The Grapes in Tower Hamlets

Ah, Sir Ian. What a lovely experience.

Delightful little pub in Canary Wharf; I absolutely LOVED it! The food and service were both superb. The rear of the pub overlooks the Thames. I highly recommend you drop in for some fish and chips, ale (or wine in my case), ambiance, and charm.

Awesome spot, quirky interior and heritage, and of course Gandalf's staff behind the bar. The staff were great but the food was, at best, mediocre.

A true pub experience. Service is great!

Great pub with view on the river, good food and beer and good service

Beautiful pub , and very friendly staff .

We had a wonderful lunch! The staff helped us feel welcome, and the food was excellent.

Disappointing. Staff lovely and friendly, food was ok but overpriced, obviously done in an air fryer which another customer was told was used for all the food whether vegetarian or not. Small place with steep stairs going up to the toilets, kitchen and upstairs room. I struggled to get upstairs as I am disabled. Probably won't visit again

Pub awesomeness in every way PLUS Gandalf's staff!

Me & my friend had a lovely time here. First off we couldn’t decide on which beer to drink so the bartender let us try a couple to help us decide which is so nice of them. We enjoyed talking with the staff and to some of the locals too. The artwork is really beautiful and they have Charles Dickens books. The atmosphere is really great with a wonderful view of the Thames.

Amazing pub, small but beautiful.

Fantastic old pub with loads of history. Very small pub that backs onto the Thames with a balcony that overlooks the river and City. Very dark inside ( the best pubs always are ) with old wood panelling. Always had a good welcome from the staff and good service. Sir Ian McKellen who is a part owner was in there too. Locals are friendly. Well with a visit if you love the old traditional pubs of London.

The Grapes Pub in Limehouse, London. Where the beer’s as dark as the Thames on a moonless night and the floorboards creak with the weight of 500 years of bad decisions. Imagine this. Sir Walter Raleigh supposedly set sail for the New World from right below this joint. Maybe he needed a stiff drink before the voyage or perhaps he just wanted to avoid the tab. Either way, history oozes from these walls like the ale from an unclean tap. Fast forward a few centuries and who do we find holding the keys? None other than Sir Ian McKellen. That’s right, Gandalf himself presides over this establishment. One wonders if he stands at the door, staff in hand, proclaiming “You shall not pass” to underage drinkers. The pub’s interior is a tight squeeze, much like the waistband of a man who’s had one too many of their famous fish and chips. But what it lacks in space it makes up for in character. The wooden paneling and low ceilings whisper tales of sailors, smugglers, and the occasional literary figure. Charles Dickens himself was a patron, perhaps finding inspiration for his dreary characters in the bottom of a pint glass. Venture out back and you’ll find a deck overlooking the Thames. On a good day it’s a picturesque spot to contemplate life’s regrets. On a bad day, well, at least you’re close enough to toss them into the river. In summary, The Grapes is a place where history and alcohol intermingle like old friends who can’t quite remember why they stopped speaking. It’s worth a visit, if only to say you’ve been and to ponder how a place so steeped in history can still serve a pint that’s just a tad too warm.

Great little place tucked away outside the hustle and bustle of Canary Wharf and right next to the water which is really nice as the sun comes down. We didn't eat here but the food looked and smelt great! We'll have to come back for fish and chips :-)

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

A great cosy pub, small balcony over looking the Thames. It has Gandalf's staff behind the bar.

Love the vibe here, especially on Monday nights. The special pie and chunky chips are a must try

Didn't see sir Ian but was a great place to visit

You can get your burger cooked rare. That's rare these days. Friendly atmosphere. Spot Gandalf's staff if you can.

Really good meatballs and fish & chips. Very classic and cosy

The chips are unreal, the staff are nice, nice view out the back and to top it off you catch the off glimpse of Sir Ian throughout the day!

