Great place to go after at day at the British Museum. We order fish and chips with mashed peas and wine. You preorder drinks and food at the bar and the bartender will bring your food to the table. The pub has been opened over 200 years and provided a nice atmosphere to end the afternoon after our museum day. The fish was fresh and the chips were extra crispy. The fish would have been better without being on top of the peas, however it was still a tasty dish! read more

Museum Tavern - Bar photo - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

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Hoped in here for a quick lunch before heading into the British Museum. The decor was not as dark as many other pubs in London tend to be. Light and airy was the feeling and the servers were so very on top of our requests and pleasant to chat with. I ordered the toasty and was surprised to see that I was given two. I greedily ate both and the delicious thrice cooked chips. The meal was not to heavy and allowed us to tour the museum without feeling weighed down. read more

Peckish after spending half a day at the British museum so after looking around the side streets, we popped in for a bit of lunch. It was crowded but we were able to grab a table. As expected, most of the customers were tourists but there were some locals there too. Hubby decided on the pea and mint soup and I, the beef and raclette pie. We also had the cider on tap and an ale (London Pride). We didn't have to wait too long for our food after ordering at the bar counter. Hubby really liked his soup-very flavorful. The beef pie was served with mash and roasted cabbage. The beef and cheese flavors came thru- the gravy was bit salty but tasty. The staff was was very friendly considering they were busy with all the hungry customers coming in. Too bad I wasn't hungrier because I spotted a lamb shank shepherd's pie on the menu and they had a some kind of duck dish too. Oh well! Only thing food is a bit pricey-probably because it's in a tourist area. read more

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We stopped here before going to the British museum and they were very nice to accommodate 8 people. They were busy and only two were serving but they worked fast and were very attentive. The food was great! The garlic bread was really good! read more

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Horrible (and expensive) food (the chicken was rubbery and the burger was overcooked), extremely rude server/bartender. No wonder no one in here was eating, just drinking. Cider on tap was watery so I wouldn't bother drinking here either. So many more pubs in the area that are better; I think people only go here because it's across from the British Museum. Skip it; not worth it. read more

If you're hanging out near the British Museum and are looking for some delicious fish and chips, then look NO further! The Museum Tavern has GOT YOU mmkaaay? The fish and chips are BOMBSY!!! Better yet, the SCAMPI is friggin' delectable. And of course, the beer is delightful too. Only in London, babyyy! Came here for some fish and chips after visiting the British Museum last year, and I was blown away by how yummy everything was! The Museum Tavern is conveniently located right across the street from the British Museum (hence the name). It's a classic British Pub with some solid ass eats and HUMONGOOO portions! Ordered the big fish and chips w/ scampi and it did not disappoint. The plate comes with toast and mushy peas too. The fish was fried to perfection! It was nice and flakey on the inside and came perfectly coated and seasoned. The mushy peas were so good! I've never been a fan of peas, but after having them this way, I've been craving to get them mushy again. The chips were good too. But that scampi though! These were clearly the star of the show! I couldn't get enough of them! They were just so damn good. And that BEER! The Paulaner Weisbier is just exceptional! If you like Hefeweizen or German style light beers, than you'll simply LOVE this. It was delicious! But Geezus, the portions! I hate wasting food, but to-go boxes are basically non-existent here in London. I stretched my belly out as much as I could before I had to call it quits. This is a traditional pub setting, you order at the bar, take a number, and they'll deliver your food to your table (no table service). Although there wasn't any table service, the beertenders were really nice and gave great recommendations. Would highly, HIGHLY recommend the Museum Tavern for some amazing fish and chips! read more

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Tavern located right by the British Museum. Handful of casks plus some drafts. Quick service for beer but there were some lengthy waits for food. I was very happy with the cask ale that I had here. Indoor and outdoor seating. read more

My husband and I had lunch at the Museum Tavern. The location is great, right across the street from The British Museum. It's a fun pub. I tried the nachos. They were serviceable but not great. read more

