Limehouse Pubs
Limehouse's name comes from the lime kilns established there in the 14th century to produce quick lime for building mortar. Samuel Pepys recorded visiting a porcelain factory off Narrow Street. The Limehouse pottery, was opened in 1740 as England's first soft paste porcelain factory. Beer, in the shape of India Pale Ale , went from the Limehouse Brewery in Fore Street to India. The first emigrants to Australia went from Dunbar Wharf.
The Grapes is very possibly the pub Dickens called The Six Jolly Fellowship Porters in Our Mutual Friend. He described the red curtains as matching the customers' noses. Today's customers, much more refined, come for the peaceful atmosphere, helped by the deliberate absence of any noisy fruit machines or juke boxes. They also come for the fish led bar meals, and even more for the fish restaurant upstairs. A bar meal will costs about £6.50, one in the restaurant £30 or more depending on your choice of fresh fish.
The Narrow is Gordon Ramsey's newest venture in east London, taking over from the Narrow Street Pub and Dining Rooms. Once the Dockmaster's House, the pub occupies a commanding position at the entrance to Limehouse Basin. Before that was dug out, the well-known London brewer Taylor Walker began brewing here in 1730, and this stretch of the Thames was known as Brewery Wharf. Today's pub has outside seating overlooking the river. The Narrow serves traditional British food in ample portions in the restaurant, and bar snacks in the pub areas.
Booty's is a popular bar cum restaurant which takes you as close to the river as you can get without falling in. The building was once part of the empire of the formidable Tugboat Annie, and from here she commanded a fleet of 200 barges. Today, the views are commanding, and you can order eight different wines by the glass. The food is simple and satisfying. Real ales include Bass, Tetleys and cask beers. Every Friday there is fresh fish from Billingsgate Market.
The Grapes
76 Narrow Street, E14 8BP
T: 020 7987 4396
Fish led pub and restaurant meals.
Served Mon - Fri (12pm -2.15pm & 7.30pm -9.15pm)
Sat (12pm - 2.30pm & 7.30 - 9.15pm)
Sun (12pm - 3.30pm - Roast)
The Narrow
Narrow Street, E14 8DP
T: 0207 592 7950
Traditional British food in the restaurant, bar snacks in the pub.
Served Mon - Fri (11.30am- 3pm & 6pm - 11pm)
Sat (12pm -11.00pm)
Sun (12pm -10.30pm)
Booty's
92A Narrow Street, E14 8BP
T: 020 7987 8343
Simple and satisfying British food.
Served Mon - Fri and Sun (12pm - 9.30pm)
Sat (12pm - 7.30pm)
