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BLACK FRIAR PUB  |
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The Black Friar Pub |
A tribute to the monastery that stood here before it |
The Black Friars were a Dominican order known by the colour of their cloaks. They built a monastery here in London in the 13th century, which was closed down during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. The land was later used as the site of the Blackfriars Theatre, a venue for child actors who put on some of the most innovative drama of the time. The theatre was closed in 1642 and the building was destroyed in the great fire of London. |
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The narrow wedge-shaped Black Friar pub we see on the site today was built in 1875 and is a tribute to the monastery that stood here before it. A great big friar proudly stands laughing at the passing traffic. The outside of the building is decorated in wrought iron and colourful mosaic tiles, but that is nothing compared with the inside of the pub. It’s style is like a miniature church with walls ornately decorated with illustrations of merry monks. Above the fireplace, a large bas-relief bronze depicts frolicking friars singing and playing instruments. There are gold mosaics, carved wooden monks and written words of wisdom such as “Haste is Slow”. |
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The pub was due for demolition in the early sixties, but one of the regular drinkers, Sir John Betjeman, who later became the Poet Laureate, justifiably and successfully led a campaign to save this remarkable pub. |
Did you know? |
The Monks themselves were fond of their beer and the beer they drank was far stronger than what is brewed today! |
The Blackfriar is open daily, 11.30am to 11pm (food served until 9pm) |
174 Queen Victoria Street EC4V 4EG |
 Blackfriars |
