The Blackfriar

Historic Pub with Unforgettable Art Nouveau Interiors

The Blackfriar is a quintessential London pub that effortlessly blends historical charm with modern-day bustle. Perched enticingly near the iconic Blackfriars Bridge and tube station, it sets the scene with a striking Art Nouveau interior—an arresting tapestry of whimsical carvings and gleaming marble, attributed to none other than Henry Poole. This aesthetic richness invites you into its story as much as its offerings, making your entree the gloriously crisp fish and chips or the hearty steak and ale pie seem almost inconsequential in its brilliance.

Amidst the pub's frenetic energy, the service can swing from delightfully attentive to jarringly indifferent depending on which hour or whom you encounter. Oddly juxtaposed with this varying reception is the unwavering quality of the beer; a perfectly poured pint seems to steady every patron. It's a space where tourists mingle with locals wending their way home, each united by the magnetic atmosphere. If strategically timed, especially with a reservation, there’s no better stage for a very British blend of banter and bites, set against an unparalleled architectural backdrop. So, in the grand theatre of London's pubs, The Blackfriar not only plays its part—it steals the show. — Milo Tastemaker