The Blacksmith's Arms

Address: 257 Rotherhithe Street, (near Hilton Hotel), London, SE16 5EJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7064 4355
Website: view The Blacksmith's Arms’ website
Door: Open door
Style: Pub (traditional British pub)
Food: Set menu
Established: 1700

Review

There has been a pub on this site for over 300 years and it is thought that Nelson may have stopped here while his first command the HMS Carcass was being fitted out at the Rotherhithe Shipyard alongside the pub. The present day incarnation, a Fuller's house, is a proper local's boozer and a friendly place where you might grab a swift Fullers ale while waiting for the ferry to dock at the Hilton next door.

As you walk into the Blacksmith's, look out for the brass plaque on the curved front corner of the counter markinhg the level water reached during the great flood of 1928. The island bar sits centrally, surrounded by tub chairs and booth seating in the front section of the large knocked through space. Beyond lies the restaurant area, serving Thai food, and at the very back a small enclosed terrace. Old black and white photos of the local area dot the dark wooden panelled walls.

There are three Fullers cask ales on draught with sales of London Pride dominating. That's about the most noteworthy aspect of a drinks' offering which is best summed up as being "basic pub". The Blacksmith's Arms is a proper old-school local's boozer serving all walks and classes.