A few weeks ago we went on a pub tour. Before the tour I wanted to eat something since I knew I would have a few beers along the way. And luckily The Better Half was able to leave work early. That rarely happens. Like almost never. So we went to the Mad Hatter Pub, on the south side of The Thames by the Blackfriars Bridge, to grab a bite to eat. This pub is part of a hotel. Even though it was Friday, we were able to get a table. Not only is the pub massive, but there weren’t a lot of customers. Odd since across the bridge another pub was packed. But hey, it worked out for us. It was nice and quiet and the service was excellent.
The Mad Hatter was originally a hat factory that made Bowler, Topper, and Boater hats for gentlemen. And many of you know the Mad Hatter in Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland. It’s believed that back in the day, the glue used in the assembling of the hat rims contained Mercury, which caused some people so go a little mad. That originated the phrase “mad as a hatter.”
We took our seats at a table and a waitress came to take our order. In most pubs you have to order at the bar. We decided to share some Macaroni and Cheese. I hadn’t had some in such a long time. As for the beer, this is a Fuller’s pub, so I had a London Pride. It was wonderful to be able to relax and spend some time with TBH. And the fact that it was Friday at four in the afternoon made it even better.
Since we still had some time to kill before the tour, I ordered some dessert: a Lemon Tart with cream. I’m still getting used to cream with desserts. Being from the States I’m used to ice cream or chocolate sauce on the side, not cream. Slowly I’m becoming a fan. I will warn you, it’s very sweet.
After relaxing and chatting we settled up our bill with the waiter, who was shy, but very attentive and made our way to the tour. All in all, I really liked this pub. It was wonderful to have a quiet place to eat on a Friday afternoon. Many of the pubs in the area are so packed customers are standing outside enjoying their booze. So if you are in the area and want a calm establishment I recommend this one. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
50 Year Project 
Now I’m thinking of clotted cream. Not that that’s what you had, but it’s where my mind went.
I love cream with desserts. Not the horrid stuff out of a spray can, but proper cream. In Germany, they serve that. Sigh.
From a spray can. Now I want to see that for myself. In the States they had cheese in a spray can. Not sure I’ve seen that here.
Yes, I know all about that yellow spray cheese stuff… urgh.
They have spray can cream in London, I’ve seen it loads of times. The way you can tell is if the cream becomes watery on your plate after ten minutes or so. Proper whipped cream doesn’t do that.
Can I buy it in the store and conduct experiments? In my younger years I liked the spray cheese especially on really stressful days in college and grad school. Not as good as ice cream, but when in a pinch it worked.
They have it in the supermarket…do you have a maid who does your shopping for you? Or does Saint Ocado deliver it…? 😉
Would you believe that I still buy my own groceries and carry them home in my backpack. The maid refuses to do it 😉
Maybe a spray cream can would fit into the side pocket…
That place looks really nice, and I love the part about the mercury. I find it fascinating to hear the origin of common phrases and sayings.
I’m a history nerd so you know I love it. You need to start putting your pub list together for 2014. I’m sure Mr. Bunny will be able to help us round out the list.
Hey, wait a minute. You’re the pub expert, so can’t I leave it up to you to make that list? 🙂 We just have to make sure they will make virgin caesars because that’s what Mikey drinks (extra spicy of course, just like him ;)).
Virgin Caesars–I need to do some research on that. And we may have to bring a bottle of Tabasco or something. Not a lot of spice in pubs.
what a lovely pub
I agree. maybe I should go back.
Interesting fact about how the Mad Hatter got it’s name! Lovely, we might have a look next time in the area! Liz
I love learning the meaning of phrases. If you go, enjoy!
I believe it also has accommodation, so might be a good place for a short stay in London,
I wonder if the rooms are nice. I would like a place with a pub in the lobby.
It sounds like a very nice place; somewhere I would like to eat without the crowds and the crush.
I do enjoy your pub reviews 🙂
Thank you. I enjoy the research!
Does not look like the typical English Pub – at least as I’ve seen them – but it DOES look like a great place for a pint and a bite.
It’s much larger from what I’m used to. And yes, I enjoyed our meal and drinks there 🙂
It’s Friday evening and I’m wishing I could share some time in that pub. I love the fact that it was originally a hat factory and now has such an appropriate name. 🙂
Me too. I’m a history nut and whenever I see a sign or a note on their menu about their history I instantly fall in love with a place. London has such a varied and vibrant history that new businesses should remember and respect that. And tourists and people like me eat it up.
Nice review, TBM. It is wonderful that you were able to get a table on Friday evening. The lemon tart looks really inviting. Happy weekend 🙂
Have a great weekend, Vishy!
You can buy the spray cream in the supermarket – Anchor is the usual brand. From experience, if you don’t like it, your cat will! 😉
I need to look for it. thanks. And Atticus thanks you as well. I bet our dog will give it a go 🙂
That lemon tart looks very good. Mac and cheese too. I wouldn’t think of putting cream on the lemon tart but I sure would give it a try. No cobbler, piece of pie or strawberry shortcake gets eaten in our house without cream.. 🙂 I never did the cream thing until I met CH, his family puts cream on any kind of fruit dessert. Looks like a very nice place, perfect for a Fall afternoon!
I just don’t remember having the cream option growing up. I don’t think I’ve ever had strawberries and cream. Must fix that problem soon. And now I want a cobbler.
Ooh – a new one to me…will have to look out for it!
Yes! Especially since it’s quiet. I liked that a lot.
Ah ha … the crowd was down because it was too early. Glad you enjoyed yourself …. and hopefully we will read about the pub tour …. oops … I think you already posted it!
I did post the pub tour. Don’t fret, Frank, I’m sure there are more I can do in London 😉
Whew … what a relief! 😉
I wanted to be there now 🙂
Me too!