Last Updated on March 11, 2024
Historic pub with riverside views offering a home from home experience.
Everyone loves a pub by the river and London’s long River Thames is blessed with enough hostelries to cater for your every mood or occasion. Most have histories stretching back hundreds of years and are often packed with charm; all are unique and reflect their locality. One such, The Blue Anchor, has served the residents and visitors to Hammersmith since 1722 (when it also offered wash-house facilities!). It received its licence when Captain Cook had only just found his way to Australia and the French revolution was still some twenty years away. The Blew Anchor had already been operating for 50 years when the American Declaration of Independence was signed!
Located on Hammersmith’s Lower Mall, a riverside stretch with more than its fair share of historic pubs, in summer it’s abuzz with walkers, cyclists and local office workers all jostling with rowers and sailors from the local clubs. In winter the pub offers a cosy oasis from the brisk riverside wind and welcomes you into its warm, wood-panelled interior. Downstairs you can enjoy the traditional, 18th-century pub, while upstairs you’ll find a light and attractive ‘River Room’, (available for hire) with three sets of French windows opening onto beautiful views of iconic Hammersmith Bridge and the river.
Food and beverages are chosen to be “scrumptious, seasonal with something for everyone” and that philosophy is carried through well with craft beers, an unthreatening, uncomplicated and affordable wine list and a menu featuring modern pub classics.
For a recent after-work meet-up, I shared a plate of light and crispy squid followed by a beautifully presented and very tasty marinated flat iron chicken, dressed with a green sauce and a perfect tomato and rocket salad. I was reliably informed by my colleague that her classic cheeseburger was spot-on (high praise). Also on offer were grilled fillets of sea bream and a deliciously sounding plant-based vegan burger with avocado salsa and chipotle relish. Our puddings were very generous portions of home-made Eton Mess and Choc-Brownies.
Part of the Hippo chain, an eclectic bunch of community pubs across London, the Blue Anchor is currently under the custodianship of Rupert and Jo Clevely. The couple previously founded Geronimo Inns, responsible for turning many forgotten pubs into thriving social hubs. Since 2015 they’ve been back working their magic with Hippo.
Here at the Blue Anchor, added attractions are Margarita Mondays, Saturday Brunch, Classic Sunday Roasts and special events (bookings are being taken now for Rugby World Cup early openings with breakfast). On Thursday 26 September the pub will be hosting a splendid supper club, “September and the Sea”, a delicious five-course seafood feast (vegetarian option available). Being served in the lovely River Room, with its delightful view, and priced at only £35.00pp this could just be the perfect way to end the summer.
Jenny was a guest of the Blue Anchor, at 13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9DJ.
For more riverside pub dining try The Waterside at Chelsea Harbour
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