This narrow wedge-shaped pub is jammed against the railway line at Blackfriars. This late Victorian pub was built on the site of a thirteenth century Dominican Priory, which gives the area its name and was the inspiration for the pubs design.
The exterior of the building has jutting wrought iron signs for each bar and the pubs name is proudly displayed in mosaic tiles. A more recent addition is a statue of a large laughing friar above the main door.
But it is the interior created in 1905, designed by the Royal Academy sculptor Henry Poole, that makes this pub so wonderful.
The walls, clad in green and red marble, are covered with illustrations of merry monks.
Three low arches lead into a smaller bar which is like a chapel. Below a beautiful arched mosaic ceiling, are mottos of wisdom, such as, 'finery is foolery' and 'don't advertise, tell a gossip'. The detail here is amazing, even the light fittings are carved wooden monks carrying yolks on their shoulders, from which the lights hang.
This is a very popular pub both at lunchtimes and evenings. It is worth going off peak to fully enjoy the surroundings.
Mon-Sat 11.30-23.00
Sun 12.00-22.30
TUBE/BR Blackfriars
TEL 020 7236 5474
Credit Cards Visa & Access
BAR FOOD 12.00-21.00
Tim Taylor's L'lord and guests