Couched tightly next to the Thames, the view from the large Georgian windows of the Trafalgar Tavern, overlooking the river can sometimes give the impression that you're aboard a ship (appropriate for Greenwich) as the wavelets slap against the building foundations. Off-peak (weekdays during work hours) - there's plenty of space in this pub, but it will be full during the weekend, especially if the weather's fine. The food is decent, rather than exceptional and attentive staff make this a good full stop for a walk along the Thames Path, through the Royal Park or a museum tour of the World Heritage site at Greenwich.

History of the Trafalgar Tavern

Built in 1837, the year that Victoria became Queen, the pub quickly built up a reputation and following. Popular with politicians (including Prime Minister: William Gladstone), it served Whitebait suppers, which became a Westminster pilgrimage and kept it busy until the early 20th century. It then shut up shop and was reimagined as a Seaman's Mission, and later as flats. It also attracted the literary giants of the age - Charles Dickens, William Thackeray and Wilkie Collins all dined here and Dickens also wrote some passages while imbibing (the wedding breakfast scene from 'Our Mutual Friend' is set in the Hawke Room of the Trafalgar Tavern). It's unlikely Thackeray did however, as he had the curious habit of getting up with the larks, to do all his writing before going to work - strange creature that he was.

In 1965, with dwindling prospects in the property market - it became a pub again.

There's a statue of Lord Nelson outside, amongst the al fresco drinkers, looking over towards Island Gardens and Mudchute, but he died 32 years before it opened, so never had the chance to pop over from the Naval College for a cheeky one. Exhibitions in the Maritime Museum (nearby) attest to the enormous celebrity and public affection for the Admiral. Which is compounded by choosing his famous victory, as the name for this pub - proving he still hadn't gone out of fashion three decades later. The world however, was changing rapidly and Britain was beginning to rule the waves, from right here - her naval epicentre, in London's Greenwich.

Accessibility:    Guide dogs permitted
Ramp/level access

6 Park Row
London SE10 9NW

Call:     020 8858 2909

Greenwich or Cutty Sark DLR. Maze Hill Rail.

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