The Blackfriar Pub: London's Hidden Gem
The Blackfriar Pub in London is a Grade II listed building on Queen Victoria Street.
The pub, one of the most iconic in London, was built in 1875 on the site of a former medieval Dominican friary.
You won’t be able to miss the wedge-shaped building, with its mosaics, ornamental balconies, and famous guardian black friar above the front door.
The quirky building, one of the greatest pubs in England, was remodelled around 1905 by the architect Herbert Fuller-Clark.
The Blackfriar has been skilfully designed inside to reflect its Dominican roots.
Everywhere you look there are stunning sculptures, mosaics and wooden reliefs featuring black friars beaming down on you with happy, smiling faces.
In fact, it was the Grey Friars who had a reputation for being particularly jolly, but who knows!
The back room, with its wall to wall marble, is nothing short of a chapel in a cathedral.
With its brass depiction of the friars, you can see them merrily betrothing sage quips like ‘wisdom is rare’, ‘finery is foolery’, and ‘a good thing is soon snatched up’.
Also, be sure to scout out the little bronze cherubs in the four corners of the room each celebrating one of the arts: theatre, painting, music and literature.
Added in 1917-21, the snack bar sits under the neighbouring railway line, proving a popular attraction with its barrel-vaulted ceiling.
The building was very nearly lost completely, as it was due to be demolished during a phase of redevelopment in the 1960s.
However, thankfully, it was saved by a campaign spearheaded by poet Sir John Betjeman.
Sir John Betjemanwas a passionate defender of Victorian architecture, he also helped save St Pancras railway station from demolition too.
So make sure you raise a glass to Sir John Betjeman when you next visit The Blackfriar Pub for a pint!
It is also believed that Emperor Charles V, the Papal Magistrate and Henry VIII's court, sat on this very site during the dissolution of Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon in 1532.
This pub proves that the arts and crafts movement did some pretty interesting things, and can make one hell of a backdrop for downing an ale and conversing with friends.
This is not only a pub but a living piece of art somewhere between a church, museum, and public house.
Good ales on tap and an abundant feast for the eyes, one can only hope that the monks now rest happily knowing their memory remains beautifully depicted in such a space.
The pub is Grade 2 listed, a building is listed when it is of special architectural or historic interest considered to be of national importance and therefore worth protecting.
Today, this popular landmark remains open as a pub and has a solid four and a half stars on TripAdvisor, with rave reviews.
One recent review said: "This is a truly beautiful pub with wonderful tiles and decorations from earlier years.
The food is great, but the setting and ambience are wonderful!"
Another person added: "Great beer selection. Beautiful pub décor! We sat outside in the patio section to enjoy a pint. Love the history behind the pub!"
The pub pride themselves on serving the highest quality, flavoursome classic pub dishes.
We recommend that you try their famous selection of pies and the Nicholson's burger!
If you sign up to their online mailing list you can receive a free drink with any main meal.
To check out their full menu and opening hours, visit their website.
If you'd like to visit this pub for yourself, the address is: 74 Queen Victoria Street, EC4V 4EG. The nearest tube station is Blackfriars (400ft).
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