Anchor Tap is a place whose history goes back much further than most London pubs. Located at 20A Horselydown Lane, adjacent to Tower Bridge, this pub is part of London's rich brewing heritage. Its origins are closely linked to Anchor Brewery, a brewery founded in 1616, which for centuries was one of the most important centers of beer production in the British capital.

The history of Anchor Tap is fascinating and full of amazing twists and turns. Initially, it served as a so-called 'brewery tap room,' an establishment directly adjacent to the brewery where freshly brewed beer was served. This was a common arrangement at the time, allowing breweries to sell their wares directly to consumers. Interestingly, the name 'tap' refers precisely to the tap from which beer was poured straight from the brewery.

The pub has survived many historical events that changed the face of London forever. The Great Fire of London of 1666, which destroyed much of the city, did not reach the south bank of the Thames, where Anchor Tap is located, allowing the pub to survive the disaster. This is a unique case, as many historic pubs on the north side of the river were completely destroyed at the time.

The pub was rebuilt in the 19th century, and various modifications and expansions were made in subsequent centuries. Despite this, the Anchor Tap has retained its historic character and remains one of the oldest surviving pubs in the Southwark district. Its walls have witnessed countless historical events and social changes that have shaped London over the centuries.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Anchor Tap's history is the list of its famous regulars. According to accounts, the pub was a favorite of actors from nearby theaters, including the famous Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare. Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist who observed the Great Fire of London from just outside this pub, is also mentioned among its guests. Pepys recorded his observations in his diary, so that today we have a priceless testimony to this historic event.

Other notable visitors included actor David Garrick, writer Oliver Goldsmith and politician Edmund Burke. Each of these figures contributed to British history and culture, and the fact that they visited Anchor Tap adds additional prestige and historical significance to the site.

Another important chapter in the pub's history was its acquisition by John Courage, a legendary figure in British brewing. The Anchor Tap served as a local outlet for the Anchor Brewhouse, which was located right next to Tower Bridge. This change of ownership came at a time when brewing in London was undergoing a period of intense growth and consolidation.

In 2008, Anchor Tap underwent a major renovation that cost the then owners, Punch Taverns, an impressive £2.6 million. The renovation was designed to restore the pub's historic character while bringing it up to modern standards. Thanks to this investment, guests can now enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a historic pub without sacrificing modern amenities.

Crossing the threshold of the Anchor Tap, guests are instantly transported to another era. The pub has retained its authentic 18th-century character, making it a unique place on the map of London venues. The pub's interior is a true feast for lovers of history and traditional British drinking culture.

One of the most distinctive elements of the decor are the original wooden ceiling beams, which have survived for centuries. Their dark color and visible traces of the passage of time add to the interior's unique atmosphere. The walls of the pub are decorated with historical photographs, documents and memorabilia related to brewing, creating a kind of museum of the history of beer in London.

The bar at Anchor Tap is a true work of art - made of dark wood, with brass elements that have acquired a noble patina over the years. Behind the bar are traditional pumps for pouring beer, which are not only functional, but are also a decorative element, reminding us of the long tradition of serving beer here.

A unique design element of Anchor Tap is a room dedicated to The Clink Prison, which was located in nearby Clink Street. The prison, owned by the Bishop of Winchester, was one of the oldest in England and became synonymous with the British penitentiary system (hence the colloquial English term for prison - 'clink'). The room features a variety of artifacts and information related to the history of this grim place, which adds additional historical context to the pub.

The Anchor Tap is known for its unique atmosphere, which is created not only by the historic interiors, but also by the way the pub is run. Sam Smith, the current owner, is known for his commitment to tradition and his aversion to modern solutions that would disrupt the authentic character of the place. There is no loud music, slot machines or TVs in the pub - instead, guests can enjoy quiet conversation over a pint of excellent beer.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Anchor Tap is its beer offerings. The pub serves only beers from Samuel Smith Brewery, Yorkshire's oldest independent brewery, known for its traditional brewing methods. Founded in 1758, the brewery still uses the original stone fermentation vats and its own strain of yeast, which has been used continuously since the 19th century.

