Owen Schwaegerle
This was the best fish and chips I’ve ever had in my life. The way they breaded the fish was incredible. It didn’t even taste fried. After eating it you didn’t feel sick like you do with most fish and chips. You felt light and reenergized, ready for the city. The outdoor dining was also fantastic. The views of the Thames and the city are wonderfully splendid. There were lots of swans hanging out on the beach nearby too. Quite a place to give a try if you are looking for good dining. A wee bit pricey, but given the location it is to be expected.
Alex G
The Founder's Arms is a fantastic place to take a break from a stroll or after a visit to the Tate museum.
They have a fantastic selection of local brews along with some international options. What I love about this place is that there is plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. Just head up to the bar, grab your drink and find a seat. There's also a food menu that you can order from the QR code at your table.
Pro-tip: Try the slightly toasted bread with wild garlic butter. Delicious!
Josep Antoni R.R.
Great place to eat and relax, sunny day its your place but covered and pretty comfy inside when its raining!
Food is really good with different kind of meals.
Mest, fish, vegan options and many more!
Bunch of drinks as beers on tap!
Really nice terrace to realx and enjoy the Thames view!
Close to Tate Museum thats a must go in London!
Kids are allowed!
Muge BN
Nice location with indoor and outdoor seating spaces. There is heating system in the outdoor but was not helpful in overall. Inside had a bad smell probably because of the toilet or food.
Little bit overpriced.
Toilet was not clear and smelly.
Mervyn Neill
Always a winner. It's so busy sometimes and easy to see why. The food is cooked to order and is fantastic. My wife and I had the sharing platter of fried seafood with a seafood dip and a mayonnaise dip with chips . The batter was superb and the atmosphere electric with plenty going on. The service was friendly and efficient and of course the views are second to none.
Francesco Grussu
Nice pub by the river with amazing views of the city of London. It has got several tables just by the river bank - it is lovely to have a drink or two with family or friends during a sunny week end.
Gary Jelks
I have been meaning to stop here on trips along the south bank.
Weather was good and got a chair outside.
The view of St Paul's Cathedral didn't get boring even after an hour.
£16 for 2 pints of lager.
Will try food next time I walk past.
Carla Scopece
One of my favourite places
Amazing view of the themes and St. Paul cathedral. Very central location.
I went there on a sunny and hot Friday afternoon (last week) and it was super busy and noisy. We grabbed a drink and sat by the river.
The Fish n Chips Guy
So far on my quest for the best Fish and Chips in London, this one ranks #1! Start off with a Pint and some bread with garlic butter. The fish filet is a good size portion of Haddock, nice and crispy, chips have a good crunch as well. The tarter sauce is tangy and adds to the experience. The mushy peas have a savory flavor to them that makes them more palatable as it’s not something I usually go for.
Holly Lawrence
I haven't eaten here (yet), but I love this place for a drink on a weekend afternoon, just chilling by the river watching the world go by. Living in St. Albans, its such a quick and easy option for a change of scenery. It gets busy on a hot day but haven't had to wait to long for service and you can order from your table.
Sam Saltwell
The Founder’s Arms opened in 1980 not far from the site of the ancient Falcon Tavern, frequented by Samuel Pepys. Many thought the new pub would carry the same title, instead its name derives from the site being a foundry during the time of Sir Christopher Wren while he was constructing St Paul’s Cathedral (the same foundry was where the wrought ironwork was made that surrounds the high altar in St Paul’s Cathedral that can still be seen today).
Today it is a modern, airy Young’s pub looking out across the River Thames, with almost as many seats outdoors as it does inside. Prices are steep, but that’s to be expected in an enviable location alongside the Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge.
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AV F
Beautiful location, lovely atmosphere and great food. I was really impressed by the wine selection. Will be back.
Berk Neşvat
Outside is really good, place is over all good but indoor. Mann… ı always questioned why its much more easy to have a small talk in a toilet. And this place I guess had same idea to make a pub with toilet smell to make your talks flow smooth so you can loose the perception of time and enjoy your tasty drinks with smell. Its probably fish& chips smell. But somehow fusion of multiple things makes it feel like its a toilet. I’m just curious when does people get used to it, maybe after second beer.
