Outstanding food, and a really good authentic atmosphere. The biggest downside is that it's so packed you need to get lucky getting a table. We went our first night in London and it was a great intro to British cuisine. read more

It was recommended to us, so we decided to check it out. Overall, I think it's a little overhyped. You order at the bar, so there isn't really much service to comment on. The food was pretty mid, but the ambiance was good. It does get very packed inside, though, and it can be dark and hard to hear. Overall, an alright experience, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come back. read more

Punch & Judy - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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You order at the bar and they bring you the food. Cannot beat the atmosphere - lots of stuff going on nearby in the courtyards and upstairs by the shops. The fish was very good, crispy and not dried out. These were also proper chips. Good tartare sauce too. Would recommend! read more

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Best fish & chips we had. Try to avoid the lunch hour rush as it's in a very touristy spot

Excellent restaurant in Covent Garden. We were shopping in the area and needed a little boost, so we stopped by for a bite. We found an outdoor table, then ordered staples like fish and chips, the Punch and Judy burger and a chicken sharer. These all hit the spot and were finished in short order! More importantly, the food sustained us for the rest of our shopping day. Service was excellent and prices were reasonable. Will be back. read more

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Super cool space in Covent Garden. Upstairs patio is bar only. Downstairs is bar/food. Super fun environment current to use it. Staff was great you order at the bar and they bring it to your table. We had a couple beers, the salt and pepper, squid and mac & cheese. They were averagely good squid was a little chewy but tasty. It's so hard to get perfectly cooked squid as you all know! We'd come back just for the environment/ambiance and drinks. Cool spot. read more

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Punch & Judy is a staple pub at Covent Gardens and is probably one of the best illusions with use of space I've seen in quite some time. On the main street level you have the option to go downstairs to the pub floor and restaurant, and if you take the upstairs you'll be taken to their upper level bar and rooftop patio. During the holiday season it is adorned with garland, ornaments, lights and is super festive. They don't allow glass unless it's pint glasses which was only noted when we had to order a bottle of champagne since they didn't sell by the glass. There are bathrooms upstairs and downstairs and even on a Thursday around 12pm it was bustling with a decent crowd. Totally recommend checking it out for a pint or two. The rooftop balcony is smoker friendly but so is majority of the city so don't be taken suprised. read more

This was referred to us by friends ahead of our trip. First of all, I am American, so this is written from that perspective, compared to mostly American restaurants. When we got there it was ridiculously busy. We were able to find a table outside which started out fine. Then the place filled with people standing next to us. They were hovering over us and it was weird because we were not even inside the bar. We ordered food which was average at best. We didn't really have any service there, it was all go to the bar to get food or drink. Even at the bar I stood there forever. Just overall not a good experience so I wouldn't go back or recommend. read more

Punch & Judy - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Interesting way to be seated - look for a table yourself and order food at the counter! I like this idea. Fish and Chips of course! Requested to substitute fries for salad. Love it but could use some salt. read more

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Limited in spirits, we had vodka-cranberry drinks and my hubby grabbed a beer. We sat for a bit out in the sunshine in the upper balcony overlooking the square, then went downstairs to the pub to grab a bite. The food was pretty good, but the unfriendly attitudes of the servers was annoying. Sorry for asking you to do your job. I usually am a generous Yelper, but I cannot get onboard with servers who huff and puff and roll their eyes when you ask for a napkin or a fork. read more

Stopped in for a drink while wandering through the building on night on vacation. The vibe was cool and laid back. The inside area was dark and cool while the outside area was bright and open. Both cool in their own way. The staff was fast and friendly. The drinks were good. The food looked good but we didn't try anything but would have liked to. Would go back. read more

first time having fish and chips in england, it was good but I definitely believe there's better out there. Batter was bland, fish was good though. the fires and tartar sauce were good too. the inside was old and seemed really cool. we sat outside and it was very nice out. the service was okay too. read more

