This historic establishment doesn’t look its age after a refurbishment. The Blue Anchor is rich in personality and is on the right side of conservatively traditional.

The Venue
The Blue Anchor resurfaced in late 2009 after a four month makeover following a fire and is a great example of how a disaster can turn into a stunning transformation. The traditional, almost conservative, decor centres around oak furniture and panelling, punctuated by contemporary floral wallpaper in silver and navy blue, gifting the pub with a certain elegance.

Spread across two floors connected by a stairwell displaying nautical maps and other related objects, the Blue Anchor is protectively nestled inside Rolls Passage complete with a clean-cut courtyard with a stone floor. The interior comprises the aforementioned oak panelling, frosted mirrors and libraries of books adding character and tone to the space. Around the walls there are padded leather benches and comfortable seating, whilst a bar on each floor spares you walking up and down.

The Atmosphere
The corporate atmosphere holds true to its City location. Most of the customers are men stepping in straight from the office, jackets and ties getting looser as they approach the bar. Fairly young and good spirited, the punters come here for a pint and some food with colleagues before heading home, unless they linger around longer to hear the music. Thursdays are jazz nights with up-and-coming new acts drafted from music schools, whilst Wednesdays are all about acoustic sounds. Fridays are the wildest with DJs and karaoke entertaining the crowd until 2am.

The Food
The basement restaurant has benefited from the revamp. It specialises in English fish and seafood and the house dish is a perfected version of the classic fish and chips. They serve small plates and sharers (£4.25-£6.50) including mussels, fishcakes, calamari and scampi and the nautical theme continue with oysters (£15-£16.50 for a dozen). The fish and chips (£8) allow you to pick between: prime cod, haddock or plaice; classic, London Pride or spicy chilli batter; hand cut chips, mash or new potatoes; and a range of accompanying salads.

Other options include meat pie (£7), burgers (£6-£7) and salad (£7.25-£10). Sandwiches, wraps and jacket potatoes (£4.25-£5) are made with quality ingredients and you can have them to go at a bargain £3.50-£4.25. The desserts (£4.50) are just as traditional - English bread and butter pudding, Eton mess, sticky toffee pudding and others.

The Drink
The Blue Anchor offers three ales alongside a selection of cheap classic cocktails. You can also pick from a dozen whiskies, aperitifs, liqueurs and spirits. The wine list (£12-£28.50) is concise but to the point, with twenty bottles comprising all classical grape varieties. There are also six Champagnes (£35-£140) and a couple of sparkling wines (£12-£13).

Finally, they have a good choice of draught beer (£3-£3.75) with Kronenbourg, Heineken, London Pride and IPA on offer. Alternatively, bottles (£2.75-£3.80) include San Miguel, Red Stripe, Corona Extra, Becks and Budvar.

The Last Word
The Blue Anchor is comforting with its firm hold on tradition. An excellent choice of food and drink make it a good option for City workers.

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