It offers a wide selection of traditional ales, stouts, porters and lagers, brewed according to recipes passed down from generation to generation. The flagship product is Old Brewery Bitter, a classic English ale with a deep, golden color and rich, balanced flavor. Other popular beers include Imperial Stout, Taddy Porter and Famous Taddy Lager.

What sets Samuel Smith's beers apart is not only their traditional production methods, but also their affordable prices. Unlike many London pubs, where prices can be staggering, Anchor Tap offers its beverages at what can only be described as moderate prices, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

The pub is also famous for its traditional snacks, which go perfectly with the beers served. The menu features classic British dishes such as 'pork pies' (dumplings with pork meat), 'scotch eggs' (eggs in a shell made of meat and breadcrumbs) or various types of cheese and cold cuts. All dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes, which perfectly complements the historic character of the place.

One of the most charming aspects of Anchor Tap is its location. The pub is located in secluded Horselydown Lane, away from the main tourist routes, which means that it has retained its authentic character and has not become another tourist attraction. At the same time, its proximity to Tower Bridge and other Southwark attractions makes it an ideal place to relax while exploring this part of London.

Anchor Tap is not just a historic pub - it is a witness to the centuries-old changes that have shaped modern London. Its location in Southwark, a neighborhood with a rich and often turbulent history, makes it a particularly interesting spot on the city map.

In Elizabethan and Jacobean times, Southwark was an entertainment district outside the jurisdiction of London's municipal government. It was here that theaters operated, including the famous Globe Theatre, as well as numerous taverns, brothels and animal fighting arenas. The Anchor Tap, as one of the oldest pubs in the area, witnessed this colorful era when Southwark was vibrant and attracted both ordinary Londoners and the social elite.

Over the centuries, Southwark has undergone a significant transformation. It went from being an entertainment district to an important industrial center, and then, in the 20th century, experienced decline and neglect before finally, in recent decades, undergoing revitalization and becoming one of the most attractive parts of London. Throughout this time, Anchor Tap has persisted, adapting to changing circumstances, but retaining its historic character.

One of the most important events in the pub's history was its acquisition by Sam Smith, owner of Samuel Smith Brewery. Smith is known for his commitment to tradition and his conservative approach to running pubs. He has banned cell phones, loud music and other modern entertainment in his establishments that could disrupt the traditional atmosphere of a British pub.

This approach, while it may seem radical by today's standards, worked perfectly for Anchor Tap. The pub has become an enclave of calm and tradition in an increasingly digitized and noisy world. Guests come here not only for a beer, but also to experience the authentic atmosphere of a British pub, the kind that existed for centuries before the world was dominated by technology and global trends.

Anchor Tap has also witnessed a transformation in British drinking culture. At a time when many traditional pubs are closing or being taken over by large chains that often change their character, places like Anchor Tap are becoming rarer and more valuable. This pub represents the traditional values of British beer culture - an emphasis on product quality, a friendly atmosphere and the social aspect of drinking.

It's worth noting that Anchor Tap, despite its historical value, is not just a museum or tourist attraction. It is a living, functioning pub that continues to serve its original function - a place where people meet to drink good beer and spend time in a pleasant atmosphere. This continuity of function through the centuries is one of the most fascinating aspects of the place.

For lovers of British history and culture, a visit to Anchor Tap is a unique opportunity to experience a piece of authentic old London. Sitting at a wooden table, with a pint of traditional beer in your hand, you can almost hear the echoes of conversations that have been going on in the same place for centuries - discussions about politics, art, daily life and the great events that shaped British history.

Anchor Tap is also a great starting point for exploring other historic sites in Southwark. Nearby attractions include the reconstruction of the Globe theater, Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market and The Clink museum. All of these places, along with Anchor Tap, create a fascinating mosaic of history and culture in this part of London.

All in all, Anchor Tap is much more than just a pub - it is a living piece of history, a witness to the transformation of London over the centuries and a guardian of traditional British drinking culture. A visit here is a trip back in time that allows you to better understand not only the history of British brewing, but also the broader social and cultural context in which the pub tradition developed. In a world that is constantly changing and where traditions often give way to modernity, places like Anchor Tap take on special importance as connectors between the past and the present.