Punch & Judy - fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Surrounded by shops and located in the middle of Covent Garden Market area! They advertise their fish n chips and their meat pies! Atmosphere // casual shoppers and pleasant outdoor and indoor seating. This place is a bar/restaurant - you order food at the bar and they will bring it out to you when it is ready. Food // -fish and chips // delicious! Light, flaky and crispy battered cod served with thick and delicious fries! Love that they serve tartar sauce and malt vinegar condiments. Also mushy peas aren't actually mushy? They're just peas I guess -beef meat pie // the meat pie was just ok for me. I think I was expecting something better, sadly this one was just dense and hard. -beer of choice // actually more like a sweet cider // I got the skal strawberry and lime - 4 percent because I'm a light weight and oooo it was good! Overall // glad that I stopped here for my last dinner in London! It's perfectly located and it's a nice casual quick bite. read more

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A big group of us met at Punch & Judy for some drinks and to get our night out in London started! We knocked down several beers and cocktails, all while hanging out on the cool second story balcony overlooking a courtyard in the Covent Garden area. The pub itself has some very traditional pub decor and gives off a fun vibe, and the balcony just takes it to another level. Nothing like kicking back some drinks, shooting the breeze, and people watching, lol. And props to the bartenders for keeping our big and potentially rambunctious group satisfied during the hour or two we spent at the establishment. Definitely check this place out if you're in the Covent Garden area. read more

Punch & Judy - Local IPA while people watching on the balcony. - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

One of my friends in London who used to hang out here when he was younger decided to take us there for a bit of nostalgia. It's a bar with an outdoor terrace overlooking Covent garden market. It gets super busy during the warm days and the terrace is packed. It's just an old English pub that needs a bit of TLC. They serve beers in plastic glasses which was terrible. Good beer in flimsy plastic glasses are something you rarely ever see in Germany. But hey what is one to do when the only thing available is plastic cups? Well it made the experience a bit poor as a result and not great for the environment considering it's all single use plastic. Anyway not a bad place for a drink. read more

Punch & Judy - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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During my first trip to London on a bright sunny day everyone was outside enjoying the weather in Covent garden. After searching for a place with a view we came to Punch and Judy. We followed the various signs pointing to a basement area which greeted you with the British flag at the opposing wall. The food was great. I was hesitant at first because I wasn't sure how many vegetarian options would be available; however, I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent array of options clearly labeled as vegetarian. I decided on the vegetarian scotch egg which was reasonably priced and tasted really good. The outside was crunchy and brown, which contrasted the gooey yolk very well. The portion was a little small by American standards, but I felt think that was part of what made it an authentic European experience. The large list of beer was also nice to see and didn't leave me wanting. Seating was fairly decent in the basement, which is where we ate at, however the patio area was packed. The basement area also got packed once we finished eating. Overall, the Punch and Judy gave me exactly what I wanted out of a London pub: good food, British pride, and instagram worthy pics. Plus, with a name like Punch and Judy, how could you not want to visit this establishment. read more

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o9.o6.14 We had our first meal here. A place that can't get even the fish and chip right. I guess we weren't so lucky when it comes to our first meal in London. The girl that took our order didn't really understand English (no offense). I asked for hot water and she thought I said wi-fi. Eh...ok lady. So I repeated, hot water. And she wasn't able to understand what that was. Never mind. She said they don't serve hot water or cold beer. My friend's beer was room temperature and no, it was not good. Then she came back with the bill asking us to pay first. Ok...yea..that was kind of weird. So basically, we pay first before we get our food. Interesting.. btw, tips are included. Anyway, this other lady passed by and I asked her for hot water. She immediately brought me water. O...kay... If you are looking for good food and service, or perhaps a first decent meal in London, go to a difference place because there are a lot of other restaurants that actually deserve your visit. read more

Punch & Judy - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Excellent fun atmosphere. Cold beer and lots of ice for your americano Coke. Love it!!

Here we are in Covent Garden during Tier 2 Covid-19 lockdown. Needing a pint and a bite but where to go without being fleeced by greedy restaurants jumping in on making a quick quid out of the tourists. Naturally, The Punch and Judy came to mind. Great pub in the past, in fact, not so distant past. The doorman explained the government stance on no booze unless you were eating. Explained in a very polite way so not to be taken wrongly by foreign visitors. We totally understood, and, agreed. NHS QR on the door for track and trace. Going down into the pub wearing our obligatory masks. Shown to a table by a masked server. Once seated allowed to remove masks. Drinks and food ordered either by phone app or to the server. Money taken on ordering. Perfect Covid-19 protocol which made us oldies, one vulnerable, extremely safe. Being vulnerable shouldn't keep you in but I am extremely careful. Food and drinks arrived promptly. A wonderful, filling, sharing platter of various chicken delicacies. Service here has always been brilliant. For the area, prices are more than reasonable. We like it. Nice atmosphere and space. Hopefully, once this pandemic is on the downslide pubs will be able to open their doors and be the wonderful British pub of old. However, The P&J is coping and doing well. read more