We enjoyed dinner at the Museum Tavern, located right across the street from the British Museum. Tables can be booked in advance (by telephone or online), which we did. Our table was waiting, a good move as the pub was crowded. (There is outside seating, but the rain was not conducive to it this evening.) Despite it being in a heavily visited and touristed location, I would say that predominately locals were here after work. The wooden bar and fittings give it the perfect British pub atmosphere. Recommended to other visitors to London. I placed our food order at the bar and it was served at our table. I ordered the Ultimate Fish and Chips. A nice cod fillet was accompanied by mushy peas, pickled onions, curry sauce and tartar sauce. It was very good! The Museum Tavern is something of a museum itself. The pub dates to 1723 and has operated under its present name since 1755. The present building dates to 1855. read more

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The food was alright. I gave this establishment 1 star due to the unsafe environment. We stopped here for dinner and sat inside near the back. A guy came over and started to harass us. I tried to flag a server to help us get him to leave but they avoided eye contact and ignored us. I grabbed my purse, but didn't realize I left my phone on the table. As soon as the guy left the servers came over and told us to check our stuff. He had stolen my phone. I asked them to call the police so I could make a report (I can't since my phone was stolen). They ignored my request (I asked several times). We left after an hour of trying to enjoy our food and waiting for the police. I would suggest finding another place to grab food or drink if you want to relax and enjoy your time. If you do come here WATCH your stuff the staff will NOT help if criminals harass you and steal your stuff. read more

Wanted to come here for a quick bite to eat before we headed to the British Museum but this was a mistake. We waited almost 50 minutes for our food to finally come out which only left us with 1 hour for the museum. I'm gluten free and asked for my chicken burger to be on a salad but instead it just came out with no bun so I paid $20 for a small piece of chicken & fries. The food is good though so if you have time to wait then you might have a better experience. read more

Museum Tavern - Chicken sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

Spending a few hours exploring the British Museum works up quite a thirst. Conveniently, there is a great pub right across the street. I find myself in this pub every time I'm in town and always have a blast. Bartenders are cool and help me out with the different beers to choose from, as they are all new to me. This time around I was drinking Doom Bar. What I love most is that I can pop in maybe once a year and still find pub regular Graham at the bar to catch up with over a few pints. Until next time, cheers! read more

Museum Tavern - Pints with Graham - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

This small pub opposite the British Museum has a delightful mid-Victorian interior, full of polished mahogany and etched mirrors and stained glass. Although there has been a pub on the site since the early 18th century: a tavern named the Dog and Duck was recorded here in 1723, although it may have sold liquor before that. The present name was adopted in 1862, after the Museum was built. The interior dates from a refit around 1855, by the architect William Finch Hill. Although refitted several times since, many of his elaborately carved woodwork fittings survive. The pub has a formidable choice of real ales which, on a recent visit, included Timothy Taylor, Fuller's London Pride, Theakston's Old Peculier, Sharp's Doom Bar, Golden Promise Organic, and Bombardier. Although I'd normally say this was a good thing, the quality of one or two of the ales wasn't tip-top a couple fewer with faster turnover might be better. They do a range of traditional pub food, with the sausage and mash being recommended (though it is a while since I have eaten here). It gets very busy (and touristy) during the day when the museum is open, but is generally much quieter after 8pm, when you stand a chance of finding a seat. Toilets are all down steep stairs and are not accessible for those with impaired mobility. (I suppose you could always have a pint and nip across to the Museum itself, though the access is via self-operated chair lifts). The only real downside was the service: very efficient, but definitely without a smile. I presume this is something to do with being in such a touristy location but a smile surely costs nothing? We weren't even wished good-night as we left read more

Museum Tavern - Exterior view of Museum Tavern - complete with rubbish bags and road works... - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

