The Anchor Tap Samuel Smiths Pub Southwark London

Outside the Anchor Tap Situated on the south side of the Thames in the Tower Bridge Conservation Area, this historic Southwark pub offers a truly traditional English experience. From the fish and chip suppers served, to the string of clearly designated separate rooms, upright piano, games room and open fire this pub effortlessly captures old-fashioned England. Within the dark, oak walls of this late 18th century, former dock-workers pub, one of the most quintessentially English inventions took seed. Dr Samuel Johnson compiled his English dictionary in a special room inside The Anchor Tap. Originally a place for brewery employees to sample the fruits of their labour, a Tap Room was traditionally set up near its parent brewery. The Anchor Tap was the first such establishment set up by British brewing legends, John Courage, and was located in close proximity to the former Anchor Brewery and the old Hop Exchange on Borough High Street. The Anchor Tap is an unpretentious, wharfside treasure offering a simple taste of a bygone English age.