Marble Quay,
St Katharine Docks,
London,
E1W 1UH
0872 148 2192
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
On a pleasant day, the outdoor terraces and garden of the Dickens Inn heave with drinkers enjoying the beauty of St Katherine’s Docks. On a cold day, the inside beckons with its period charm and good selection of brews.
The Venue
The Dickens Inn is a handsome three storey building in the heart of historic St Katherine’s Dock. It was originally a spice warehouse, and some of the building dates from the 18th Century.
Each level offers something different. The ground floor is given over to the Tavern Bar and the Copperfield Snack Bar. There is also an outdoor garden space with colourful hanging baskets of flowers. The first floor plays host to Pizza on the Dock (a casual pizza and pasta restaurant), whilst the top floor has the more formal a la carte restaurant Grill on the Dock. Each level has an outdoor balcony space. The Tavern has a low-beamed ceiling, hardwood floors, leather chairs and large squishy chocolate brown leather sofas. There are windows looking out onto the dock. A flatscreen TV is off to one side (showing Sky Sports).
The Atmosphere
The crowd at Dickens Inn is a mixture of financial workers in dark suits and tourists in shorts. Both groups mingle freely. There are plenty of staff, service is quick and friendly and tables are rapidly cleared. Watching the sail boats bob outside in the water or drinking out in the garden beside pretty flowers is enough to chill anyone out.
The Food
The Copperfield Snack Bar, located just behind the Tavern Bar, is open for lunch only and serves a well-priced choice of soup, salads, sandwiches and hot specials. Alternatively, in The Tavern they offer Asian-inspired snacks: spicy Thai nuts, oriental crackers and wasabi nuts. If you want something more substantial then there is a pizzeria and restaurant located on the upper floors.
The Drink
The Dickens Inn has a good selection of draught beer. Staropramen, Carling Extra, Grolsch, Caffreys, Strongbow, Guinness, Stella, Bombardier, Adnams and Old Speckled Hen. For wine drinkers, there is a good selection of bottles from both north and south of the equator – all at under £20. If you’re looking to celebrate, there are a few bottles of Champagne.
The Last Word
The Dickens Inn offers a charming setting and the service and drink selection exceeds expectation.
Dickens Inn has been reviewed by 12 users