Proudly Serving Kennington for two centuries
A Kennington Landmark Since 1825
The Tankard has been part of the Kennington landscape for nearly 200 years. First established in 1825 beside the old walls of Bethlem Royal Hospital, once known as ‘Bedlam’, this corner pub has seen empires fall, bombs drop and fashions change. But one thing has remained: it’s always been a place for people to gather.
Through the decades, it has gone by different names and worn different coats of paint. In 2017, the pub proudly returned to its original name, The Tankard and today it stands as a true local with character, good food and better beer.
History Poured Into Every Pint
When it was rebuilt in 1879, The Tankard became the handsome Victorian pub you see today. Its first-floor terrace was famously used by locals to peer over the high hospital walls next door. Later, those same walls would surround the Imperial War Museum, now offering one of the best pub views in South London.
The pub’s reputation has always been one of community, comfort and personality. Even Charlie Chaplin, raised in nearby Lambeth, is rumoured to have visited The Tankard as a boy.
More Than Just a Pint
We serve a seasonal menu of proper pub food, from Sunday roasts to comforting classics, alongside a well-kept bar of cask ales, craft beers, wines and cocktails. Whether you’re joining us for a long lunch, a midweek pint or a weekend get-together, this is the kind of pub where time slows down and conversations stretch out.
A Pub With Perspective
The Tankard is more than bricks and mortar. It’s part of Kennington’s fabric. Just across the road you’ll find Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park and the Imperial War Museum, and a short walk brings you to the Oval or the river. Our terrace looks out over it all, offering a front-row seat to the ever-changing city with a pint in hand.
Planning a Visit?
We’re open every day and always happy to see familiar faces or new ones. Bookings are welcome, especially at weekends, but walk-ins are more than fine. If you’ve got a big group, just give us a heads up.
We are open every day of the week
Whether you are stopping in for a quick pint, a long lunch or a relaxed evening, there is always something on offer.
- Monday12:00PM - 23:00PM
- Tuesday12:00PM - 23:00PM
- Wednesday12:00PM - 23:00PM
- Thursday12:00PM - 23:00PM
- Friday12:00PM - 23:00PM
- Saturday12:00PM - 23:00PM
- Sunday12:00PM - 22:30PM
Book a table
Reserve your spot in the heart of Kennington. Walk-ins welcome, bookings recommended for weekends and groups.
What our guests say about us
NEW Management: Had a lovely lunch here. Can absolutely recommend the Steak & Ale Pie and Treacle Sponge. The Tankard (& it’s terrace) is back!
Recently re-opened and everything is banging – super friendly efficient staff, great pie and mash deal on a Wednesday (they have an offer for every night of the week) food is delicious and reasonably priced. Great selection of drinks, positive vibes all round
Visiting UK and found this fabulous restaurant pub. Food was hot and tasty ordering the chicken and leek pie with flaky pastry and loads of white meat, chicken wings meaty and tasty and of course good cod fish and homemade fresh cut chips. Beers of all sorts all yummy too. Great bunch of guys running this place a must stop if your staying in the area.
Fantastic roof terrace in a great location and the inside of the pub is great too. The staff were all fantastic and the house lager was a great pint and very reasonably priced