My friend and I wandered in here for dinner after a matinee of The Woman in Black. We were cold and hungry and just kind of started walking toward the lights of Covent Garden and then into this pub, and we were so glad we did. It looks like your standard old English pub, which I love. The atmosphere was definitely my favorite part of this place. The food (I had scampi and chips, my friend had a meat pie) was nothing spectacular but good. The barman who took our order and also served us was very friendly. Definitely come here if you're in the area and like old pubs (I think it's from 1787ish?). I can't definitively recommend it over other restaurants in the area as there are a lot, and many of them looked very nice, but I do recommend it. read more

Punch & Judy - Just a random corner to give you a sense of the architecture. Very charming. - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

We come here every time we visit Covent Garden. Food is always fresh and hot. Michaela was our bartender this time and she made us feel very welcome. We always get traditional English food; bangers and mash, fish and chips, steak pie, etc. Don't come here trying to diet, it's not worth it. Enjoy the good, hearty fare! read more

Went here on a Friday night for drinks with some friends. This is a small pub at a fantastic location with a lovely balcony overlooking Covent Garden (if you can find some room!). The pub itself isn't much to speak of, and I can't comment on the food but the drinks were definitely overpriced (even after factoring in that it's central London). Would I go again? Highly unlikely. read more

Classic British pub ambience in this nearly 240 year old pub. The service was good, food arrived fast, but the chicken Kyiv tastes likes it's been here since day one. Heavy breading that sopped up the oil. Very bland. Couldn't taste the garlic butter sauce at all that supposedly came on top of the chicken. Maybe good for atmosphere and a pint, but hard pass on the food. read more

The food was very good I had the steak and ale pie and my mom and dad had a burger the burgers and pies are very good here. highly recommend if your looking for pub food in Covent garden service was fast. would come back read more

Got myself intentionally a bit lost on a recent trip to London. Wound up at Covent Gardens and wandered into Punch & Judy hoping for a good pint and "The Best Fish & Chips in the City?" as the sign outside the dining room said--question mark and all. Didn't really work out for me. I entered the dining room downstairs as directed by the signs. There was a stool free, so I grabbed that and sat down. Spent 15 minutes or so reading my phone and watching waitresses pass me by. This stool was right where everyone being served food was, so I'd assumed I was at a place I could order drinks and food and not just in a run-off from the bar area. After 15 minutes of being ignored, I took it I must be in the wrong spot. Grabbed a table out on the little patio area where people were eating. Spent another 10 minutes with waitresses passing me by. Finally was able to flag one down and ask if I could get a menu. She said they weren't serving on the patio anymore--which seemed like it could be true as there were now several free tables and all I saw going on was bussing. She said if I could find a table inside they'd give me food. So I found a stool inside again. After 5 more minutes on that stool being ignored, I left without ever having tasted any food or drink. Not only was this a weird experience because I was never served--I was equally surprised not to be kicked out. Typically if someone loiters in your establishment for a solid half-hour without buying anything, someone comes round to at the very least say "Buy something or leave!" If they'd done that, I'd have happily bought something. Sadly, they didn't even care enough about my existence to mind me taking up a stool in the packed establishment without buying anything. Completely wasted half an hour. I was pretty worn out from walking and appreciative of the place to sit and rest my legs for a minute, so that's why I didn't take off even more quickly. Next time I'm in London, this will definitely NOT be on the list of places to visit. read more

We were on a tour of London and the guide told us to take a one hour break for lunch. I decided to have some fish and chips. This place had a table and the food came in a short time. Good stop. read more

Punch & Judy - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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Met a friend here for drink while I was in town and was pleasantly surprised with the variety of cocktails and beers on top. Not to mention if you go to the rooftop you will likely get to take in the fun street performers below. We got sucked in and ended up spending quite some time watching. Only downfall is how small the space is upstairs and people are literally jammed in there like sardines. If you're wanting a table I'd say go downstairs into their patio/outdoor area located in the Covent Garden area. read more

