreal atmosphere just a stone's throw from the center of London. Here tradition, historicity, typical pub cuisine and the tranquility of the river come together to offer relaxing and fun moments in which the frenetic pace of London seems to stop. Highly recommended! unfortunately it does not accept reservations and is always very full, so it is better to avoid peak times or arrive well in advance.

Great place to have drink looking onto the Thames watching the sun setting.

Fantastic traditional pub on the Thames, staff are brilliant definitely worth a visit

Lovely view. Amazing vibe and perfect selection of beer and pub food. Perfect weekend reset!

LOTR fans will love this spot, check out Gandalf's staff behind the bar! Love the small back patio that has incredible river views, or head upstairs if the patio is full. Super cool spot, highly recommend!

Great traditional pub with a lovely deck overlooking the Thames. I did not have any food but from what I saw the fish and chips looked great!

Best bar we visited in London. Lovely seating area out the back watching boats go up and down. Great selection of drinks and the staff wer lovely, loads of laughter with some locals also

Just popped in for a couple of beers. Nice old Docklands pub backing onto the river. Didn't order food but other customers had a Sunday lunch which looked very tasty. Sunday afternoon visit and was quite quiet

Far and away the best Snakebite/Crown Float (Guinness and cider) - thank you Joann (bartender) for the recommendation. Great history around this tasty beverage; attention LOTR fans: it’s the Hobbit’s best friend; she’ll fill you in. Arrive early to get seating on the deck that overlooks the water.

Nice little pub, no kids which is always a bonus. Missing out on a trick with all the lotrs stuff they could do but a decent pun nonetheless

Lovely old historic traditional pub right on the bank of the Thames

Continues to have the best fish and chips in town

Excellent local pub. Perfect vibe to chat with locals and enjoy a variety of ale & beer. Go for the Sunday roast if you able. The garden in the back is lovely and dogs are welcome. 💙

Old pub from 1500's now owned by Ian Mckellan (Gandalf from lord of the rings movies, his staff is displayed behind the bar). Frequented by Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle in their day.

Always enjoy visiting The Grapes for its cosy charm and stunning views from the riverside veranda. The highlight was Gandalf's staff behind the bar, a whimsical nod to Sir Ian McKellen's ownership. I've added it to my barguide.london site too!