The Pepys

The Pepys London is inspired by the famous 17th-century diarist Samuel Pepys, who certainly loved a good drink, writing on the 17th of February 1661 that, Here I drank wine upon necessity, being ill for the want of it. He would certainly have loved visiting his namesake bar in the company of good friends, had it stood on the banks of the Thames in his time. That said, had it stood where it does, down Stew Lane off Upper Thames Street in Blackfriars, in Pepys’ time, it might very well have burnt to the ground in the Great Fire of London. Thank goodness The Pepys is safe and up to spec, because it’s one of the best options for riverside drinks and dining in the City of London.

The Pepys London is set in an historic riverside warehouse on the northern banks of the Thames in Blackfriars, tucked down the quaint Stew Lane off Upper Thames Street. There is in fact a plaque with an inscription from Sam’s famous dairy affixed to the wall of Stew Lane, though why he is associated with a spot where boatmen used to pick up customers for the London brothels, the ‘stews’, over in Bankside remains a mystery… In any case, The Pepys is a rollicking good place to enjoy great draught beers, ales, wines and hearty British dishes, grills, and stone-baked pizzas, surrounded by gorgeously appointed premises overlooking the Thames.

So, we know for sure you’ll be in for a damn fine time at The Pepys London, but let’s delve a little deeper into the menu then, shall we? There’s a lot going on on, meaning you’ll be wanting to return more than once (or every week, if you’re like us) to sample all the British classics gracing this extensive menu. Some of our favourites include starters of sticky barbecue wings marinated in a honey and sesame glaze and the goat cheese croquettes served with spring greens, English mustard and apple mayo. Meanwhile for the main event, it’s near impossible to go past the fully-loaded short rib burger or pan-roasted salmon served with purple truffle mash. Needless to say, you’ll be well covered in terms of cocktails too. So book a table at The Pepys London on Upper Thames Street in Blackfriars now and pay homage to the legend himself – while treating your stomach at the same time.