About This Pub
Ah, the Britannia – it's one of those hidden gems in London that just warms your heart the second you step inside. Picture this: a traditional English pub with bags of character, dating back to the 1800s, tucked away in a quiet spot near Old Street. The team running the place, Brendan and Deirdre, are absolute stars; they're so welcoming and make everyone feel like part of the gang, whether you're a regular or just popping in for a quick one. I love how they've kept things genuine, steering clear of the flashy trends in nearby areas, so it's a refreshing change from the usual chain spots. The live music on Saturdays is a real treat, getting you up and dancing, and if you're into a good pint, their beers are spot on, especially the Irish varieties. It's even dog-friendly, which is brilliant for us who like to bring the furry friends along. On the flip side, they don't do food themselves, so you might need to plan ahead with a takeaway or your own picnic, and there could be the occasional drink that doesn't hit the mark. All in all, though, it's a fantastic spot for a laid-back evening or a lively night out – I'd say it's well worth seeking out if you're after that authentic pub experience without the crowds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The staff and regulars are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
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It's got that authentic, old-school charm with plenty of history, like a proper traditional English pub that's stood the test of time.
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They've got live music every Saturday and even karaoke on some days, which really livens up the atmosphere and keeps things entertaining.
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A solid selection of beers, including top-notch Irish ones like Guinness that's apparently as good as it gets outside Ireland.
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It's pet-friendly, so you can pop in with your dog for a pint without any fuss, and they're flexible about food – bring your own or get it delivered.
Cons
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They don't serve food on-site, which might be a downside if you're after a full meal with your drinks, though you can sort that yourself.
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There might be the odd drink that's not quite up to scratch, like a bland Diet Coke in one instance, but it's not a major issue overall.
Contact Information
94 Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QR
+447932752156
Pub
Closed today
Opening Hours
Monday | 14:00 - 23:00 |
Tuesday | 14:00 - 23:00 |
Wednesday | 14:00 - 23:00 |
Thursday | 14:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Saturday | 12:00 - 23:30 |
Sunday (Today) | 12:00 - 19:00 |
Recent Reviews
Fantastic local pub with very friendly regulars and staff. We visited on a Sunday afternoon with our dog and were made to feel very welcome. There was karaoke on and the atmosphere was great. The pub doesn’t serve food BUT you can bring your own food, or have it delivered from outside. Well worth a visit.
Lovely pub with an Irish atmosphere. Irish beers can be found. The staff members were very nice and friendly. Very efficient and superb service here. We had a very nice time.
Proper old school locals boozer, friendly vibe and really cool old memorabilia adding to the character. Good selection of beers, including the best Guinness I’ve ever had outside of Ireland! Draught Diet Coke tasted a bit bland - maybe an issue with the syrup levels but no biggy at all. Nice landlord and good selection of bar snacks. Show sport too. Would highly recommend!
As real as you can find to a timeless classic 1950's - 1970's styled London residential public house. time capsule This corner pub holds onto the heritage of a neighbourhood community boozer. The central octagonal bar is a well loved local in a spacious square room. The heritage is beautifully preserved in dark wood panelled walls, a gorgeous wood frames fireplace, highly decorative 1970's carpet. Proper vintage pub decorations are everywhere in place mats on the walls, bar trays & decorative branded mirrors. There's an impressive draught pump plates through a wide variety of brands & classics from the 70's through to 20's. The bar is very well kept, the mixers all label forward, this pub & bar are well loved by landlords & a relaxed regular crowd. There's a great selection of household whiskeys, boardgames & books to accompany. This pub knows itself & has a well preserved style vibe to love & visit often.
🚇 Old Street
🍺 £5.95 Moretti
❤️ A fine example of what a traditional London pub should be.
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The Britannia is located in a quiet backstreet in St Lukes. Getting here is easy, Old Street station is a pleasant ten minute walk away.
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A pub has occupied this corner plot in this London Parish since the mid 19th century. The current building is unmistakably interwar and was built in 1939.
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This pub has a 100% island bar at its centre which has number of cask badges above. The decor here is superb, there’s dark wood panelling, red upholstered seating and then throw in a proper pub carpet for good measure. There’s lots of bric a brac dotted around on shelves and ledges around the bar, there is even a life size James Dean statue which frightened the life out of me as I caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye. This has to be the cleanest pub in London, this pub is immaculately clean.
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The beer choice was diverse with a bit of something for everyone. I chose a Moretti which was a lovely pint and reasonably priced at under six quid.
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I was served by the landlady who was charming, welcoming and chatty. We spoke about trade over the August bank holiday weekend and the weather as you do. There were a few other local punters in, a couple of lads on the way to the Arsenal and an older couple having a lunch time sip. The atmosphere was relaxed and chilled, the environment here makes for an excellent pub experience.
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I absolutely loved this pub as it reminded me of pubs I grew up in the 70’s & 80’s. This is definitely one for the traditionalists and pub enthusiasts alike. One of my favourite pubs I’ve visited this year.
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ℹ️ Info correct on visiting 27/08/22
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