Water Rats, London

After an uncertain time in 2014/2015 opened with a new operator at the back end of 2015 which has seen a nice refurbishment with the once shabby furniture replaced. Originally known as “The Pindar of Wakefield”, built in 1517, on the opposite side of the road, it shared it's name with the Pinder of Wakefield (a person whose job was to impound stray animals), supposedly connected with Robin Hood mythology. It also shares it's name with the historical Pindar's fort, a local site believed to be beneath the Mount Pleasant Post Office.

Having been badly damaged in a thunderstorm in 1793, it was rebuilt at its current site. In 1986 the premises were bought by “The Grand Order of Water Rats”, a showbiz charity organisation. From their website, "The venue has a prestigious history including Bob Dylan's first UK gig in 1962, The Pogues first gig in 1982 and Oasis' first London gig in 1994."

They do have 3 handpumps in the back room (Stage Room) but only realistically use 1 for Fuller's London Pride - and that cannot always be guaranteed. Opens early, alcohol served from 10am, they serve a broad range of breakfasts from 8.30am - midday-ish. Live music, comedy shows and secret gigs and are on Vintage TV.