The Grapes is a place which has a history related to it and the place has survived world wars!
It's quite famous amongst local and they definitely take pride with this place!
Ambiance -
Don't expect any fancy ambiance. This a casual local pub and expect no tourist as such.
The view of the river thames is just breathtaking. You can take beer in hand and can chill in their outdoor section (balcony) for hours!
Food -
We opted for ribs as well as veg pasta and trust us, both the dishes were delicious!! Perfectly cooked and supeb in taste!
Service - service was quick and prompt.
One should definitely visit this place if you want to mingle amongst locals and chill with a view!
Great place for a beer and chips but no fish š and bragging rights for two reasons.
Charles Dickens was a patron and referred to the pub in 'Our Mutual Friend.
It's co-owned by Sir Ian Mckellen (Gandalph in the Lord of the Rings trilogy)
The Grapes in Limehouse is a landmark pub with the current establishment having been built around 1720; a public house however has occupied the same site since 1583. As well as being an historic pub, The Grapes also offers an award winning seafood restaur
I enjoy the pub more for its character and the history behind it than for the food itself.
A small creaky old pub perched on the banks of the Thames, The Grapes is one of the oldest pubs in the UK and was frequented by Dickens amongst other celebrities. It is now owned by Sir Ian McKellen. I often make use of the terrace which looks over the Thames.
The only food I tried is their 5 pound pasta bolognese which I found surprisingly good. The wait for the food was a bit long but it was packed at the time (world cup final).
There is a cosy restaurant upstairs that I would advise booking for as the number of tables is very limited. But it looks like a great place to take a date for a romantic dinner! I plan on taking my gf there soon :P
We went here for an office lunch as this place is like a 10 minute walk from Canary. This is one of the things that fascinates me of the London signages, you would see quite a few of these pointing to the 'Historic river pubs'. You may be fooled to think there is a beautiful marina like thing coming up but you are in for a surprise. There are a couple (which does make the signage saying pubs and not not pub correct), and this is one of them.
Typical pub ware, fish and chips was ok, but then that how difficult is battering something and putting in oil, eh?
We have been there couple of times for drinks but also for small plates but they do one of the best Sunday roast. The roast dinner it was ample, with well cooked beef and crispy but fluffy potatoes and plenty vegetables. The service was attentive and friendly staff. The pub is on the river and is one of the oldest on that stretch of the river. It has hot a lot of original fixtures with a small balcony overlooking Canary Wharf and the river. Also there's a small snug room upstairs.
We came here because we are fans of Sir Ian who is part owner. The Dickens connections were a huge plus. But the best part was the amazing food and friendly, efficient service. It is the best pub food we have ever had! Kudos to the hard working team.
Beautiful classic pub by the river! There aren't many riverside pubs left in east London and this one reminds me why I love riverside pubs. The pub is tucked away in Limehouse and has a very classic interior. On the weekend it is likely to be full and is a great place for a pub roast or fish and chips! Whilst it is small inside the vibe is cosy. The outdoor terrace was a highlight for me however it is quite small so be aware of that!
Went for a quick sorbet, it was massive! Ā£6 for I think 4 giant scoops. I couldnāt finish it, wish they offered a smaller option but will definitely return. I love a wine bar and this looks absolutely lovely. Not too crowded. Has a nice vibe.
Visited on 17th August, small pub with character and good to see the LOTR Gandalf inspiration within...ordered a few Guinness and Lager and they were cold and nice - friendly staff, can't wait to go back.
Drinks, people talking, others playing chess, and all having a good time. Besides that, I enjoyed a lot the Gandalf details, as the staff and the picture. A lovely place
Lovely old pub by the river we stopped by for few beers and some bar food!
We will be back!
So of course I was drawn to "The Grapes" the 1st time due to Sir Ian McKellen being part owner. Quickly fell in love with the pub and it's become a place I try and get to every London trip. Cozy, good beers, great friendly staff. Plus, cant beat the view of the Thames!
Great little pub, food is ok and drinks are good. Love the cozy vibe in this pub. There are quite a few good vegetarian options too so was pleasantly surprised. Will return
If you're a fan of the lord of the rings and gandalf in general. Then going to the Grapes is a must. Sir Ian McKellen owns the pub and you get to see Gandal's staff which is behind the bar and other pieces of art dotted about the place.