Cheers matess, I just wanted to make it fun
Libby Wales
A really busy young’s pub on the river next to Blackfriars station. We came here after a really long day (15 miles) of walking round the city and our whole group was tired. The manager (bald guy in a denim shirt) understood the assignment and was so friendly and attentive. From many years in hospo you could tell he’s a great manager. Food was good too, everyone enjoyed. I had the fish and chips and don’t believe the reviews that it’s the best fish and chips in the UK (it’s a chain pub in the middle of London, give the fish and chip shops some credit!), in fact I had to leave most the batter as it was so dense. BUT it’s still a huge fish, everyone enjoyed their food and the guiness was good too. Just don’t be expecting your best fish and chips ever!
Vishwas Kubavat
The quality and quantity of the food is great. Sunday chicken roast was good. The chicken was well cooked and very soft.
The only down side was the fish and chips. The fish had too much batter in it at the middle making it chewy and seemed uncooked.
Jonathan Morris
Not the cheapest bar (it's on the Thames!) but always friendly staff and great views from outside if the weather is right. Plenty of room indoors if it isn't (although it can get busy after people finish work!).
Chirag Shah
Perfect service by this pub also very good staff behind bar Extremely Highly Recommend 👌🏼👍🏻🍾🎊
Francesco Grillo
Amazing view of the Docks skyscrapers and the Dome of Saint Paul's cathedral.
We've taken a fish& chips dish to share: delicious!
Right choice for our dinner
Pauline Johnson Wallis
My 60th yesterday so popped in for lunch before heading back to Newcastle. Son had burger- very nice, husband had fish finger sandwich - very nice, I had steak and ale pie - very nice except it was a bit overdone so had to leave some of the rock hard crust. The sprout tops were tasty as was the mash but it was 'sliceable' so had been in the oven. Drinks were fine - nice white Rioja and London lager. Toilets are not built for ladies over size 14 - I struggled to get into the cubicle as the door hits the toilet bowl! Tried a couple till I found one (not good if you're desperate)!! Overall very nice but room for improvements- a location like that deserves to be exceptional. 😀
Lisa Mina
We had lunch outside by the Thames. It was lovely. The food was great and the portion sizes massive. We had burgers. I recommend them!!
Sheila Pick
Didn’t book but shown to a window table with an amazing view. Waitress was welcoming and professional. Food excellent and such good value considering location of this pub. We ate in the ‘wait to be seated’ section and I believe the bar area has its own menu. We will definitely return to this lovely pub.
Vilma Wilson
Great pub, ideally located for a meal before going to the Globe. Good meal, good service and reasonable prices in a very busy pub.
Nick Lodder
Bahbah. Friendly staff. Nice location but the meat was too dry and we've waited for about 45 minutes for the food to get ready ... terrible taste uh.... make that no taste
John Williams
Nice food good location bit of a wait before food came from point of ordering
Lee Sharpie Sharp
Lucky enough to grab a table n chair outside and had three glorious hours in the sunshine, next to the river watching the world go by. The Camden Hells was cold refreshing and worthy of the moment ���
Jane Roberts
We had a fantastic meal at the Founders Arms. The service was excellent and the venue, amazing. We had booked our table and we weren't disappointed. The view was just wonderful. Can't wait to visit London again as we will certainly be eating here.
Steven Shipley
Great pub, great location, great food 😁👍 always enjoy putting this place into my plans when visiting London
Mariser Omeara
Great pub, food and service was good. Sun was shinning and brunch with friends by the Thames.
David Holder
Worst service by the most miserable and unmannerly waitress in London ..went in there for a drink yesterday around 1pm and was served by a person who should not be working in service industry... The homeless guy around the corner was more cheerful and had the good manners to thank me for a small contribution..mmm maybe they should give him the job in the pub and get rid of miss misery
Tina Ward
Lively pub. Went on a Saturday at about 1 o clock table booked, so all laid out nicely. A group of 10 girls, didn’t wait to long for food , it was hot , tasty and good service. You do have to go and get your own drink from the bar, but that was no problem. Very pleasant afternoon and not a complaint out standing price.
