The Grapes

The Grapes is an 18th-century tavern on Narrow Street in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, located directly beside the Thames. A wooden veranda extends over the water, offering guests an open view of the river and passing boats.

A tavern stood at this spot since the late 16th century, serving workers from the nearby docks. The current building was erected in the 1720s and continued to serve as a meeting place for the maritime community of Limehouse.

The writer Dickens used this tavern as a model for a scene in his novel about Victorian London. Visitors can sit by the river and enjoy the same view that dock workers and sailors knew for centuries.

The tavern opens daily from midday and serves traditional British dishes. A weekly quiz night takes place on Monday evenings, drawing both locals and visitors.

The explorer Raleigh launched his third voyage to the New World from the shore directly below the current location. The veranda over the water follows an old tradition of Thames taverns that used their platforms as mooring points for small boats.

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Address: 76 Narrow Street, London, E14 8BP

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 12:00-23:00; Sunday 12:00-22:30

Phone: +442079874396

Website: http://thegrapes.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.50879,-0.03404

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:02