Drink at the Black Friar

The Black Friar, near Blackfriars Station, was built in 1875, and commemorates the thirteenth century Dominican Priory, whose inhabitants gave the area its name.


For the area, the narrow cheese-wedge shaped pub is a real gem, despite the hoards of city boys who populate the outside area at this time of year. Whilst it has the air of a much-frequented city pub, and the ales inside aren't particularly well kept, it does have a sense of personality which makes it deeply lovable.

Its interior, which is true to the monastic theme, is excellent, and your author understands that its preservation is largely due to the 1960s intervention of Sir John Betjeman, who led a campaign to save the Black Friar from demolition, and is proof if it were needed that the cult of personality is a good thing.

For more, and some of the above, on the Black Friar, see www.pubs.com

Msub>^Picture by den99^