This past Saturday we had beautiful weather, which put me in the mood to wander along the Thames. Wandering makes me thirsty. We’ve been by this pub, The Old Thameside, on many occasions but never stopped for a drink.
Not every pub has its own superhero!
Luckily we found a group leaving a table and I moved in quickly. This pub is always crowded. It’s near London Bridge and not too far away is Borough Market and Clink prison. I love that name: Clink. Right behind the pub is the remains of Winchester Palace and next to the pub is a replica of The Golden Hind. The original belonged to Sir Francis Drake. The pub used to be an old spice warehouse.
A horrible shot of the Golden Hind
Some of you may not care about the history. Here are the views and I should note I was too lazy to stand for better photos.
And for others, the beer was plentiful. They had a wide selection of real ales. I had two half pints. The first was called Ice Breaker. It was okay, but a bit too hoppy for me. The second, No. 8 Cherry Pale was wonderful. I would have that one again. I’d probably pass on Ice Breaker, however, I’m glad I tried it.
We didn’t eat there, unless you count sharing a small bowl of pistachios. In case you ever go to the pub with me, here’s a warning. I may slap your hand away from the nuts. Just ask The Better Half. After an hour, the temperature dropped a little so we sought out a different pub. Check back next week.
If you can handle crowds, this pub is worth a visit. So if you find yourself near the Clink (hopefully not in it) hop on in. On a warm day, the view is great.
50 Year Project 
I won’t touch your nuts if you keep your hands off my sticky buns. Do we have a deal?
wow, that’s a tough choice. I can’t accept the terms. It might depend on my mood that day 😉
It’s nice to get a recommendation of a new beer to try, however the names probably are different Stateside. I remember going to a biergarten in Boulder, CO. I ordered something and it was awful. So, the next time I ordered those 6 different ales instead of one you can purchase in very small mugs so as not to commit another mistake. I figured I was upping my chances on liking a few.
I used to live near Boulder. I loved hiking around there–such a beautiful place. Some of the pubs here allow you have a sample before committing to a pint or half-pint. I find that’s really helpful. I like the way you think!
Now this I love.. still visiting the Pubs.. you go for it.. I love it…
Thanks bulldog. Yep, we’re back to our pub exploration. I have a few I need to share. I hope you’re feeling better.
I remember visiting the GH replica a zillion years ago. We went on to The Prospect of Whitby. No idea how far it is from the GH though!! It was at least 40 years ago 😀
Sounds like a fun memory
I love the name Clink too. Glad you had some nice weather!
The weather was great last weekend! Can’t stay home when it’s like that. Today we’re having some rain. A good movie/book day.
That pub looks like it has lovely ambiance, but even though you mentioned that the weather was beautiful, I was wondering if the ale was warm. I’m a yank. I like my suds cold.
I think I’m getting used to the beer so I don’t notice if it was warm or cold. I would say in the middle.
There’s a wonderfully moody photo of this spot when it was still part of the docks at MoL. It used to be on display, though I am not sure if it is now. I dn’t mind the pub, but it is usually, as you say, so crowded. Have you found The Lord Clyde yet? Not far away near Marshalsea Road. It is a friendly local pub.
I think I’ve been by Lord Clyde, but haven’t popped in yet. Will make sure I go. this is the type of pub for one or two so you can enjoy being outside and the view. The crowd wasn’t too bad, but it’s not a quiet atmosphere.
Didn’t we visit this pub together once?
You know, we may have. did we sit outside?
Yes. I believe we did.
Glad you seemed to enjoy this pub, and that the second ale you tried ended up being a winner! 🙂
Loved the second ale. Cherry beer–yum! And it helps me increase my fruit intake. I’m trying to eat better 😉
Ah one I have visited ! Imagine it all round there in the ye olde days of the Clink …
I bet they had a rowdy bunch back then.
Love the atmosphere of this place! It reminds me of several pubs back in my hometown. And makes me get itchy for the patio of my local Irish pub to open when the weather finally gets warm enough over here (that will be late May – sigh). The picture of the ship actually looks pretty good if you click to make it larger.
I love visiting different pubs, but there is something to be said about going to your local and having people you see all the time. I hope the weather surprises you and warms up sooner. All of you deserve it! I kept trying to get more photos of the ship but I only had my cell phone and whenever I got ready, a ton of people would walk by. Oh well. It was nice to see all the people out, enjoying the weather.
You need a proper London guide…
I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand what you mean.
I love the walk from the South Bank all the way along to Tower Bridge – and this is one of the good stopping off ponts for refreshments!
you would have enjoyed the walk we did. It was so beautiful out. I love seeing the Thames on sunny days. And the South Bank is a special place.
Clink is a great name, I agree! Two and half pints…. I’d be under the table, sadly. I’m impressed 🙂
Don’t worry, we’d make sure you made it home safe and sound.
Like you, I love nuts. Thanks for the warning. I’ll bring my own stash.
Hope you are doing well. I’m trying to catch up a bit. I don’t know if I will ever manage. Sad, isn’t it? Sorry to be SO late getting here.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
I may steal from your stash 😉
Hope you are having a wonderful time! Enjoy every moment.
Great location along the river would be easy to enjoy. Very small local breweries are a current craze in the US. Does London have them? Do pubs there brew their own beer to feature?
PS: As a baseball fan, you will enjoy my current post.
Anything that has a superhero in front of it is worth a second look … at least that’s what my son says. 🙂 Hey but I do love that patio photo looks like a really cool place to hang.