St James Tavern Pub in London

45 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7NE

About This Pub

Ah, St James Tavern – it's one of those gems in Piccadilly that just hits the spot after a day of wandering around the lights or nipping into Chinatown. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, folks are really chuffed with the food; that fish and chips comes highly recommended, with people raving about how tasty and well-cooked it is, paired with brilliant sides that make for a proper satisfying meal. The service stands out too – it's speedy and genuinely friendly, which makes the whole experience feel warm and inviting, like you're chatting with old mates behind the bar. On the flip side, it's smack in a busy area, so expect it to be heaving at times, which could mean a wait for a table or that cosy corner you were hoping for. Prices are fair for the location, but if you're out with a group, it might add up quicker than you'd like, and the lively atmosphere is fabulous for a laugh but not so great if you're after a peaceful evening. All in all, it's a solid choice for anyone looking for a bit of history, good drinks, and hearty food in London – I'd say give it a go, especially if you're nearby, but maybe aim for off-peak hours to really enjoy it.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is absolutely spot on, especially that fish and chips – it's become a real favourite for many, with rave reviews about the batter and sides like mushy peas and tartare sauce.
Service is always friendly and quick, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in, which is a lovely touch in such a bustling area.
It's in a brilliant spot near Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown, and the theatres, so it's perfect for a pit stop after sightseeing or catching a show.
They've got a cracking selection of beers, cocktails, and spirits, plus that historic vibe from being around since 1733 – it's got real character.
Prices are pretty reasonable for central London, and it's open most of the day, so you can pop in for lunch, a quick drink, or even dinner without breaking the bank.

Cons

It can get pretty packed, especially in the theatre district, so you might have to queue or struggle to find a seat during peak times.
While the food and drinks are great, some might find the moderate prices a bit steep if you're planning a big meal or a round for mates.
The atmosphere is cosy, but on busier days, it might feel a tad overwhelming if you're after a quiet chat – it's lively, which isn't for everyone.

Contact Information

45 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7NE

+442074375009

Pub

Opens at 11:00

Opening Hours

Monday	11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	11:00 - 23:00
Wednesday (Today)	11:00 - 23:00
Thursday	11:00 - 23:00
Friday	11:00 - 00:00
Saturday	11:00 - 00:00
Sunday	12:00 - 22:30

Location

Recent Reviews

Excellent 🐟 and 🍟, everything that we ordered was really good 👍🏼 😀. Price wise is okay, we paid 85£. Great location, really recommended.

Fernando y Laura Pinedo

How lucky were we to find this pub right across from our hotel during our most recent trip to London. We had excellent fish & chips, a fabulous steak & venison pie, and one of the best pints of Guinness I've had in my short and sheltered life. Service all round was swift and friendly, and the food itself didn't keep us waiting either. I wanted to also give a special mention to Jose our server with the ankh earring, who mystified my daughter with tales of ancient Egypt and just added another layer of magic to this already amazing trip. We have already booked our trip for next year and I know where I'll be stopping for my first pint when we step out into Piccadilly Circus.

WiLL E-ZaR

We were walking down the street, when we came by the tavern. It looked nice and cozy, so we thought that we might as well enter and order some mid day wine and fish and chips. The food and service was excellent! Definitely visit this place if you want a nice experience, the place also seemed very popular and liked :)

Katariina Ollonen

Good fish and chips (excellent mushy peas), outstanding service, decent beer selection. I recommend going a bit late for lunch to avoid the rush; this is a busy neighborhood. Staff could not have been more considerate in helping me find a seat. Pubs in the theatre district can be hit-or-miss, because they know they'll always have clientele; this one is definitely more "hit" than "miss."

Susan Oliver

The best fish and chips I’ve ever tried!! Wonderful tartare sauce and creamy minted peas!! Quick and friendly service!!! Warm and nice atmosphere!! Close to Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown!! Unforgettable experience💖

Manuela Rodríguez Cabrilla