This was one of our favorite meals in London. We were seated right away and the service was wonderful. Everyone was friendly and generous with suggestions. English food gets a bad rap, but honestly, you cannot beat a simple pie and mashed potatoes, and this one was delicious. Stop here if you're in Covent Garden! read more

Lamb & Flag - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

A very old pub, kind of dark and fairly small. Lots of beers available; if you love strong beer, you will enjoy this pub.

Visitors would pass by this place if they weren't looking for it since it's located down alley. One of our good friends, who is part owner of a restaurant we love here in the US, recommended this restaurant. This is not a place to miss. My husband and I got the seat in the window looking out onto the street which was absolutely gorgeous. It was the perfect setting for such a wonderful lunch. Once we got some menus I was shocked by the variety of food offered at the Lamb and the Flag. I'm a vegetarian, but my husband eats meat. There was something for everyone and we loved both our meals. He had the gourmet burger and I had a vegetarian sandwich with hummus, watercress and rocket. read more

Lamb & Flag - The view as I ate my lunch. - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Debbie was spot on fantastic! We made our way upstairs for some lunch of fish and chips, pot pie special, and ham wrapped chicken. The fish was phenomenal, golden brown, and fresh. The pot pies were savory and tasty to the extreme. The ham wrapped chicken was something to remember. I'd highly recommend this place! We'll be back! read more

Lamb & Flag - Outside of the best place on earth - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Stopped in for a few pints with a friend of mine after arriving from the states. One of the oldest bars in London. Get yourself here! It's a great place! read more

Before I start, I need to say that I have been to this pub many times and have been a good customer there over the last 4 years. I started a group named Lancers in London. Which is a group of veterans from an amalgamation of all the famous Lancers Regiments in the British Army. After looking for a good place to initially meet up, I decided on the Lamb and Flag, for its location, easy to find and what I thought would be a great atmosphere. For 4 years, this has never been a problem until now. Last Saturday, the Lancers were in town from across the UK to attend a memorial service to the friends, colleagues and past that had fallen in battle. Everything was going to plan, there was 23 people with their wives and girlfriends that met this night and it was initially a good atmosphere. That is until one of my colleagues, who has served over 34 years was refused a drink due to up to 3 people in our group being drunk. You could understand if we were being rowdy, unpleasant to other customers or just down right rude. I could say that maybe one of our crowd of 23 had his fill, but was well behaved with most of us only just having turned up and on our second drink. We asked the American barmaid to point out to us all who was drunk. She looked at the first person, which was my fiancé, she had only drunk a glass and a half of red wine and had only just stepped in to the pub as she was stood outside all night. Now at first we laughed as we mthought she was joking, but then thought I would take our evening elsewhere, as we will in the other 4 meetings we hold every year which includes members of the Chelsea Pensioners, who had also joined us that evening. In hind sight and after having digested what had happened, I strongly believe the barmaid to be racist towards black people, as she was the only one pointed out, she was not seen by the barmaid prior and she certainly was not drunk. Our group that evening consisted of 1 policeman, 1 policewoman, 1 Lt Colonel 1 Chelsea Pensioner, so I think you can see the type of crowd we had in. Whoever the American barmaid is, she has just lost the Lamb and Flag a lot of annual income. Our group is growing and the next big meeting will be the Saturday prior to remembrance parade in November. The Porterhouse it will be. read more

A great bar tucked away in a corner of SoHo. The place is filled with locals and away from the tourists, and so is a great place to catch a quick bite away from the crowd. There was a group of people outside enjoying a few beers, overall a very friendly atmosphere. I went straight upstairs where there is some seating, and ordered their fish and chips. There is nothing special about the dish, but they get the basics right and do a great job at it. The chips were hot and the fish had just the right amount of crisp. The service was fast as well, I was in and out within 15 minutes. Good experience overall. read more

Lamb & Flag - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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This is a watering hole. The work crowd hits it hard but it still has good food and a fun atmosphere. Been here on multiple trips to London over the years and very much enjoy the scene. read more

Awesome experience at the Lamb & Flag! We had beef roast, fish & chips, and a delicious sticky toffee puddling! We had great service and beers ! Will definitely be returning very soon. read more

Very unique and old pub in the center of London. However, most people stand outside to drink their beer! The pub is situated in a wide alley and has sectioned off an area where people stand, chat and drink (usually post-work). I brought a friend who was visiting from the US and who (I believe) thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe there is also additional seating upstairs and they probably serve food from what I saw. Only downside... it's a bit crowded so sometimes it's hard to place an order and manage to bring your beer outside without spilling any! read more

I'm not deep-dish into faaash n chaaaps (this is how the Brits pronounce it) but when it is crispy and tender...and smothered in HP Sauce. I'm down. Add some refreshing cask ales, I'm ride-or-die, down, son. This Fullers pub (Who doesn't love London Pride pints?!) is totes traditional, decor, vibe, architecture, historic significance, etc. Lots of after-work blokes chattin and drinkin and eatin in here, in their John Lewis suits on n shit. The bartender was affable and helped me choose the ales I was going to drown my face in that eve. Cheers. Of Note: NYC Bars don't compare in any way, shape or form. read more

I've been coming to the Fuller's pub, on and off for years. After having lunch in Soho with fellow yelper Steve B. we decided to have some cask ales to finish off the afternoon. After have a pint in the crowded Harp, off the Strand. Steve suggested a pint here. The pub is set off the main drag between Charing Cross Road and Covent Garden. The last time I came here was in the summer, when the courtyard to the front of the pub was heaving with early evening drinkers. It has retained a great character and charm. The custom seemed to be made up of regulars, passing trade and tourists. It must be part of a London pub walking tour, as a group of French tourists that were in the Harp also popped up here. I don't know how old the pub is, but it seemed to have a real atmosphere that anyone would expect if looking for a real London pub. I decided on a beer that was new to me; Father Brown's brown ale. I enjoyed it very much. The fact that the bar was not too busy, and we were able to get a table helped. If you are in London and looking for a pub that sells a good selection of beers, and has a real drinking pub's atmosphere, you can't go far wrong with this place. Highly recommend. read more

Another historical pub that you cannot miss while in London. We were looking for Lamb and Flag and saw a sign pointing along a narrow alley uhhhh that's about the only time you'd get this NYC girl to walk through an alley. Originally buily in 1638 the first mention of the Pub dates back to 1772 when it was formerly called Coopers Arms and changed to Lamb and Flag in 1833. It's 19th century reputation as "bucket of blood" due to the prize fights, not to mention much earlier orchestrated attack on poet John Dryden by 2nd Earl of Rochester John Wilmot in the late 1600s. Notable was that Lamb and Flag was a favorite of Charles Dickens and inspiration to his Oliver Twist. Nowadays the pub is alot more friendlier, friendly bar staff, patrons and locally sourved english beer. Do not miss, please sir I want some mo'! Bathrooms are old and the walk up the narrow flight of stairs after a few beers can get treacherous and frightening. read more

I arrived in London, somewhat bleary-eyed after an all night Transatlantic journey where sleeplessness, Sir Richard Branson on my seatback screen, airplane food, and mewling, screaming infants combined to produce a powerful disorenting effect. I went through UK Border Patrol somewhat zombie like, but my mouth moved and must have said the right words and/or produced the right documents, because the representative of HM the Queen who was assigned to me permitted me entry with a smile. The main purpose of my trip was to see world-famous genius/musician/singer/recluse Kate Bush perform live for the first time since 1979. I checked into my hotel, and promptly took a two hour nap. Upon waking around 5:30 pm London time, I was ravenous. Still jet-lagged and with a mind that had all the dexterity of a duck that had been hit on the head with a mallet, I got on the Piccadilly Line and exited at Leister Square. I walked about randomly, looking for a pub that had the right look. After 15 minutes or so, I found myself in a strange, atmospheric pre-automobile age alleyway of some kind, and there my eyes cast upon the Lamb and Flag. Immediately, something told me this was the right place to clear my jet-lagged mind. I entered, and the atmosphere was perfect. Just the right level of darkness and eccentricity. I decided to go to the upstairs dining room, and while using the stairs, noticed a bathroom wedged on the landing MC Escher style. That provided even more confirmation that I was in the right spot. The dining room was quiet, with its own bar, some kind of elevator that brought food from the kitchen up to us, and walls that spoke of long ago violence, Charles Dickens, and royalty... The table service was friendly and prompt. There was a small error with my order that was promptly and cheerfully fixed. The ales were fabulous, and the chicken and ham pie I ordered was quite delicious and filling. My server was kind enough to walk me through the puddings menu and explain to me that an "Eton Mess" was nothing to be afraid of, but rather, to be enjoyed. I opted for the warm Treacle cake with vanilla ice cream. Delicious. The Lamb and Flag did me well on that first, difficult, jet lagged day in London. I highly recommend it to anyone beginning their adventures in London, to achieve some comfort, orientation, and gustatory comfort and excellence... read more

Lamb & Flag - Warm Treacle Cake with Raisins and Vanilla Ice Cream. Quite wonderful... - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

I love this pub! It just has such a great atmosphere. I have never eaten here, only drank. They have a dining room upstairs. This place is just a great old London pub, it's set back on the street, almost hidden, with a great long cobbled street in front of it -- which in the summer will be full of Londoners enjoying a drink or two after work. Don't expect to find a seat here, specially if you come in the evenings. This place is standing room only and its great. It's a Fuller's pub, so they have the likes of London Pride etc... on draft, as well as a full bar, so you can get your gin and tonic too. Love this place! read more

This would be my second time in this cozy little pub. It's purportedly the oldest pub in London, so I thought it was worth a visit again to show newcomers. The first time I was here it was a bit more lively, and we had a pint of the local brew. This time seemed different though. I wasn't sure if the service was different or what, but there was a weird vibe. On top of that, the beer was flat. I'm not sure if that was the way hand pulled beer was served, but after having hand pulled in other pubs, it's apparent that no, that is *not* the way beer is served (although it is closer to room temperature compared to the states). I couldn't finish it, unfortunately. It was close to closing time, so the upstairs was closed, but if I come here again hopefully it's on a more populated night. read more

I have a friend who works for Fullers, so we often go here - once we managed to get the entire top bar to ourselves. I really like this pub. It's a proper pub, the hidden away setting is 'very London' I don't know.. glean from that what you will.. cobbled stone side streets, windy alleyways, dark wood panelling, narrow stairs. I love it. You can almost tell what it would have been like, 100+ years ago. Much more appealing than too much glass, chrome and neon lights. Good selection of beers and friendly bar staff. I have never eaten here, so I can't comment on the food. Oh and of course, most importantly.. dog friendly. :) read more

I work round the corner from this place so headed down for a lunchtime treat. Picture this...If an alien was to land and ask you to take them to a quintessential english boozer this would be the first place you'd go. Loads of brown wood, ale on tap and roasts a plenty. I went for the ploughmans lunch which was yum...although a little on the small side and i got very jealous of my mate Pepriano's chicken and mushroom pie with mash and veg which looked and smelt AMAZING! The doorstop sandwiches i can highly recommend aswell, carbtastic. Great to visit if your in the area for good honest food and a pint guvnor! read more

It's comforting to come across pubs like the Lamb & Flag where time seems to stand still while the world around you seems to be changing at a dizzying pace. This used to be one of my regular hangouts when I worked in Central London a couple of decades ago ... and it still seems to be a favourite with media types - who else can afford to enjoy the sunshine and a pint on a Friday afternoon?! Of course, there's a fair proportion of tourists as well, this is Covent Garden after all. The Lamb & Flag still looks and feels the same with its dark wood panelling and cosy corners. But while this was a traditional boozer, the selection of drinks has long ago been extended to include a good selection of wine. I don't think I've ever eaten more than a bag of crisps here, but they do serve food as well. read more

I would love to post a review. The review, above is for ambience alone. Our family carefully selected the Lamb and Flag for dinner tonight. It met all our criteria. Traditional English Pub with an interesting history- check. Something on the menu for vegetarians- check. Family friendly- check. As we walked through the crowd of people in the alley and through the very cool pub area, I silently congratulated myself for finding this hidden gem. Up the stairs, properly creaky, past the clean bathroom-bonus points, and right up to the sign that said "closed for a private party" #%^*!!!, sigh. We will try again tomorrow night. read more

