99 Fleet Street,
London,
EC4Y 1DE
0872 148 1184
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
The Punch Tavern is a building steeped in history that appeals to present-day punters thanks to its eclectic food and drink offering whilst staying true to its roots.
The Venue
The Punch Tavern is situated in the financial district of London, in a Grade II listed heritage building built in the 16th Century. The writers of Punch Magazine who were regulars in the 1890s named the pub and original artwork from previous editions is still hung on several walls.
Pleasingly, there are lots of stunning original features found in this building. One, which cannot be ignored, is the beautiful stain glass skylight, and a 16th Century mirror is still in situ from the original building. However, keeping up with the 21st Century there is also a plasma screen and a tank filled with tropical fish. The venue is available for private hire and caters for up to 350 people.
The Atmosphere
There is a friendly, upbeat atmosphere at the Punch Tavern and the staff are friendly and efficient. Popular with local workers and tourists, the average age of the clientele is anywhere between 25-to-55. There are weekly poker nights and monthly quiz and wine tasting evenings. There is also an additional offer of discounts on food and drink for members - all you have to do is give an email address to join.
The Food
The food menu is what really brings in the Punch Tavern punters. With a lunchtime buffet consisting of three hot casseroles, veg, rice and potatoes and a 15-piece salad bar it is difficult to resist - the delicious smells permeate the air as you enter the building, and with an eat in price of £7.95 it’s a very good deal.
If you fancy something different there is also an excellent choice of traditional pub food. Sandwiches start at £4.50 for a Biggles hot dog with fried onion; soup of the day is £4. Salads cost from £5.50 for a smoked chicken Caesar salad and mains come in at £7.95 for a homemade honey roast ham with free-range eggs and chips. Puddings are from £3.95 for a chocolate tipsy cake or apple and summer fruit turnover and custard.
The Drink
Carlsberg, San Miguel, Theakstons Ale, Guinness and Thatchers cider can all be found on draught, with Sol, Peroni and Tiger in bottles. There is an extensive wine list with prices from £3.50 a glass (£13.50 a bottle) for a white Sediba Chenin Blanc (South Africa), to £45 for a bottle of French Maursaut Albert Bichot 2005. Red is from £3.50 a glass (£13.50 a bottle) for a South African Shiraz and Chateau Pibran 1995 Pauliac is £49.00. Rose costs a very reasonable £14.00. If it’s something more upmarket you want then a bottle of Louis Dormer Champagne is £27 or Veuve Cliquot is £39.00.
The Last Word
The Punch Tavern is a delightful pub with some beautiful features that are part of London’s heritage. Fabulous food, lots to drink and a good atmosphere – they’re definitely onto a winner.
Punch Tavern has been reviewed by 2 users