Description: I don't know too many London pubs, but the ones i do know are interesting places, so we tend to revisit the same ones each time. On our recent weekend trip, we showed our South London friends our discoveries, and I was pleased they approved of our choices (and had never visited them before).
The Black Friar is handily located right outside Black Friar tube station (currently in the final stages of renovation before reopening), so even I can't get lost. It's also at the end of Fleet Street (which in turn is at the end of the Strand), so in either direction, on foot or by tube I can't get it wrong.
The small pub was built in 1875 and is an Arts and Crafts movement delight – all plush wood, marble and astonishing reliefs of Black Friar monks. The pub is located on the site of a former thirteenth century monastery. The nicest part is a little alcove where the best reliefs of Monks are, in a little marble edifice – I must confess I've never managed to sit in that part of the pub as it's always far too busy. One day it will happen.
I enjoy real ale, and there is always a good choice of beers on tap in the Black Friar. The pub is on the edge of the old city (not Canary Wharf) and it seems there is a good turnover of customers dropping in for a beer or two before moving on. As such, the place looks pretty well used, with staff struggling to clear glasses, mop up tables etc. The toilets aren't particularly salubrious down in the basement, but the place has an "honest boozer" feel to it. In summertime, there are quite a few tables outside, and it feels very decedent to have a beer while workers are sweating it to their office on the street.
Last time we were at the Black Friar, we also decided to have a bite to eat, and appropriately enough for a Friar (!), I chose the fish and chips and my beloved chose the fish cakes. She certainly had the better deal, as the fishcakes looked home made with plenty of nice spices to liven up the dish. My fish meanwhile was a distinctly factory shaped rectangle, but actually tasted good. Our food arrived in quick time, and we had a brief chat with the bar maid who thought London was cold. Our meal was reasonably priced at around £8 each – just beware of the solid menu board – it collapsed when we attempted to twist it round and we feared it dropping off the stand completely.
To sum up, I usually try and make sure I drop by this fascinating little pub. In the 1960's it was threatened by demolition until John Betjeman, famous British poet started a campaign to keep the pub standing. I for one am rather pleased he did.
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