Visitors to the British Museum who have absorbed enough culture, would do well to visit the Museum Tavern across the street. Here they can absorb culture of a different kind, including a good selection of traditional real ales and some classic English meals, such as fish and chips, sausage and mash, and meat pies.
The Museum Tavern was expanded in 1855 and much of what we see today dates from then or a little later. Despite the removal of partitions that divided Victorian drinkers, much of the carved wooden fittings, etched and cut glass outer windows and some coloured leaded-glass detail remain. This cosy and elegant pub was the work of architect William Finch Hill and is probably his only surviving work, save for the recently reopened Hat & Feathers in Clerkenwell. Hill was well known for his music hall designs but alas these seem to have all gone.
In the early 18th century a pub called the Dog & Duck stood here, its name reflecting the hunting that took place on the surrounding swamps and ponds. The British Museum was built in the 1760's and the pub changed its name to suit. Past customers include J.B. Priestley, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Karl Marx.
paulk, 2008-10-01
The Publican has not yet submitted a review for this pub.
"I currently reside in overseas but lived in London for nearly 20 years. The Museum Tavern is one of those lovely old fashioned pubs that I always try to meet my friends in when I’m back in town. The area is fascinating for walking around and close to the west end and Covent Garden. Authentic old Victorian pubs are FAST disappearing; if you appreciate good old fashioned pubs then get down there. Martin, Taiwan."