Lovely quaint pub, of course the thrill and it’s reputation entices a LOT of people so the turnover of people is relatively quick and it does get quite noisy in here. Obviously, being in London, I feel it’s more expensive than other places. Despite it being delicious, the portion of the fish and chips isn’t £17.50 worth in my opinion. PSA: If you’re tall and need to go upstairs to the toilet, mind your head 😂

Good seafood, great atmosphere, lovely staff. It's a small, busy pub, so be prepared to squeeze in!

Very nice and freindly But we went for food at 4.30pm and the kitchen didn't open 'till 6.00

Got to see Gandals’s staff and sip beer outside. Its a little small but the vibes are nice. Dog friendy!

A beautiful riverside pub with a surprising amount of space despite the small building

A small and cosy pub oozing with character and an outside view to die for. Went for a quick drink before a gig. Didn’t try any food but the ale and beers on tap were really good.

Great venue and decent atmosphere. Nice friendly staff.

Great pub for wine, beer, food and music.

We had a great time visiting this little pub! We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was extremely busy and took awhile to get a table, so get there early if you want a table and a chance to take a photo of Gandalf’s staff!

Great find . Please don't change, An Honest pub food with a great pint of Guinness

A small old pub! Must visit for be best scenic views of Thames sipping a beer. Place is tiny to expect to be overcrowded all the time.

Fantastic old fashioned pub, relaxed atmosphere & great food.

I'm a huge LOTR fan so I could be bias but no, this pub is great.

We were very disappointed with our visit to The Grapes today (24/02/25). The smell of disinfectant hit us when we arrived at about 12:15, but after a while you seems to get used to it... However, shortly after sitting down, the landlady sat on the seat against the opposite wall, so that we were about 8ft from each other. She then took a telephone call from somebody doing a survey. This call lasted the best part of 20 minutes, to which she replied, in a loud voice saying either "agree", "strongly agree" or "i'd rather not say". It is bad enough when a customer makes a phone call, but when it is the landlady, that is exceptionally bad manners and rude. The outcome was that the whole experience at The Grapes was ruined. Would we go back? No, certainly not!! Would we give them a second chance? No, certainly not!!

Great atmosphere, amazing food. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Imma say it. I came all the way from Italy just to see THE STAFF. Yes I did plan a whole trip just for it. Glad I did it. Beer and the environment were great as well! Sir, the world adores you.

No under 18s allowed in at all. Does not make that clear anywhere. How unfriendly is that? Waste of time don't visit.

We first visited in october last year to say weve been to sir ian mckellens pub to see gandalfs staff.We ended up staying all day and doing the quiz which was a blast. We came back this week in hope to see the real attraction of the pub.....the bar manager jo.On both visits weve sat and had a laugh with jo..her banter is next level and really creates a fun atmosphere. We will be returning again soon from the midlands and bringing more people with us to experience an evening sat with this legend !! Oh and her cooking is banging !!!!

One of the most amazing pub signs outside. Ludicrously large. Some of the best varnishing inside that I have seen in recent times. That aside, a genuinely warm welcome from the staff and great locals to mix with, along with the inevitable tourists looking at Hagrid’s wand. Excellent.

A small and cosy pub with lots of history (Charles Dickens was here). Owned by Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings fans take note) Fairly busy but not crowded. No problem in finding a seat. A good pint of Hardy and Hanson ‘s Bitter. I enjoyed the shepherds pie. I think it was a “special “ and might have been too spicy for some. I would guess the regular shepherds pie isn’t so, but ask if you are worried.

My father took me here as a surprise for dinner on saturday. I absolutely loved it! We had talked about going here before and now since we were back in the UK he decided it was the perfect time to go here. The food was delicious, staff was kind and helpfull. The people going there were all kind, the mood was great. And of course it was amazing to see Gandalf's staff.

Good feel to this old and historic pub. I didn't eat here but the portions looked good with a decent selection from the menu or bar. Good views over the Thames, would recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Beautiful pub from the 1500s, overlooking the Thames. Hosting quiz night on Mondays...

Friendly staff and great pub quiz

Love the atmosphere but hate the bell. You should stop ringing that bell…

An excellent old pub with a great atmosphere. Gandalf's staff, which Ian Mckellen gifted to the pub after the Hobbit movie, is exhibited inside. A must visit place for Tolkien fans.

One of the oldest pubs in the area. Great history and lovely view from back terrace. Good selection of drinks.

Fantastic old English pub with lots of history and a beautiful location

Stopped into this beautiful old pub last weekend for a few drinks as it was near our hotel. Absolutely loved everything about it, super dark and cozy inside with the fire lighting. Staff were super friendly.

Only went in for a drink. The highlight of our weekend as the landlord sat down and joined us for a chat. It was Sir Ian McKellen.😲 so star struck I forgot to take a photo.

Very neat bar and great atmosphere!

Excellent food and beer in an atmospheric traditional London pub

Classic old pub with great selection of options! Can be a little difficult to get a seat but atmosphere makes up for it. Highlight is sitting outside the back by the Thames

Great old pub with good beer tasty food and wonderful service.

Nos detuvimos para un pequeño almuerzo y una pinta mientras nos alojábamos en la zona. Honestamente no tenía idea sobre la fama de copropietario hasta que nos fue transmitido por nuestro anfitrión en nuestro alojamiento. Tenía el estofado de carne que estaba muy bueno. La familia tenía pescado y patatas fritas, que también era agradable. Pintoresco y se siente como un viejo pub sólido. No es elegante ni se esfuerza demasiado. Es literalmente donde una persona "cotidiana" puede sentarse y disfrutar de una pinta. No hay un montón de opciones en la zona, pero incluso con la opción me gustaría comer aquí de nuevo. El personal del bar es lo suficientemente amable. Como estábamos visitando Londres por unos días, era el lugar perfecto para nosotros. Nos gustó el ambiente.

Lovely pint of Guinness after a long walk, managed to crack my head on the ceiling and a light fitting which did make me think of Gandalf in Bag End!

Pequeño pub encantador, pintoresco y en un entorno agradable. La única desventaja es la falta de asientos, y el personal del bar no era el mejor en observar quién había estado esperando más tiempo en el bar para ser atendido.

I love the upstairs area and of course Gandalf’s staff behind the counter.

We came here 9 ppl and good support and service. Hang out here before you are going to take a dinner

Dark, miserable pub with a miserable atmosphere with miserable bar staff. No Wi-Fi either. Waste of time and money.

The service was lovely, friendly, polite etc. The space is utterly charming as expected. The food was disappointing. I had the beef and mushroom pie with chips. It came in super quick time, which is always alarming. The chips were good. The pie was old and dry and appeared to have been hanging around for a few days. I think it had been microwaved, as the pastry was soggy. It was a shame - I expected it better.

Quaint English pub, very good food, nice atmosphere.

If we look at this place purely on the quality of food, selection of drinks, it is nothing special then. However, add the atmosphere, the location and how cozy it is, when not over crowded, you will get my favourite pub experience in London. For me the grapes oddly feels like a second home away from home, especially upstairs, it is a perfect place for a conversation with the view of the Thames in the background. If you want a real pub experience, this is a very good place to go to!

Lovely pub, very busy. But the staff are kind professional, welcoming and accommodate you nevertheless.

The great staff of gandalf the grey from Lord of the Rings is here!!!!! The staff was amazing great place for fish and chips 💕

Lovely pub great atmosphere and friendly staff.. good, hearty meals

We wanted to come with a baby and they turned us down, stating they could only allow children over 18. I can understand that they would be worried about the potential nuisance of a baby crying to other customers but turning down a 3 month old baby on these grounds is taking the law a bit too literally. I won't go back.

It was a really nice restaurant. I think it was a little expensive for a shepherd's pie

Did the pub quiz which was fun but unless you’re sat very near the quizmaster you can’t hear the questions - perhaps they could get speakers around the pub as this did ruin it. A couple of the staff are quite rude and moody. The pub itself is nice though.

Got t The Sir Ian's shepherd pie and it was delicious, but the real reason was the pub and Gandalfs staff. Great atmosphere 👍

Disappointing first visit to this pub after reading such good reviews. Ordered the three meat pie and chips which was actually very tasty but so dry. Asked if they serve any jugs of gravy but the person serving was quite dismissive. Very overpriced at nearly £18 a portion. This pub either needs to serve better quality food or reduce portion prices.

Me pareció un tanto sorprendente ver el estado de este "reconocido" pub, especialmente dada la conexión con su famoso copropietario, Sir Ian McKellan. Fui allí con otras 5 personas, después de esperar más de un año para llegar allí para ver este lugar bien considerado y disfrutar de la cena y bebidas con amigos entre Navidad y NY. Pasamos bastante tiempo, así que siento que puedo dejar una crítica honesta después de haber probado la mayor parte de lo que se ofrecía. En cuanto al lugar en sí, esperaba algo inteligente, pero especial, diferente y encantador. incluso fru - fru, glam, pijo, elegante - ya sabes, aspectos de estilo que uno asocia con hombres gay con talento, educación y buen gusto. The Grapes tiene poco de eso, pero le di la oportunidad de encantarme con su rareza. Al final no lo hizo. La impresión que tenía era desastrosa, daggy, tenue, sombría, sucia y vieja, en necesidad de un overhall desesperado, o al menos una maldita buena limpieza. (NO entres en el baño masculino si no quieres un shock del tipo sensorial; repugnante en todos los sentidos y eso no fue solo un tema temporal estoy seguro - es la forma en que lo mantienen. ) La comida fue complementada por todos nosotros. El risotto era muy sabroso - de los 6 de nosotros, pedimos 4 porciones de risotto y el 4o salió servido plano y descuidado en el plato, mientras que los otros 3 estaban amontonados alto y no empapado. Pero sabía bien. ¿El fondo de la olla tal vez? En cuanto al personal -no es muy agradable decirlo allí-, lo que con una gran camarera de sexo femenino muy sarcástica y bastante desagradable, que solo podía ser un poco más agradable que una clientela inteligente en particular -alec mujer (amiga de dicha barman? ) sentada en un taburete con algunos otros clientes; parecía disfrutar repitiendo lo que alguien ordenó de una manera sarcástica- sin razón aparente. Siendo gay, no hay forma de que presente mi propio pub como se presenta la Uvas. Estaba triste y me preguntaron cómo puede ser que Sir Ian, que tiene una buena reputación y fama, lo permita. Vive dos puertas más abajo, así que no puede ser que no pueda entrar y verlo por sí mismo. Creo que no merece una visita de regreso. Hay otros pubs originales fuera de cadena igualmente históricos y mucho más encantadores en Wapping. Golpéales en su lugar. Lo siento, Sir Ian, pero le has echado el ojo a la pelota con esto y es bastante triste decirlo.

Food was terrible, I had the Lamb Roast. Roast potatoes were hard, the vegetable dish of carrots, cauliflower and broccoli was not cooked. Overpriced and not worth it. The gents toilets were in the a disgusting state. Needs more attention to detail on all fronts.

I have been few times in this pub and I think it is a fantastic place for a pint with beautiful views from the terrace. However yesterday me and another customers noticed a very foul smell inside the pub that had us having to go straight outside. Whatever Is going on I think management needs to take care of it as this is a very nice pub and especially a mecca for fanatics of The Middle Earth.

Such a remarkable place, with history, a terrace overlooking London and its sunsets! There is also upstairs space with books and a chill-out space ✨️

Fantastic place to have a few beers and a good meal. Nothing fancy, just fine with a great atmosphere. And of course a must have been for LOTR-fans :)

Great pub. Friendly service, decent selection of cask ales, and nice toastie. One star dropped due to wonky toilet in the Gents. Mind the steep staircase!

