The Blackfriar Pub, London

A Grade II* listed Art Nouveau pub on the site of a medieval Dominican friary, packed with friar-themed carvings, mosaics, and stained glass in the heart of London.

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The Blackfriar

Tucked beside Blackfriars Station, The Blackfriar is a striking wedge-shaped pub built in 1875 on the site of a medieval Dominican friary. Renowned for its Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts interior, it’s a Grade II* listed gem packed with friar-themed sculptures, mosaics, stained glass, and carved wood. Saved from demolition in the 1960s by poet Sir John Betjeman, it feels more like a living museum than a typical pub, with cozy nooks, a vaulted dining room, and a playful atmosphere celebrating the jolly Black Friars of old.

A brief summary to The Blackfriar

174 Queen Victoria St, Greater, London, EC4V 4EG, GB
+442072365474
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 11:30 am-11 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am-11 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am-11 pm
Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm
Friday 11:30 am-11 pm
Saturday 11:30 am-11 pm
Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

Local tips

Visit in the late afternoon or early evening to see the stained glass and mosaics at their most colorful, when natural light filters through the windows.
Enter through the side door under the trees to see the mosaic friars fishing and celebrating the catch before stepping into the main bar.
Take time to explore the dining room and Grotto to appreciate the full range of carvings, mosaics, and the devil figures in the corners.
Look for the Seven Deadly Sins on the ceiling and the witty mottos carved into the woodwork for a dose of medieval humor.
If you’re a fan of architectural history, raise a glass to Sir John Betjeman, whose campaign saved this unique pub from demolition.

Getting There

Underground

From Blackfriars Underground station, exit towards Queen Victoria Street and walk about 120 metres along the pavement; the pub is clearly visible on the right, a distinctive wedge-shaped building just a short walk from the station entrance.
Walking

From St Paul’s Cathedral, walk south along Newgate Street and Ludgate Hill, then turn left onto Queen Victoria Street; the walk takes about 10 minutes and follows a well-paved, level route with clear signage.
Bus

Several bus routes serve the Blackfriars area; alight at a stop near Blackfriars station and follow signs for Queen Victoria Street, then walk a short distance to the pub along a busy but pedestrian-friendly street.
Riverboat

From a Thames riverboat stop at Blackfriars Pier, walk north along the riverside path and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing; the pub is a few minutes’ walk from the pier, along a level, accessible route.

The Blackfriar location weather suitability

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Discover more about The Blackfriar

A Pub with a Monastic Past

Standing on Queen Victoria Street, The Blackfriar occupies land once home to a Dominican priory founded in the 13th century. The friars, known as the Black Friars for their dark habits, ran an inn here for centuries, brewing beer and welcoming travelers. When this building was erected in 1875, it stood as a Victorian pub, but its true character emerged in the early 20th century. Architects and craftsmen transformed it into a tribute to the site’s monastic history, weaving the story of the Black Friars into every surface. The name is no accident: it’s a direct homage to the Dominican order that once dominated this riverside corner of the City.

An Art Nouveau Masterpiece

The Blackfriar is widely regarded as London’s only Art Nouveau pub, a rare and exuberant example of the style in a city better known for Georgian and Victorian architecture. The wedge-shaped exterior, squeezed between roads and a railway bridge, gives little hint of the spectacle within. Inside, the space unfolds into a richly layered interior of green and red marble, stained glass, carved wood, and intricate mosaics. Sculptors Frederick T. Callcott and Henry Poole, working with architect Herbert Fuller-Clark, filled the bar and dining areas with friar-themed reliefs, bas-reliefs, and whimsical details that turn a simple drink into a visual feast. The result is a pub that feels more like a secular chapel dedicated to beer and good company.

A Living Museum of Carvings and Mosaics

Everywhere you look, friars are at work and play. Bronze reliefs above the bar show monks harvesting fruit, catching fish, and singing carols, while carved capitals depict jolly monks tucking into pies and cheese. The stained glass windows add warmth and color, often showing friars in pastoral scenes. In the dining room, a barrel-vaulted ceiling is adorned with golden mosaics, and in each corner, a black marble devil amuses himself with an accordion, a paintbrush, a book, or a stage. The Seven Deadly Sins are playfully represented in silhouettes of monks’ heads, with gluttony, pride, and others clearly on display (lust, curiously, is missing). Mottos like “Haste is slow” and “Don’t advertise, tell a gossip” add a layer of wit and wisdom to the decor.

