Poplars At The Dickens Inn

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A Dickens Summer Celebration

Sat, 30th May 2026 @ 12:00 - 22:00

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Description
STEEPED IN HISTORY, RICH IN SPIRIT
Welcome to The Dickens Inn, where the history of Victorian London meets the Thames. The building’s original wooden structure was retained and preserved, offering you a little slice of dock-side history along with classic British food and drinks.
 
FRESH FROM THE KITCHEN
Dine and drink in our atmospheric Tavern Bar or Poplars Restaurant, where London’s tales have been traded for generations.
Down in the Tavern Bar, you’ll find the hum of chatter, a tankard or two raised and plates of pub favourites – a golden fish and chips among them. Or wander upstairs to the top floor to find Poplars with balcony and views.
Whether it’s a quick bite below or a elevated meal above, you’ll find hearty fare, riverside cheer and a Tavern steeped in history waiting to welcome you.
"My Great Grandfather Charles Dickens would have loved this inn.”
In May 1976, The Dickens Inn was opened by Cedric Charles Dickens, grandson of the great novelist himself. A fitting tribute, for Charles Dickens held a particular fondness for Thameside and East London, weaving its docks, taverns and colourful characters into the very fabric of his tales. To this day, the Inn stands as both a gathering place and a living nod to that storied heritage.
 
OUR HISTORY
The Dickens Inn began life as a warehouse upon the Thames, standing proud near Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and what is now The Shard. Believed to date back to the early 1700s, it was once thought to be a tea factory or even for brewing local ales. Years later, it found its true calling as a tavern — sawdust strewn across the floors, barrels in place of bottles and not a can in sight. Guests once dined by candlelight upon the balconies, a practice most atmospheric (retired in the name of modern fire safety!).
 
 
EVENTS & PARTIES
 
For bespoke private functions, Christmas parties in London, wedding parties, corporate parties and more, the Dickens suite is a remarkably beautiful venue that can cater for up to 200 people.
Our central London location, full of charm, character and room enough for 200 merry souls is perfect for a fine corporate gathering, a rowdy office knees-up, or something a little in between.
Our versatile spaces, spread across three floors, welcome events of all sizes – from intimate affairs to grand gatherings.
 
For bar bookings, please select 'Bar Table - Tavern/Copperfield'
For our restaurant bookings, please select 'Poplars Restaurant'
For outside tables these are based on a first-come come first-served basis.

What's on

Info
  • Happily Affordable ££
  • Taking Bookings
  • Dance floor
  • Wheelchair Access, Disabled Toilets
  • No Door Charge
  • None
  • No restrictions
  • No queues normally

Hours
Day Open Close Notes
Monday 12:00 23:00
Tuesday 12:00 23:00
Wednesday 12:00 23:00
Thursday 12:00 23:00
Friday 12:00 23:00
Saturday 12:00 23:00
Sunday 12:00 20:00

Special opening hours

Day Open Close Notes
Sunday 5th July 2026 12:00 15:00

Location

Address

Poplars At The Dickens Inn, Marble Quay, St Katherines Way, E1W 1UH

Area

City of London

Nearest Station

Tower Hill (Tube)

Poplars At The Dickens Inn

Getting there

Website Citymapper Google Maps

Menus
  • Cuisines

    This venue serves British and Pub Food food.

Private Hire
Name Type Capacity
Seated		 Capacity
Standing		 Cost Min spend
Midweek*		 Min spend
Weekend*
The Dickens Suite Private Room 150 175 - 5000 8000

The Dickens Inn is a picturesque restyled and reconstructed 18th century pub and event venue nestled in St Katherine Docks.

It boasts three floors of flexible hire spaces, with an experienced events team and range of bespoke food, drink and entertainment packages tailored to your occasion. This historic venue is fully licensed for ceremonies, plus offers a private bar, dining room, dance floor space and music license until midnight.

With ample outside space on the terrace and flower-bedecked balcony, and unrivalled views over the dock towards Tower Bridge and the Shard, The Dickens Inn ensures a stunning setting for the most memorable of occasions.
Whole Venue Venue Hire 500 800 - 10000 25000
The Pickwick Room Private Room 90 130 - 5000 8000

The Dickens Inn offers the perfect central London location for events of up to 130 people. From formal corporate events to office parties, our spaces and catering options boast flexible packages to suit all
event needs. The Dickens Inn is suitable for meetings, conferences, celebrations and teambuilding days,
with a variety of dining and drinks options available. Let our dedicated events team know what you’re planning and we can provide ideas, advice and special touches to ensure a unique and memorable occasion.

THE PICKWICK ROOM
130 standing. The Pickwick Room is a spacious, versatile space with a balcony dining area perfect for
enjoying the stunning views of St Katharine Docks and can accommodate a variety of dining or standing
reception requirements.
The Copperfield Bar Private Room 0 80 - 4000 6000
Poplars Restaurant 90 120 - - -

Did you know...Charles Dickens’ first published work of fiction was in 1833, titled “A Dinner at Poplar Walk”...and that’s the beginning of our story.
Named in honour of Charles Dickens’ love for tales and community,
Poplars is a place where friends and families gather over hearty
fare, vibrant flavours and cheerful conversation.
Whether you’re settling in for a leisurely lunch, a romantic
dinner, or a special occasion, Poplars offers an experience
that is at once timeless, welcoming and delightfully new.

* The minimum spends are a guideline only and vary according to the day and time of the year.

Enquire about private hire
FAQs

Customer Reviews (588)

Our Review

The Dickens Inn - London Pub Review

St Katherine’s Docks is the perfect mix of new and old London, and home to some of the most picturesque views in The City; with Oliver Twist style cobbled streets and beautiful alley ways that lead to crooked high beam houses, all circulating around the well kept docks that home boats of all sizes…

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