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    Old Fountain

    4.4 (48 reviews)
    ModeratePubs, Gastropubs
    Closed 12:00 pm - 10:30 PM

    Old Fountain Photos

    OLD FOUNTAIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Old Fountain

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    Reviews With Photos

    Halloumi salad
    Laura C.

    Persuaded by the abundance of positive reviews (thanks Yelp!), we picked Old Fountain for dinner one warm summer evening. And, of course, we weren't disappointed. I can see why so many people have walked passed without noticing it. It's the opposite of a shiny, polished gastropub. Not that it isn't quality - it is, just in an understated, comfy way. Venture in and you'll find a cosy layout, plenty of ales as well as some top nosh. The roof terrace is understandably popular and a little crowded. I probably wouldn't choose it for a quiet conversation or a date. But for a lively evening of cheerful boozing and eating it's perfect. With my blood sugar levels perilously low, I sought the most calorific, satisfying thing on the menu. Lo and behold steak with mushrooms and chunky chips saved the day. Tender meat, creamy sauce, crunchy salad on the side and some of the best fries I've ever tried - crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. So good, my sister kept nicking them - hands off sis! She'd ordered a halloumi salad, which was well presented and awash with vegetables, but I know she coveted my steak. My only quibble with this delightful pub is the lack of dessert options - ice-cream or cheese? Not so much. Still, if you're hankering for a thirst-quenching beer and a hunger-zapping steak with chips fit for the gods - you've come to the right place.

    Roof terrace
    Colleen C.

    A gleefully hidden roof terrace steps from busy City Road? Count me in! After work weekdays likely gets quite insane with the City and Tech crowds nearby, but our Saturday pre-dinner appointment with aforementioned roof terrace was bliss. I've walked past this pub no fewer than 500x since I moved to a flat nearby, but just never remembered to stop in. From the outside it is fairly unremarkable (though well kept, of course) -- but inside there is plenty of room, and of course the gem of a roof which manages to be secluded and lush with greenery, ample seating and sunshine when Mother Nature stops along to play nice. And, the food prancing about looked very promising. I'll remember that for next time. Real cask ales, some newer craft beers on offer, very passable wines, nice service and a pub menu a notch above the norm? Why aren't you here yet guys!? Pro-tip: reserve the large rooftop tables for a group if you've got your plans together to avoid disappointment.

    Beer list
    Amy B.

    Out of all the pubs we visited on our trip to London, Old Fountain had the best beer list. By that I mean the list had the biggest variety of beers with the most appealing options. In addition to the beers on the list in my photo, Old Fountain also had several taps that I believe are their "standard," non-rotating beers. Old Fountain also had a tv where our friends could watch the Wimbledon semi-finals. The only really sketchy thing about Old Fountain was how many people were drinking outside, not just directly outside the pub as is typical, but also across the street in this abandoned lot. It was very odd to behold.

    Burger
    Jessica L.

    I came in, sat down, and as soon as I started talking to the folks who work here I was in such a carefree, happy mood. I visited alone from the US so I really enjoyed chillin' with them. They give off very positive vibes and pour delicious beer after delicious beer. I would know, I tried like 10 different ones during my stay in London - I was only a 3 min walk away (dangerous). The food is great as well!! Marco is a great chef. Alex, Georgia, Marco - sorry I got buzzed and offered to take you to Italy then didn't... :/ I will miss you guys!

    Old Fountain, London, UK - Yes, I'm loving it !!
    Old B.

    We stopped here for something to hold us over, until dinner. It was during the afternoon, and was very quiet. We'd traveled by train from Broadstairs, by the coast, in Kent, and were booked into St Pancras Premier Inn. Well, the Inn was shut down, so they sent us to the Premier Inn on Old Street. This was way screwed up, as we had booked our room, so we would be right across from the British Library. We were already worn out from the train ride, so being sent to another Premier, made us rather cross? And the kitchen was closed until 1700, and happy hour didn't start until 1800 hrs, so off we go. This place turned up, not to far from our hotel. Great, as we were on foot. Her Ladyship went to the bar to place an order for us, while I went out back to take a photo or two. There was only one other customer at the bar. He was trying to chat up the lady pib keeper, with out success. We sat down with our pints, and soon the lady delivered our order. I won't say this lady was out right surly, but certainly not friendly by any stretch of the word. I waited for "she WHO MUST be obeyed," to return, from the loo. I was looking at what she ordered, and thought maybe it was some kind of baked potato, cut in half? There was a small salad served on the side, cool. She returned, so it was time to snack. I picked up my half of whatever this was, took a bite, and oh my goodness. It took a few bites, before I even put it down to wipe my mouth, and get a sip of my pint. GOOD, Good, good!! Finally managed to ask what I was eating, and found out they were Scotch eggs. I was surprised, as I have tasted them once before, but nothing like these. So sad this was our last day, before going back to the USA. Would've like to return and tried there other beers, and food offerings. Also, it's kind of off the grid for where we usually lodge, but would definitely love to return sometime.

    Eddie U.

    It's been a year since we came to this place and still talk about it. We arrived to Shoreditch and walked around the neighborhood scouting for a small bite and a drinks. We were jet lagged and new to this neighborhood. So glad we walked in. We were greeted by friendly staff and immediately introduced to London beers and hospitality. We sampled a few beers on draft and ordered some to eat. It was delicious and the memories of good times linger in my mind each time I think of wanting to visit London again. Hope this happens in 2019!

    Numerous cask ales
    Dale J.

    A tremendous find, right next to my hotel in Shoreditch. While I didn't try the food, I really enjoyed the wide selection of beers available here. There is a chalkboard with the list, including the abv, brewery, location, as well as the price. It's also a pleasure just to walk the length of the bar and look at the pull handles. For the less adventurous, there are plenty of lagers, ciders and the usual selection of spirits. The wifi is free and there's a code posted above the bar in the second room. Pricing is reasonable by London standards.

    Chicken Caesar Salad with a Siren x LHG - Snake Legs (Rhubarb Saison), both are amazing and work perfectly together.

    I've been to England twice and both times I ate at this little gem. The place has character, crowd is laid back, food is great, and the beer is very good. I had their Chicken Caesar salad with the recommended Saison which was rhubarb flavored. Both were excellent and the service was charming and attentive. Paired with reasonable pricing it is a guaranteed great experience.

    Front of the old fountain

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    9 months ago

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    3 years ago

    Shit space, had a reservation and couldn't get seated. Couldn't mention how bad the food was, couldn't get to my reserved seat.

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    4 years ago

    Had so much fun. Went to visit for a BDay celebration. Great place. Great atmosphere. Awesome staff. Would definitely go back.

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Very British pub with a good selection of real ales and craft beers.

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    14 years ago

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    18 years ago

    Burnley Dave says it's the second best beer pub in the area.......

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    Page 1 of 2

    Old Fountain Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Old Fountain

    There is also a roof terrace, probably the best part of the pub, apart from the bar of course.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    The Centre Page - Modest entrance area.

    The Centre Page

    3.6(25 reviews)
    1.1 miBlackfriars
    £

    After visiting Shakespeare's Globe across the Thames River, I was rushing to the airport and…read morespotted this place near St. Paul's church after crossing Millennium Bridge. Given the location, I knew it was probably a tourist trap and I wish to avoid those usually but had no time so stopped in on a Monday afternoon for lunch. I'm so glad I did! I was in London only briefly and had yet to try proper fish and chips and I was definitely WOW'd. I've only had this in America, and this was definitely better than anything I've ever had. When it arrived on my table, I could feel the heat from the plate -- that's how scalding hot and fresh it was, and I loved that! The cod was absolutely massive, a thick portion of fish deep fried with the skin on within an incredibly crunchy beer batter. There were pieces of bone in it, but no bother, this only made it seem more fresh. The chips (thick cut fries) were perfectly crispy and both the fish and chips were insanely delicious with a bit of salt and malt vinegar (which I had to request by walking up to the bar). The dish came with a tartar sauce and ketchup, but tasted way better with the salt and vin. I absolutely love that the fish and chips also came with mushy peas, whereas most pubs only give you fish and chips alone. The dish was also very well priced at 9.95 GBP, and I was able to use my credit card, rounded up to 10 GBP because they have a 10 GBP minimum for using cards. I appreciate that this restaurant had free wi-fi, which I found out by asking my waiter, who quickly provided the secret code for me to use. In America you would never ask your server for this but I noticed that nearly every hotel and restaurant I visited during my 11-day tour of Europe offered wi-fi. Good on them, because how else would I check in to a restaurant on Yelp and shower them with praise and circulate promotional foodie photos on Instagram? During a weekday, many workers nearby flood this place to grab a pint during lunch....now, why don't I work in London? I would give this place five stars based on the food alone, but I am giving it four because I wished the service had been more attentive, as I had to go up to the bar to get malt vinegar and also to ask to pay my bill. I understand service in Europe is more laissez-faire than in America, but since this is a tourist spot I would have liked to be checked on by the staff at least once during my meal, and certainly to be presented with the bill. Note: They also serve Sunday roast dinner for 9.95 GBP on Sundays

    Great location, great specials and great service. This is a solid pub that seems to attract a good…read morecrowd. Being from the states I am not as familiar with all the UK brands --- but they seem to offer a wide variety of beers (lots on tap) and cocktails. TIP: I recommend hitting this place before 5:30 on the weekdays as the happy hour crowd fills this join up.

    Photos
    The Centre Page
    The Centre Page - Downstairs dinning area

    Downstairs dinning area

    The Centre Page

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    The Banker

    The Banker

    4.3(16 reviews)
    1.2 miThe City
    ££

    We had passed this pub several times, as it is located on a common route to the hotel we were…read morestaying in, and we wanted to have our first London pub experience, so try it, we did. We arrived just after the work day, and the crowd was buzzing just outside. We did the self-seating option indoors, and sat down to a great view of the Thames river, as we pondered our meal choices from the menu. The location is just great. For a leadoff drink, I had to go with the house cask ale, which was the Fuller's ESB, a drink I've been enjoying since the 1990's, and it delivered as expected. I went with an order of Sausages with mashed potatoes and peas...it doesn't get much more classic than that, and I was happy with it, especially with the quantity (3 sausages!). Wifey was on the hunt for a meat pie, and she went with the Steak, Ale & Mushroom Pie, which I can report was wholeheartedly approved. One of the better pies we've had on the overall trip, and the best we had at a pub location. The overall vibe of this pub is exactly as you might picture it, and we weren't disappointed with any aspect. Service, though not overly patient (hey - they were busy), was competent and pleasant. Cheers!

    Great pub in the City of London. Found it while walking near the River front after crossing north…read moreover London Bridge. Casks, drafts, lots of seating - both indoor and outdoor. They had billiards and some other entertainment. Quick service.

    Photos
    The Banker
    The Banker
    The Banker

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    Old Fountain - pubs - Updated May 2026

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