In the shadow of Canary Wharf's modern towers lies a piece of living history, a pub that has served patrons for nearly half a millennium. The Grapes in Limehouse, a pub owned by acting legend Sir Ian McKellen, recently welcomed a reviewer from the Mirror to sample its classic British fare. The verdict on its £18.50 fish and chips offers a glimpse into this unique establishment.
A Portal to London's Past
Stepping into The Grapes is like walking through centuries of London life. Established over 500 years ago, the pub was present when Sir Walter Raleigh set sail for the New World from a nearby jetty in 1587. The diarist Samuel Pepys later wrote of the area, and Charles Dickens is believed to have featured the tavern in his novel Our Mutual Friend, describing its "dropsical appearance."
Today, the pub honours this literary connection with a complete collection of Dickens' works on its shelves. Its walls, adorned with oil paintings and watercolours, have also captivated figures like Oscar Wilde and Francis Bacon. The current leaseholder, however, is a modern icon: Sir Ian McKellen, the acclaimed stage and screen actor famed for his role as Gandalf.
The Modern Visit and Verdict
On a recent visit, the reviewer found the pub bustling even before 6pm. After navigating past a full downstairs bar, a narrow staircase led to a cosy upstairs room featuring a table made from a large wooden barrel. The order was placed: a pint of Guinness for £6.15 and the signature fish and chips for £18.50.
The meal arrived with chunky chips, mushy peas, and a side salad. The reviewer's assessment was that the food was "enjoyable but not spectacular." They praised the non-greasy, light batter on the fish and noted the Guinness was good. While the dish didn't redefine the classic, the overall experience was positive, with the reviewer stating they felt "gutted to leave" the warm and inviting atmosphere.
Value in the Experience
The review highlights a key point about London's historic venues: value isn't solely about the plate. Paying £18.50 for fish and chips in a beautiful, actor-owned pub steeped in history was seen as a fair trade. The £6.15 pint was also deemed reasonable for the capital. The final takeaway was less about culinary innovation and more about the unique feeling the pub provides—a direct connection to London's storied past, curated by one of its most beloved present-day figures.
