📷 2
Photos
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
Blue Anchor
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
historicriversidecozy
About the Vibe
Perched right on the Thames in Hammersmith, the Blue Anchor is one of those rare pubs that actually earns its "local institution" status. Licensed since 1722, you've got two distinct vibes downstairs with the traditional wood-panelled 17th-century pub atmosphere, or upstairs in the River Room where you can sip a Malbec by the fire with actual views of the river. The food hits that sweet spot of classic pub fare done properly—think Sunday roast that doesn't disappoint and cocktails that aren't just afterthoughts.
Known For
- •riverside location
- •17th-century wood paneling
- •River Room with views
- •Sunday roast
- •curated cocktails
Best For
riverside drinksSunday roastcozy eveningsdog-friendly visits
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 1, 2026
Historic riverside pub with genuine local charm
The Blue Anchor has that rare combination of genuine history and contemporary comfort that makes it a true Hammersmith staple. You walk in and immediately feel the weight of 300 years—downstairs is all dark wood and traditional pub charm, but they've managed to keep it from feeling like a museum. The upstairs River Room is the real winner if you want something special; sitting there with a drink and watching the Thames go by while the fire crackles is proper London pub life.
Food-wise, they're doing what they should—classic pub dishes executed well without trying too hard. The Sunday roast is solid (not the best in London, but reliably good), and the cocktail menu shows they've put thought into their drinks program. Service tends to be friendly and unpretentious, which you want in a neighborhood pub. It's not flashy, but it's exactly the kind of place you'd want to bring visitors who want to see "real London."
The only real downside is that it can get quite busy on weekends, especially when the weather's nice and everyone wants that riverside spot. But honestly, that's kind of the point—it's popular because it's good. Just come prepared to wait a bit if you're going Friday night or on a sunny Saturday.