The Lamb & Flag
About The Lamb & Flag
A historic Covent Garden pub tucked down a narrow alley, once nicknamed 'The Bucket of Blood' for the bare-knuckle fights held here. Full of character and charm.
History & Heritage
There has been a pub on this Covent Garden site since at least 1772, making the Lamb & Flag one of the oldest surviving taverns in the area. Tucked down the narrow Rose Street alley, it earned the grim nickname 'The Bucket of Blood' in the 19th century thanks to the brutal bare-knuckle boxing matches staged in its upstairs room.
The poet John Dryden is associated with the pub: in 1679 he was attacked and beaten by hired thugs in Rose Street just outside, in an incident believed to be linked to his satirical verse. The pub continues to mark the anniversary, and its literary and theatrical clientele over the years has included Charles Dickens.
What to Expect
The Lamb & Flag is a small, characterful pub with creaking wooden floors, low ceilings, and an intimate, atmospheric feel across two floors. It serves a rotating selection of well-kept real ales and traditional pub food, and on busy evenings drinkers spill out into the cobbled alley. Its hidden location makes it a rewarding find amid the bustle of Covent Garden.
Known For
Features & Facilities
- Historic interior
- Real ales
- Food served
- Central location
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was the Lamb & Flag called the Bucket of Blood?
- The nickname came from the bare-knuckle boxing matches once held in the pub's upstairs room during the 19th century.
- Where is the Lamb & Flag located?
- It is tucked down Rose Street, a narrow alley in Covent Garden, a short walk from Covent Garden Underground station.
- Is the Lamb & Flag one of the oldest pubs in Covent Garden?
- Yes, with a pub on the site since at least 1772, it is among the oldest surviving taverns in the Covent Garden area.
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