Barry Dore
Great to have lunch by the river on Father’s Day. Sunday roast excellent, prices in line with expectations
Denise White
The waiter was excellent lamb was rough as old boots ask for steak knifes to cut it but you don't have any bit strange wine far to expensive for what it was but as it was london to be expected
Mariette El-Soury Massabni (Les Délices De Mariette)
Going out from Shakespeare’s globe, the Founder’s arms was our destination. We shared a Baked somerset camembert with maple candied walnuts, caramelized onion, grapes and crackers and one young’s beer battered cod, chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce, they were both delicious. Too crowded but nice music. Recommended
Inder
The Southbank area has tons of places to visit, and after a morning of pounding the pavement, we were in sore need of refreshments and...food. Founders Arms, has a riverside view with both indoor and outdoor seating, and a superb bar counter.<br/><br/>Even though it was a bright sunny day, we chose indoors as the heat was a bit much.<br/><br/>We decided to go for traditional English fare and chose:<br/><br/>Sirloin Steak<br/>Steak Pie<br/>Duck Leg<br/>Fish and Chips<br/><br/>All chased down by Fentimans Ginger Beer.<br/><br/>Being a busy day, the wait time was 40mins, but that was time enough to take in the view of the Thames, and engage in people watching, and the place was teeming with tourists.<br/><br/>The food portions were sumptuous, and tasty. Delicately flavoured and well presented, and we made short work, as we were starving.<br/><br/>The service and staff were great, decor and facilities similar to a pub, but a bit modern. The buzz from all the customers, added to the vibe. If you are in the area, doing a bit of touristy stuff, go check it out.
Rhea Stephen
Founder's Arms is a little pub with spectacular views of the Thames. Food is average, ambience is enhanced thanks to the view. <br/>The pub scores well only for the view. Considering the location, it is pretty pocket friendly- I spent around £12.5 here. <br/>
Joana Reis
The 'Founder's Arms' is a classic pub, located right in front of the South Bank - Superb location and view over London! I highly recommend sitting down at 'Founder's Arms' with a Pimm's cocktail on your hand while watching the sunset - I can assure you that you won't regret it at all.
Claudia.R Correia
This pub has the most amazing view!! Food and drinks are great. I had mac&cheese and it is delicious. I want to go back in the summer, being in the terrace with that view must be relaxing.
Anoushka Advani
Chicken was not seasoned properly or cooked well. Food took too long. <br/>Lovely view from the restaurant though. Seems like its the kind of place Id come to for a couple of drinks on a sunny day.
Niranjan Narayana Swamy
My compulsory stopover in London. At the end of South bank, you will find this place waiting for you when you want to sit by the Thames and soak in the sights and sounds of London in the evening. Apart from the beer, the great crowd and the service, I'd go for their fish and chips. Oh! My wife loved their mocha too.
Sanyukta Majumdar
Wonderful ambiance, breathtaking view, and to top with, efficient as well as cordial staffs.It was a wonderful experience to have a lunch by the Thames on an unusually sunny afternoon. Choice of food was our personal matter and unfortunately it didn't suit our taste. Perhaps next time, we should be careful about what we order.
J Kim
Let's actually start our London tour with our last night. We decided to take a stroll by the Thames and dine al fresco at Founder's Arms. It seemed to be a popular spot for the local crowd, with food, drinks, and conversation enjoyed by all. It was pirate night, so a free pint was on offer for those dressed appropriately - arrrrrrr! Both food and drink is ordered at the bar. Drink in hand, you take your flagged number to your table to wait for food to be brought along.
SexDrugsandBaconRolls
The Founders Arms, with its location, atmosphere and service really ticks all the boxes for a casual lunch, pub or dinner location but there were things that just didn’t hit the spot. For instance the burger itself let the whole dish down, my platter was disappointingly simple and there were too few waiters for the dinners. Sex Drugs and Bacon Rolls would choose this for lunch or for a casual drink with friends if in the near vicinity but wouldn’t go out of their way or choose The Founders Arms for a nice dinner spot.
Noshbites
The Southbank is an amazing place to stroll along in London, so much to see and such a lovely view across the Thames over the city. On this occasion my son and I were with my aunt and uncle. We’d just walked across Tower Bridge
BiteMe
This pub has an awesome view, sitting right on Thames River looking towards St. Paul's cathedral. But how is the food? We started with a Best of British appetizer plate (£16) consisting of pork, sage & onion scotch egg, pork pie, mature cheddar cheese, ham, branston pickle, gherkins and freshly baked bread. Kitty's cousin said that this is very traditional British food, but the quality wasn't as good as I have had elsewhere. The best part was the cheese. Francis, Kitty's cousin taught us that we are suppose to eat the cheese, bread, pork cold cut gherkin and pickled onions together all at once. The scotch egg had a wrapper of meat that wasn't very good. The pork with pastry around it was cold and thick with a not good tasting fat. I've had better in Canada and this one in London of all places was worse. Maybe this was more traditional and more accurate to the real thing, but I was disappointed. Kitty had the steak and ale pie served with creamy mash, vegetables and red onio
Kristine Diana Tsiknaki
Southbank has a lot of hidden gems, but this one is as obvious as can me. Right outside Tate Modern and next to the Thames, this is one of the best places to grab some lunch or some drinks after work and enjoy a great view of the river. The food is not as cheap as pubs usually are but you are definitely paying for the view, which is amazing! You can see St Paul's Cathedral right across you and the rest of the buildings all the way to the City and Bank. The food is quite good, nice juicy burgers, mouth watering salmon and heart warming pie. Enjoy your meal with a pint of your favourite tipple, or try one of their special ones (toffee or banana ale anyone?) and you won't regret it. Make sure you take lots of photos with the city behind you to make all your friends jealous.