It was okay, the drink only area is upstairs and it has a decent view of the Covent Garden. There is no one seating you or taking your order. We just had to go up to the bar tender to get our drinks and seat ourselves. The drinks were not that unique or particularly interesting but it was cold and refreshing. For us wanting to experience something different, it was underwhelming. read more

This is a cool location in Covent Garden. They have a rooftop bar where you can watch the street performers during the day. There's plenty of dining space downstairs if you're looking for some food. The fish and chips here are pretty good if you're looking for something to eat. read more

This is one of my favorite pubs in Covent Garden for the view from the terrace. Jed has covered the atmosphere of the place succinctly, so I can only comment that the sun and magic shows in the piazza make for an excellent weekend drink! Its pretty tough to get place upstairs in good weather, but if so, you won't be disappointed by the old fashioned traditional pub feel downstairs, which is a great contrast to the open and airy market. This is a great place to head to after work as well, but can get pretty busy as its a popular destination. Its not that great for groups, as you could be waiting for quite a while to find a place to sit! The people are pretty friendly and welcoming, a diverse and entertaining crowd typical of London. read more

Punch & Judy - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

If you are looking for international (European) lagers, I guess this is the place for you. But if you came here for great British beer, tough luck - go elsewhere. Poor selection of good draughts. Few ales, pales and IPAs. Cool balcony Super cozy downstairs. Outdoor seating. Food is OK, crowded all the time so you are lucky if you get a seat. I wouldn't go the extra mile though. I can see why they are great on international beer - it is for tourists who can't drink anything but their gomeland brew and for Brits who don't go abroad but want the foreign brew. read more

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Don't think you could find a more Central pub than this. Right in the heart of Covent Garden. What I love firstly is the name. No Dog & Bone...Red Lion...Kings Head...Queens Head....Golden Lion....insert other pub names of indistinct normality and cliché. This is THE Punch & Judy pub. Lovely. Secondly you go in through a side Entrance in the piazza. Then go up a stairs and into the bar. Now the bar is a bit crowded...it's does get a bit touristy. Ok not just 'a bit' but it is Covent Garden. But it's the balcony that makes this iconic pub unique. You can sit, stand, levitate do whatever you want on that balcony to perch yourself as long as you can see out into the beautiful square to people watch. The ultimate people watch. Usually there are fun shows in the square with performances too. Winner winner chicken dinner. Saying all that it's not a pub I frequent actually. Once in a while. I prefer more discreet quieter pubs in the area. But I will try and go back once in a while. It's a perfect spot in the summer. read more

Punch & Judy - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

If your in Covent Garden this is a great place to grab some fish and chips and a beer. The fish and chips are very crispy and definitely what you should get. The "Fish and Chips" is great for kids, and the "Big Fish and Chips" is great for adults to share. There are great options for kids. For a more "pubby" vibe- sit inside, although the outside is nice for a sunny evening. We were surprised that it was in a glorified mall setting- but it made for a great night. 4 stars! read more

I'd come here once before and left feeling very content. This time, I was disappointed. After a show, we sought a hearty bite to warm up. It wasn't particularly busy for a week night (and it was late), but ordering seemed to be more trouble than the food was worth. When we sat down inside, a waitress told us she'd come to take our order. When she didn't return for quite some time, we asked another waitress (miraculous sighting!), who informed us rather curtly that the meal was to be ordered and paid for at the bar (which isn't uncommon). While I was at the bar paying for our order, a third waiter who came to the table to take the order! Very disorganised. Considering it's a place frequent by tourists, I'd expect instructions to be much clearer. The staff could be a bit more attentive too. We're lucky enough to speak English, but the Italians behind us were seated for nearly twenty minutes before one of the waitresses finally came to take their order. We left without knowing what was the correct way to go about ordering food! As for the food, again, not worth it. I was pleasantly surprised the previous time I was here (summer, lunch time), but this time (winter, dinner), I wish I'd spent less at a fast food joint near the station. The bread was stale. The food was heavy, and didn't afford my tastebuds much happiness. The pies were undercooked below and the pastry was too thick, while the filling was far too greasy. The chips with the fried fish were soggy, lacking the exterior crunch to counter the interior softness. The mushy peas lacked seasoning. All in all, I doubt we will be returning unless no other options present themselves. However, around Covent Garden there are plenty of places to eat some hearty British pub food. This, sadly, isn't one. read more

