The Dickens Inn

Pub and Restaurant in an 18th century warehouse

At times it’s impossible to go more than 100m without coming face to face with a pub - it’s part of what gives London its charm. However, it can get to be a bit repetitive, especially given the rather generic names of most of them - The Prince of Wales, The Crown and Anchor, The Coach and Horses, The King’s Arms…etc. Everyone once in a while though you come to a part of London, turn a corner and before your eyes a truly unique pub is revealed. Walking through the streets behind the Tower of London was one of these revealing moments.

The Dickens Inn in St. Katherine’s Docks is a stones throw from London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Shard and so many other icons however it is not a standard pub. Once I stepped inside I was immediately aware that this building has significance- there’s a distinct atmosphere so tangible all you can do is stand and allow yourself to be engulfed in the character of the building. A quick chat with a bartender will reveal that the building was once a warehouse owned by a brewery and was later converted to an Inn by none other than Charles Dickens’ son.

The Inn really does have a completely different vibe to any other pub I’ve been to in London. O|It feels more real, more relaxed and more welcoming. On a Saturday night at 7:30pm one is normally battling crows back from the bar to order food and drink - at The Dickens Inn you can order food and drink, sit on a table on the terrace and be enjoying a conversation with friends all in the space of 10 minutes.

Away from the hustle and bustle of crowds of people this little part of London truly is an essential experience to add to the trip when in the planning process.