Pub in London WC2
Lamb & Flag
33 Rose Street, London, WC2E 9EBClosest station: Covent Garden, about 3 min walk4.5out of 5 on Google, from 4,349 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Lamb & Flag
Traditional Georgian pub, former haunt of Charles Dickens, once known for bare-knuckle fights.
It's not the easiest pub to find in Covent Garden but that doesn't stop it becoming very busy at times with office workers and visitors often spilling into the street summer and winter! But, unlike many other pubs in the area, because it is slightly hidden away, it is not quite so touristy. The Grade II listed Lamb and Flag is to be found down Lazenby Court (an alley) from Floral Street or up Rose Street from Garrick Street.
Leased by Fuller's since October 2011, and fully owned since 2013, the pub underwent a sympathetic renovation before re-opening. Though no longer a free house (and thus the cask ale selection is predominantly from the Fuller's stable), it remains an attractive and pleasant traditional pub without music, muzak or games machines.
The upstairs bar and restaurant, where the main food service is available (but, please note, food and drink is table service only upstairs) is named the Dryden Room, after the poet John Dryden, whose satirical writing made him many enemies as a result of which he was brutally beaten by hired thugs in the alley outside the pub in 1679. There are Latin inscriptions (with translations) on the wooden beams commemorating this ambush. When he was working in nearby Catherine Street, the novelist Charles Dickens was also a regular here, as was, it is said, Karl Marx.
The ground floor bar consists of two small dark rooms with down-lighters, low beams, wood panelling and bare floorboards. The back room has a fireplace and plain wooden seats.
Brass plaques dotted around the bar commemorate where regulars of the past always stood, and the tradition is still kept up now.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly: Downstairs only
- Outdoor Seating: Standing space in front of pub (no food allowed)
- Real Fire
- Live Music: Monthly live jazz nights
- Sports TV: Selected events only
- Family Friendly: Only whilst dining in the Dryden Room upstairs
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant: Dryden Room, upstairs
- Real Ale
- Real Heritage Pub
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking: Pavement - standing
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Fuller's
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7497 9504
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.5out of 5 on Google, from 4,349 ratings
5 out of 5Denise Jordanon Google, July 2024
The Lamb and Flag is a cool vibe. Our waiter was new and definitely not the best but the food was OUTSTANDING and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The place was rocking after dinner, as it was happy hour time 🍻 …….cheers! I would highly recommend.
5 out of 5Bob Lyonson Google, September 2024
Can't speak to the menu though they brown bag crisps which are very nice in my opinion. Beer selection was lovely and although I didn't eat there the food looked good especially the crispy beef & cheddar nuggets. Service is quick and the atmosphere is top notch. Little gem which was good and not too busy by the tourist trap that is covent garden. Worth a visit
5 out of 5Matthew Reeson Google, October 2024
Coming from Australia I was looking for a traditional English Pub for dinner and drinks before a show. What an amazing pub,great food, amazing service and incredible atmosphere. Highly recommend!!!
5 out of 5Trusty Traveleron Google, July 2024
Couldn't visit London without grabbing a beer at an old, classic British pub. The Lamb & Flag is over 400 years old (1623). Traditional classic British pub fair and ale options highlight the menu. On your visit they were out of fish options but the atmosphere more than made up for the limited menu options.
5 out of 5Yoko Kobayashion Google, May 2024
The staff looked very busy, but the service was good. We ordered a shepherd's pie and a Scotch egg, and they were excellent!! We will definitely eat here again next time we visit London. If you are tourists, I recommend you make a booking and go upstairs (like we did). The ground floor was packed with locals and was a bit intimidating for us, although it doesn't mean they were not welcoming. I think if you go there for drink, you will be on the ground floor. I collect tote bags, so was glad to find one here too (a bit expensive but cute).
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.