A Grade II listed Georgian pub sitting right on the Thames in Isleworth, The London Apprentice has been pouring pints since the 1700s — and the riverside terrace is still the main draw. It's a Greene King house, so don't expect gastropub fireworks, but on a sunny afternoon with a pint and the river gliding past, you'll forgive the chain-menu shortcomings. Come for the location, stay for the history.
A Grade II listed Georgian pub on the Thames since the 1700s — the riverside terrace alone is worth the trip to Isleworth.
Arrive early on sunny days and weekends — the riverside terrace tables fill up fast and there's no reservation system for outdoor seating.
A historic Thames-side pub that earns its reputation on sunny days
If you're looking for a pub with a view in west London, The London Apprentice is hard to beat. Sitting right on the north bank of the Thames in Isleworth, this Grade II listed Georgian building has been serving drinkers since the 1700s — and you feel that history the moment you walk in. The interior is classic pub territory: wooden floors, low ceilings, and a comfortable, no-fuss atmosphere. But let's be honest, nobody comes here for the décor alone — the riverside terrace is the star of the show, and on a warm evening it's one of the best spots in this corner of London to sit with a pint and watch the river drift by.
The food is standard Greene King fare — think burgers, fish and chips, steaks, and Sunday roasts. It's perfectly decent pub grub, but don't come expecting anything adventurous. Where this place shines is the setting and the space. The terrace fills up fast on sunny days and weekends, so arriving early is wise if you want a riverside table. Service can be slow when it's busy, which is a common gripe in reviews, but the staff are friendly and the atmosphere makes up for it.
For locals in Isleworth and Hounslow, this is the go-to pub for a lazy afternoon by the water. Visitors from further afield will appreciate the historic character and the genuinely lovely Thames-side location. It's not a destination gastropub, but as a traditional riverside pub experience, it delivers exactly what it promises.