Riverside Pints & Autumn Lights: A Thames-Side Pub Walk
- alanjohnjeffery
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
As the golden hues of autumn settle over London, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than with a pint in hand, watching the sun dip below the Thames.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, these riverside pubs offer unbeatable views, cozy vibes, and the perfect setting for an autumn evening. Here’s a curated walk through four iconic spots—each with its own story, character, and charm.
🏰 The Anchor Bankside
📍 34 Park Street, SE1 | Est. 1615
Nestled beside Shakespeare’s Globe and the ruins of Winchester Palace, The Anchor Bankside is steeped in history. It’s one of London’s oldest riverside inns, with a legacy that spans over 400 years.
🍁 Why Visit in Autumn:
The pub’s timbered interior and roaring fireplaces make it a snug retreat from crisp river breezes. Grab a pint of London Pride and head to the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the Thames bathed in amber light.
🕰️ Historical Note:
In 1666, Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London from this very spot, writing:
“...a little alehouse on Bankside... and there watched the fire grow.”
📚 Literary Legacy:
Frequented by Shakespeare, Dr. Johnson, and Oliver Goldsmith, The Anchor is a living museum of London’s literary and maritime past.
🖼️ The Founder's Arms
📍 52 Hopton Street, SE1 | Modern riverside pub
A sleek contrast to its historic neighbours, The Founder's Arms is a contemporary glass-fronted pub perched beside the Tate Modern. It offers some of the best views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge.
🍁 Why Visit in Autumn:
The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the golden skyline perfectly. It’s a great spot for a warm mulled cider or a crisp white wine after exploring the South Bank’s galleries and book markets.
“A toast to the Thames, where old meets new.”
While it lacks centuries of lore, its modern charm and unbeatable location make it a must-stop on your riverside walk.
🛶 Doggett’s Coat and Badge
📍 1 Blackfriars Bridge, SE1 9UD | Est. 1977 (named after a 1715 tradition)
Perched right on the South Bank beside Blackfriars Bridge, Doggett’s Coat and Badge is a spacious, multi-level pub with one of the best riverside terraces in London. It’s named after the oldest continuously held sporting event in the world—a rowing race founded in 1715 by actor and waterman Thomas Doggett, who awarded the winner a red coat and silver badge.
🍁 Why Visit in Autumn:
The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the City skyline—especially stunning at sunset.
Inside, the pub is warm and welcoming, with classic British fare and a wide selection of cask ales and gins.
It’s a perfect midway stop between The Blackfriar and Tattershall Castle.
🕰️ Historical Note:
“The name pays tribute to Thomas Doggett, the organiser of the London Bridge to Chelsea rowing race along the Thames, which is said to be the oldest continuous sporting event in the UK.”
“Raise a pint where tradition still rows strong.”
🧱 The Blackfriar
📍 174 Queen Victoria Street, EC4 | Est. 1905
This wedge-shaped pub is a hidden gem built on the site of a 13th-century Dominican friary. Its Art Nouveau design, mosaics, and friar-themed décor make it one of London’s most unique drinking spots.
🍁 Why Visit in Autumn:
The warm lighting and whimsical interiors offer a cozy escape from the chill. It’s the kind of place where you linger over a pint and admire the craftsmanship.
🕰️ Historical Note:
Saved from demolition in the 1960s by poet Sir John Betjeman, who declared:
“This is not only a pub but a living piece of art somewhere between a church, museum, and public house.”
🧠 Quirky Wisdom:
Inside, you’ll find moralistic slogans like:
“Finery is Foolery”
“Don’t Advertise, Tell a Gossip”
🚢 Tattershall Castle
📍 Victoria Embankment, SW1A | Floating pub since 1982
Moored opposite the London Eye, this former paddle steamer is now a floating pub and performance venue. It’s a favorite for comedy nights, jazz sessions, and riverside drinks.
🍁 Why Visit in Autumn:
As the mist rolls over the Thames, the boat’s deck becomes a magical place to sip a seasonal ale and watch the city lights flicker across the water.
🕰️ Historical Note:
Built in 1934, the ship served as a troop ferry in WWII and was one of the first civilian vessels fitted with radar.
🎤 Cultural Connection:
Comedians like Michael McIntyre and Micky Flanagan performed here early in their careers.
🗣️ Fun Quote:
“The Tattershall Castle is a pub with a view, a pint, and a punchline.”
🚶♂️ Walking Route Overview
Total Distance: ~3.6 kmEstimated Time: 50–60 minutes (not including pub stops)
🏁 Start: The Anchor Bankside
📍 34 Park Street, SE1Walk east along the Thames Path toward Tate Modern.
🥂 Stop 1: The Founder's Arms
📍 52 Hopton Street, SE1Just a few minutes’ walk from The Anchor, near the Millennium Bridge.
🛶 Stop 2: Doggett’s Coat and Badge
📍 1 Blackfriars Bridge, SE1 9UDContinue east along the river and cross Blackfriars Bridge to reach this spacious riverside pub with rooftop views and a rich sporting tradition.
🧱 Stop 3: The Blackfriar
📍 174 Queen Victoria Street, EC4Head north across Blackfriars Bridge to this wedge-shaped Art Nouveau pub filled with quirky friar-themed décor.
🚢 Final Stop: Tattershall Castle
📍 Victoria Embankment, SW1AWalk west along the Embankment, passing Somerset House and the London Eye, to reach this floating pub with comedy nights and sunset views.
🍂 Final Thoughts
This riverside pub walk is more than just a crawl—it’s a journey through London’s layered history, vibrant culture, and stunning autumn scenery. Whether you’re chasing literary ghosts, architectural marvels, or just a good pint with a view, these four stops offer something special.
🍻 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.
There are many Guide Books on London Pub Walks available. Here are a few I recommend;
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