What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Blackfriar
Review
About
A member of the iconic fleet dating back to 1873, Nicholson's offers timeless British pub hospitality. A fine stock of smooth and silky cask ales are pulled at the bar, while homely British classics are served in the dining room. The carefully chosen wine list brings together some great international bottles, while a Cask Ale Club is offered for any true beer aficionados.
Features
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
City of London
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 11:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Contribute
4.2
(1,493)
Excellent
715
Good
546
Average
120
Poor
50
Terrible
62
Garfieldluvr
Denver994 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
We made a reservation for dinner. We arrived and found a little side room with tables sat aside for people who reserved a table. The room was close enough to the action in the bar while allowing for a bit more breathing room than if you were sitting directly in it. There were no waiters, you ordered drinks and food at the bar, and they brought them to your table. The food was delicious, way better than I was expecting. Pub food in the UK is much better than bar food in the U.S. The bangers and mash were fantastic, best I had during my entire trip. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which he thought was better than some of the chippies that we tried. If you are planning on coming for dinner, I would recommend a reservation, the bar was packed, with the crowd overflowing to the outside.
Written January 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Thank you again for taking the time to let us know how we did.
We are glad to see we have provided you with such a great experience.
We hope you have a great day!
Team Blackfriar
Written January 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AJ
Austin1724 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
Beautiful pub with good, solid service. Has a nice assortment of cask ales, amongst other things, and their food is good (halloumi fries are nice, as are the pies). Both inside and outside areas for eating and drinking. Location is fabulous - just a few steps from Blackfriars station - in less than 5 min you can get off the Tube and have a pint in your hand.
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
294allisonj, we are glad we could help!
Written September 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marc M
Dayton99 contributions
Sep 2024 • couples
We arrived at the Blackfriar at 6 PM on a Friday without a reservation. It was fairly crowded, but the server was able to seat us within 5 minutes. The entire pub is a symphony of solid marble decoration, really fun environment. We had the fish & chips (delicious and light), and the steak and ale pie (also delicious, not light). Service was great! All around a very pleasant evening.
Written September 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Hi Marc M, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us at The Blackfriar. We're happy we could meet your expectations!
Written September 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Terri R
28 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
If, like me, you were hoping to enjoy a pleasant drink in this London pub which was saved from demolition by John Betjamin no less, I caution you to abandon that hope. The pub is undeniably interesting in decor but in the business of being a pub ie serving good quality beverages in a congenial atmosphere, it is completely lacklustre. The assorted barmen looked like they were being forced to do their job at gunpoint. There were dirty glasses on the table when we sat down. After a while, since the bar staff didn’t appear to think that removing them was in their job description, I moved them onto a ledge where they languished until one of the barman had finished cleaning the coffee machine!
At the bar my husband had to wait some considerable time to be served because the one barman actually serving was pouring himself one. And the quality of the wine was deplorable. Like the bottle someone brought to a party because they won it on a tombola at the church fete!
There are plenty of lovely historic pubs in London, this isn’t one of those! And if you do decide to go, and once there, use the toilets, then you only have yourself to blame! John would turn in his grave!
Written November 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Terri R, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience with us.
Written November 27, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marble4
Surrey62 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
This is a lovely pub in a great location.
A good range of drinks available and the food is more than adequate.
However, the service is terrible which is a shame.
Bar service is becoming poor in a number of establishments in London, and unfortunately here is up there with the worst I have experienced.
The bar stall clearly did not want to be working here. Unhelpful, unresponsive and extremely lazy. I actually ordered some drinks and received them without so much of a word from the barman. We had to get our own cutlery when our food was brought to our table, which had clearly not been cleaned from the previous customer.
Clearly the staff need retraining and to learn how to treat their paying customers.
And maybe not to look so miserable.
