Viaduct Tavern in City of London, Westminster

A short walk from our rooms and nearer still to Smithfield Market (open 2 am to 10 am, for those wishing to buy their meat earlier in the day), The Viaduct Tavern often is compared to the Princess Louise in the sumptuousness of its decor. But it is more renown as a true Gin Palace, where the list of gin and tonics runs to several pages (we were introduced to a Classic G&T, No. 3), the ice chipped from a glistening block of slowly melting ice. The magnificently foliated red ceiling, which variously has been described as beaten copper or tin, plaster or stucco, actually is Lincrusta, whose inventor changed his formulation for linoleum so it could be applied to walls and ceilings. Downstairs, if Jasmine has the time to show you, is a coal cellar, the hole in the ceiling, the opening through which it was poured from street level. (They’re not the cells of Newgate or a debtor’s prison but no less interesting for that.) Indeed, being able to see the casks from which the Fuller’s London Pride was being pulled is a treat in itself. If you intend to eat there, the ham and cheese toastie is especially good. And, if you also intend to have wine, certainly more than one glass, consider ordering the Saint Marc Sauvignon and taking the unfinished bottle with you. You’ll also want to reserve a seat, which The Viaduct does admirably well. On Thursdays, the busiest day of the week when patrons stand shoulder to shoulder, shouting over one another to be heard, you probably should retreat to Table 5 in the corner, a little nook that offers some refuge from the office workers prematurely celebrating the end of the week. We went there every other evening—always wanting the last experience of the day to be at The Viaduct—a feeling made possible by Jasmine and Sergio (who welcomed us so warmly on our first visit, when we had arrived in London only two hours earlier), Victor and Paige.

Best pub people in the whole world 🌎

Lots of people but good atmosphere. Nice team in this well placed pub

GO HERE!! We had the most incredible time at the viaduct tavern because we are massive fans of both history AND Buzzfeed Unsolved, and we asked Georgia (the bartender working) if we could go downstairs and see the basement and old Gaol. Not only did she take us down there, but she gave us a thorough tour of the history and the ghost stories of the tavern. She even let us stand in the jail room with the lights off (at our request), which fulfilled a lifelong dream of ours! We can’t thank Georgia enough for fulfilling our wish so wonderfully. If you’re a fan of history, Buzzfeed Unsolved or even interested in learning more about London, definitely go here! You’re a legend Georgia! Also the gin-fusions are really yummy, I had strawberry lime and would definitely recommend! It’s a gin palace after all!

This ia a unique haunted pub. A great selection of artisan guns. They have a secret jail inside. A few bullet holes from WWII in the wall and ceiling.

Fantastic cocktails, freshly prepared and not the run of the mill.

A great place to visit for the wonderful and friendly happy staff who are a pleasure to chat with also great tasty food and drinks always a pleasure to go here and I highly recommend it and also if you ask you can visit the former prison/holding cells under the pub and hear the history etc

Quick service and excellent drinks. The toasties are perfect for lunch. Bathrooms are down a flight of steps. Be sure to ask the staff about the cell downstairs. We learned about the history of the cells. Also, make reservations in advance on their website to get a great table.

Have Verdant beer from Penryn on tap. friendly pub

Came here with a group of about 12 people on a Saturday. The staff were very busy, but were impressively helpful and courteous.

Love the look of the place, but ordered a dry martini and a bramble. The martini was versed on ice and added water? The bramble was a tom Collins. server didn't even try to remake the drink. Asked for a tom Collins instead, it was gin and soda water. Shame because I was looking forward to this place, but even while reading a guide, the bartenders can't make a gin drink

We recently visited The Viaduct Tavern and had an exceptional experience. The gin cocktails were absolutely fantastic, showcasing a diverse selection and expertly crafted flavors. Paired with their amazing toasties, it made for a delightful culinary experience. The ambiance is truly unique, with the tavern's beautiful 1800s architecture and stunning paintings creating an atmosphere that transports you back in time. The historical charm of the building adds a distinct character that enhances the overall experience. If you're looking for a place with great drinks, delicious food, and a rich historical setting, The Viaduct Tavern is definitely worth a visit. Highly recommended!

Seven quid plus for a pint, I'll say no more other than it's still a pub!

Had lunch here. The toasted sandwiches were great, and there's a great choice. There are plenty of different gins behind the bar and the beer is good. The decor is interesting and the bar staff are friendly and welcoming.

A quiet drink in the afternoon. Friendly staff and a few nice real ales as well as the usual lagers. We didn't eat so can't comment on the food.

Great, atmospheric pub with a fantastic history. The landlord very kindly showed us to the cells in the cellar and was a wealth of knowledge.

Sergio not only gave us an amazing service he also told us about the history of the pub .

Really neat pub with some creepy history. Was allowed to see the debtors prison, which was really cool! The owner was very friendly. Highly recommend stopping in and having a pint or two.

The decor in this pub is fantastic. I would recommend anyone to check out the historic architecture

Coastal fish shack, seafood straight from the ocean.

The Viaduct Tavern 📍 126 Newgate St, London, EC1A 7AA 🚇 St Pauls 🍺 £4.75 Amstel ❤️ Located just a stones throw from the Old Bailey is the absolutely stunning Viaduct Tavern. This boozer was high on my must visit list so I decided to pop in and check it out. The pub was quite on this Tuesday afternoon but this wasn’t a bad thing as I could admire it’s beauty and have a nose around. The atmosphere was laid back with a couple of groups having a drink and a chat. I had a pint and a toasty with a few chips which was really enjoyable and really hit the spot. Hopefully you never have to visit the Old Bailey but if your in this part of town you have to visit The Viaduct Tavern. 📊 Information correct on visiting 16/01/18

Amazing Pub with great decor but what really stands out is the amazing staff and manager, they’re always so friendly and provide excellent customer service.

Historical Gin Palace. Many types of gin to sample. Lots of beer options too. Worth a visit if you are looking to experience and learn about historic pubs and gin palaces.

Lovely pub with a lot of history. The staff and manager were so attentive and knowledgeable. I had a delicious gin infusion. Highly recommend.

The ale was good, staff very friendly & knowledgeable the pub has some old cells in the cellar which the staff will happily take you down to look at. Didn't try the good but what I could see coming out looked nice. Dog friendly too, always a bonus to pet animal family.

It's a very great old style pub with decorative victoriana style inside and asks about the prison cells below down the stairs. Good bar staff ,good atmosphere recommend to visit

Great pub , friendly bar staff good service

Cool pub, busy, but paid £32.50 for 2 double gin and tonics which felt was a bit steep. Didn’t realise until left and checked statement as card reader facing opposite way. London must be pricier than usual!

Ideal place to share a beer and have a chat..

Enjoyed a pint of London pride with a lovely pork pie here. Good pub, with friendly staff. Just over the road from the Old Bailey.

Historic pub with beautiful original Victorian interior. Good beer selection, we enjoyed it

A really good old fashioned London boozer. Busy with the after work office types. The main downside is the volume of the music, people are in there to chat with friends and colleagues, not to be drowned by the far too loud thud of music. By all means play it in the background but don’t overwhelm your otherwise cracking pub.

A wonderfully traditional boozer

Decent local with good selection of drinks

Short list of dishes, in the middle of the day, don't serve warm pie, only cold. From warm only sandwiches...

Proper London boozer! Loved this place. Normal prices for London. Staff class! Beer great, what more could you want! The atmosphere was buzzing with weekday drinkers & new drinker visiting. Definitely try this place and just a short walk from St. pauls. Will visit again when I'm down the......apparently there is a ghost too.....

Was nice before but has gone down hill and beer taste horrible. Won't be back

Great pub. Highly recommended for delicious food and a fun atmosphere

This was the first pub we visited on a historical walking pub tour. Don’t go here if you’re looking for quiet conversation. My wife and I were starving so the food hit the spot and we enjoyed our first drink of the tour and got to go downstairs and see the jail. That was pretty cool.

Un pub con historia!! Antiguamente una cárcel victoriana, se dice que es un bar embrujado y lleno de misterio! Mítico, pero bello por dentro y un servicio impecable! Ricos cocktails!

Nice pub good pint fullers red fox lovely pork pie with black pudding

Victor was fabulous and very friendly and the pub was fabulous. A must see when in London.

They don’t clean the cask lines frequently. Can taste it in the pull of a pint. Sorry not sorry. Modified due to response: Much appreciate the proactive response. It was the Fullers London Pride line tasted rank like old beer through a dirty line. Sadly very common stateside but happy to see your proactive nature.

Food was fantastic when it arrived, bit of a miscommunication on ordering, made up by the wonderful lady behind the bar. Would totally recommend this bar even as a lady visiting alone.

Stopped by for a pint. It is a nice pub. Service was good.

Excellent variety of infused gin and draught beer! Great staff.

I loved the British liberty style, the old decor of the room and the atmosphere! I've tried the old (cold) English pie and enjoyed it, washed by some good beer. The waiters were friendly and really caring! We were kindly offered to visit the cellars and given a brief story of the place... Really a fantastic place, well positioned close to Saint Paul, but away from the tourist mess! I'll definitely suggest it 🫶🏻

Plenty of history here worth a visit

Excellent infused gin & tonics and very cool atmosphere . Glad we made it there on our trip to the UK

Got a Guinness wasn't bought properly,

Decent pub. Pretty nice atmosphere. Not too much outisde space and very restricted as next to a big road / cross roads. Staff are nice and welcoming. Drinks usual.

We shared an awesome mushroom toastie & gin flight before heading back to St. Paul’s for a tour. A beautiful old gin palace!

Super nice pub in London. We visited with the pub tour of London.

Perfect old gin palace. The gin infusions get ice chipped from a block. The space is beautiful, with tin ceilings & woodwork, lots of mirrors &c. Not to be missed.

Only did toasties ..not a wide menu

A beautiful pub, wonderful interior but unpleasant experience with the staf. The bartender really was unfriendly and rude. Luckily the drinks are okay.

Went to this pub as had read that there are old Victorian cells under the pub. Spoke to Jack, the bartender, and asked him about the cells. Jack told took us to see the cells and gave us a brilliant history lesson and a tour of the cells. His knowledge and passion was evident and really informative. He was great. We love Victorian history and this didn’t fail to deliver. A little known secret with a wonderful team member who was more than happy to share his knowledge. The pub itself was great with a good friendly atmosphere. A visit will not disappoint- enjoy 😉

Outstanding stop on a local pub crawl hosted by Dave of Liquid Tours. Wildly interesting history of the pub, and a secret "treat" in the basement! A must-see!!

Estupendo sitio para tomar algo, atención de 10.

Super agradables, no dejen de ir, buena cerveza y mejor servicio

Proper City pub, great beers, helpful service.

Supervriendelijke ontvangst, ook heel veel volk. Mooie pub, ligging nabij millennium brug is aanrader. Alleen de verkeerde bieren geproefd. De waren niet zo mijn ding.

endroit parfait pour un grilled cheese de qualité. pub tradi british loin des lieux touristiques, l'accueil est agréable et l'équipe aux petits soins. Une belle étape dans notre périple londonien.

Lovely pub, and staff are always very friendly

Quick service, cold beer, great staff. What else can you ask for

Excellent pub , we enjoyed the gin and liked it very much.

On google maps it appears that they close at 11 pm, we arrived at 9:30 and they didn't let us in!

Gorgeous victorian interior. Loads of history, including the debtors jail cells in the basement! Lovely gin & tonic, elder flower, lime, & mint infused gin. Delicious!!!

Lovey pub near St Bart's and The Old Bailey. The pink peppercorn gin and tonic was especially welcome after a long day in the City. Very refreshing, and the bar tender worked magic on the block if ice to help cool us down.

Ask to go to the , Cells, a brilliant old Gin Palace,, full of history.

Very pricey. Aimed at legal profession clientele

Was ok, congested initially but thinned out as time went on, service was fine and friendly.

Very busy , had no pies which was a shame as we wanted a snack

Un pub extra. Déco fantastique. Service au top. Les sandwichs étaient très bons

This was my first time visiting the Viaduct Tavern and I have to say the staff (who are relatively new apparently) were the most kind, helpful and pleasant people you could wish for. I would highly recommend this tavern!

Beautiful pub with friendly staff.

Great little pub, steeped in Londons history and right next to The Old Bailey. Beautiful traditional old decor inside and a fantastic selection of Gin (but you wouldn't expect anything less for an old Gin Palace 🙂). Definitely give this pub a go, and if you're lucky and it's quiet, you may be able to go downstairs and see some of the history yourself..........

Has been on my to go to list for years but we only ever go to London on a weekend and in the past it's always been shut. Finally made it and thought it was a great little pub. A lot smaller than I thought it was going to be. Mirrored wall, nice central bar with a good ale selection (Fuller's pub 👌). Even the toilets had a touch of class to them. Glad I've finally made it here

Good pub, nice selection of beers. Service was not great but fairly busy London pub so to be expected.

Lovely old historic Gin Palace. The charm is certainly bolstered by the local history, and you may catch yourself looking out of the window towards the fountain (if you know then you know!). They have a large selection of gins, and the bar staff were very helpful when asked for recommendations.

Classic Gin Palace. Listed and now under Fullers brewery steady course.

Good honest Fullers pub with character. Great staff, nice beer.

Classic Victorian Gin Palace with a great selection of gin as befits such a place. Good music too.

Classy "fin de siècle" styled pub, with good beer, and tosties when I visited 😃. Might be a Belgian cafe, other than the lack of smoke and Belgian beer 😟

Excellent Every time I have an nice experience

Popped in for a quick pint with a friend from Portugal. I tried a beer new to me and it was very good.

Nice pub, if you need anything that is English to the bone, just go there

Just sitting in this amazing old gem of a pub, enjoying a pint. Lovely atmosphere & very friendly staff!! Will be returning next Wednesday 🤞 on an historical mission. Highly recommend this place 🍺👌⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beautifull interior, great service, nice selection of beer and gin. Interesting history, we would recommend getting a guided tour of the place.

Lovely after work bar. Staff very friendly

Really friendly and great toasties! 😊

Schöner alter Pub mit freundlichen Personal und tollen hausgemachten Infusion-Gins.

Nice atmosphere and good choice of beers

Getting drunk here is always a pleasure o/

Quick visit after an appointment at St Barts hospital. Busy friendly atmosphere. Lovely pint of Guinness. Staff worked really hard but really needed help.

Big fan of this pub. It's a lovely old gin palace with the original decorations still intact. They do excellent toasted sandwiches if you need a snack to keep you going.

Great service and friendly staff, would definitely visit again. Aaliyah and Bianca were incredibly helpful.

One of the most beautiful pubs ever!

Excellent & very friendly. Lovely pub.

Really lovely old historical pub. Friendly welcoming staff. Good drink selection.