What architectural style is The Blackfriar?

The Blackfriar is famous for its lavish Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau interior, added around 1905, featuring marble, mosaics, and bronze reliefs of friars.

Why is the pub called The Blackfriar?

It was built in 1875 on the site of a medieval Dominican friary; the Dominicans were known as black friars for the black cloaks they wore.

Was The Blackfriar nearly demolished?

Yes, it faced demolition in the 1960s but was saved after a preservation campaign led by the poet Sir John Betjeman.

Blackfriars, City of London

The Blackfriar

Established 1875BlackfriarsBlackfriars

About The Blackfriar

A stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece built on the site of a Dominican friary. The marble and mosaic interior is one of the most beautiful in London.

History & Heritage

The Blackfriar was built in 1875 on the site of a medieval Dominican friary, from which the area takes its name. What makes it extraordinary is the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau remodelling carried out around 1905 by architect Herbert Fuller-Clark, working with sculptors Henry Poole and Frederick T. Callcott.

The result is one of London's most beautiful pub interiors, decorated with marble, mosaics, copper reliefs, and bronze sculptures depicting jovial friars going about their daily life, accompanied by witty mottos. The pub was nearly demolished in the 1960s but was saved following a campaign led by Sir John Betjeman, and it remains a unique survivor of its era.

What to Expect

Step inside to admire the dazzling marble-and-mosaic main bar and the even more lavish vaulted 'grotto' room at the rear. The pub serves a good range of real ales and traditional food, and there is outdoor seating in the wedge-shaped forecourt. It's an essential visit for anyone interested in architecture and design.

Known For

Art Nouveau interiorMarble & mosaicsReal alesUnique architecture

Features & Facilities

Historic interior
Real ales
Food served
Outdoor seating

Frequently Asked Questions

What architectural style is The Blackfriar?: The Blackfriar is famous for its lavish Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau interior, added around 1905, featuring marble, mosaics, and bronze reliefs of friars.
Why is the pub called The Blackfriar?: It was built in 1875 on the site of a medieval Dominican friary; the Dominicans were known as black friars for the black cloaks they wore.
Was The Blackfriar nearly demolished?: Yes, it faced demolition in the 1960s but was saved after a preservation campaign led by the poet Sir John Betjeman.

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