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The 12 best riverside pubs in London

Date: 06 Jun 2019
Categories: Pubs Articles and Events

There’s something tranquil about being near water, and enjoying a drink or a meal by the River Thames is one of London’s greatest attractions.

There are a number of great pubs and bars right on the Thames for stunning waterside drinking and dining, and here are 12 of the best riverside pubs in London.

Pubs on the Thames in London

Listed in no particular order, (because they’re all so good!) here are some of the best riverside pubs in London, which are all worth paying a visit – especially when the sun comes out. 

The Banker, Southwark

The Banker sits right on the North Bank of the River Thames, nestled between Southwark Bridge and London Bridge. It offers stunning views of the river from its outdoor terrace, and it’s conveniently located just a short walk from Bank and Cannon Street tube stations.

The Banker is located on Cousin Lane in London, EC4R 3TE. Visit The Banker for more information and to make a booking.

The Banker Riverside Pub London
Where to book a table for the London Marathon

The Anglers, Teddington

The Anglers is a modern riverside pub, restaurant and venue in Teddington, that boasts one of the largest garden bars in London, right next to the River Thames. Enjoy a beer inside the new bar, savour delicious fresh food in the conservatory restaurant – or head for the glorious riverside garden to soak up the summer sun by the river. The pub even has its own mooring spot, in case you fancy visiting by boat.

The Anglers is located at 3 Broom Road in Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 9NR. Visit The Anglers for more information and to make a booking.

New garden bar at the anglers pub and restaurant teddington
The Anglers dock in Teddington

The Bell & Crown, Chiswick 

The Bell & Crown is a riverside pub in Chiswick that has the charm of a country pub with a great West London location. Set right on the banks of the Thames, it's a popular spot for a pint or a meal and is just a few minutes from the beautiful Kew Gardens. 

The Bell & Crown is located at 11-13 Thames Road, Strand on the Green, London, W4 3PL. For more information or to book a table visit The Bell & Crown website.

The Bell and Crown Riverside Pub London
The Bell and Crown Riverside Pub London

One Over the Ait, Brentford

Another great riverside pub near Kew Gardens is One Over the Ait – a truly striking pub perched on the Thames with an extensive food a drink offering. From perfectly conditioned cask ales and craft beer to fine wine and artisan spirits, the pub has all your favourite drinks but be sure to try the food. The menus cover everything – from brunch to pub lunch to Sunday roasts, with a focus on fresh.

One Over the Ait is located at 8 Kew Bridge Road in Brentford, London, TW8 0FJ. Visit One Over the Ait's website for more information or to make a booking.

One Over the Ait  Riverside Pub London
One Over the Ait Riverside Pub London

The Gun, Docklands

The Gun is a Grade II listed pub in Docklands with great views across the Thames. One of the many hidden secrets of The Gun is its waterside Gin Garden, which is humming with activity in summer.

The Gun is located at 27 Coldharbour, in London’s Docklands, a short walk from Canary Wharf. The pub is located right on the river, directly opposite the O2 – making it perfect for pre or post show food and drinks, or to relax on a hot summer day. Visit The Gun's website to find out more.

The Gun Riverside Pub London
The Gun Docklands Riverside garden and pub

The Limehouse, Canary Wharf

The Limehouse Canary Wharf is a modern and lively waterside pub on Fisherman’s Walk that offers premium beer, tasty cocktails and authentic Sri Lankan food. A popular spot for after-work drinks, the pub is a great place to enjoy a drink by the water’s edge while watching the world go by.

The Limehouse is located at 29-30 Fisherman’s Walk, 10 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4DH. Visit The Limehouse for more information and to make a booking.

The Limehouse Bar and Restaurant Canary Wharf exterior
The Limehouse Bar and Restaurant Canary Wharf waterside views

The Merchant, Canary Wharf

A few doors down from The Limehouse in Canary Wharf is The Merchant – another great riverside pub for craft beer, cask ales and cocktails. The Merchant is a bright and contemporary bar with a stunning outdoor scene overlooking the water of the North Dock.

The Merchant is located at 25-27 Fisherman's Walk, Building FC2 in Canary Wharf, London, E14 4DH. For more information visit The Merchant's website.

The Merchant Riverside Pub London
The Merchant pub on the Thames

The Sail Loft, Greenwich

The Sail Loft is a stunning gastropub located on the banks of the River Thames in Greenwich – a beautiful corner of London with an 'old town' feel and a rich maritime history. Drink or dine at the water’s edge on the outdoor terrace or enjoy the panoramic cityscape from the first-floor dining room.

The Sail Loft is located at 11 Victoria Parade in Greenwich, London, SE10 9FR. You can even arrive by boat from Westminster or the O2. For more information visit The Sail Loft's website.

The Sail Loft riverside pub London
Pub on the Thames The Sail Loft

The Union Tavern, Maida Vale

Waterside pub The Union Tavern is a beer-lovers paradise. With more than a dozen types of craft on draught and cask ale at the pump, The Union Tavern prides itself on having one of London’s greatest beer collections. The pub’s menu is BBQ and Southern inspired, and its lively atmosphere will make you want to stay all day.

The Union Tavern is located at 45 Woodfield Road in Maida Vale, London, W9 2BA, on the corner of Great Western Road and Woodfield Road. Visit The Union Tavern’s website to find out more and to make a booking.

The Union Tavern Father's Day Restaurant and Pub
London riverside pub The Union Tavern

The Blue Boat, Hammersmith

The Blue Boat in Hammersmith is all about life on the river. Enjoy refined food and your favourite drinks while you watch the boats and rowers cruise by. Stay a little longer and you can catch stunning sunsets from its spacious waterside patio. The pub is in the new Fulham Reach development and is just a short walk from Hammersmith tube station – or you could always row there.

The Blue Boat is located on Distillery Wharf on Parr's Way in London, W6 9GD. Visit The Blue Boat’s website for more information and to make a booking.

Watch the Boat Race from the Blue Boat pub in Hammersmith
The Blue Boat pub Hammersmith

The Dove, Hammersmith

Another great waterside pub in Hammersmith is The Dove. The beautiful pub has been a fixture of London life for centuries and is set right on the River Thames – boasting uninterrupted views of the water from its terrace. The food is premium and fresh, and the staff is always smiling. 

The pub is a few minutes’ walk from Hammersmith Bridge (towards Chiswick), situated at 19 Upper Mall alley, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA. Visit The Dove’s website for more information and to make a booking.

The Dove pub Hammersmith
Watch the Boat Race from The Dove pub Hammersmith

The Black Horse, Greenford

The Black Horse in Greenford is a dark horse when it comes to the best waterside pubs. It’s on the Grand Union Canal and has a massive beer garden, making it a magnet on sunny days. It’s also a family-friendly pub with plenty for the kids to do.

The Black Horse is located at 425 Oldfield Lane, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 0AS. Visit The Black Horse Greenford website for more information and to book a table. 

The Black Horse Greenford Beer Garden London
Riverside pub The Black Horse Greenford London

Visit London’s best riverside pubs

Cool off this summer and head to one of London’s best riverside pubs which each provide great food and drink with stunning views of the water. Book a table in advance or simply stop by next time you’re in the area.

Click here to find riverside pubs near you.

Is a beer garden more your thing? If so, check out our list of the Best Pubs with Beer Gardens in London.

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