Uttara Narayanan
Picturesque location and situated near the Tate modern so that's a charm. Without doubt the best Pimm's is served here. Bar nibbles are few but sufficient. As a vegetarian the options were limited but the panini was yummm!
Kesta
I loved my experience at the Founder’s Arms. As a restaurant it covers all bases; location, service and food.<br/><br/>Situated right on the Southbank, it takes full advantage of the surrounding views with huge windows lining the restaurant area. If the weather is good there is also a great outdoor seating area to soak up the atmosphere. Inside is cosy and bright with a lovely wood panelled bar to match the wooden floor and tables. The service was great. My waitress was warm and friendly, and offered attentive and fast service despite how busy the restaurant was.<br/><br/>My main course was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. It was an eclectic mix of a salmon fillet served with a scotch egg, cheesy dauphinoise potatoes and roasted tomatoes. Although the flavours perhaps didn’t work technically, the dish was a joy to eat as it was fun to sample all the elements. My friend ordered the burger which was huge and juicy, just as you would hope a good pub burger to be. <br/><br/>I would thoroughly recommend this place as the perfect complement to a day out in London.
Esha Bhivandker
Waned to visit this place since a long time then finally planned an evening with friends.<br/>Beautiful location by the river Thames at Blackfairers. Very close from the station walking distance.<br/>Beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. The outside has heaters so that guests can be comfortable. <br/>They serve yummy steak and good set of different wines.<br/>Very good place to sit and relax and have fun with friends or colleagues.<br/>
Federica De Dominicis
Located on the south bank of the Thames overlooking St. Paul and at close distance from the Tate, the view from the pub is breathtaking. With a wide window that occupy the length of the place and an outdoor deck to enjoy the sun, this is the perfect spot for Sunday lunches, weekend brunches and afternoon drinks. The food is delicious and abundant, prepared at the moment and served immediately. I went there on a Sunday at lunch for their roast, juicy and flavourful, cheaper in price than many gastropubs (ie. the Tufnell Park Tavern). Getting a table without reservation was less painful than expected, but I recommend to book one in advance.
Meryem
Perfect view - just next to the great Thames River. After a short walk on the bank side it is a perfect place to have a cup of coffee and relax. Or on Friday night just before clubbing nice place to have glass of wine. And surprisingly I had the BEST fish and chips there and the portion is unbelievable huge it is enough to share. But need to mention a bit over-priced! E.g fish and chips £12.
Vidit Narain
Great Location. Perfect for lunch on a summer afternoon. Their staff is polite and quick. Pub food was great. Adding to the fun were some witty one liners displayed around the pub. Ordered a Best of British Platter which was delightful :)
Ankit Kumar
Great, great location. You'd be lucky if you find a seat outside, otherwise just grab your pint and walk up to the bridge and enjoy the magnificent view. Food is pretty decent and very efficient staff serving you. If you would like to spend your evening by the river, this is the place.
Mio Kim
If there was a competition for the best located pub, I am sure this would be among the top. Finding a seat at the outside terrace can be a challenge but if you do find one, I am sure you would find the views of millennium bridge on one side and Blackfriars bridge on another almost surreal. <br/><br/>The platters to share are expensive and portions are small, but I guess they add a surcharge for the views !!
Tom Stevenson
The Founders Arms is excellently situated on the south bank of the Thames just next to Blackfriars station. Its best feature is the riverfront terrace, easily accessible from the bar and at which food can be had. As a Young's pub the beer is fine and wines and the usual spirits are available.<br/><br/>Eating here is probably about average for pub with a price tag which reflects the Founders' great location rather than any special quality of the food.
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