The staff (no not the staff) are nice and friendly as well š
Sara MartĆnez Palmieri
+5
Lovely experience in this very authentic English pub. According to my research, one of the oldest pubs in London! Cozy both downstairs & upstairs. Excellent home made food, good beer options, friendly staff, and good music. Quiz Mondays advertised! All the elements to consider it a true PUB! I recommend it!
Pub owned by Ian McKellen, Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. Once inside, you can see the stuff that Gandalf uses in the movie.
Nice pub with good food. A few Gandalf references due to the owner. Bartenders are kind and helpful. Would recommend.
As other reviews have already stated - the pub is tiny so allow for waiting times if you want to sit down for food. We arrived at 12:45 on a Saturday and there were free tables so lucky I guess! The seafood platter is extremely yummy, such nice lightly battered seafood that is superbly fresh. The staff are friendly and approachable. The atmosphere is what really makes this pub a gem - a piece of historic London still surviving to this day.
The Grapes is a truly superb old fashioned very London pub on the edge of the Thames not very far from Canary Wharf. It's a beautiful old building inside and out and is a must visit If you like real pubs or just old buildings. It feels like it probably hasn't changed much in 200 years or more. Friendly service and retrains the feel of a local which is lovely.
The range of drinks is pretty standard not much if you're a cider lover especially though in London it's unsurprisingly much more about beer. The Timothy Taylor's was great though. It does food but we didn't try any this time.
A charming little traditional historic pub. Great atmosphere, very clean and very reasonable prices. The staff are also very friendly, helpful and welcoming.
Mahesh Paolini-Subramanya
+4
aka āGandalfās Pubā !
In one sense, itās Yet Another Pub. Which isnāt a bad thing, the beer is good, the food is good, and the staff is friendly. Ok, itās a bit small, but then again, itās right in the Thames, and the view from the wee balcony is amazing.
And then again, itās owned by Ian McKellan, so there is some Gandalf stuff scattered around (the staff!), which is kinda cool.
All in all, a nice placeā¦
Very nice bar! Very cosy, we had some drinks, good food and enjoyed some boardgames. The roast on sunday was very enjoyable. Kind staff as well!
![5]( "Recensione")
šĀ Westferry
šŗĀ Ā£5.50 Carlsberg
ā¤ļø An historic, welcoming and charming riverside pub.
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The Grapes is located on the banks of the Thames alongside converted Wharf buildings on tranquil Narrow Street. The nearest Tube is Westferry DLR which is a five minute walk away.
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This Grade II listed pub dates from the 1720s and is on the site of The Bunch of Grapes built in 1583. This pub is part owned by Sir Ian Mckellen (Gandalf in Lord of the Rings) and has a rich history of connections with Pepys, Dickens and Oscar Wilde.
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The decor here is traditional and has a unique old-world charm about it. The pub is set out over two floors, has a dark wood interior, warm burgundy-coloured walls with Dickens memorabilia, plus pictures of local clientele. A tight stairway leads up to the upstairs room which has a roomier feel to it. There are some nice touches that link to the owner, Gandalfs staff behind the counter and a small Gandalf ornament at the rear of the pub. My favourite place when visiting here is the Veranda overlooking the Thames, I could sit there for hours watching the coming and goings on the river.
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The beer line up was good and included three cask ales. We all decided on pints of Carlsberg, our pints were enjoyable and not overly expensive. There is a popular British pub grub menu available which includes roasts on a Sunday, Fish & Chips costs Ā£15.95.
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We visited on a Sunday just after midday and the pub was already in full swing. The atmosphere here was convivial and calm even though the pub was busy. The punters were a mix of locals and tourists enjoying roast dinners and a May Bank Holiday drink or two. We managed to squeeze our way on to the deck at the back, we were all smiles quaffing our pints and taking in our surroundings. A big shout out to the bar staff who were excellent, the ladies on duty were welcoming and courteous.
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I have visited this bonafide pub a number of times and each time I visit it is like the first. This is such an atmospheric pub that has that old London feel, such a priceless commodity to have. The Grapes in Limehouse is definitely a must visit London pub.
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ā¹ļø Info correct on visiting 28.05.23
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