Pints, Panoramas & Pub-Hopping: A Riverside Ramble Through London
- alanjohnjeffery
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Discover London’s riverside charm one pint at a time. This scenic walk along the Thames combines historic pubs, iconic landmarks, and unbeatable views—perfect for tourists, locals, and anyone looking to experience London at a relaxed pace.
📍 Start at The Anchor, Bankside
Begin your journey at The Anchor, a pub with roots stretching back to the 1600s. Legend has it that Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London from here in 1666, noting the blaze from “a little alehouse on Bankside.” Today, it sits beside Shakespeare’s Globe, where the Bard’s plays still echo through the open-air theatre.
Grab a pint of London Pride, head to the rooftop terrace, and enjoy views of St. Paul’s Cathedral across the river. You're also steps away from Borough Market, where the scent of sizzling chorizo and fresh pastries might tempt you into a pre-pub snack.
Distance from London Bridge Station: 5-minute walk west
Nearby Sights: Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral
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🚶♂️ Stroll Along the South Bank
Head east along the South Bank, London’s cultural artery. You’ll pass the Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, and the elegant Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian-only crossing nicknamed the “Wobbly Bridge” after its famously shaky debut in 2000.
Look up to see The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, piercing the sky. The riverside path is alive with street performers, pop-up food stalls, and public art installations—every step is a surprise.
🍻 Stop Two: The Founder’s Arms
Just past the Tate, you’ll find The Founder’s Arms, a modern pub with floor-to-ceiling windows and unbeatable river views. It’s a favourite for locals and tourists alike, offering a
relaxed vibe and a great spot to watch the boats drift by.
Distance from The Anchor: 0.4 miles (~10-minute walk)
What You’ll See: Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, The Shard
🌉 Cross the Millennium Bridge
Now cross the Millennium Bridge to the North Bank. As you walk, take in the dramatic view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire. The bridge itself is a marvel of engineering, linking modern design with historic grandeur.
Once across, turn left and head west toward Blackfriars Bridge, passing the Temple district, home to the Knights Templar’s medieval church and London’s legal elite.
🏛️ Stop Three: The Blackfriar
Before reaching the bridge, step into The Blackfriar, a pub unlike any other. Built in 1875 on the site of a Dominican friary, its Art Nouveau interior features copper reliefs, mosaics, and a monk-themed motif. It was nearly demolished in the 1960s, but poet Sir John Betjeman led a successful campaign to save it.
Distance from The Founder’s Arms: 0.6 miles (~15-minute walk)
What You’ll See: Temple Gardens, Victorian architecture, historic legal buildings
🌆 Final Stretch: Toward Westminster
Continue west along Victoria Embankment, where the Thames widens and the city opens up. You’ll pass Somerset House, once a royal palace and now a hub for arts and culture, and the tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Across the river, the London Eye slowly turns, offering panoramic views of the capital. The walk here is grand, with wide pavements and sweeping vistas.
🚢 Final Stop: The Tattershall Castle
End your walk at The Tattershall Castle,
a floating pub moored opposite the London Eye. Originally a paddle steamer built in 1934, it once ferried passengers across the Humber. Today, it’s a unique venue offering drinks on deck with sunset views of Big Ben and Westminster Palace.
Distance from The Blackfriar: 0.8 miles (~20-minute walk)
What You’ll See: Whitehall, London Eye, Westminster skyline
📝 Tips for the Walk
🕒 Duration: 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace
🗓️ Best Time: Weekday afternoons or early evenings
🍽️ Food: All pubs offer lunch and snacks
📸 Photo Ops: Millennium Bridge, St. Paul’s, London Eye, Big Ben
🍻 Disclaimer: Sip Responsibly, Wander Wisely 🍻
While we celebrate London's legendary pubs and spirited history, we encourage all explorers to enjoy alcohol in moderation. Know your limits, hydrate like a hero, and never let a pint turn into a poor decision. Your liver doesn’t have a rewind button—and neither does your Uber rating.
Cheers to good times, not regrets.
There are many Guide Books on London Pub Walks available. Here are a few I recommend;
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