Saved by a Poet, Loved by London

In the 1960s, when many historic buildings were being swept away for redevelopment, The Blackfriar was slated for demolition. Its location near Blackfriars Station made it a casualty of modern transport plans, but a public campaign, led by poet and architectural champion Sir John Betjeman, secured its survival. Betjeman, a regular here, recognized the pub’s unique character and fought to preserve it as a piece of London’s cultural fabric. Today, the pub is Grade II* listed, the highest heritage designation for a pub, ensuring that its extraordinary interiors remain protected. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most cherished landmarks are not grand cathedrals or palaces, but the places where ordinary Londoners have gathered for generations.

Atmosphere and Experience

The Blackfriar strikes a rare balance between grandeur and cosiness. Despite its elaborate decoration, it remains a working pub where you can enjoy a pint, a meal, or a quiet moment in a booth. The lighting is warm and low, the seating is comfortable, and the acoustics keep conversation possible even on busy evenings. The Grotto dining room, carved into a railway vault, offers a particularly atmospheric spot for dinner. Whether you’re here for a quick drink, a full meal, or simply to admire the artistry, the pub invites you to linger, look up, and appreciate the craftsmanship that turns a simple visit into a small adventure in London’s history and design.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Victoria Embankment

0.1 km

A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.

Ludgate Circus

0.2 km

Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.

Blackfriars Bridge

0.3 km

Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.

Queen Anne Statue

0.3 km

Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.

Temple Bar London

0.4 km

Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.

The National Firefighters Memorial

0.4 km

A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.

3 Gunpowder Square

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A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.

Hare Pl

0.4 km

Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.

South Bank Community Area

0.5 km

A vibrant riverside cultural and historic district in central London, home to iconic landmarks, arts venues, and scenic Thames views.

Prince Henry's Room

0.5 km

Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.

Holborn Viaduct

0.6 km

A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.

King's Reach commemoration memorial

0.6 km

Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.

Sir William Wallace Memorial

0.7 km

A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.

St Clement Danes Church

0.7 km

Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.

Bomber Harris Memorial

0.7 km

A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.

Unmissable attractions to see

Shakespeare in the City Walk

0.1 km

Discover Shakespeare’s London through hidden alleys, historic sites, and live performances on this immersive two-hour walking tour starting at Blackfriars Station.

Apothecaries' Hall

0.1 km

Historic 17th-century livery hall near St Paul’s, blending rich heritage with elegant event spaces and timeless charm.

Church Entry

Historic gateway memorial with majestic statues of Queen Victoria and Edward VII, crowned by the iconic City of London dragon.

Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Bankside Arches Boutique

0.4 km

Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.

SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)

0.5 km

Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.

Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop

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Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.

j-me original design ltd

0.6 km

Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.

Twinings - The Strand

0.6 km

Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.

Sugar And Style

0.7 km

Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.

The Store X

0.8 km

A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.

Smithfield Market

0.8 km

London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.

London Silver Vaults

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The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.

1 Poultry

0.9 km

Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.

The Old Curiosity Shop

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Borough Yards

1.1 km

Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.

not just a shop

1.1 km

Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.

Barbican Shop

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Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.

The Royal Exchange

1.1 km

A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.

Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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The Blackfriar Pub, London

A brief summary to The Blackfriar

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Underground

Walking

Bus

Riverboat

The Blackfriar location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of The Blackfriar

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about The Blackfriar

A Pub with a Monastic Past

An Art Nouveau Masterpiece

A Living Museum of Carvings and Mosaics

Saved by a Poet, Loved by London

Atmosphere and Experience

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Victoria Embankment

Ludgate Circus

Blackfriars Bridge

Queen Anne Statue

Temple Bar London

The National Firefighters Memorial

3 Gunpowder Square

Hare Pl

South Bank Community Area

Prince Henry's Room

Holborn Viaduct

King's Reach commemoration memorial

Sir William Wallace Memorial

St Clement Danes Church

Bomber Harris Memorial

Unmissable attractions to see

Shakespeare in the City Walk

Apothecaries' Hall

Church Entry

City of London Distillery & Bar

St Bride's Church, Fleet Street

Punch Tavern

St Martin Ludgate

Stationers' Hall

College of Arms

Fleet St

St. Paul's Cathedral

Hodge The Cat Statue

Dr Johnson's House

Millennium Bridge

Monument Queen Victoria

Essential places to dine

Sea Containers Restaurant

Madison

Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank

Ikoyi Restaurant

St. John

Wahaca Southbank

Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant

Brasserie Blanc - Southbank

Southbank Centre Food Market

Sarastro

Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden

The Archduke

Strada Southbank

Ping Pong Southbank

wagamama southbank

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Bankside Arches Boutique

SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)

Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop

j-me original design ltd

Twinings - The Strand

Sugar And Style

The Store X

Smithfield Market

London Silver Vaults

1 Poultry

The Old Curiosity Shop