After reading the reviews on here I changed a reservation at another pub to come here instead. Highly disappointing both the service, which was incredibly slow at not even a busy time and the food. I ordered the Roast dinner, awful!!!! The roast potatoes were so overcooked I would have broke a tooth. I ended up with chips? No gravy, barely any veg. Really terrible. I was with 4 friends whose food was also below par. I did tell the manager on the way out who did nothing. Nice pub for a drink but not to eat. Would not recommend it read more

Another favourite pub in the West End tucked away at the back of Covent Garden. You have to know where it is which maybe explains why it manages to keep more of a special identity in both character and customers. It's pretty small inside and has that appealing slight wonkiness of an old pub that's been around for hundreds of years although probably morphed slightly over time. Good Fuller's beers on tap and reasonable prices too. Efficient bar staff and well managed. It appears to have had a subtle refurbishment since my last visit but thankfully one that respected the original character of the place. The outside has been spruced up a bit and inside they have installed new toilets in the tiny space which is great; it really needed it. The previous loos did appear to in fact date from the middle ages - which wasn't a good thing. There's a little courtyard area in the front where people gather and an upstairs room which I never go to (always outside or in the main bar). I've heard a small jazz band playing up there on one occasion. The pub can get very crowded at peak times so bear that in mind. read more

What a great traditional London pub tucked away off a side street. Being somewhat back of the beaten trail, the pub was crowded wit local workers enjoying an after work pint on a Thursday evening. Like a traditional pub, it was dark and offered a wide selection of beers. The staff was extremely good ensuring no one had to wait too long to order a beer. I would highly recommend if you are in the Leicester Square/Covent Garden area to stop by for quick drink. read more

Typical boozer with space upstairs got good, although no food was being served during the rugby match. Small screen in the bar and a larger to upstairs. Atmosphere quite subdued considering it was a semifinal but think that's cause there were a lot of tourists. Usual ales and beers on tap and amazing architecture inside and out. Loved that it was tucked down a little ally way. read more

Lamb & Flag - Bar very busy and could do with another screen! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

The ultimate after work local for what seems every worker in Covent garden and especially me being just next door in Carluccio's Head office. Grab a tray of drinks and stand on the cobbles outside for a reasonable price! You always getting chatting to some interesting stranger there for the same reasons you are. Its just laid back and puts the cherry on top of a Friday. But hay don't expect anything too special inside, Its a true London Brewery! Just how us corporate bods like em! read more

I like this pub! It's tucked away but signposted, and is a really lovely, authentic historic pub, right in the heart of Covent Garden but within easy reach of Leicester Square/Strand. There is a large selection of ales (although I went for a Simmons cider) and plenty of standing room out the front for the summer time. Upstairs there is a large area of tables/booths and chairs and I BELIEVE they serve food - the ketchup bottles on the table were an indicator - although I haven't eaten there yet. This pub is VERY popular with Thursday/Friday after work drinkers and the very narrow bar area can feel very tight. I was last there last night (Monday), and it was absolutely fine. My only real gripe is the harsh, bright lighting upstairs. I came for a relaxing drink and catch up with a friend so we sat upstairs, but the lights are as bright as a toilet cubicle which just made it feel a little less 'chilled'. Other than that, a very endearing place. read more

A real old fashioned pub tucked away into a courtyard... You really feel transported into a different era! Great beers, great service, great ambiance... One of my favorite pubs in London read more

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Whats not to love about a pub that's got the history that Lamb & Flag does?! Go early (it was packed by 5pm once everyone got off work) and try a pint of the Cornish Orchards Cider if they have it on tap, its tart, but refreshing. read more

Crowded on a Tuesday, but a nice little pub. Everyone seemed to find a beer they liked, and I was happy with Rekorderlig. it wasn't terribly loud, which is always a bonus in a pub. After 8 it calmed down quite a bit (probably due to theatre-y things) and was even nicer. Decent service and a nice atmosphere at this lovely old spot. The ladies toilet could do with a revamp, but it's certainly not the worst I've seen! read more

So, i used to work around the corner from the Lamb and Flag and this was the place you went to when you wanted a cold pint, a cheap bite to eat and avoid the tourists. be sure to head upstairs for a bit of space as the down stairs gets rather crowded. =)~ read more

