What Visitors Say
Soooo, I shouldn't have waited so much to review this place, as I visited nearly 4 months ago, but because I am now reviewing all the places I recently went to, I remembered this place and decided to give my honest opinion. I visited many pubs and don't remember them all; I remember this because the people working there at the time I visited were the worst I've ever met :D When I entered The Old Bell Tavern, they (a man and a woman) were talking about their own business and I had to stay there and wait for them to give me attention; they noticed me of course, but kept talking. So I asked them something, interrupting them, and they looked at me like I was actually bothering them. When the guy took my order he didn't smile or look at me once, he didn't say "Thank you" when I paid, he kept talking to his colleague like I didn't exist :D Because I have a certain attitude, I said "Thank you very much, you're welcome!" quite loud; they noticed but said nothing. When the waitress served me and my child our food, again, she didn't say "enjoy", nor she smiled. The guy was pretty rude to a couple who asked for a menu after me. I never saw anything like that, I swear. It was a bit comical, as though they were really trying their best to deliver their worst. HOWEVER, the food was tasty, the atmosphere relaxing, the toilets clean, the beer cold and nice. As the majority of the reviews are saying that the service was friendly and all, maybe the two working there were having a bad day, but please remember that your customers are people with feelings and they might be having a bad day themselves; your good manners and a polite "enjoy", can change their day!
I visited for a work Xmas meal and was pleased with everything but the size of the place. Not a major problem for a nice traditional pub buzz and cozy atmosphere, but I wouldn't recommend for a large meal. The staff were all really nice and helpful and it was nobody's fault, other than that, it had charm and traditional look and feel this city has lost over the decades. Recommended for tourists to get an authentic experience of a typical central London pub.
Such a nice place! The atmosphere was super chill. We had dinner here--fish and chips as well as a steak pie. Both were very good!
Came here on a pub tour with my wife for our honeymoon. Loved the cider and fish and chips we had, the batter wasn’t too thick and the chips were very crispy. They washed down nicely with the tartare sauce and vinegar and were perfectly complemented by the cider. Very refreshing especially on a hot summer’s day!
We reached this place by mistake. We were in our last day in London, switching transport to reach the airport. We were walking by and saw the board that said they have fish and chips (that it’s a must try in London), so we went in. It was awesome! ♥️ The place, the food and the staff. We truly recommend 💯.
Highlights
Wren Masons Story
Great Fire LinkThe pub's official history ties the building to Sir Christopher Wren and the masons rebuilding St Bride's after the Great Fire.
Fleet Street near St Bride's Church
Classic Nicholson's Pub Food
Practical StopVisitor reviews repeatedly call out fish and chips, steak pie and cider as the reliable reasons to settle in.
Main bar and dining areas
Fleet Street Context
Historic NeighbourhoodThe Old Bell sits among printing, journalism and Sweeney Todd folklore, so the street itself adds much of the atmosphere.
The surrounding street
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Nicholson's says the tavern has been licensed for more than 300 years.
The pub's official history links it to Sir Christopher Wren and the masons rebuilding St Bride's Church.
The site is connected with early printing history around Fleet Street.
Its original access was via an alleyway from Fleet Street, which explains the tucked-in historic feel.