Written December 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Marble4, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience with us
Written December 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna S
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • family
We used to come here all the time 6 years ago so we were so surprised to find such a horrible atmosphere . I have never experience such a rude service in my entire life ,especially from management . We spent 74 pounds for 4 burgers and 3 analcoholic drinks to be treated so terribly from the staff
Firstly the woman behind the bar was really scary .so much so that I was afraid to go back to tell her that a) she didn't give me a receipt b) she only gave 3 drinks . She asked me if we had any allergy and before I could reply that my husband doesn't like cheese she went "DO YOU HAVE ANY ALLERGIES" . I then asked if the burgers I ordered were the smallest as they were for the kids and ahe went :" no we don't do kids menu" (not what I asked ) then another manager came over to leave the cutlerty ,before I had the chance tonsay anything he went "you are welcome" . The whole experience was horrific . Lots of similar comment so hopefully they'll remove the rude staff soon but I can't see management taking any responsability
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Y2534syannas, we regret to hear that you had a negative experience with us, but we would appreciate the chance to turn your experience around. Y2534syannas, we're disappointed to hear of the negative experience you had at our location.
Written November 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angie D
Ames307 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
My high schooler and I made reservations here at the recommendation of a coworker. The interior is so fun and unique, and it's lovely to look at. The grounds were a former Dominan friary, hence the name. The restaurant/bar were built on top in 1875, and Henry Poole did much of the indoor decor - which is the big reason to come!
Our actual server in the dedicated seating was fantastic, but the rest of the staff was fairly rude. I'd also say that the food was good not great, but the indoor decor made up for it.
Some tips:
- This is incredibly close to the Blackfriar tube stop, just across the street. The pier is also not far away, but if you're cutting it close, visit that after eating.
- This place gets crazy busy. If you'd like to sit inside to eat, definitely get a reservation. You'll likely have to ask several people to be seated. There's seating outside for those going for a pint.
- Even with reservations, we were only allocated a certain amount of time to eat, so order quick and eat fairly fast.
Written August 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Hi 358angied, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us at The Blackfriar. We're happy we could meet your expectations!
Written August 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul M
United Kingdom3 contributions
May 2023 • family
Booked a table for 7pm. The setting was very rustic with trains rattled above. We were rushed into the dining room then left for at least 1/2 an hour before ordering then when the food arrived at 8:50 the starter, main and desert all arrived together because the kitchen was closing at 8pm. The starter was similar to the Nacho’s you get at the cinema and the pies with the main course were very dry. At £120.00 inc wine for 3 people we found it a bit off putting. Don’t like giving bad reviews but this very quirky restaurant was like an episode of Faulty Towers. The lady serving however was very good and I imagine would be very efficient in another setting.
Written June 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
thank you for letting us know again , sorry hope you will come and see us again soon
Written June 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amanda B
5 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
Service here was disgusting, so disappointed that such a lovely pub has such rude staff, overcharged twice and spoken to in a such a disgraceful way. Not sure if they're deliberately overcharging but once is a mistake twice is deliberate. Be sure to check what you're paying for and don't expect the staff to be welcoming or friendly they are the complete opposite.
Written November 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Amanda B, thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience with us. I have emailed you separately.
Written November 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Iainmartin100
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • solo
Popped in for a drink as train was delayed, on arrival a lady customer at the bar questioned the barman as the same drinks she purchased previously that evening was now more expensive. The barman didn't offer an explanation and then refused to serve her, she was always polite. the manager came along and served the lady. I ordered a pint of lager and paid ÂŁ7.15 (same barman), 30 mins later I ordered a 2nd pint which was the same but from the manger and it was ÂŁ6.50. Seems the barman in question is adding service charges or just on the fiddle.
Written February 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Iain M, thank you for leaving us feedback. We are disappointed to hear that your experience was not a positive one.I will look in to this for you and thanks for letting know
kind regards
Seamus
Written February 23, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeri P
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • family
Looking for good fish and chips, or a fine meat pie? This is the place. The two of us were seated immediately and our drinks orders were taken swiftly. Cider on tap, crisp and cold. Our food orders went off to the kitchen and food arrived quickly for a busy Friday evening. The food is classic, well prepared and flavorful. We sampled both the steak pie and the fish and chips. Properly prepared and flavorful we couldn’t have asked for more. And then there is the pub! An Art Nouveau gem saved from demolition in the 1960s. Do yourselves a favor and come see for yourselves.
Written January 10, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Hi Jeri P, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us at The Blackfriar. We're happy we could meet your expectations!