Awesome pub w a chill crowd. indoor and outdoor space. inspirational story of how the pub was saved. Can't wait to come back again on a music night! read more

Lamb & Flag - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Had a lovely fish and chip dinner with great beer. My husband and I were visiting from the States and really enjoyed this historic pub. Sat upstairs. Great service! read more

This is a proper pub, looks like a proper pub, sounds like a proper pub, has good fish and chips and treacle; what more could one want. It's historic and full of Britishness in a city that is losing it's Britishness fast. I cannot imagine the owners selling the Lamb, but the government doesn't seem to mind putting a price tag on buildings of historical value and allowing a chain hotel sign giving it a certain, shall we say cheapness, originated in the US. The Houses of Parliament would make a dandy Hilton and the bureaucrats could just stay at home as far as I'm concerned JUST AS LONG AS THEY DO NOT ADORN THEM WITH THEIR UGGGGLIE LOGO. The Lamb will never change; let the others go to foreign hotel magnets. And Fuller's is wonderful. One tip, however, go early. read more

You are in a pub that is older than America and that was a favorite watering hole of Charles Dickens. Plus great beer on tap, good food, and a great atmosphere. If you only have time to grab one pint, then do it. I'm losing count of the number of people from around the world that I mention this place to, and they've been here and loved it also. read more

Ahhhh, gin! After a hard days work sitting in this pub with friends and a gin (although I do count gin amongst my friends) is my idea of heaven. If you get in there early enough you'll avoid the tourists, get the good seats and when they come in they'll see its full and leave! You will encounter some twats in suits, bad service, skanky bogs and an awesome atmosphere. Everyone - this is what a real pub is like. You don't go to a kebab shop asking for a fine dining experience so don't come here looking for a country pub. This is the kind of place Fagan would hang out, his little scraggy cat in toe! Ah, how I love this place. It's a fab place for after work drinks. read more

Sunday roast - bottom floor was for drinking and upstairs is for dining. By the time I sat down at 7 - they only had chicken and lamb shoulder remaining so I gladly opted for lamb. Overall was a delicious meal with a crispy Yorkshire pudding, paired with red cabbage, the lamb was very tender and had a nice fall of the bone texture - paired with a cider! Decent and normal pricing for pub and Sunday roast food read more

Lamb & Flag - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

4.5/5 I made a point of hitting all the oldest pubs in London during my week here. Founded during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (which ended in 1603), this was a must-go. I went twice-once at night, ordering a disappointing (at no fault of the pub) IPA, and an excellent G&T. The bartender recommended his favorite gin, and he has great taste. The kitchen was closed though so the following day I went back and ordered the vintage ale sticky toffee pudding which comes with (buffalo milk) salted caramel ice cream. I paired it with a Guinness. They are a match made in heaven and I highly recommend them if you swing by this spot. read more

I am one of the only people I know who doesn't care for this place. Really at all, but it hasn't done anything horribly offensive to me so it still gets three stars. It's cute from the outside and tucked down a side street. That's about where my fondness of this place ends. It's cute on the inside, too, despite me not wanting to stick around. It fails for me for the following reasons: -Price (though I guess it's not awful for this area of London) -Comfort (I wouldn't want to sit here for hours on end, ever. It's a stop-in or meeting-up pub for me and that's it) -Friendliness (It just never feels that welcoming) I feel guilty giving a pub a meh review. They feed me beer, after all. But I just cross my fingers that nobody tries to get me to meet them here in the future. I'd rather go somewhere else. read more

Great meal had here. Check out our shanks! Reasonably priced and everything you'd expect for an english pub experience. Clean, well lit, and friendly staff. Great bar selection... I would go again and recommend this place to friends. read more

Lamb & Flag - Lamb shank! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Been here a few times, the location and the outdoor space make this place VERY popular with the after work crowds in Covent Garden and Leicester Square. They have plenty of beer and cider on draft and a good selection of bottles, despite how busy it always is, the staff are really on the ball and I'm always served pretty quickly. If you are lucky and get there earlier enough, or perhaps stay late enough on a week day, there is a lot more space upstairs. Overall good little pub, perfect for that quick one* after work. *one hahahaha read more