The Grapes

Photos and First Impressions

 

View from across Narrow Street

Streetside View

The Bar and Front Room

Rear Room

Upstairs Seating

View of the Thames from the Back Deck

Chronicling from the Barstool

 

The Grapes is among a handful of historic riverside pubs still standing. Though the pub was founded in 1583, the current building dates back to the 1720s—one of the few structures that survived the London Blitz unscathed.

 

That old-world charm oozes from the structure at virtually every turn, from the traditional potted-plant trappings over the entrance, to the small deck on the Thames to accommodate overflow crowds. Every piece of wood, from the tables to the floors, is worn and rubbed smoothed from centuries of use. An appropriately dingy and hideous area rug greets visitors at the threshold. In truth, it really ties the room together, so I’m sure the Dude would approve.

 

Basically, the pub is like a two-story shotgun house, with a straight view from the front door to the rear balcony. My pint was that much more enjoyable while taking in the view of London from the south bank of the Thames as a cool breeze blew through. Combined with the healthy banter among barkeeps and regulars, it very much lived up to my ideal pub, and it ranks among my favorites I’ve visited thus far.

 

Over the years, the pub has achieved notoriety in artistic and literary circles, and it’s been featured in various well-known works, including Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend, Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. Somewhat oddly and unexpectedly, famed actor Ian McKellen is today a part owner of the pub. Despite the fine selection of ales, hobbit and dwarf sightings remain rare.

 

Also in the pub’s founding year of 1583…

• Elizabeth I rules England.
• Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland for Great Britain, the first English settlement in North America, kickstarting the British Empire.
• The first life insurance policy is sold.
• The Spanish conquer Dunkerk.
• The Netherlands adopt the Gregorian calendars.

On Draught

 

Deuchars IPA

Caledonian Brewing Co.

3.8% ABV

 

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one because I’d never has a cask IPA. It’s actually quite nice. The traditional hoppy taste of an IPA is still present, but the finish is less bitter and much smoother in comparison to what I’m used to.