The Anchor, Bankside

It is in the Bankside locality on the south bank of the River Thames, close to Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge station.

[2] Michelin's travel guide incorrectly states that the Anchor was rebuilt in 1676 after the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed it.

[6] This pub is the sole survivor of the riverside inns that existed here in Shakespeare's time when this district was at the heart of theatreland and the Thames was London's principal highway.

The Anchor tavern became a favourite place for river pirates and smugglers; during the course of repairs carried out in the early 19th century the removal of a massive oak beam revealed ingeniously contrived hiding places, which were probably used for the storage of stolen goods and contraband.

The pub is now owned by Greene King and is branded as London Locals Urban Business.