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I am not hyping this when I say that this was LITERALLY the BEST fish and chips I've ever had. I've had my fair share of fish and chips from places all over California and in Ireland. This place is literally right across the British museum and after being so hungry I was so glad I found this place. The place was however, extremely busy and there was literally only one waitress taking care of over 50+ people and their orders. Which I didn't understand why there was only one person. But me and my friend patiently waited and was seated within 10 minutes or so. Before coming in we both saw the ultimate fish and chips plate and agreed that it was what we were ordering. It comes with a large fried fish, lots of chips, peas, bread and butter and curry and tartar sauce. First of all I was just impressed with how much was on the plate. And I've never had curry sauce with fish and chips and boy was it delicious! The fish was AMAZING. Fried to perfection to say the least. It wasn't soggy and the fish had the perfect seasoning too. The chips were crispy on the outside and well done on the instead. The peas were a good compliment with all the fried food being stuffed into my mouth. I couldn't have been more pleased. Come here. You won't regret the 15£. read more

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Amazing pub! The bartender was so very nice! Steak pie was exactly as it should be! Go if you're in the neighborhood! Decor is Victorian! read more

We came here late one night to eat. It is a very small restaurant so I can't imagine if it was busy what it would be like. We seated ourselves and then I grew annoyed with a sign that said "order at the bar" because this was first described to me as a place you could sit down. However, a waitress did end up coming over to us and taking our food order, even giving us a specific time of when it would be ready. The inside of this place is extremely cute. It has a nice vibe and there were a lot of people standing around and drinking that seemed to be regulars that enjoyed this place. I ended up getting the Hunter's Chicken which was Grilled chicken breast topped with smoked streaky bacon, Cheddar cheese & BBQ sauce. Served with chips, onion rings, house coleslaw and a dressed salad garnish. This meal was done well. I enjoyed that it came with chips and onion rings and the prices were very reasonable. We also tried the Louisiana Burrito which was a tortilla wrap filled with grilled seasoned vegetables, mixed beans and chillies with coriander & parsley rice, infused with smoked paprika, garlic, oregano & lemon. Mixed with crisp lettuce, mature Cheddar cheese & sour cream. It also came with some very good crisps. I then wanted to get dessert to go, which seemed like a foreign concept for the waitress. She asked what I wanted and I told her Apple Crumble and she said that would be fine. Once we paid and I got the Apple Crumble we left. I did not look at the Apple Crumble until I got back and when I did it looked absolutely disgusting and like someone else had already eaten it. That got thrown away fairly quickly. Overall, a nice place for a pub. Very small cute decorations, average food. read more

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Yes, fish and chips are great. Service was friendly and great. Local pub atmosphere. All good stuff!!! Enjoy... pulled pork nachos just as good ... read more

Museum Tavern - Not tourists like. Good stuff! - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

Very close to the British Museum. It was a lot smaller than I expected inside. It seemed to be filled with mainly tourists, but there were a couple locals at the bar. The signs say to grab a table anywhere. Our waitress was very kind. She explained the different ciders to me. The menu is pretty diverse from fish and chips to burritos. I had the lamb shank shepherds pie. It was hot and comforting on this particular cold day. The gravy on the side was rich and delicious. The peas and carrots on the side I could've done without. The prices are very fair. I was expecting them to be a little more with the proximity to the museum, but was pleasantly surprised. read more

Museum Tavern - Aspall Cyder - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

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Looks like a tourist trap but isn't! Lots of beer & cider selections and the food is really good. I had the chicken and mushroom pie with veggies & mashed potatoes. Lots of flavor, cooked perfectly, and very yummy. Has table service or order at the bar. read more

Busy pub on a Sunday evening. Good selection of classic pub food choices. Two staff on but efficient service. Good portion sizes. Very old pub, with some original features. read more

