Ye Olde Watling Pub in London

29 Watling St, Greater, London EC4M 9BR

About This Pub

Ah, Ye Olde Watling, what a delightful spot it is, tucked away in the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral on that old Roman road. From what I've gathered from folks' chats online, it's got this wonderful mix of history and homely vibes that make you feel right at home the moment you step in. The food really steals the show – imagine tucking into a hearty steak and ale pie or a fresh fish dish that's packed with flavour, all while enjoying a pint at reasonable prices for the area. The staff are an absolute treat, always on hand with a smile and quick service, whether it's helping with your order or sharing a bit about the pub's fascinating past, like how it was rebuilt after the Great Fire. On the flip side, it can get quite busy in the City centre, so you might have to jostle for space or plan ahead to avoid the rush. And while it's not overly pricey, those moderate costs could add up if you're popping in regularly, plus it's shut one day a week, which might throw a spanner in your plans. All in all, it's a solid choice for anyone after a proper pub experience – the highs definitely outweigh the lows, and I'd say it's well worth a visit for a relaxed evening or a quick lunch.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is absolutely spot on – think award-winning pies, fresh fish dishes, and tasty burgers that leave you wanting more, all made with quality ingredients.
Service is top-notch; the staff are friendly, efficient, and go the extra mile to make sure you're looked after, just like chatting with a mate behind the bar.
It's got that charming historical vibe, being right near St Paul's Cathedral and steeped in London's rich past, which adds a lovely touch to your visit.
Prices are pretty fair for the City, with pints under £7 and great lunchtime deals, so you won't feel like you're breaking the bank.
The atmosphere is welcoming and lively, with a good selection of beers, wines, and spirits, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed catch-up or a bite to eat.

Cons

It might get a bit crowded in the heart of the City, especially during peak times, so you could end up waiting for a table or squeezing in.
They're closed one day a week, which could be a nuisance if you're planning a visit on that day and have to find another spot.
While the food and service are brilliant, it's not the cheapest option out there, so if you're watching your wallet, it might feel a tad steep for everyday visits.

Contact Information

29 Watling St, Greater, London EC4M 9BR

+442072488935

Pub

Opens at 10:00

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)	10:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	10:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	10:00 - 23:00
Thursday	10:00 - 23:00
Friday	10:00 - 23:00
Saturday	11:00 - 21:00
Sunday	Closed

Location

Recent Reviews

Anshu was our host in the upstairs restaurant. He was handling the whole room by himself, and he did it flawlessly. Our food was wonderful, the fish pie had fresh salmon and shrimp in a creamy sauce topped with cheddar whipped potatoes. The bacon burger was great too. The open window and people watching on the street drinking at the pub made for an iconic British experience. Cheers!

Annie Mingle

Visited here while gallivanting round the city, and saw they had an award-winning steak and pale ale pie, which I had to try! I can confirm it was delicious. Pint prices pretty fair for the City of London too, at under £7. Loved the history of the place as well. Overall, wonderful visit, and would come by again when back in town 🙂

Aaron Hurst

Had a lovely meal and some cocktails at Ye Olde Watling. Food was amazing! Had the truffle mushroom pie and mash. Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the service was out of this world. A lovely lady called Netta served me for most of the night and she was so efficient and made sure we were looked after. Will definitely be returning for more drinks and food soon!!!

Roberta Leary

Had an awesome time at Ye Olde Watling! The burger and Thai chicken wings were so good super tasty and cooked just right. The place has a nice vibe, and the service was great. Big shoutout to Shalina, she was really friendly and made sure we were all good. Definitely recommend this spot!

Nyein Myat

Nice Nicholson's pub with friendly welcoming staff. Good selection of beers, wines and spirits. They do a good lunchtime deal for sandwiches and a drink

Jennifer Clifford