Very comfortably furnished pub with a particularly chilled atmosphere. The guests and staff are open and helpful. Alex 🇩🇪🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️😎,,🏴rechner

Best pub in UK. And if you win the lottery and get to meet Sir Ian McKellen, you get the time of your life.

Best mussels I’ve had all year. Our meal last night was delicious. Shared our table with lovely students from Munich who tried our food and have been sending pics of their day in London. Really happy evening shared with lovely people.

Unrushed decent food. Would recommend

Lovely old fashioned London pub on the Thames. Off the beaten track

Unfortunately, they do not respect dietary requirements. Although i asked them several times if they could prepare my food without any pork products, they served me a soup with pancetta and accepted it only after I showed them the meat pieces.

Fantástico lugar con un gran ambiente en una tarde húmeda y fría. Personal muy amable y pub muy acogedor, sin duda volveremos.

Sir Ian Murray McKellen CH, CBE (born 25 May 1939 He Owns this pub on the Thames in London UK what a small beautiful pub it is over the Thames in London

Old small pub, no frills. Cash only! Great meat and onions pie as daily special when I went. Fries perfect. Friendly neighborhood clientele. If you're in Limehouse or Canary Wharf, that's what I would call "the pub".

Very good quizmaster at Monday’s pubquiz! A delight to experience that, even as a foreigner good to follow and to compete in such a pleasant environment. Good and friendly service.

Humble pub with good fish & chips.

The bar staff are great. The pub has a lovely atmosphere. But it's a shame it keeps running out of beer. You never know if you are going to get a beer or not from one week to the next. SHAME.

Super pub. Very friendly. Great view of Thames. We were going to go to the Gordon Ramsay place further along, but this is actually much nicer.

Extremely kind personnel and a beautiful atmosphere.

Hospitality professional 15 years going on, here. Been to quite a few places and then some. This is single-handedly the best pub I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. Cosy, welcoming, a true hearth in a city I despise. I'm kinda on the femce about posting this review because I don't want it to be ruined xD

Food is quite good here!! And the drinks options change a lot but are good as well. The staff are super lovely. I you want to go to the quiz you need to get there hours early because it's very popular.

It’s been a while since I have been to the city and I can honestly say The Grapes isn’t going draw me back again. The barman could only be described, at the very best, as lack lustre. In his defence, whoever interviewed him and subsequently trained him, needs a swift and succinct talking to. The difficulty ordering a “Chardonnay”, a little known grape based beverage, should have given the game away. Trying to order the food proved to be a bridge too far and we had to leave for a hostel with staff that are better trained, not lounging with earbuds and where menu items were, available. The location, decor and beer aside, someone needs to get a grip of their Saturday service. The local Wetherspoons proved a much tastier and easier challenge and, it speaks volume that this much maligned chain outperformed The Grapes in every aspect of of this particular area of the hospitality industry🤷‍♂️

We wanted to take a look at the wand but the pub isn't good. Pretty run down and the food wasn't good either.

God mat och dryck vid Themsen. Trevlig PUB miljö, men lite trångt. Vid provade Fish and Chips, Hamburgare och ett gott glas med cider.

Visited on 11/20/2024. I've always wanted to visit this pub, I just didn't have the time. Very cozy, authentic place. Thank God, efforts have been made to preserve the spirit and history of the inn. We tasted snacks. Drinks include beer and wine. Chicken with a crispy crust, not overcooked. Meat dumplings are delicious. I won't comment on the donuts because I'm not a big fan of goat cheese, so the assessment would be subjective. After tasting, the taste of the cheese is very intense. Paired well with wine. I will definitely stop by again when I'm in London.

Very tiny pub with an amazing view and it is said that it is owned by Gandalf from Lord of the Rings. Super cool place to visit.

Didn't eat here, but visited to see "The Staff". Great atmosphere, very friendly and great pint too