Best pubs on the River Thames

We cruise past so many fantastic pubs in London, and here is a selection of the 8 best historic pubs along the Thames where you can pop by on our river cruise route and have a lovely pint with the best views of the capital.

1. Doggett’s Coat And Badge

This Nicholson franchise pub next to Blackfriars Bridge is named after the oldest boat race in the world dating back to 1715 and contested by Watermen and Lightermen on the River Thames. It has four floors and is the perfect place if you are looking for a roof terrace with stunning panoramic views of the Thames and the City of London.

Nearest pier: Festival Pier or Bankside Pier

 2. The Anchor

Just next to the Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, this is a pub with a rich history. Even though the current pub is from 19^th century, the original one dates back to the 17^th century and survived the Great Fire of London, but ironically, burning down not long after. The pub was rebuilt several times over the centuries.

This is a great choice if you are looking for a good pint of cask ale in a pub with character or want to enjoy the afternoon sunshine in the beer garden with breath-taking views of London.

Nearest pier: Bankside Pier

3.The Old Thameside Inn

Located next the to the Golden Hinde replica, the ship in which Sir Francis Drake sailed the world, this pub with a traditional interior also has a large, lovely terrace overlooking the Thames.

Nearest Pier: Bankside Pier

4. The Dickens Inn

Just in the heart of St Katharine’s Dock, an elegant marina next to the Tower of London, this is one of the most picturesque pubs in London and its pizzas are a must. As a curiosity, the 18^th Century styled building had to be moved and stands 70 metres away from its original location.

Nearest Pier: Tower Bridge Quay

5. Town Of Ramsgate

Being one of the oldest pubs in London, this cosy pub has a long and narrow shape that gives you a ship atmosphere once you step in. It has a great selection of beers and delicious traditional British pub food.

Nearest Pier: Tower Bridge Quay

6. The Captain Kidd

This is a typical Sam Smiths pub, located in a beautiful Grade II listed building in Wapping that used to be a coffee warehouse, with a friendly atmosphere and a beautiful beer garden.

This pub is named after one of the most notorious pirates, William Kidd, who was hanged at the nearby Execution Dock.

Nearest Pier: Tower Bridge Quay

7. Prospect of Whitby

This historic pub, full of character, is London’s oldest riverside pub dating back to 1520. With spectacular views to the Thames, you can even see the old noose installed where pirates were executed.

Nearest Pier: Tower Bridge Quay

8. Trafalgar Tavern

Located just next to the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, this elegant Victorian pub overlooking the river, is full of paintings and artefacts of Britain’s great naval history and it is the perfect place to chill out while having a refreshing drink in the sunshine.

Nearest Pier: Greenwich Pier