Pub in London WC1
Water Rats
328 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8BZClosest station: King's Cross St Pancras, about 6 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,856 ratings
Details last checked January 2025. Things may have changed since.
About Water Rats
Pub with small stage in back room hosting an eclectic line up of live up-and-coming bands.
After an uncertain time in 2014/2015 opened with a new operator at the back end of 2015 which has seen a nice refurbishment with the once shabby furniture replaced. Originally known as “The Pindar of Wakefield”, built in 1517, on the opposite side of the road, it shared it's name with the Pinder of Wakefield (a person whose job was to impound stray animals), supposedly connected with Robin Hood mythology. It also shares it's name with the historical Pindar's fort, a local site believed to be beneath the Mount Pleasant Post Office.
Having been badly damaged in a thunderstorm in 1793, it was rebuilt at its current site. In 1986 the premises were bought by “The Grand Order of Water Rats”, a showbiz charity organisation. From their website, "The venue has a prestigious history including Bob Dylan's first UK gig in 1962, The Pogues first gig in 1982 and Oasis' first London gig in 1994."
They do have 3 handpumps in the back room (Stage Room) but only realistically use 1 for Fuller's London Pride - and that cannot always be guaranteed. Opens early, alcohol served from 10am, they serve a broad range of breakfasts from 8.30am - midday-ish. Live music, comedy shows and secret gigs and are on Vintage TV.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating: Seating at front on pavement.
- Live Music
- Family Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Real Ale
- Function Room
- Disabled Access: To pub
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Smoking
- Serves Coffee
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
As listed in January 2025. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Beechfair Limited
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7833 3312
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,856 ratings
5 out of 5Nils Paellmannon Google, December 2024
Iconic pub and music venue. Formerly known as The Pindar of Wakefield, Bob Dylan played his first UK gig here in 1962 and the debut London performance of Oasis took place here in 1994. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels frequented this place in the 19th century. And the food is good too. I had bangers and mash. Many drink and food specials, such as two drinks for the price of one before 6:30 pm and Monday steak dinner.
4 out of 5Jeff Lucason Google, November 2024
Chose to meet friends here before a nearby gig. Really liked the place and would definitely come back. Good beer selection, food options and it also hosts live music so right up my street!
5 out of 5Christian Parison Google, November 2024
I booked The Water Rats for the Alice In Wonderland Psychedelic Party and loved it the atmosphere was terrific and everyone there was amazing. The management and bar staff worked like Trojans to make sure the sell out crowd were well looked after. The psychedelic supergroup Bad Acid and the Spooks loved playing there and were really happy with the sound and light guys. The audience loved the venue and have insisted I organise another show at The Water Rats in 2025.
4 out of 5Jill Vineon Google, August 2024
I loved watching 'Symposium' a sold out show performed, directed and written by uni students from Goldsmiths. They should be showing another performance elsewhere on the 30th Sept 24. Totally original idea, like nothing I've seen before. Water Rats is also the legendary place where Bob Dylan and Oasis first performed in the UK and Katy Perry has also performed. Only downer was being served cider in a plastic cup.
5 out of 5David Simkinson Google, March 2022
Discovered this place by accident, and very pleased that I did! Attractive exterior and one room bar, with live music venue at the back. This place has a lot of music history and the atmosphere was really building early evening on a Saturday as musicians were arriving and setting up. The kitchen is open all day, with the menu including a full English breakfast and other traditional pub food. All staff were really friendly and welcoming. Will definitely return.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in January 2025. See the latest on Google Maps.