Iconic, 18th-Century Pub in Covent Garden
Covent Garden Market is one of the most entertaining and popular destinations in London and the Punch & Judy is possibly its most famous pub. The grand market hall hosts dozens of shops and restaurants, but both Londoners and tourists are drawn to the Punch & Judy for its unique atmosphere. On the lower level of the pub, you have the choice of seating either in a charming courtyard or tucked away in the atmospheric stone cellars. Above this is balcony seating, which looks out over the busker-filled piazza below.
The pub itself is a historical attraction and has been a fixture in Covent Garden since it was built in 1787. The ornate brick and stone work in the wall together with other period design features lend this Grade II-listed pub an appealing, old-world ambience. Not only was this pub spared during World War II bombings, but it also survived redevelopment of Covent Garden during the late 20th century, and it now stands as a pocket of beautifully preserved history in the centre of London.
The pub is believed to have been named after a popular Italian puppet show for children and the famous diarist Samuel Pepys even recorded seeing a puppet performance here in Covent Garden in 1662. This part of London has long been associated with street entertainment and today you can still see performers from the balcony bar and hear the strains of soaring arias wafting from one of the neighbouring plazas in the market. Punch and Judy themselves often return to the area during the annual gathering of Punch showmen in the grounds of St. Paul’s church every May.
The pub really comes to life during football and rugby matches. Here, in the buzzing heart of sport-mad London, Londoners and sightseers alike convene to watch the latest matches on one of the pub’s screens. The Punch & Judy is also walking distance from several of London’s best theatres, so you could come here for a pre-theatre meal or a post-theatre drink to chat about what you’ve just seen over a glass of wine.
Book a Function Room with an Incredible Views
Our balcony bar is one of the most popular spots in the pub and you can book it out for your own private event. The Punch & Judy’s welcoming team are happy to arrange catering for you or you can simply enjoy birthday or work drinks in an unbeatable location. The bar can take up to 100 people and comes with views of the always-entertaining Covent Garden Piazza, where you can watch as buskers try to tempt tourists to part with a pound or two while you sip your pint of cask ale.
Drink in a Landmark Pub in an Iconic London Neighbourhood
Come to the Punch & Judy to experience a storied and characterful pub in one of the most popular parts of London. Our historic building is just a short walk away from several major theatres, the London Transport Museum and the galleries of Trafalgar Square. We are easily connected to the Underground network, near both the Covent Garden and Leicester Square Tube stops, so getting to us should be as easy as pie.
