Although you’ll often catch us waxing lyrical about London having the biggest, brightest, and best of things; I’m a firm believer in the whole good-things-come-in-small-packages thing. And so today, you’ll find me singing the praises of a teeny-tiny Thameside tavern, that might just be the smallest pub in the capital city.
Perched proudly on the banks of the River Thames is The Dove. Most likely London’s littlest pub; it holds a Guinness World Record for having the smallest bar room in Britain, measuring at just 4″2 by 7″10. There are some contradictory stories about how this miniature bar came to be (more on that later). But what we know for sure is that it’s a true gem of a spot, offering real ales, fine wines, plenty of history, and a pretty cracking view of the Thames.
The history of The Dove
A pub has stood on the very same site since the 17th century, and so it’s certainly not lacking in the history department. Rumour has it, The Dove started out with a license that only allowed them to serve beer. In order for them to be granted a full license to serve other alcoholic beverages, they needed a second bar. To keep costs and inconveniences to a minimum, they built the tiniest bar they could (inside the boathouse next door) – and it still remains to this very day. There’s no real proof to this story, so take it with a pinch of salt (and tequila and lime, if you fancy).
The Dove has had some fairly impressive claims to fame over the years. According to the website, famous poet, James Thomson, composed the 1740 poem, ‘Rule, Britannia’, from within the pub. And The Dove is supposedly where Charles II wined and dined his mistress, Nell Glynne. The Dove continues to welcome its fair share of celebrity clientele, each of which are proudly documented on the walls of the pub.
Credit: @the_dove_hammersmith via Instagram
Nowadays, The Dove is a real gem in London’s treasure trove of taverns. Serving up a decent menu of cracking pub grub, a wonderful, cosy atmosphere, and one of the best views of the famous Boat Race. It’s well worth paying a visit, in our opinion – if you can fit inside, that is.
Find out more and plan your visit here.
đź“Ť You’ll find The Dove at 19 Upper Mall, W6 9TA.