The Blackfriar

The vibe of this pub is unmatched. Absolutely loved it. We came here on a Friday afternoon on our way back from the Tower of London. It was around 430 but I made a reservation online since I read this place gets busy. I'm so glad I did because we were seated right away in this beautiful area away from the bar area. Just a heads up, if you sit in this area, you need to order entrees, which was fine by us.

My mom and I both ordered the fish and chips, and let me tell you, it was the best fish and chips I've ever had. The batter was nice and light, and the fish was perfectly flakey. The serving was huge! I loved the fries, especially after I added some vinegar to them.

This was one of, if not our favorite meal while in London. The pub was quite full even on a workday. Looks like some people got out of work early and starting the weekend early lol. It just added to the wonderful atmosphere. Even though Blackfriars Monastery is no longer standing, it was very cool to come to this pub that is located where it used to be.

Blackfriar is a Fantastic, Loud, Gregarious, Old Pub that you cannot miss!

Bartenders were on point, draws were perfect and many cheers throughout the night!

The Blackfriar is a good pub which is probable most notable for its historically important, unique, exuberant, and somewhat tongue-in-cheek art nouveau character. It is, as with the whole area, named for a friary which one stood here and the decor plays on that, with numerous reliefs (and outside, a statute of friars with entertaining sayings, all in a richly decorated style. I'll note that Nicholson's pubs often include older, historic pubs with usually well-maintained character and interiors.

The interior and decor are definitely 5 stars. If it weren't for that, I'd probably give 4 stars for the food, maybe 4.5 for the cask ales. I give 5 stars overall because the pub itself really is something special, especially for anyone interested in visiting preserved, interesting, historic pubs.

It's a Nicholson's pub, so has a variation of the normal Nicholson's menu (they generally are similar, but in our experience have some differences). As with Nicholson's pubs, the food is overall good and reliable, but not stellar, although sometimes their starters/sharers in particular can be very good. Fish and chips with mushy peas are good, steak pie with veg is good.

As with Nicholson's pubs in general, it has a nice selection of cask ales (when we're in the UK, the only beer we drink is British cask ale, so readers please bear that in mind). They have the ubiquitous Nicholson's pale ale, a lighter pale ale which is very good, plus we had Timothy Taylor Landlord, a masterpiece of a pale ale/bitter.

Great and popular pub originally built in 1875 on Queen Victoria Street featuring indoor and outdoor seating and delicious fish and chips. The resident "ghost" likely enjoys a pint here as much as anyone else. My meal was excellent, although I would have loved a bit of malt vinegar to go with it. Be warned, when really busy you will have to wait for service but this place is so charming and Insta-worthy you almost don't mind the wait. Restrooms are located downstairs, which I gathered was more popular here in the UK. Here at The Blackfriar you'll enjoy a proper pint as much as the food, the history, and the company you keep.

After visiting The Blackfriar I've become concerned that my future pub experiences may now be in jeopardy. I say that because I imagine that it will be difficult for me to not compare those future experiences to this present one.

For starters, the building that houses it is just so unique. This iconic, wedge-shaped masterpiece is literally impossible to ignore as you pass by.

Standing proudly since 1875, it was built on the site of a Dominican friary. Shockingly it proved to be the target of an unsuccessful "redevelopment" in the 60's.

Legend has it that it's unconscionable demolition was prevented, in large part, by the efforts of Sir John Betjeman. It's my understanding that many have proposed a toast to him while visiting and we join them in saying, "Cheers!"

The wood features throughout help to amplify the volume of its merry patrons, whom we found to be good natured and nearly raucous.

The traditional fish and chips were good, but the "mushy peas" (terrible name in my opinion) were actually even better.

There are a few choice nooks to be had if you feel the need (and have the permission) to cozy up to someone special.

And that's...Henry's Take.

#blackfriarpublondon

Came here for dinner tonight and it did not disappoint! I got the nachos for my meal and my husband got fish and chips. I don't like any seafood, but his fish was very good! Very mild and flaky. We were attracted to this place because we were in the area and had been looking over all day for a pub that had decent food and wasn't outrageous prices. This is decently priced and the food is great. I got the cider to drink and it was also great. The atmosphere is very nice and relaxed, and the history behind this place is interesting as well.

Only reason I am leaving 4 stars is because one of the male workers was rude to us when we came in and asked if we needed reservations since we saw signs on tables that said "reserved." None of the workers were very accommodating.

All in all, I would definitely eat here again.

This is a PUB among pubs. The mother of them all. Love to hang at this place and watch the work happy hour crowd while my wife and I are on holiday. Recently had the pleasure of taking our son and his wife there. The bartender took us in to the side room that was reserved for food. Didn't even know they had food. It was great of course. Pub heaven on earth. Cheers!!

Yer man at the till offered us a 6£ food up charge that we politely declined. He charged us for it anyway and destroyed the receipt without offering it to us, and before we could ask to see it.

The added food (that came as a surprise to us) was basic chips that were not even on the menu. If I had known I was going to be scammed out of 6 pounds, I would have chosen a third item I wanted (it was the 3 for 17£ deal and we only wanted two).

The place is beautiful inside and the food was good, but be aware of shady practices at the till (My guess is he did this because we were obviously tourists, so perhaps locals don't get this treatment, or they don't frequent the place).

Really cool pub with great history. Lots of beers available and the bar staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the beers.

This is a hidden gem. Pretty obvious when you see the exterior that it's been around for a while. Fantastic service. Great drinks. Large selection. Didn't have any food, but the menu sounds tasty. 10/10 would recommend to all.