TLDR: food poisoning with decent beer and terrible service Fish and chips KO'd me for a day, never have had food poisoning similar. Beer selection is not bad. Service is the worst I've experienced and wouldn't recommend you go there if it was free read more

order fish n chips, a beavertown gamma ray, about 20 quids (+ tips) the fish fillet was batter and deep fried cod fish. fries waa crispy outside, sft inside. green pea , comfort food after a long day, good sweetness. ** highly recommend the Beavertown Gamma Ray (draft beer) it has an after taste aroma. read more

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Right across from the British Museum, so its a bit touristy-- But it does hit the touristy spot for traditional fish and chips! Wait was reasonable, fish and chips were solid but average. They have a wide assortment of beer. Price is slightly on the high side, but understandable considering the location. All in all, kind of what you expect. Check it out if you are in the area! read more

A charming English pub right across from the British Museum. Besides the great location, you can also expect excellent food and service. We ordered the Steak and Ale Pie, which was wonderful, and the sausage and mash, also quite good. Along with a great selection of beers, you can't go wrong here. read more

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Due to its location directly opposite the British Museum, The Museum Tavern caters almost exclusively to tourist and museum-goers. As such it tends to play up its historic significance at every opportunity with old pictures and postcards adorning each surface, as well as assorted historical knick-knacks. The bar itself is always full and cosy enough sporting comfortable seating and lots of old wood. They also have a guidebook which tells you of a night Karl Marx spent drinking in this very establishment. I really couldn't stand this place and only stayed to gulp my pint as quickly as possible, it just reminds you of everything you hate about tourism. The place has built itself on its supposed Britishness and its proximity to The British Museum to the extent that it has absolutely no atmosphere or soul to it. On top of that its incredibly expensive in spite of the piss poor food and drinks on offer. It's impossible to ignore the touristy elements of this place, so if you're after an authentic drinking experience in London, avoid at all costs. read more

Museum Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

Absolutely LOVE this place. My best mate and I, stumbled across it, a couple years ago, when we were on holiday. Best fish and chips EVER. David, the bartender is the sweetest. Bummed to hear he has left. Everything I have eaten here was/is amazing and keeps me coming back every time I come back to London. read more

Museum Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

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Maybe it was the time of night we went, but I didn't find it touristy at all. One of my British co-workers had a CAMRA guide and this pub was in it. It is conveniently located across from the British Museum. Most of the group just wanted drinks, but there were a couple of us who had not had dinner, so we were hoping for some food. I can't remember what time we showed up, but the waitress allowed us to order some food, however we had limited options since they were closing up the kitchen. My friend had a tuna sandwich and I had the Nachos. The Nachos were pretty good. The selection of ales were nice and the staff were helpful. It can be difficult to find seats when it gets busy. I really enjoyed the place... I even got to meet Mark Addy! read more

Museum Tavern - Inside the pub... and yes that is Mark Addy - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

In the summer a friend of mine had a job as a supervisor at a language school. This meant he had to lead around kids in the teens. One day they came on a trip to London. Part of their schedule was to go to the British Museum. They were old enough to do their own thing so, in the meantime, we met for a drink. The pub is directly across the road from the Museum. It has large windows, is set across a large open plan room with quite a few tables and is handsome enough. The bar is on the far wall. As one would expect the clientèle are generally people visiting the museum. We sat at a high table at the back, where we stayed for an hour. Though the bar is very generic, and not worth a diversion it is a pleasant enough place for a quick drink. read more

Museum Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

Great place for a pint or for the BEST fish & chips in London! Reviews don't do this place justice. It is small but everything I imagined in a pub in London. Short walk from the British Museum. Super friendly server and it was packed and our food came out fast and hot! Chicken and mushroom open face sandwich was a hit but the real crowd pleaser was the fresh hot and huge order of fish and chips! Cooked perfectly with a light and crunchy batter made it by far the best in town! Cold beer hot food friendly staff they earned a 5 star review. read more

