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Anchor Tap
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
historiccozylocal
About the Vibe
Tucked away on Horselydown Lane just minutes from Tower Bridge, Anchor Tap is one of those rare Southwark pubs that feels like stepping into a time capsule. This Sam Smith's operated pub has kept its pre-war charm intact with dim lighting, wood-heavy interiors, and multiple cozy rooms including a music room with a piano and fireplace. It's the kind of place where locals chat with staff who remember your name, and you might get entertained by a magician offering free pints in exchange for tricks. The layout feels more like a grand old house than a typical pub, with separate spaces for games, pool, and dining. While it's close to tourist hotspots, it maintains an authentic local atmosphere that's become increasingly rare in London. The nautical theme is subtle and fitting given its proximity to the Thames, and the outdoor seating area overlooks a charming square.
Known For
- •Sam Smith's ales
- •magician entertainment
- •multiple themed rooms
- •pre-war architecture
Best For
after-work drinksquiet conversationlocal pub experience
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 11, 2026
A Time-Capsule Pub Near Tower Bridge
The Anchor Tap is a genuine London pub experience that's hard to find these days. Located just off Shad Thames near Tower Bridge, it manages to feel both accessible and authentically local. The pub is divided into several rooms - you can sit by the fire in the bar room, play darts in the games room, or enjoy a drink in the music room with its piano. The Sam Smith's selection is solid, though prices are on the higher side for the chain.
What really sets this place apart is the atmosphere. It's dimly lit, wood-paneled, and feels like it hasn't changed since the war. The staff are proper pub workers who actually engage with customers, and the occasional magician entertaining patrons with tricks for free pints adds a delightful touch. It's not fancy, but it's real - the kind of place where you'd want to come back to week after week.
The location is perfect for combining a pub visit with a walk along the Thames or Tower Bridge, but the Anchor Tap itself is worth the trip even if you're not a tourist. Just be prepared for a no-frills, traditional pub experience that prioritizes character over modernization.