Pub in London WC2
Punch & Judy
40 The Market, London, WC2E 8RFClosest station: Covent Garden, about 3 min walk4.3out of 5 on Google, from 3,813 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Punch & Judy
Popular 18th-century pub with balcony and original features, selling cask ales and pub meals.
In part of the Grade II* listed Central Market Building (1828-30 by Charles Fowler), the pub is named for the Italian puppets which first appeared in England in the Covent Garden area and were mentioned (as Polchinelli) with delight by the diarist Samuel Pepys in 1662, when he witnessed one of the first performances.
It is a popular pub at the corner of the building with distinct basement and first floor bars. The cellar bar has stone flagged flooring, bare bricked walls, low lighting and leads out on to a noisy enclosed courtyard where supervised children are allowed. The first floor balcony bar has an outdoor terrace overlooking the street entertainers below in front of St Paul's Church. There is no access for the disabled to either bars or toilets.
Note that the balcony bar has no cask ale and beer may be served in plastic glasses.
A wide food menu includes Sunday roasts and a kids menu.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating
- Live Music
- Family Friendly: Children welcome to 5pm
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Real Ale
- Cask Marque
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- 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 – 12:00 AM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Greene King
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7379 0923
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.3out of 5 on Google, from 3,813 ratings
3 out of 5Joe Yapon Google, October 2024
Convenient Spot with Friendly Service and Room to Explore - I recently visited Punch and Judy at Covent Garden and sampled their fish and chips along with the chicken sharer. While the fish and chips did not fully meet my personal expectations, it might still be enjoyable to others. On the other hand, the chicken sharer was delightful, with flavourful and well-cooked drumlets. The highlight was the attentive and friendly service, which made the visit pleasant. Although I have only tried a couple of dishes, the menu offers many other options that I look forward to exploring. With its…
5 out of 5Highway Videoon Google, July 2024
The Punch and Judy pub in Covent Garden is a fantastic spot, particularly on sunny days. Its outdoor terrace offers the perfect setting to enjoy a drink while taking in the lively street scenes and performances right before you. It’s a popular venue, so securing an outside seat can be tricky, but the experience is well worth it. Having visited multiple times, I have always appreciated the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to relax in such a dynamic setting.
4 out of 5Mary Trikason Google, August 2024
Without doubt a great location, just lovely staff. Food was not good, the Steak n Ale pie had no meat inside, just gravy, but it appeared beautiful, see photos! I mentioned this to staff and she asked would I like an alternative. How very nice was that of her ⚘️ So I chose Chicken Kiev, it was very oily and covered in a fried batter. I only are fries and a piece of chicken inside. So unfortunately I can't recommend any of the the lunch served to me today 29 Aug 2024
3 out of 5Ishwar Nairon Google, June 2024
Not really the best experience. Went upstairs to order drinks.. waited front row at the bar for drinks, and the lady did not see us for a while and was serving others around us.. no sense of who was there first. I ordered Aperol Spritz but not the greatest taste.. the mixer put in had a complete different taste. We did not try food there so can’t comment on that. However the atmosphere is amazing. They have TVs in there if you want to watch a game and there is balcony where you can watch the live performances on the street. You can take drinks out and there are high stool chairs.. but it…
5 out of 5Laurel Gedgeon Google, September 2024
I came here for a pint and fish & chips after my phone got stolen from me on the tube on my one day visit to London. I had a great lunch and was able to drown my sorrows in a great pint of beer. My only complaint, which you can take with a grain of salt, is that the peas were only blanched…I am not a pea fan but would have loved for them to be mushy just to say I’ve had them.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.