We sat inside for dinner. You seat yourself but you have to order your food/drinks at the bar which isn't obvious. Once you order, they will give you your drink however will bring your food to your table. The service was absent so I give it 1.5 stars. I had the steak and ale pie which was reasonably priced and surprisingly very good. They also ran out of a 2 of 3 beers I wanted to try. The location is good however I think there are much better options in the area. read more

This place is super touristy, but if you're going to go near this part of town you have to expect that and embrace it. If its a nice enough day out, get yourself a drink and the little balcony patio is a great place to gaze out across the square, maybe catch an entertaining street show (or the occasional desperate and everlasting, actionless sales pitch). The bar service was quick, despite being busy, I didn't try the food, and I wouldn't make a night of it there, but Punch & Judy is definitely worth a daytime stopover if the weather is nice. A tad pricey, but that comes with the turf. read more

I HATE THIS PUB! there are 3 pubs with balconies overlooking the Piazza and this is my least favourite. Always very busy, staff are never particularly friendly (although its no wonder they are stressed out!) The clientelle also seem to be a mix of braying suits and tourists each of barging past people to get to where they need. Been a few times- every time has been disapointing. Avoid like the plague! Although fo all you culture buffs, it is where Samuel Pepys observed the show and documented it in his diary. read more

The Punch and Judy is split up into two, separate levels.. or perhaps separate dimensions! Below, a coal cellar style cavern of brick walls, wooden supports for the ceilings and cobblestone floors have a series of tables and chairs, complete with candles and ambience to create an intimate mood of being back in the 1900's, chugging pints of ale to forget about a hard day in the factories. Or you can go upstairs and sit on the balcony overlooking the outer Garden plaza, take in a few drinks and have a chat with some friends. I can honestly say that I would prefer to be downstairs, roughing it. Especially with the onset of winter! But in the meantime, make sure you visit this place because it's worth a visit. Both downstairs and upstairs welcome people of all ages and genders so don't hesitate or be put off by my analogy of the pub in the basement. read more

VILE. I would give this place zero stars if I could. Where to start? 1. False advertising: We went there because there were signs and pix advertising traditional fish and chips. Sat down to order and guess what is NOT on the menu? 2. Communication - It seems none of the waitresses speak much English. It was hard to order and ask questions. 3. Bathrooms - Moldy and hideous. I had to hold my breath to use it. Really disgusting. 4. Atmosphere - Weird, stale smell. Kind of dark and dungeon-y. 5. Food - Looked and tasted like cafeteria food. 6. Payment - You have to pay before you eat. Why? read more

Punch and Judy, the pub, not the puppet show, has two faces. First of all, the place is so great to look at. Great location, architecture, it's clean and it doesn't look dodgy. It's a place where tourists will come by hoping to get that symbolic first pint in London. Nice, two floors, the drinks can be a little steep in price but the ambiance makes up for it. You're in Covent Garden, on a balcony, drinking a lager, watching some magic show while tourists and locals alike are littering and loitering on the street. Nice, quintessential London, consumer experience. Yet some days, once the final work whistle goes off and everyone is trying to catch that final pint before going home, the place can be a madhouse. Especially on the balcony, where it resembles a smelly rave at 2am in the morning in Ibiza or in the Californian desert. God help everyone that if in June, in 30 degree C/100 degree F heat, you come to this place and you're head deep in people and some fat bloke in a too small Arsenal shirt exclaims, "Who's cheese is this?" Then you know my friends of what the smelliest moment in my young history has been. I'd let the guy off the hook if he supported Chelsea. Anyways, you get a little of everything as far as people go here. You're not getting all limey locals, nor rowdy Aussie tourists, or happy Americans. You meet all types here. I met a couple of Swedish girls here and they provided me with many memories to remember. But alas, the crowded environment, the lack of servers and the prices kind of make go to other pubs nearby. But give this place a try at one of the good times, preferably before 5pm. read more