Heading “Down by the River” for a Thames pub crawl to explore four Thames-side pubs with a long history. This episode is a love letter to historic London pubs and London river pubs alike.
We kick things off with the John Courage Brewery beginnings of The Anchor Tap. From there, it’s a short stroll through Shad Thames, once the bustling “Larder of London,” now a cinematic backdrop for everything from Bond films to Bridget Jones’s Diary.
Next stop is The Vault 1894, tucked right under Tower Bridge with a jaw dropping (hopefully not pint dropping) view.
A few steps further along the Thames takes us to The Banker Pub, where Fuller’s ales flow beneath the arches of Cannon Street Railway Bridge and we observe this most unusual river – The Thames – that flows both ways depending on the tide.
Finally, we end up at The Samuel Pepys pub, perched over the river on Stew Lane — a street named not for hearty dinners but for London’s centuries-old licensed brothels, or stews.
Whether you're into British pub culture, planning your next London pub crawl, or just love a good pint with a side of history — this one’s for you. Ideal for fans of London travel podcasts, London history podcasts, London walking tours, or those hunting for the best pubs in London.
This episode is part London pub podcast, part London travel guide, and entirely dedicated to bringing you entertaining tales from the taverns of old. Plus, a round of London travel tips!
Perfect listening for your next walk along the riverside London, or to get inspired before you visit London pubs.
Show Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing
References
https://camra.org.uk/pubs/anchor-tap-london-158380
https://takecourage.info/JohnCourage.html
https://www.banker-london.co.uk/
Intro Music
Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com
E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com