Written January 11, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
YorkshireShacko
Wakefield250 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
Called in here for a bite to eat and a drink, such a busy place, so busy they did not have time to clear any empty glasses from the inside or outside tables.
We took it upon ourselves to move a load of empties from our outside table to another and then wipe the table down with wipes.
All done we took a seat only to be disturbed by a group of drunks that were sat around the bins who kept asking people for money or help, considering the amount of cans they had and bottles of spirits I am not sure they needed any help, the bins were over flowing with rubbish, empty cans and a load of dirty clothing.
We decided the hassle was not worth and decided to stand inside and wait for a table, only took 10 mins and we got seated. Drinks bought we looked through the menu, beer battered gherkins caught my eye straight away, side portion of salsa nachos as well. The gherkins were terrific, so tasty I highly recommend them.
Drinks reasonable prices, food excellent value for money, its obviously a well visited pub it was heaving, the bar area was nice hand carved figurines of friars and the old fashioned serving hatch still operated by pull rope was ace.
Overall a great pub they just need to sort out that bin area and then sitting outside would be a real pleasure.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Thedonat41, thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We regret that you had a negative experience, and will use this as an opportunity to improve.
Written September 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MichelB
4 contributions
Jun 2024 • solo
The Blackfriar in London isn't just a pub, it's an experience. This place takes the crown for the most magnificent interior I've ever seen in a pub. Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule of Art Nouveau grandeur. Everywhere you look, there's a fascinating detail - ornate stained glass, whimsical carvings,and even a marble vault at the back! It's truly a feast for the eyes. Thankfully, the visual splendor doesn't overshadow the core pub experience. The Blackfriar maintains a fantastic selection of drinks, with high-quality offerings to satisfy every taste. I particularly enjoyed couple of Nicholson's Pale Ale - delicious and fresh.
The atmosphere at The Blackfriar strikes a perfect balance between lively and comfortable. Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a solo pint, you'll feel welcome and relaxed.
If you're looking for a pub that combines stunning aesthetics with drinks, The Blackfriar is the place to go. It's a true London gem!
Written June 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Hi Michelbm1092at, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us at The Blackfriar. We're happy we could meet your expectations!
Written June 13, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sanj P
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • none
A lovely trip to The Blackfrairs Pub, London, spoilt.
Food was great, the two chaps at the bar were great very friendly and helpful, the total opposite from the lady who came to pick up our dishes.
After we'd finished our meals, the manager of the establishment came to take our dishes.
She didn't bother asking if we'd enjoyed our meal and whether everything was satisfactory (like you do in all other restaurants/pubs).
Instead with a very grumpy almost unpleasant demeanour, she rushed to take the dishes in doing this a knife fell from a dish and landed on my shirt (thus staining it), no apologies were forthcoming from her. I picked it for her and give it to her, no thanks from her, wish I'd left it on the floor for her to pick it up. Then off she trundled off.
Could put it down to busy place stress etc. but she was fine and friendly with the four gentlemen sat behind us. It seemed to be just us, being British Indian, not sure. Hopefully not for a pub in a tourist area.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Sanjiv Patel, thank you for leaving a review of your recent experience.
Our team strive to give our guests the highest service levels at all times, we apologise if you feel we missed the mark on this occasion.
We are a culturally diverse team and are firm in our belief our team would never allow race, religion or creed affect our service or judgement with our guests.
If you wish to discuss this matter further, please email us at blackfriar@nicholsonspubs.com.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know how we did.
Management
Written August 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anotherscotsblondie
Aberdeenshire49 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Lovely little traditional pub in Blackfriars next to Tube/Rail link. Ordered food and unfortunately the couple next to us took our food when it came out (without us realising), even though both meals were completely different to what they had ordered. When their food came out it was brought to us which was when the waiter and us realised the mix up. We were given a free drink to apologise for the mistake (which wasn’t really their fault to be fair, can’t understand why you would take food that wasn’t what you ordered! … as you pay at time of order). Food when we got it ended up being good pub grub and we were very happy with it. We sat outside in the glorious sunshine and enjoyed our drinks. Would recommend here for decent pub grub at reasonable prices.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Anotherscotsblondie, we are glad we could help!
Written July 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Showing results 1-15 of 1,063
Related Stories
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighborhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighborhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing