Reviews of The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden. (Pub) in London (London).

The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden

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379 Comments

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Pub

33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB, United Kingdom

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Information of The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden, Pub in London (London)

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Open hours of The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden

Popular times

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Saturday

Reviews of The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden

R. M.

Nice pub, has a lot of history. It's mentioned in a lot of beer guides for a visit and I agree it should be a stop for folks who like a good pub. We had a few pints and Sunday roast. I liked the pub and beers, but was not that impressed with the Sunday roast, I've definitely had better. However, I would definitely have a few pints in here to soak up the old feeling atmosphere, worth a stop.

N. K. J.

What's cool about the spot - Nice pub to go to when in covent garden. Went there with a few friends for a few drinks and was worth it. Obviously gets crowded on weekends like most other spots. 8 to 9 mins walk from charring cross station. Lots of food options near by after a few drinks. If you found my review useful, please do give it a 👍 and follow me on Google Maps for more useful tips around the world.

R. S.

Apparently the oldest pub in th world (?). It's small, cute, and quaint. The staff are friendly as well as the patrons, it really reminds you of how the public houses use to be. We accidentally stumbled upon live jazz music (last Sunday every month) and a comedy show (every Sunday night)! The music was absolutely incredible. A must pop-in if you're around.

W. W.

We love this pub. It's ancient and respected great pint of London Pride ..if you're in London pop in😁

C.

Came here as we had tickets to Matilda around the corner. Such friendly staff and one of the best pint of Guinness I’ve ever had. Will be coming back for sure.

J. C.

Comedy night, we just joined as we stopped for a drink. It was great, the guys were really good. Lovely ending to my daughters birthday

P. R.

Amazing little pub tucked away back in an alley. It even just felt old walking inside for the first time. The beer was tasty but the place was absolutely packed and I had to stand outside, probably a good problem to have!

T. W.

Usual busy London pub... loads of traditional charm and a nice buzz... which is good as we come out of covid restrictions, and clearly popular with local workers. Fullers London Pride is always a winner...

A. D.

We found this place by chance. We were walking around looking for food. The restaurant is on the second floor. Everyone was so friendly. But let's talk about the food. We got the pie, and oh my! Soo yummy, so full of meat, and the creamy mash!!

S. K.

Wonderful experience. Went here for supper at 7.30pm. Downstairs is a bar and restaurant is upstairs. We did make a reservation by calling in, it's recommend since it's a smaller pub and it was busy all night. It's a classic British pub with great food and drinks. Service was kind and helpful. Would definitely go again. Fish was huge and very tasty. The split pea was wonderful and the burger was great, the linguine was average and a little dull.

p.

Charming little pub just off Covent Garden. Oldest pub there apparently. Great food and selection of beers. The staff are superb, very friendly and helpful. I think I've just found my favourite London pub!

C. G.

One if London's oldest pubs and a must visit for anyone who loves history and culture. This old pub is awkwardly located down an alley which can make it hard to find but keen an eye out and you'll spot it. Pro Tip: there is a comedy night that hosts some seriously funny comedians on the first floor. If you want to enjoy some comedy for free, join them on Sunday as they try new jokes. It's very relaxed and they really don't take themselves too seriously which makes for a fun evening.

D. F.

Had a great dinner at The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden. I ordered the Broccoli and Stilton soup as a starter followed with a Grilled Chicken Club sandwich. This Fuller's pub has a lot of history associated with it and is literally tucked away on Rose Street. It has the perfect ambiance for a couples night out and large enough for a gathering of mates. The staff was friendly, attentive, and wore masks and wiped down tables to drive down the risk of COVID. I will definitely come back to this pub in the future.

R. B.

Nice food, nice drinks. Traditional brittish pub at Covent garden.

1. N. V. T.

Great service, including talking to us through available beers and making recommendations based on our interests. At lunch, sandwiches are great value - can easily serve as a light lunch for 2 people if you add chips. I will completely reintroduce this pub!

C. A.

This is a lovely cosy old pub, tucked away off the beaten track. It has a lovely atmosphere with a good selection of Beers. Definitely will be back to visit when in London.

B. P.

Great old gal,good bones. The staff was very nice talked to us a lot, answered our questions and let me try a couple ales. Would visit again.

I. S.

Had a few drinks and dinner in here on a Friday night. Was impressed with my vegetarian “Pumpkin gnocchi, kale, toasted pumpkin seeds & sage butte”. They also have a good selection of wines and ales. Reservation for dining is highly recommended it gets very busy due to its popular location. Helpful and efficient staff. The dining room and ladies’ toilets are upstairs, so would not be suitable for those with accessibility needs. The only annoying thing in here was a strong smell of bleach (I have been in this pub several times and the smell seems to stick around every time).

B. J.

Our family had a great lunch here today. Entire staff was friendly and all of our meals were perfectly prepared. I would absolutely eat here again. Good food, friendly staff and interesting history - what more could you ask for?

M. J.

I was a bit disappointed here. The bar claims to be chalked full of history, but you really don't feel it in the bar. Food was okay. Service is consistent with British norms (lackluster). Seating is limited. There is a restaurant upstairs. There is no table service downstairs.. More tap beers than many pubs.

S. F.

Nice place. Fun character, nice food. Yum :) P.S. some cracking good bollards nearby too!

J. G.

Another brilliant historic London pub just outside Covent garden but bit expensive

M. Z.

Met a friend here glad we went a real London experience. Food was great. Even though the bar was crowded downstairs there was seating in the restaurant on the second level. The women’s bathroom was unique it was halfway up the stairs with a very low door, mind your head ladies😊

T. C.

Classic pub in central London. It's a great place to have a relaxing pint without the pomp and circumstance of many of the other places in Covent Garden. I've had many an enjoyable pint here and will continue to do so in the future.

G. W.

A proper old world pub experience. Good beer, nice cosy atmosphere and the staff were really friendly.

G. D.

Great pub off the chaos of Covent Garden. Gets busy when the office workers have had enough for the day.

R. J.

Great selection of drinks, steeped in history, good customer service

D. C.

Good food, great service, historical vibe, a very popular place. Yet dinning area upstairs was half full. The pub area below was where the action is. Also conveniently near the theaters.

b. p.

Real oldy worldy (1623) London pub near to Covent Garden. Oozes character. Excellent Sunday Lunch

N. E.

Great food, great people and a historic landmark. The old “blood bucket” will not let you down. Dickens frequented this pub and it was known for its brawls. A great time!

S. M.

Friendly bar staff who wanted to discuss the history of the pub, which I found fascinating. Although I called the barman out on his knowledge of British monarchy ;) don't think you can fool me fella haha! but it was a laugh and he did point me to various artifacts around the pub. Really liked it here

A. P.

Absolutely cracking pub. Landlord was brilliant. Very friendly, nice beer, great history. The place felt loved by the staff which always makes somewhere extra special. The perfect stop off for a cosy pint and chat. Will now be on my list everytime I am in the area.

O. B.

Olde world pub located right next to Covent Garden. Really cosy inside with an open fire and a good choice of drinks. Gets very busy on the weekends with the tourists but that's no bad thing as it gives the place a buzz.

S. A.

This pub came highly recommended on TripAdvisor and rightly so. Tucked away in an alley - just the authentic pub experience we were looking for. Shared the famous Fish and Chips, and Sausages and Mash. Staff were ever so attentive. A hidden gem.

P. D.

Amazing 👏 staff couldn't do enough even though some members of the team were a little annoying 😆 Great food and very reasonably priced. Look into the history oldest pub in Covent garden

U. C.

A great pub on Covent Garden with real historic character. Good accomodation and service on both levels. Also had Black Cab Stout in the fridge which is a rarity. Staff were excellent

C. W.

Phenomenal food once again. Barman so friendly and helpful. Such a gem in the vast area called London. A brilliant find and will definitely be back. Thank you xxxx

M. W.

Nice lively pub, with a fantastic selection of real ales. Great staff too.

G. W.

This was the very first English meal we had in UK and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Wife had the steak pie, scotch egg and myself the Fish and Chips and a London ale. The staff was friendly and the building itself added much to our entire experience.

J. G.

This is the historic pub hidden in the heart of Covent Garden. Everything a traditional pub should be Attractive quaint I interior in unchanged since Dickens's time. Traditional beers well looked after. A good selection of food deliciously prepared. Consistently friendly and helpful service. This is a pub I take visitors so they can experience a British Pub. It never disappoint s

D. H.

Great pub with an awesome pedigree. Can get a little crowded but worth seeking out

T. C.

This place is old school London and the food is Good! Walking down the alley way and into this pub you can get feel for what london must have been like back in the day. I make a stop here everytime I'm in London. Grab a pint downstairs and read the history on the walls, or head upstairs for a table and some really good English grub. ...The Lamb Roast on Sundays is always a great option.

M. C.

Lovely friendly staff. Good food. Hidden away in Covent Garden a real gem. We'll be back.

P. F.

Sticky toffee pudding was top class. Fish and chips were delicious. The bathroom facilities would drop this from being 5

K. P.

Lamb and Flag is one of my favourite pubs in central London. It’s a rare example of an old pub that hasn’t been refurbished every single decade. So it is actually full of character and smells of history rather than an office crowd. It is the closest to the famous Orwell’s ideal pub that one can find in central London: hidden away on a small street, with rich interiors, amazing amount of detail, gas fireplace and good selection of beers.

C. M.

Great traditional pub lovely decor and atmosphere very relaxing and warm and the drinks are great too

T. S.

Our server Juliah was a breath of fresh air friendly, caring and knowledgeable and the food was amazing!! One of the best meals we have had while being here in London!! We've been here for two weeks and eat out at least once a day if not twice so this is speaking volumes. We even got food to go it was so good!

J. W.

Very cool pub with a rich history.

I. S.

Super cool spot with a place to eat upstairs called the Dryden Room. Great ambiance. I went and ate solo. The food was awesome and I'd give this a 5/5 for pub food. Came on Sunday and had to have the traditional roast. Sticky toffee pudding was excellent as well. Washed it all down with a pint of London Pride and I've never felt more honorary British. Highly recommend.

A. C.

Old and charming English pub. The fish and chips were quite good a little short of salt perhaps. The service was great, as soon as we finished our beers we were offered more. I heard this place is the oldest pub still in use in London and that Dickens used to frequent this place.

S. S.

Quiet but we were early! Nice lunch and great historic environment.

N. C. H.

Charming traditional English pub with absolutely gorgeous food. I was very pleased with my fish and chips and the missus had a roast pie which was also fantastic. If you are a tourist in particular this is a GREAT way to take in England and it’s good charms.

V. V.

One of those must-visits if you are a pub-lover. Located in a beautiful historic area of the City of London (Covent Garden), has wide range of drinks and very authentic atmosphere. Have a sip and think that Charles Dickens's spirit is watching you 👀😄

G. L.

The food is average, dessert was decent but the ambiance was great. Great location close to theaters, friendly and patient wait staff. Would come back again.

J. U.

A stalwart of a proper honest pub in the heart of Covent Garden. Psst.... don't tell the tourists 🤫😉

G. C.

Took my tourist friends here for Sunday roast and it did not disappoint. Quality service from reservation to the food. The upstairs dining room is cosy and quaint. Will recommend to visitors seeking a good pub for Sunday roast in Central London.

s.

Nice pub food and friendly staff. The Sunday roast was a good portion and the crumble which was delicious was huge. They include service in the final bill

В. М.

Tiny, very crowdy at friday night, and extremly cosy pub! Made a pre-booking of a table on friday at 7:30. Saw the place Very Crowded at that time, but got my table instantly, even though the waitress girl looked like she didn't even know you can book a table here :) The pie of the day tasted more like the pie of the whole life (yes, it was that good) and the beer was a perfect fit for such a perfect pie (try Frontier, the best lager I had in my life). and don't forget the interior, which feels like it stayed the way it was centuries ago (the bar stand on the second floor definetely saw a lot of history in the making), and The Atmosphere. If you're looking for The Pub, not just A Pub - this is The Place!

D. P.

My favourite pub in London. Super selection of ales and lagers, served by friendly knowledgeable staff

J. C. C.

nice small pub in Covent Garden, recommended especially if you like Guinness

I. J.

Surprising old british pub hidden among modern buildings! Was here for a sunday roast, very soft and delicious meat! Also prices are adequate, a bit less than nearby pubs. Service ok! Recommended if you try to taste british cuisine in city center. Q park Covent Garden is the closest parking.

J.

I sat upstairs and had wonderful service from the bar hostess. Fish and Chips were excellent. Very nice old traditional pub with good food and excellent service.

C. J.

One of the best pubs I have been to in a long time for many reasons. It has a lovely old English style, very authentic and quaint. It was also very reasonably priced for a pub in the centre of London, particularly the food - a perfectly cooked steak sandwich and chips was only £8.75 (and there was a very generous amount of steak)! Also, the staff really were phenomenal. They were all so friendly and helpful and seemed genuinely happy to be there, nothing was too much trouble. We asked if a table became free near the television if we could please have it and most pubs would have just forgotten but they remembered over an hour later and let us move tables. As soon as they saw a glass was empty they would check if you wanted another drink. Linda was also incredibly professional, a gentleman was not adhering to the covid rules and Linda very professionally and politely reminded him of the rules and that he needed to remain seated. She remained calm and professional even when he started being rude to her. I only managed to catch Linda's name but the two gentleman who were also working behind the bar were also amazing Thank you so much for the best evening!! (visited on Saturday 3rd July)

F. B.

Good traditional pub, nice selection of real ales kept really well

S. A. B.

Hidden away in the corner a brilliant find. A great selection of beers and lagers on draught including local breweries, national and international beers. Very attentive staff. Didn't eat here but food did look good. Very interesting history of the building.

A. L.

Tranditionl British pub. We loved it! Food was amazing. Even that serivce was ok bit it's in style with most of London pubs. This is the view from 2nd floor of this cozy pub. O yes fish and chips served

D. D. L.

Wonderful old school pub, fantastic service

D. F.

Good atmosphere. Been here before . Really like the old pub .

M. S.

Nice place, good food, pleasant personnel, but nothing super special - yet another pub of many in the UK. This place is falsely believed to be one of the oldest pubs of London, and this legend goes far through the word of mouth. Yet the Wikipedia article clarifies that it is not the case. Come here to enjoy food and drink, but don't overrate it.

S. B.

Very good Sunday roast, big portions. Cosy little pub, tucked in Covent garden. Good for a catchup with friends.

M. H.

Very authentic place. Usually very crowded during business hours. As it is a little set back from the street and looks very traditional from the outside it is not completely overrun by tourists.

C. P.

Nice pub, tucked away down a narrow street.. Made the mistake of going in during a rugby game.. it was shoulder to shoulder.. Sat down and had a pleasant meal.

D. M.

What a great find. Have been to covent garden many times but never been here. Brilliant beers and proper old fashioned pub over a few floors. Definitely recommend.

P. B.

Love this old pub that a long time ago Charles Dickens used to visit.

C. C.

Old pub, seemed to be a happening local spot.

R. M.

Lovely old fashioned pub, good beer fast service, would recommend

D. B.

Neat old building with real character. They were had emptied a few of their taps when I was there, including a couple of my fave beers...but the place has a lot of character and friendly service.

R. A.

Next pub that is off the beaten track

D. B.

Huge and warm welcome at the L and F. So good to be inside when we go out out as it was chucking it down! V traditional English pub decor. Unpretentious and just a good ol' London pub. Good beer, cider and rum selection too.

P. F.

I always like popping in - a proper pub with a London vibe it's hard to replicate.

J. A.

Great pub in Covent Garden. Prices are rather steep but staff very friendly.

M. S.

Great atmosphere, excellent service in a very busy pub

P. G.

Popular traditional Fullers pub. Great range of real ales and also serves gastro style food. Highly recommended.

z. c.

Great historic pub in heart of Covent Garden bear to Covent Garden picdaily station and Leicester northern line station must visit for pint whenever

L. M.

Nice little bar with a worn, but interesting interior. Nice bar snacks too (black pudding scotch eggs, fried calamari, fish bites).

C. R.

Superb atmosphere & really good service. Will visit again next time we're in London

J. S.

Nice friendly helpful staff and Sunday roast was lovely

R. R. (.

Excellent location, had great time with friends and family, excellent menu and ace staff

K. N.

If you love traditional pubs (and who doesn't?), then you're gonna love Lamb & Flag. Another one of those Georgian pubs that claim to be "the oldest in XYZ" (in this case, Covent Garden), the Lamb & Flag does look it. Creaky wooden floorboards and the low ceiling is complemented by the dark mahogany bar while the. Downstairs you'll find the usual bar, upstairs is where traditional pub fare is served. The candlelight provides the pub with a low-lit but intimate atmosphere. Like any pub, you'll find a satisfactory range of hoppy, malty, golden goodness on tap. The Lamb and Flag is a proper Tudor style Inn that's preserved many of its Tudor features brilliantly. Its decor alone is worth visiting. If you want to see a proper, old English pub, this is one. A must place to show your non-London visitors. We've all heard of the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Lamb & Flag stands in the same bracket.

S. A.

Great atmosphere and a solid collection of ales. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable too, something most pubs in the area sorely lack. Some real history to the venue that's clearly embraced. A must for any beer fuelled visit to Covent Garden.

A. S.

Really nice roast dinner, tender beef and lots of delicious veg. Followed by amazing treacle tart and buffalo milk ice cream. Great service and really friendly staff

R. P.

Very historic pub, cosy inside and good beers

M. W.

The Lamb and Flag is a beautiful and old English pub located in the bustling Covent Garden. The selection of drinks were very vast and I highly recommend the Guinness; in my opinion this pub is easily in the Top 5 pints of Guinness in London. All the staff were warm, friendly and very welcoming. The pub has plenty of seating both inside and out but bear in mind as the day turns to night it is recommended that you book a table to avoid disappointment. My party stayed for dinner the menu was not too vast but served some great traditional English classics, the portions were perfect and the food was fresh and delicious. I will without doubt visit the Lamb and Flag in the very near future and I recommend that you do the same.

P. B.

Great drinking pub. Loved it.

D. W.

Gorgeous pub, both inside and out. Being Covent Gardens oldest pub you are literally immersing yourself in history here. The staff were efficient, friendly and willing to meet ones needs. The fish pie I had was delicious. The only criticism I have was the price of the pie, as it should have come with more than a splodge of veg on the side. Will certainly go there again. Loved it.

G.

This is a really interesting little pub that we found. It's in the heart of London, although it feels like it's sort of hidden since you need to go down this little alley way to find it. You would never know that it was there if you didn't do some research in advance. I believe this pub dates from early in the 18th century and it actually became a pub in 1772. Apparently, this pub has a pretty violent past according to some of the material that I read while eating inside the pub. Covent Garden was a violent area back in the pubs early days. The pub even has the nickname "The Bucket of Blood" due to the bare-knuckle prize fights that were once hosted in the pub's upstairs rooms. It's the same room that we ate in....I didn't see any bloodstains,LOL. We popped in for dinner one night and for an appetizer we had the Avocado & pesto bruschetta with roasted tomato salsa and it was awesome. I highly recommend you try this if you happen to stop by for a meal. They have a lot of "English" beers and also a full selection of liquor as well. I had a Guiness, which is Irish of course, it's just what I like. For the main course I had the "Fuller's London Pride Unfiltered, caramelised shallot & button mushroom pie with mashed potatoes, spring greens, and red wine gravy. Also very good. Staff and service were great, a great dining experience from start to finish.

G. W.

Cosy good ale and so much history!

N. G.

Decent place to get a pint tucked away in the middle of a very crowded Covent Garden. Usually very busy. Upstairs seating available.

P. B.

Fab London pub. Had jazz the night we went. Wonderful evening. 😍

O. W.

Always a pleasure to visit. Great beer and good service

J.

Absolutely pumping for a Thursday. Great beer, good food.

D. D. W.

On of the oldest authentic pubs in London. More than worth visiting as located very centrally.

I. M.

Good pub and selection of ales. Can get very busy

P. M.

Lovely pub and very accommodating, was busy when we arrived but staff managed to seat us for a quick beer, thank you. Interesting to see some of the history of the pub on the walls too.

H. Y.

Busy pub downstairs, quiet restaurant upstairs. Great service with food at good prices and a wide selection of pints. Enjoyed a lamb Sunday roast which was excellent.

J. B.

One of the alleged oldest pubs candidates in london. Great place if you can get inside near the cozy fire. Food is good. Ambiance even better.

L. E.

It was a quiet and quaint little Pub tucked away on a side street had one of the best Sunday roasts I've ever had. The staff was very nice.

N. P.

Love it. Great food. Lovely atmosphere. The best traditional pub in London Town! Good job Patrick

r. m.

Without a doubt one of the best pints of London Pride anywhere in the West End 🍺. Also take all the COVID guidance seriously and so felt very safe, keep up the good work quality always shines.

K.

Be warn, it can be busy. Great food, quick service.

I. C.

The lamb roast was really tasty and the character of the place old fashioned. What a great introduction into English cuisine! There's nothing like a Sunday roast!

J. W.

classic London pub. Worth putting your neck in the door. Real fire too.

S. B.

Highly recommend a trip to this pub. Great atmosphere.

r. C.

Lovely bar and the manager we spoke with was lovely and very chatty with us, told us he was originally from Scotland and took an interest in where we were from. Will definitely try to find again if ever back in London.

D. 7.

Busy, but staff were on point. Toilets are a little small but considering the building footprint that's not a major surprise

i. t.

Enjoyed it, had some banter with the southern crowd , established Yorkshire superiority and had a half decent pint of bitter so not bad all in

D. B.

A must will up town , the history is amazing 👏 Great staff too 👍

A.

My favorite pub in London!! Nice atmosphere, good service and food.

P.

A gem of a pub nicely tucked away. The staff were friendly....

E. R.

Meat or vegan pies were delicious. The waiter advised us very well on beers to accompany the meal. Very old place with an indeniable charm.

K. E.

The setting is old and traditional, in a good way. We dined upstairs, where there is also another bar, at a table overlooking the cobblestoned courtyard outside. They serve ESB, which I'd never had before. Truly nectar of the gods. There's currently a lack of flexibility in the menu (hence 4/5). Despite appearing on the menu there was no pie, and no mushrooms available as a burger addition. The food I did eat however was delicious.

j. W.

Good beer, good atmosphere, great service

M. W.

Good service, great pub. I have always loved it. I popped in for a quick pint yesterday, it is just as good as ever. Matthew Ward

P. M.

Service was spot on and a great beer selection.

D. L.

Best old pub in london every time i am back there its my first stop

E. C.

Great little pub. Amazing roast dinner. A good staff too

T. C.

I love this pub. Small but with atmosphere. Very old. Superb service and excellent beers. If you are in Covent Garden area must go there. Definitely I will come back They follow all Covid 19 rules. Amazing place. Thanks Patrick for your excellent hospitality. Your staff is amazing. I can’t forget to mention lovely staff: Judith, Nemad, Linda , Antonella. You are amazing guys.

B. L.

Great place for a pint and a bite. Steeped in history and character. We also caught a comedy show that was quite flavorful as well.

S. B.

The food here is lovely, do not miss out on their Sunday roasts. Great friendly service and all measures in place to put your mind at rest with regard to the current climate. I shall be back again, this pub is a gem❤️

M. J. L.

Good place for beers or eating. Centric. Good prices and nice staff. Lovely.

A. G.

This is a very conveniently located pub between Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Ideal for a few drinks prior to a concert, musical or play. There is a good range of choices of beer (especially draft) and wine at standard affordable prices. The pub has a lot of charm and is typical with its wooden floors, stairs, bar and walls! It can get really busy but there is a lot of space outside to have drinks with friends when the weather is good enough, otherwise I am afraid that you will have to stay inside squished between strangers. Not a bad thing if you want to get to know knew people...

A. C.

Interesting place. The food is good. The sunday roast was yummy.

t.

Enjoy the afternoon day is good idea in here. The ambiance is super good. We got pimms no.1 and beers. Freshing our entired day. Good service and friendly staff.

A. W.

Lovely pub hidden in a little side street near Covent Garden and is a lovely reprieve from the tourist filled streets. We visited for post-work drinks on a Tuesday and it wasn’t super busy but it was nice to be able to have a seat which is often a rarity! A pint of Diet Coke was £3.20 so quite pricey but not surprising.

A. P.

Great food. Welcoming and attentive staff. Completely COVID safe procedures in place. A must visit as the oldest pub in London

J. H.

Charles Dickens drank here ....and so did I Great place for a pint and something to eat. My father, sister and I drank here on our visit to many pubs from the United States. Staff was really friendly, ambiance was amazing. Great beer selection and just loved every moment. Really awesome pub with great history. Locals were nice as well.

C. K.

Walking into the Lamb & Flag is like walking into history. Amazing feeling topped with perfect service. Would visit again.

K. F. M.

Good atmosphere, great food, good selection of drinks and friendly staff.

E. J. L.

Usually used 1st floor with tables. Quiet, nice interior. Can feel the antiqueness of hundreds of years

S. D.

Very busy yet provided excellent service! A perfect pub experience!

A. G.

Just impressed. I'm not so much familiar with London standard but everything was great.

A. M.

I love this place and its rich London history. Been here since 1770 apparently. Great beer, great stories, great location.

H. M.

One of the best and oldest pubs in London. It’s history goes back to Charles II. The Sunday menu has roasted meats as it’s specialties. Beef, pork, turkey and acorn squash are all great. Many fine ales to choose from. A very attentive and knowledgeable staff rounds things out. Plan on reservations as this restaurant is quite busy. For desserts, the ice creams and puddings are excellent especially the salted Carmel. It is cozy and has great historic atmosphere. A little hard to find on Rose street, so don’t be afraid to ask for directions to the Lamb and Flag on Rose Street Covent Garden.

R. M.

The great reviews on here are all fully justified. Lovely friendly welcome and attentive service. The four of us all ordered different things and all were fresh and tasty. The scotch eggs are amazing - we tried both and can't pick a favourite. The fish and chips were a winner and the beef burger and lamb burger were first rate according to my sons (ok, I may have tried them as well). I opted for the beef pie and mash and happily polished it off - lovely full pie and great pastry. The Lamb and Flag is steeped in tradition and has proper, genuine, good old fashioned service. Highly recommended.

K. M.

Always enjoy a visit to the L&F in part due to its association to military, I always look up my Regimental plaque The Queens Regiment - Unconquered I Serve

L. E.

Lovely pub and bar staff were excellent, particular the Welsh lad who was working upstairs.

p. p.

One of the Oldest pubs in London. Great environment located ina secret Alley in Coven Garden area

J. H.

Lovely. A gem of a pub tucked down a side street neer Covent Garden. Food is delicious. Staff are great.

J. M.

Cosy traditional pub with excellent food. The dining room is very nice and the menu very good. We found the service to be also of a very high standard. The usual range of Fullers beers available as well as seasonal specialties.

d. p.

Great fullers pub tucked away in Covent garden. Lovely real ale in a secluded spot. Well worth a visit.

T. D.

Busy pub. Simple but delicious food. Had a rare beef sandwich which was yummy. Great host with lots of chat

P. N.

Don’t let the crowd on the main floor keep you from heading upstairs to the dining room. We ate there twice on this trip, and both occasions were good. The beef and mushroom pie is savory, and a good sized portion. The staff is friendly, and we’re on top of things most of the time. The salmon was prepared well, and they have a few different Scotch eggs to choose from. We had the ham hock egg, and it was so-so. Still, that didn’t discourage us from the second visit. Lots of history in that place.

P. W.

A great little pub in the middle of Covent Garden. Loads of good ales to chose from and sample. Had a quick pint here before a evening at the nearby Arts Theatre for the Cycling Podcast Live last month. It's not the first time I've been to this little beauty and I'm sure it won't be the last. Pint please?

D.

A stunning pub! The moment you step in the smell of beer hits your nose (yay!). Usually packed, with room at the back and upstairs and outside, but in a strange way you always find a spot to enjoy your beer and have a chit chat with your pal and relax. The service is the greatest and fast. Interesting crowd of young and not so very young and all these in the most traditional, old styled tiny pub squeezed in an alley! I absolutely loved my beer, the pub and the location and I had a most enjoyable evening! I'll will visit again for sure!

P. L.

Lovely food, great atmosphere

D. S.

I often attend with my Irish friend, it's one of her favourite London pubs and it's easy to see why. It's a fantastic location to be and I love having a pint either indoors or out in the street. It's a super popular pub and there's always people drinking outside too. Some great beer and cider on offer and a buzzing friendly atmosphere. A beautiful place to spend an evening catching up with good company. No doubt we will be back real soon. Can always trust the Irish to find the best pubs...!

L. S.

Great cosy pub little pub.

D.

Food was okay, a little slow to come out. Overall worth going for the history.

M. L.

Good typical old English pub, quite busy but managed to squeeze us in for Sunday lunch with minimal wait. Roast dinner was a good portion, maybe could have done with more gravy, washed down with a decently priced Pinot Noir. Great use of a Sunday! Will be back!

A. R.

Very much closed today. Supposedly the oldest pub in London ???

S. S.

Nice little place to grab a drink, one of the oldest pubs in London

I. G.

A personal favourite for over 10 years. This place has the charm of authentic London. Beer selection isn’t the best but definitely good enough with a few key cask ales to choose from. The dining area upstairs is nice and kept away from the pub crowd, the food is better than your average pub and the service is good. This place definitely caters to both the tourist and the local Londoner. Always worth a stop by. Keep up the good work, please!

J. E. C.

Excellent Real ales and very rich character in it

G. P.

A fantastic place for a dinner with friends. We came in London from Florence for three days and each evening we tried a different pub. This was really the best. A classic place, with friendly staff. We tried three type of pies and fish and chips and all were fantastic.

n. w.

Excellent london boozer and it’s discreet alleyway location only increases the feeling that you’re tucked away in a local pub, not in the middle of one of London’s busiest shopping areas. It’s comically small, and laughably crowded most of the time, with punters spilling out into the street outside, but there is obviously advantages to this level of chaos in terms of ambience and buzz. I would heartily recommend this pub to anyone looking for either a swift pint after work and before dinner, and definitely to any tourists who are in this part of town and wanting to experience a classic English pub experience. Nothing conveys traditional English pub culture than trying to squeeze through a tiny room full of drinkers to get to a very small bar and order a beer. Reliable. Charming. Well situated. Catastrophically overpriced.

T. R.

This pub has history and is in a great location. Not much more to add. I asked for the sandwich menu only to be informed "no sandwiches, its Saturday " Do I infer that only a tourist menu operates on weekends? I suspect this is the case. So expensive picky bits rather than real food. Service slow and a curmudgeonly corner of people proud to proclaim themselves the Old Gits

Q. M.

Iconic London pub which is 395 years old. The place just reeks of history, oh the stories it could tell! Quite compact downstairs, there a seated area at the back but I don't mind propping up the bar. Closes at 11 on a Saturday. Super friendly bar staff. with a special mention to Hollie who was outstanding!

C. F.

Lovely, atmospheric old London pub. I came here for a Sunday lunchtime get-together with old work friends and stayed all afternoon talking of old times. It was that kind of place. Beer and food were both excellent. And Charles Dickens was a regular here too! I can't blame him :-).

J. K.

Great classic pub, one of the oldest in the city. Well known for the famous people who used to frequent here. The staff is very nice and attentive. The dining room upstairs is classic. I had the fish and chips, which were decent. Not amazing, but well done.

C. G.

This a beautiful pub . A lovely atmosphere , great service. We had Haddock and chips and I have to say was one of the best fish and chips i have ever had. This place is a treasure.

I. T.

Great little find. Beer’s good, great steak, & really friendly service. Can’t fault it.

W. B.

Pubs great, sewage smell outside was horrific

L. K.

Really fun place, and not just a place for beers. I was surprised by how good the food was. The fish and chips were nicely done and not greasy. I had a great pie that was on special. I also liked that the upstairs was a nice quiet escape from the crazy packed crowds on the first level.

M. B.

My favourite boozer in the smoke. Full of character & history as far away from a spoons as you can get. No hint of menace in the air on any of my numerous visits. Filled with city types & old soaks. Decent combo! Alfresco drinking encouraged as well got smashed in here loads of times

M. C.

There's a sign inside that says that they have the best fish and chips. You know what? They're not lying. It was delicious. Great English comfort food, pleasant and warm space upstairs away from the bustling pub scene downstairs. Situated right off the main street down a short alley so it's a nice, quiet place to have a pint and eat something before going back to the shops and frenzy of Covent Garden. Our wait staff was pleasant and friendly.

D. G.

Pub of character. Look after their beers. Friendly staff

A. F.

A favourite from 40 years ago ! I drank here when at my first London job. So it's good to see it's lost none of its atmosphere, great beer and quirky layout. Great to see the old girl again. Won't leave it so long next time !

S. M.

Took my parents here for a Sunday roast. We were looking forward to it based on reviews, but it was average at best. Between us, we tried the beef, pork, and veggie roasts. Unfortunately, it was all quite bland and some of the sides came out a bit cold. The building itself is historic, and we saw someone get a fish and chips that looked solid. Overall though, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.

P. D.

This pub will never recreate its charm of the 80s and early 90s. Then it had perfect cheeses and great pork pies on display in the bar. OK so they only served Courage, but it had its USP. Now it's a historically interesting but uncomfortable venue, with high priced ubiquitous beers and spirits and little seating. TV also too dominant, on match days.

m. h.

Quaint pub, excellent ales, good food, very friendly service. One of my favorite pubs!

P. E.

Have been a regular here in the past. Busy last Saturday and a warm day. Ideally wanted to be outside but a few signs stopping you from standing in certain places. I doubt the Pub has a choice and has probably been told to keep patrons in certain areas. Could do with half a dozen barrels outside to put drinks on.

L. B.

Enjoyable experience. We dinned upstairs - quality fish & chips and ale, at more than reasonable prices. Gets very crowded downstairs because it is so popular, so if possible try the upstairs bar area. Staff was friendly and helpful - nice! Can recommend.

T. B.

This is the place where everyone in London seems to go to for a pint after work. The crowd and noise spill out onto the street during peak hours. If you're peckish and lucky, you can get a table upstairs for a meal. The food is excellent with generous portions.

S. B.

Visited on a hot very busy Saturday just for a couple of drinks. Found the bar staff pleasant and coping really well. Security person outside marshalled us with good humour and manners. An unexpected pleasure to get this experience in one of the busiest parts of town. Had to write a review to compliment the staff.

N. C.

My favourite pub in the area! It does get crowded, but it’s fun to stand outside in the court anyway. Dining space upstairs is a bit more spacious if you’d like to buy some food as well. Try the mulled apple juice with a shot or two of spiced rum!

O. A.

Very good beer and food as well as cosy atmosphere

D. M.

Mate brought me here once. Knows I like a historic building with a good story attached. Said Mr Charles dickens used to drink there and there is a blue pack about a killing from memory on the front. Good place for a beer. Food to be had up stairs although I have not tried it...... Yet. But go for a beer at least.

S. M.

Great pub with really friendly service. Drinks not a bad price.

R. F.

Excellent Fullers pub, been coming here for about 30 years. Press ‘like’ if my review is of benefit

S. S.

One of London's genuine historic gems with a wealth of original features. Add to this a good selection of real ales, good service and excellent food, what is not to like. Always worth a visit particularly in good weather when everyone spills outside and you can easily get a spot at the bar inside!

J.

Open since 1772, this was one of Charles Dickens favorite places to enjoy a drink and is pretty much as historic as they come. Charming, cozy and just a generally marvelous place, you can expect traditional pub grub, excellent ales and a rather naughty reputation. The pub was renowned for hosting messy bare knuckle fights that earned it the nickname The Bucket of Blood. Questionable violence aside, this Covent Garden boozer is pretty much perfect, although its popularity often makes grabbing a seat difficult.

N. L.

Cozy traditional English Pub that survived the big corporations and beer chains. Popular with young alternative crowd. Situated on this quiet corner, you will be excused to miss it by. An alleyway passes thru this charming gem to the next Street. Good beers, friendly bar staff

C. J.

Great place to find a stout with lots of history. Don't expect much, but the ambiance and the history will do

T. F.

I had done a google search for the best pubs to visit in London and it came up on the list. It was all perfect, the atmosphere is nicely decorated in vintage style, the food was delicious (I ordered the braised blade of beef, creamy mash, chanterelle mushrooms, pancetta, baby onion and a pint of London Pride). I highly recommend the location.

D. M.

Stopped in for a meal and it was great. Lots of character. Happened to be there for a Sunday Roast and it was top notch.

S. B.

Love this pub. Excellent service and great food.Went out of their way to accommodate us

P. K.

Whilst sitting down about to imbibe A barman ,Jason, informed me and my companion that he would not allow is to drink our beer(naturally we were somewhat stunned) due to it not being quite right, it was cloudy on Inspection. He took our glasses away and replaced them a few minutes later with two fresh gorgeous pints of ESB. The first time ever that this has happened. A pub that takes great pride in its cellar. Well worth a visit...you won't be disappointed.

S. G.

The best pub in London.

F. D.

I was there at the 20th of October. Me and my friend loved the stand-up comedy program moderated by Aiden(?) at the second floor. The burgers are awesome and the atmosphere is great. :) I'll definitely come again when I'm in London next time.

S.

I like this pub! I can only review for pints though. If you come before 4pm, the crowd is usually smaller. If it's 5pm, good luck finding a spot to stand. You'll have to stand outside rain or shine. It's quite lovely in the summer though! Drinks are reasonable priced for Covent Garden standard. Enjoy!

G. P.

The food was absolutely amazing. Perfect scotch egg to mouthwatering fish pie. Soooooo gooood.

A. B.

Like pretty much every pub on a Thursday, packed inside, packed outside. Very polite security guy keeping the escapes clear, kudos to him. Your normal selection of beers and possibly fewer ales than some of the other pubs in the area.

T. &. Z. H.

Good spot for a relaxing break away from the bustle of the surrounding area

K. M.

Traditional London pub, tucked away in a Covent Garden alley. A little hard to find, but well worth the trip. Good food and authentic Fish n Chips. This place does not come across as a high traffic tourist joint. Instead, it feels like a local find, with friendly service, good prices and an overall good experience.

D. F.

Lovely place to sit and watch the city go by. My husband brought me there for the first time and I've loved since my first visit. It is quintessentially English, and even though it's always packed, it's gentle to the wallets of tourists and local residents alike. I always order something different as I don't want to miss out on any traditional meals, while my husband goes for his favourite combination of pie and a pint. We're both really happy to have found this place.

s. d.

Amazing old hostelery. Steeped in history, you cannot help but imagine you are in the company of old masters like Dryden and Dickens. Food is wonderful and the service is second to none. A must for lovers of good ale and historic vibes.

P. L.

One of my favorite pubs in the area. Has a great selection of beers and a lovely selection of single malt scotch. It's very cosy and rustic with a great front courtyard to drink in at the front. The staff are always friendly.

M. S.

I visited the Lamb & Flag as a tourist. I loved how "London" the place felt! It was incredibly crowded though, and we had to stand out front with our drinks. That was okay—probably added to the experience actually. They are tucked into a back alley street, so no traffic. Still, would have be nice to be able to sit down. We probably would have stayed longer. Regardless, this was a great stop on our short time in London. Super cute red front gives it a true European pub feel.

J. T.

A nicely tucked away pub that boasts character from Charles Dickens era. This place caters for both a pub and restaurant environment (top floor) with standard pub food options at decent pricing. The services was great and ambience was relaxing.

K. M.

Great staff that will make your visit an enjoyable visit. Food and beers very good as well.

S. B.

Old pub and looks its age now. Nice quiet location that you can drink outside on decent day. Drinks available are good if not mostly uninspiring but of you look hard enough at the fridges you will find some of the better offerings of beer.

B. R.

Visited this pub with an American friend following a great interaction with the brewery via Twitter. Very popular. Had about 10 real ales on tap and knowledgeable staff to help us navigate our way through the choices. We also ate there - there are tables in the upstairs bar. The ham, egg & chips was excellent.

T. M.

Cozy pub, dining options available upstairs (can't comment on vegan selection as I was only there for a pint). Great selection of alcohol available, especially recommend the mulled apple juice with a shot of sloe gin!

S. W.

A very atmospheric place... expect to see see ghost on certain nights in the tiny tunnel alleyway nearby

D. G.

Very nice food, good range of ales and lagers. Outside space is very limited due to the throng of suited gentry. Inside, fairly relaxed or nice and quiet in the upstairs bar. Fantastic location for Leicester Square tube or Covent Garden.

M. M.

Sunday roast visit - positives; really charming venue and lovely staff.. however the Roast Beef itself was just average - over cooked beef, served with chewy flowery roast potatoes... overall disappointing - just felt like not much care went into it.. maybe an off day in the Kitchen to be fair...

A.

Great pub- love the atmosphere

T. F.

Lovley pub hidden in a corner. Authentic atmosphere with a decent selection of beers. My go to pub in the Leicester square area. Although there can be lots of people early in the evening. Would recommend going there a bit later if possible.

D. O.

Nice pub with a bit of character/history to it. Seating is prime real estate (well on the recent Friday evening that I was there at any rate). Quality of the beer on wasn't great but the menu changes (I assume).

M. C.

Went there last night first time. Great food and wine. Had a nice chat with the bar man. Telling us about the pub. Definitely go back

S. A.

So so sooooo glad we found this lil gem. We'll be back. X

S. G.

I love the food because it is very authentic. Service is fab. Prices are reasonable and u can bring your own booze. Excellent and well-priced food and lovely ambience. Will definitely be going again :)

J. C.

What a LOVELY, FRIENDLY PUB to go for drink or two in after work. After my worst experience ever in The Globe pub just up the road, it was refreshing and much needed to enter such a great pub. I highly recommend this place and I hope tourists leave London with this true impression of our fine city and bars.

K. K.

Authentic locals spot tucked away down an alley. Definitely worth a pint!

D. G.

Another favourite pub in London. I believe Charles Dickens used to drink here. Staff are great and the pub has oodles of character. Highly recommended Fullers.

J. A.

Pros: - Beautiful preserved interior which backs up the interesting history by placing you in an environment where you can still sense it (lots of London pubs have lost this). This is in and of itself a reason why Lamb and Flag is worth visiting. It probably deserves 5 stars for that alone. - A haven in a busy area Cons: - Over-subscribed at times, inevitably - Also inevitably, the 'passing trade' and location means it has lost a sense of community. A common problem and not through the pub itself doing too much wrong. Constructive suggestions: - Drinks are OK but there is room for improvement in the choice of ales available, whether you like cask or keg. This may not be possible depending on whichever company they are tied to. - Some of the signage is a little too 'generic pub' which takes away from the preserved elements. I'd rate it somewhere between 8 or 9 out of 10. It is an outstanding pub among a sea of mediocrity.

C. W.

Very popular historic Fuller's pub spread over two levels. Easy to miss as it's set back from the main road. Good selection of draught and bottled beers. Not that much space in side so can get crowded and noisey during peak hours. Upstairs offers bigger tables, views over the street outside and a separate bar so no need to carry drinks up the stairs. Not that expensive for a pub beside Convent Garden.

A. L.

Nice traditional pub with friendly staff. Interesting (very) narrow passage to go into the back of the pub.

H. H.

Very very historical and popular pub in that amazing Covent Garden area. Their decoration is so cool with hundreds of the front of beer. They have good beer and ale with a bit higher price. Their food is usual pub food but quiet delicious as well. Don't go their if you don't like crowded. But if you want to have a hot chat with your friends, it's a great place.

M. O.

When I asked the landlord why the beer is so good he said the high volume of sales means the barrels empty fast so the beer is always fresh. I went with a friend from Burton-on-Trent, England's beer capital, who agreed with my assessment of the taste. Aside from this, this a remarkably historic pub where you feel the atmosphere of times past going back to the 1600s. A place like this cannot be made. It has to evolve over 100s of years.

C. G.

Very cool pub. Hard to find which adds to the allure. Good beer selection and a very good atmosphere. All wood with crooked floors and catchy phrases sprinkled around the bar. Highly recommended.

B. S.

I absolutely love pubs like this. Located down a little side street the Lamb & Flag offers punters with a section of real ales and ciders. The pub is a few hundred years old from what I can remember and the undulating floor, old timbers beams transport you back in time. The building is quite small and got full quickly. I noticed an upstairs but did not know if this was for customers. Last orders was about 11 on a Saturday so we quickly moved on.

J. C.

It feels less full of tourists than most pubs in the area, and offers a tasty pint. If it's too busy to get a seat downstairs, try the bar upstairs. It was quieter and much easier to get served.

R. M.

One of the oldest pubs in Covent Garden, hidden down an alleyway. Very traditional wood panelled place. Good selection of beers & other drinks. Very popular for their food. A must visit place.

M. C.

I loved it. The staff is amazing, the food was delicious, the building is lovely. Next time that I'll go to London I'll go there. The fish and chips is so delicious. There's beer in the batter which is their speciality and even if i don't particulary like beer the fish&chips was one of the tastiest i've ever eaten. Weshared a warm apple pie after and it was super nice too.

T.

Proper olde worlde pub, hidden away in Rose St, just off Floral Street in Covent Garden.

D. P.

This bar is really nice if you’re looking for atmosphere and vibes of old English bars and pubs. Prices are good, staff is friendly. Definitely worth a visit!

A. P.

Feels like a journey back in time as it's a proper olde worlde pub but ultimately it's a cramped sweatbox with average beers. The outside space is spoiled by food smells from kitchen vents from adjoining restaurants so inside is better. Definitely wouldn't eat here as it has a food hygiene rating of 2!

V. I.

The pub is small and full of character. Unfortunately in hot weather the outside area can get a bit smelly from the back of house bin store. Food and drinks are excellent and the place is very close to Covent Garden.

a.

Good spot for a pint, we visited as part of a scavenger hunt!

H. S.

Great popular pub with good food upstairs.

A. S.

Huge advantages to this place are the beautiful historic building,which gives a sense of old London, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The wine wasn't the cheapest, but it was really excellent quality. A lovely spot!

R. M.

Downstairs was full but upstairs was not. Loved the food

A.

A hidden gem in a middle of London. A must see. Great service and they are busy. A must see!!!!!

A. B.

Lots of history, character and atmosphere.

P. C.

One of the oldest pubs in London, tucked away down a side road. Fuller's beers, good selection of other drinks and good service. It's usually busy, but I've always got a seat within 15 minutes of arriving. If you're visiting the city and are only going to go to one pub in Covent Garden, then go here.

C. D.

Would have given 5* but due to its antiquated licencing law we weren't allowed in the bar with our son. However, the landlord was perfectly polite and offered us a table in the upstairs dining area. Staff are polite and helpful, landlord is a gentleman.

J. J.

A traditional Georgian Pub, former haunt of Charles Dickens. Once known for bare-knuckle fights and nicknamed the Bucket of Blood, don’t cause any trouble! You're halfway, take time to refuel and recharge. Send SKIP to continue at any time.

D. R.

The place is with good atmosphere. Like every other pub in the city but they need to put a little bit of more staff working there because we were waiting for a long time there and yes i know that is full most of the time but still to wait that much of a couple of beers is to much.

M. R.

A wonderful tatty ancient full of character proper pub. Great variety of good quality well kept cask ales. This is a little corner of old London tucked away in an alley. Loved this place for a long long time.

S. G.

Wonderful historic building in a great location. Bar is kept well and service isn't long.

A. H.

Large selection of beers, a bit of a stale smell, worn-out chairs: yes, it's definitely a pub! Tip: go book a table at one of the crowded restaurants beforehand, and wait it out here with a nice cold pint!

D. S.

First Central London pub we've been to that has great food! The Sunday roast was excellent and came with authentic Yorkshire pudding. The Scotch eggs are excellent as well!

K. A.

What a fun historical pub with great food and very accommodating staff. The downstairs bar area was packed but upstairs is a full service eatery. The staff was very patient with our large group.

D. H.

An historic pub. A tourist trap staff and beer reasonable.

S. A.

Oldest pub in London? It's definitely old, authenticate, not been refurbed or upscaled. Good selection of beers, with friendly and very hard working bar staff. Be prepared for uneven floors, noise and nowhere to sit as its that popular!

S. M.

A real traditional Georgian pub located in Central London. It does tend to get quite busy but throughout the day the atmosphere is calm and pleasant. Their drink menu is awesome, I still haven't tried any of the food dishes

S. M.

I grabbed a quick pint here, the building and it's history is just great, the bartender was nice, small selection on hand, but I didn't mind. The toilets are incredibly small but I'm sure they were added in at a much later date than when the building was built.

P. C.

Great old school pub with good food and Fuller's ales , tell the cab it's in Rose st.

N. B.

Great historical, authentic, little 'boozer'. Friendly staff. Decent prices. Gladly recommend.

S. F. H.

Great place although usually end up standing outside in the sun. Always a destination when I get to London

B. W.

Travelers, this little gem is tucked away in a lane (alley) adjacent to Covent Garden. Friendly staff, great pub food and FREE Sunday night stand-up comedy. A great way to spend a Sunday evening in a dynamic city

D. N.

Great little pub up an alley way. I strongly recommend this to visitors who want an authentic old London boozer - as opposed to the bland, annoymous and expensive chain pubs. But it's very well known, so never quiet - and it's so small that you may end up drinking OUTSIDE the pub, which kind-of misses the point. I recommend you plan to go mid-afternoon when it may be a bit quieter. A good range of beers at reasonable prices for Central London.

N. S.

Old, busy and crowded....you think they would be bad points but this pub is SOOOO much better when it is busy. The pub itself has been on this site since 1772 (named The Coopers Arms) and during the early 19th century it was nicknamed "The Bucket of Blood" due to all the bare knuckle fighting that took place on the premises. Lovely old pub with dark wooden beams and a selection of booths in the back bar, the saloon bar has plenty of stools for you to rest your bones. There is a courtyard to stand in during the summer months or if you want to have a smoke and it is PLENTY big enough. Loads of ales to choose from and a large selection of spirits and wines behind the bar. I have not eaten from their menu but it seems like pretty standard pub fare. I recommend this pub as a good place to start a night-out or to end a night-out, it gets busy and loud but you can always shuffle your way to the bar and the staff are (usually) pretty friendly and happy to take your cash! Definitely one to experience whilst you are up in town.

L. L.

Great, neighbourhood pub in Covent Garden - this is a true London pub and an authentic place in an otherwise very touristy Covent Garden. It can get very busy during peak hours, and because of this, bar patrons spill out into the street which makes the place very lively and buzzing. There is also ample room to sit upstairs, but make sure to get there before peak hours if you would like to secure a table.

S. M.

Good pub with historic setting and good selection of beers. A little expensive and little sitting space inside. In addition it has a poor food sanitary rating but good place to go for just a drink

D. W.

Old bar with history

S. C.

Traditional old English pub from the Dickensian era( Dicken's favourite pub so the legend goes). Use to hold bare-knuckle fighting within its confines and upstairs was used for one act plays by drama groups in the 70's( my dad's local West End pub, where I supped plenty of Coca-Cola's as a boy, whilst he indulged himself). Tucked away up a side alley off Garrick street, nice atmosphere outside in the summer!!

G. S.

Old, old England in Covent Garden. You can feel the age in the floors. Just beautiful. Comedy on Sunday nights to boot. Mentioned in all the Guides of London as pub of note. Food looks good too.

R. S.

Busy. Very friendly. Staff excellent.

P. B.

Apparently the oldest pub in Covent Garden. A selection of real ales to sample and a friendly barman to assist. A tiny pub with quirky interior touche and a brief history of the establishment on the walls. Not the cheapest pub but worth a visit especially if you appreciate history and good beer

S. L.

I came to have the typical English Fish&Chips and I had excellent service from both Chiara and Antonella, with some hints of history given from Chiara that made me enjoying food and beers! The food arrived very quickly and it was excellent! (Chips were lightly weird - might have been my taste, tho - probably just because of the kind of oil used). The idea of battering the fish with Frontier' Beer it's perfect: it wasn't heavy and I could even eat two of it! Thank you!

M. S.

Real London pub. Staff were excellent We just had snacks food which was delicious and fairly priced

A. H.

This pub has a lot going on at the bar. The dining room is much quieter. The food is typical for what you would expect from a pub, but the service is very timely. A good stopping place for a quick one or a pre-dinner meal.

T. D.

Such a cool pub, tucked away in the corner! Nice shopping all around the pub. Good fish and chips and ESB on draft.

P. F.

Tucked away up a Covent Garden side street, you might miss this welcoming little pub - if the stream of merry customers didn't give it away. It's pleasingly traditional inside - long, narrow, with wooden plank floors and wood panelled walls; you almost expect there to be sawdust on the floor. It's friendly now, but has a dark past as a bare-knuckle boxing venue, which the staff will happily chat to you about if the bar isn't too busy. As for drinks, there is a good range, as like most good pubs the Lamb and Flag has moved with the times. As well as a range of fairly standard lagers and bitters, there is a good choice when it comes to spirits (any pub that serves Hendrick's Gin gets a thumbs up from me), and prices are not as staggering as you'd expect from a central London pub. It can get very, very crowded of an evening and in the summer, so if you're looking for a quiet place to nurse a pint, perhaps look elsewhere. But for a get together with friends or to experience a good London pub while on a visit, I'd highly recommend it!

T. L. P. M.

The Lamb and Flag 🚇 Leicester Square 🍺 £5.30 San Miguel 🐟🍟 £14.00 🍔🍟 £11.50 ❤️ Tucked away on a side street in Covent Garden you will find The Lamb and Flag pub. This historic pub was high on my list of must visit boozers and it didn’t disappoint. The pub stands at the end of a small cobbled street which adds to the charm of the pubs exterior and inside it’s cosy and feels like you’re in a London Tavern of old. I have visited the pub twice, once during the day and once during the evening and have to say the atmosphere was great on both occasions. There’s a wealth of ales on offer as there were eight hand pumps on the go and because Fullers have the stewardship the food looked pretty good too. If you’re looking for a bit of London history, there’s plenty attached to this place from Dickens popping in for his pint to bare knuckle fights on the cobbles. . This pub is on many lists of top London pubs to visit and for very good reason, this is a Great London Pub. . 📊 Information correct on visiting 08/09/17

C. L.

First went here about 10 years ago and the atmosphere hasn’t changed, happy hour spills out into the alley so you are only going into the pub to get your pint, then walking back out to the street. It’s a great place and always o e of my stops after dinner in London.

S. K.

Wonderful food Great service

A. I.

A popular pub hidden away in an alley. They sell drinks on the first floor while the second floor is reserved for dining. Good selection of beers, cider and liquor, I'm personally a big fan of their cider.

A. T.

Tucked away on a side rd in Garrick St. Friendly staff and decent food!!

Z. K.

A friend of mine introduced me to this pub a few years back, and have been here whenever I'm in the area. For a historian, this pub offers much in the way of atmosphere and history (staff are great too), and considering I help out at the Charles Dickens museum in Doughty St, how can I not pop in here?!

D. C.

Had a fantastic evening here in december with a group of guys who were singing Christmas carols! Charming pub with nice beer selection, hidden away in an alley in a touristy area! Will definitely visit again!

J. H.

Best pub in central London. Real Ales to select and it's a Fillers pub not much more a person needs. Food is well priced and a place hidden away people forget it's there.

P. T.

So nice to sit at a bar and have a pint again.

n. v.

Another historical pub that you cannot miss while in London, it is a proper English boozer! We stopped of here as part of our Dickensian pub crawl as this is believed to be one of Charles Dickens favorite pub, there is a plaque on the outside of the pub in the little alleyway dedicated to him, which most people miss! It’s a fullers pub, with good quality draft beers and a good selection of wines, there is seating at the back of the bar if you want to have some food, never had the opportunity to eat here but the food looked tasty, the staff where friendly and happy to have a chat. Wonderful location, really close to both Covent Garden and Leicester Square and the Strand.

M. P.

The roast looked amazing but surprisingly not that good, meat was real tough. The fish and chips are huge! Solid real ale selection. Staff were nice, would go back for the staff, not so much for the roast.

L. M.

Great Fullers pub, bar staff were super friendly and service was great!

S. C.

A great place to stop for a pint with plenty of historic charm. Only problem was that it gets quite busy during after work hours, and the pub is primarily narrow corridors. Only a few big open spaces toward the back or upstairs.

L. O.

Visited the pub yesterday afternoon / evening for a short session. The choice of beers was extensive (7 on pump) albeit mostly from the Fullers brewery in Chiswick. Bar staff were very attentive and friendly despite being rushed off their feet. Today's visit had a very Christmassy feel, with the smell of mulled wine adding to the atmosphere. Several Santas, reindeer and plucked turkeys patronised the bar along with many passers-by who popped in for a quick one. Despite the pub being packed, everybody was polite and chatty. I can definitely recommend a visit this season to wassail and be merry.

R. L.

Classic British pub serving excellent fish and chips. Was very busy with people spilling out into the street on a hot summer day, but having the restaurant upstairs helped separate the crowd from the people eating.

V. J.

Had a delicious beer, sat upstairs more peaceful up there.

J. B.

Fantastic pub. Historical place & great atmosphere. Good selection of ales. Very intersting pictures too. Definitely visiting again.

S. P.

Historic place. Very limited space, traditional drinking pub, meaning limited food/ snack options, no extensive wine list/ cocktails, bottled juices, probably not suitable for families with children. Mostly frequented by locals or people working near by.

A.

Only stayed for one drink , nice staff good atmosphere

D. H.

What an amazing find in London. Perfect atmosphere and the staff was awesome and kind. We found this pub walking by and walked up stairs for dinner and they got us in. Best fish and chips I had in London!!!

A. C.

Beer not to my liking but nice staff in historic setting

J. Y.

The Lamb and Flag was amazing. As a celiac (gluten allergy) they took it very seriously and I was able to have an excellent meal that did not make me I'll whatsoever. Full marks. Service was excellent as well. Thanks so much for the experience!!!

A. B.

a wonderful little hidden gem in London. it is one of the oldest pubs in London and has a lot of history. it used to be known as the bucket of blood due to its grim Dickensian bare knuckle boxing past. from the outside you immediately get a sense of it by looking at the dark Dickensian alley way to the right and rustic decor. on the inside is a cosy and warm welcoming pub, with well kept ales. the staff all very friendly and chatty which adds to the local and friendly atmosphere. well worth popping in for a pint or two!

B. I.

Great traditional pub.

J. A.

very popular place. The pub is small and most people (on a fine evening) will congregate on the cobblestones out front. I liked the beer. The people are mostly office workers from nearby businesses.

V. V.

If you’re looking for a local boozer, outdoor cobbled street, next to no traffic and locals, workers and tourists alike then pop in. After work tends to be a busy time but the bar staff are on the ball. One of the better pubs in the area.

R. A. G.

Historic yet touristy pub in the heart of Covent Garden within easy walking distance of all of the West End's attractions. Often busy including drinking in the secluded lane immediately in front of the establishment. 🍻

M. D.

The Lamb and Flag came recommended to me by a local friend, he drives around London for a living. The Lamb & Flag certainly did not disappoint. With a good environment, and good staff. I can't complain about the quality of this establishment.

N. W.

The Lamb & Flag is a proper "old man's pub", but obviously welcoming to people who don't fit that description. It's got plenty of history, and they've got ever-changing real ales on tap, so what's not to love?

K.

This is a very old, typical pub in the West End between Covent Garden and Leicester Square. It has a big history to it, including boxing with fists in the old days. Worth a visit if you're thirsty and in the area.

L. B.

A recommended place to go if you visit London. One of the oldest pubs in the city, with friendly staff, good ales and traditional food at reasonable prices.

J. D.

Perfectly preserved classic British boozer

A. M.

Refreshingly full of Londoners instead of tourists for somewhere so close to Covent Garden. Excellent ale. Lots of character. Bested only by The Harp, in my opinion, although you may prefer here. Both excellent.

A. K.

Had a drink or two here before the theatre recently. Great traditional old London pub that hasn't changed at all since I was last there in the 80s...

M. Z.

We were having our pints in the outside and met a very nice American guy. This is a typical London pub magic power: bringing people from ALL over the world. And the beer was so delicious...

M. G.

Nice little cosy pub tucked down an alley way with a nice mixed crowd. Doesn't feel polarised like some pubs in the centre of london and has a good selection of craft beers.

G. G.

Great place with even better food. The staff allowed us to have a few sips of different beers so we can choose the proper one for us.

T. K.

Cool pub with old school charm. Coming in from the back door gives you a nice "secret " way in. We went there because Charles Dickens used to visit, the meals & beers were nice :)

R. H.

Absolutely superb oak-smoked salmon nicoise and scotch egg. Delicious! Great beer, really nice staff and very reasonable. This place was excellent.

d. n.

Hidden away up a side street, this is a gem of a place. Lovely food and helpful staff.

F. S.

Classic proper London boozer. Love it!

A. D.

Stopped here for Sunday lunch after spending the morning walking around Covent Garden and Soho. The upstairs dining room was full so we perched at the bar to eat. Lunch was Owton's Farm burgers and chips with a pint of dark ale. The food was great and the staff very friendly and welcoming.

S.

Traditional pub over two floor well located by the cobbled streets behind Covent Garden. Upstairs is a cosy yet substantial space for private hire. A good place for Fish and Chips which I thought taste great (even though the chips were more like fries) and set me back £8.95 which isn't bad for a sit down meal.

K. T.

I like drinking beer there with my friends and relatives. The atmosphere is nice and the price list is attractive. After a long, busy day at work, the only thing that I usually dream of is a cold beer. A colleague gave me as an unexpected surprise a small cactus yesterday. I'm quite excited , because I had never had such pet on my desk. I know that cactuses don't need special treatment and regular watering, so I'm almost 100% sure that next to my computer it is going to grow bigger and bigger!

J. O.

Small and cosy historical place to grab a beer... or two...

G. S.

Great traditional English pub. Seating is limited, so be prepared to stand. My experience was very pleasant, but I could see how busier nights it may be a bit cumbersome. Overall, highly recommend.

B. A.

Traditional looking pub near Covent Garden. Serves real beer and pub food. Portions are neither large nor cheap but very tasty and this is after all the centre of London.

r. M.

nice pub in the heart of the West End of London, hidden away down a back street, walking distance from Covent Garden, the strand and all of the theatre's and musicals. worth a pint before or after.

R. B.

Great pub

D. H.

Most pubs in the centre of London, by default, are targeted to the 'cash on the hip' tourist. Usually clinging onto national stereotypes, they alway appear and feel tacky. The Lamb and Flag somehow avoids this and, in the 5 years I've been drinking occasionally drinking here, has a nice feel. It is usually jam-packed and spilling onto the street on a warm summer evening, a great place to watch the world go by.. it does feel like an old London pub. Check it out!

P. T.

Charming two story pub. I believe it's one of the oldest pubs in London. Not a great beer selection but given it's style worth paying a visit every now and then

V. F.

Good food and quite good service. Very old style pub in two floors. Sunday roast delicious e selection of beers on average

J. S.

Shoulder to should full of tourists and locals. Huge selection of ales with knowledgeable bar staff. Not like any of the other Covent Garden drinking holes - definitely a place to come for a few non pretentious drinks for chat.

p. h.

Great little pub, when the kitchen opens again, great little lamb pies

S. G.

Excellent place! Watched England play in the RWC on (okay a small) screen but the atmosphere was electric! Definitely a place to head for a traditional English beverage. Enjoy!

J. B.

Great old school pub which is always a welcome relief in the middle of covent garden. Always busy so don't expect a seat but there's always standing room inside or out.

J. G.

A lovely little pub just off from the busy streets of Covent Garden. A good selection of drinks, and not too touristy. As it’s small it can get a bit crammed, though.

H. T.

My First visit must have been quite special, because since then Lamb & Flag has been my hideout from the bustling streets of London. Long walks around Your beautiful & mysterious Metropolis nowadays tend to lead me to Your doorstep and I feel very welcome to step in and have soothing pint or maybe even another. It feels good to come back, looking forward for my next vacation...

D. B.

Very old pub, good food and ale, great for a warming steak and mushroom pie along with a pint of ale on a cold day

l. l.

Lovely pub, freindly and polite service, food was freshly cooked and full of flavour...very pleasant quaint pub..shame we had to go to a show but will definatly be visiting again now i found it👍

E. T.

Cosy little pub in the heart of Covent Garden! Would happily come back again, their upstairs dining area is surprisingly large and the food here is great! Book a table, bring your friends and sign up online for a free drink!

A. H.

Very good Sunday roast, the Pinot noir is delicious too... and the sticky toffee pudding to finish 👏🏼 Very friendly staff, but could do with a couple more waiters and service was a little slow... but not their fault

J. B.

Great London atmosphere, beer, and pub food is spectacular. Steak pie is a knockout. Off beaten path so mostly locals.

S. C.

Lovely pub, oozes proper London history and character, my go to place for an any season drink in Covent Garden. Service is spot on, when they changed a drink without question.

S. R.

Got drawn by the crowds outside, heard good things about the place. Tried a nice London draft frontier, took fish and chips. Ohhhhhhhh, the fish and chips! Astonishingly amazing, guys no words needed, go there.

A. F.

Excellent Historic pub in London 'sCovent Garden opened in 1623. Rustic interior which appears to be orginial.Excellent pint of Fuller' s London Pride,quite pricy at £4.95 per pint.

P. J.

Old school London boozer. Peroni on draught and a small selection of lagers and hand pulled. Nice location near Covent garden. Nice staff but not cheap for a pint but it is the centre of London.

R. H.

I liked the decor. Great atmosphere. Best place to meet friend and to chill. Wide selection of drinks. Great bar section.

R. B.

Lovely little pub. Very busy. Incredible atmosphere. Good beer. Great dinning room upstairs.

M. M.

basically a classic british pub, get there before the office workers arrive (5-6pm) if you want a seat, otherwise theres masses of standing room in the street out front which has no traffic. just remember to duck your head. food is basic but good.

N. P.

Great historic pub

M. P.

Great ales, awesome place to have a drink before the theater. On a warm summer evening, standing outside with a pint is a lovely way to pass the time.

S. P.

Very friendly staff. Nice atmosphere lovely food and drinks.

A. B.

Been coming here for over forty years. Nice traditional pub but had mediocre lunch here last week & they slapped a twelve & a half % service charge onto our pub lunches 😔 !

M. W.

Great pint and OK food

F. S.

The food is really good and it's probably the best real pub experience in convent garden, the sitting upstairs is quite small and can be really hard to get a table in a weekend/busy day.

S. D.

Lovely building with a great feel to it. Friendly welcoming staff and great tasting beer! We shall certainly be back to try the food!

G. H.

Everybody's favourite London pub!

M. S.

Traditional pub, very popular with tourists but also has some decent beers. Gets very crowded at times but is one of the better places to drink in the area so it's not surprising.

N. M.

Fantastic London boozer. Proper ales as well as larger for women. Nicely located of the main drag with drinkers spoiling out on to the cobbled narrow unused road. Perfect.

A. H.

Fuller's pub. Neat little place with great staff, although the beers themselves were just OK.

F. J.

Classic british pub we often went to after work before our office moved. Can get super busy and most of the time we just stood outside in the little alley way. Beer and wine selection is ok. Never tried the food.

E. H.

Good old man pub with a great selection of ales. Went with work after a colleague recommended. Was great on Friday night.

M. C.

Great old London pub, a favourite of ours although there was a very odd smell inside which meant we left early. Hopefully once properly cleaned I will be back.

R. B.

Great staff and a wonderful atmosphere whether you are with friends or having a quick solo pint. Also, a great range of good beer and fine spirits.

I. G.

D Great after work drinks, in my opinion, if you want that British city pub. Apparently, this was Charles Dickens old haunt... and used to host bare knuckle boxing back in the day.

A. H.

Properly historic pub, find it if you can. Worth a Google.

M. F.

Great traditional pub with good beer. Space to stand outside when the weather permits. Great

I. I.

Good memories when I have the chance to go there, love my fuller's

T. B.

Just about perfect. The only downside is the crowd of people, but what could you expect? Friendly staff, kids allowed upstairs and good food. Top notch!

T. H.

Been here a few times, always a pleasure. Today they had a rather nice chap in a smurf hat who'd been hired to cheer up customers. Great guy, made my cig outside a pleasure.

K. D.

A real pub in the heart of the city.. Plenty of real ales to choose from. Very popular around 15:00 - 19:00 but quietens down later on. Give yourselves a treat - have a London Pride or two.

G. L.

Friendly and just a cool place. One of the oldest in London and know for their prize fights back in the day. Charles Dickens drank here. Staff is friendly and the Scotch tasty.

B. D.

Very West End sort of place: ancient and crowded. Good place for a pint and a bite to eat if you're around.

M. T.

We just had a lovely dinner! Service was wonderful staff super friendly and attentive. Sunday Roast was good. Thank you for an enjoyable evening!

R. W.

Great pub.. unpretentious and traditional with history.. full of young people on s Friday night.. good selection of ales

E. L.

Really up to it's famous name. Food was great and they have a good selection of beers as well. Really nice restaurant area and kind waiters.

K. B.

I wish I could give it 6 stars. This is the definition of classic British pub. Grab a pint, hang out and enjoy the day with a friend. If you don't like the Lamb & Flag, you are in the wrong country....

J. L.

What a gem in the middle of a caothic city center. Great for good beers and chat. Try the Spanish beer called San Miguel, extremely cold and full of taste.

R. P.

Proper historic pub neatly concealed from the street. Nevertheless, it's always quite crowded amd livley. Good ales and beers with sticky counters and floors (though maybe thats only towards the end of evening).

I. W.

Small pub tucked away v near Covent Garden. Beer prices about the norm for that area, but wasn't as crowded as the more tourist oriented pubs nearby.

C. H.

Really nice cozy hidden away old English pub. Lovely atmosphere.

P.

Arguably the best boozer within striking distance of Leicester square. Small, friendly, ample bar food options and several well kept beers.

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