This historical Regency-era pub was built by Joseph Kay in 1837 – the year of Queen Victoria’s ascension to the throne – and it has always had the very best of neighbours in the river Thames and Greenwich Park.

The Venue
As part of a stable of bars and restaurants overseen by owners INC Group, the Trafalgar is a large jewel in a crown which includes other local favourites, Bar Du Musee and The Spread Eagle. Its extraordinary sweeping riverside views and ambiance have engaged history’s finest and former patrons include Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, Wilkie Collins, William Gladstone and a whole host of other luminaries who have benefited from a memorable drinking and eating experience.

Despite post-dating the life of Lord Nelson by some 32 years, the Trafalgar Tavern serves as a monument to him and his most famous battle off the south west coast of Spain in 1805. A specially commissioned statue to the great naval hero sets the scene superbly outside the entrance while, inside, the Nelson banqueting hall is regularly used for weddings and conferences. Furthermore, the Collingwood restaurant with its wood panelling, bay windows, prints and paintings keeps everyone close to the naval history for which Greenwich is famous. It is also a great place to unwind away from the rigours of the City.

The Atmosphere
The Trafalgar Tavern is busy and buzzy both inside and out as alfresco drinking goes hand in hand with a good eating experience. It is a favourite venue of students from the nearby Greenwich University and tourists from all over the world who rightly take stock of their experience in a warm and convivial setting. Families refuel after rambling park and riverside walks, while lucky locals enjoy a good range of real ales as they pore over the daily newspapers.

The Food
Healthy portions and a good menu promote the Trafalgar as a commendable venue for lunchtime and evening dining. The kitchen is open between 12noon and 10pm during the week and until 4pm on Sundays. Traditionally, fish has been the order of the day and historically the whitebait attracted politicians from Westminster and beyond. Served with lemon and paprika mayo and accompanied by brown bread, the whitebait makes for a fine starter and is also a popular bar snack (£7).

Easily the most popular dish is the local favourite of traditional fish and chips with mushy peas and homemade tartar sauce. (£13.50), although freshness and presentation are clearly observed across dishes like the salmon served with fennel, baby fishcakes, runner beans and caper butter (£13.45) and the sea bream served with crab mousse, spring onion potato hash, baby vegetables and lobster sauce (£14.95).

The Sunday roast is a book-early event and whether beef, chicken or pork is your meat of choice you will not be disappointed. The plates are delightfully congested with all the trimmings for £12.95.

The Drink
The Trafalgar has been something of a mecca for lovers of fine ales for some time and a broad range of real ales, lagers and ciders are stocked to ensure even the most discerning of palates are catered for.

A plentiful range of new and old world reds, whites and champagnes are also on offer. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to help with your choice. The Chilean Chardonnay (£6.30, 250ml) is a delightfully cold and crisp accompaniment to the sea bream while the Australian Shiraz (£7.05, 250ml) is a popular partner for the roast beef.

Sparkling wines range from £25 per bottle for Spain’s Perelada Reserva Cava through to the money-no-object Dom Perignon 2002, at a whopping £190 per bottle.

The Last Word
No trip to Greenwich is complete without a visit to the Trafalgar Tavern. It continues to quench the thirst and satisfy the hunger of locals and tourists from its position on the river Thames, with the rolling hills of the oldest royal park a short stroll away and layers and layers of history underfoot. This is a pub with a big reputation and it delivers every time.

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