Lamb & Flag

The Lamb & Flag is a historic pub tucked down Rose Street, a narrow lane off Garrick Street in Covent Garden. It is one of the oldest pubs in the area, and its low ceilings, wood-panelled rooms and real fire give it the feel of an old London tavern. The pub has a colourful past: according to tradition, the poet John Dryden was attacked in the alley outside in 1679, and the pub was once nicknamed the Bucket of Blood because of the bare-knuckle fights said to have taken place there. Today it is run by Fuller's.

The pub serves a selection of Fuller's ales and guest beers, along with wines, spirits and soft drinks. Food is classic British pub fare served at lunch and dinner every day. The bars are small and often busy, and in fine weather drinkers spill out into the lane outside, which is part of the pub's appeal on a summer evening.

The Lamb & Flag suits visitors looking for a traditional pub in the West End, theatregoers before or after a show, and anyone who enjoys historic buildings. It is a good antidote to the busier chain bars of Covent Garden, though it can still be crowded after work and at weekends. The pub is listed as welcoming to families and dogs, and assistance dogs are welcome.

The pub is open from 11:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday and from 12:00 to 22:30 on Sundays. Food is served from 12:00 to 21:30 Monday to Saturday and from 12:00 to 20:30 on Sundays. Tables can be booked online, which is useful for meals at busy times. Features include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a real fire in winter, and there is paid parking nearby, though public transport is the easier option in central London.

Rose Street is a short walk from Covent Garden and Leicester Square Underground stations. The Covent Garden Piazza, the Royal Opera House, the shops of Long Acre and Seven Dials and the theatres of the West End are all within a few minutes' walk, making the Lamb & Flag a convenient meeting point in the heart of London.