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The Museum Tavern is a Greene King (formerly Taylor-Walker) pub opposite of the British Museum - as such, it's a good place to wind down after a stressful visit to the always over-crowded exhibitions. Fortunately, it's also one of the better Greene King pubs, with a larger than usual range of hand-pumped ales and lagers, friendly staff, and solid (if streamlined) food at only slightly elevated prices. Despite the popular location, the Museum Tavern is no tourist trap. You will also find the décor of this historic pub to be pleasant and cozy, so it can be considered a place to linger with your friends or family. There are rather few other pubs nearby, none of them as good as this one - so I recommend it strongly. read more

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Just what I expected to find when I walked into this British Tavern. Lots if dark wood, tapestry curtains over windows, frosted glass. Beers were cold, cant ask more that that! The wait staff was attentive. We ordered a meal of fish and chips and found the serving of fish to have a cold center. read more

Only referring to the food: Looks better than it taste. Ordered the steak and ale pie. Came out picture perfect and piping hot. The pie crust was flaky but tastes like refrigerator/freezer. The steak inside had that old, cooked-more-than-36-hours ago- reheated, flavor. I'm pretty sure that the meat was the leftovers of yesterday's (more like two days ago) roast beef, which was just cut-up and used as the filling. It's my first time eating this english classic dish, but I know what it's not supposed to taste like. The people are really nice, but that's about it. read more

This place is definitely worth the visit. I don't know what old time London feels like, but I like to think it might be a little bit like stepping into Museum tavern. This place is exactly what I think of when I imagine having a pint in a British pub. The Cod and chips could have been more flavorful, but the price is right so who am I to complain? Not to mention they have some pretty good stuff on tap and weren't at all offended when I decided to order a water instead. I would probably make a stop in to this place the next time I am in London, if for no other reason than its authentic pub aesthetic. read more

Museum Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

We thought that it might be a tourist trap but boy were we wrong! The food was amazing! They were short staffed with a new trainee but the woman behind the bar handled the influx of patrons and the food was cooked to perfection! I wish i found out the name of the woman who was overwhelmed but she never let you see her sweat as she handled it with grace!!! I love this place! read more

I assumed that Museum Tavern would be an expensive place to grab lunch due to its proximity to the British Museum, but luckily I was wrong. The prices were on par with other places I visited for lunch in London. The place isn't anything special, but the food was good and the service was friendly and quick. Their mac and cheese was surprisingly delicious, so that earned them a fourth star. read more

Service was horrible. Waited for 20 minutes to get service only to get attitude from lady server who would not come to the table to get our order. Server had pretty much avoided our table if until we came to the bar to order. Fish and chips was good but otherwise bad service ruined the appeal of the place. read more

Great pub friendly,efficient staff that processed our order with a smile. Excellent range of real ales which is a bonus if your a camra member as you get 10% off a pint. Can get busy, but hay its opp the British Museum, so get to the bar early, order a pint an wait for a table. Cheers David read more

Museum Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Bloomsbury, XGL

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Revisiting Pablo's old college haunts. Pub opposite British Museum that Karl Marx used to frequent. A pint of old peculiar and another stop on the Gin train with some Mor for me, topped with a delicious light applie pie. One super friendly bartender - two others not so but very busy so cut some slack. Perch on the seats at the bar. read more

i generally prefer more modern takes on fish and chips. this was a good version of the traditional type. fish was good. the batter was light. it was not too heavy. chips were good. tartar sauce was good. liked the extra curry sauce. mushy peas were good. cider was good. service was good. read more

Okay, maybe not the nicest staff on the planet, but they have Crabbies mulled wine. I didn't know what this was before I came here and it's pretty much the only thing that will make me forget that I've walked 10 miles daily to see the city. Other than that, despite it's proximity to the British Museum (across the street), there are barely any tourists here and the places is relatively quiet. It's definitely a nice resting spot after seeing the sites and I feel like it's location deters most people from going in, which is why it's so peaceful and nice when you actually go in. read more