The Traditional English Restaurants of London

The Trafalgar Tavern, situated by the side of the River Thames near the former Royal Naval College at Greenwich, really is the sort of pub that the tourist to Britain imagines exists all over London, especially on the riverbank, but sadly it one of the few authentic ones left.

Originally known as the Old George, the Trafalgar Tavern was constructed in 1837 as a result of Greenwich's increased popularity, brought about by the introduction of the railway line into the area.

The Tavern quickly gained popularity with authors such as Dickens and Thackeray who were regular patrons. So much so that Dickens used the Duncan Bar on the ground floor as the setting for the wedding breakfast in his novel Our Mutual Friend.

The Collingwood Room, also on the ground floor, is home to their restaurant, with oak-panelled walls, the room lends itself to the fine dining available on a daily basis. There you can sample their famous Whitebait, you can choose from from traditional, indienne or Cajun spiced, originally they caught from the Thames and served straight to the table.

These small fishes were a favoured delicacy with the politicians of the day, and, through the likes of Gladstone and Pitt, a tradition of Whitebait Dinners held in the Nelson Room was established in the early part of the 19th century, a custom which is continued to this day by the Saints and Sinners Club of London.

The menu represents good value with very straightforward British favourites, especially strong in the fish line, all presented with a choice of different sauces, as well as old standards like steak and mushroom pie and shepherd’s pie.

Situated on the ground floor, the Duncan Bar is what makes the Trafalgar a tavern in the true sense of the word. Their reputation for good ales and wines alongside their warm and friendly atmosphere, gained them the Evening Standard Pub of the Year Award in 1996. Today, the Trafalgar continues to welcome both regulars and visitors through its doors and offer a high standard of service and products.