Doggett’s Coat and Badge, London

Posted on 29. May, 2012 by Robert Gale in Pubs

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Brief History

The Doggett Coat and Badge takes its name from the oldest rowing race on the River Thames, and indeed the world. Dating back to 1715 it predates the more famous Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race and has been held ever since.

Thomas Doggett, an Irish actor, started the race in 1715 to celebrate the first anniversary of the accession of George I and it took place over a distance of 4 miles 5 furlongs (7,400 m) between London Bridge and Chelsea. Doggett left money in his will so that the race could continue after his death in 1721 and to this day, the Company of Fishmongers still organises the race and awards the winner with a red coat and badge.

The Pub

Located on Blackfriar Bridge, the pub is somewhat of a concrete monolith but the interior is quite different.

It only dates to the 1970s so the interior is obviously quite modern and looks like any other regular pub but it is spread over four floors (upper floors generally used for private functions), has a terrace and has some outside seating by the Thames. There’s also a sizeable beer garden to the rear.

The Beer

As the pub is owned by Nicholson’s, the beer selection is usually good. There are 10 hand pumps in the main bottom bar with 9 available when I visited including Adnams, Thornbridge, Harviestoun, Sharps, RCH, Roosters, Fullers, Stonehenge. Regular beers appeared to be Fullers London Pride and Sharps Doombar.

More Photos of the Doggett’s Coat and Badge

Venue Location

Doggett’s Coat and Badge

Blackfriars Bridge

London

SE1 9UD

Tel: 020 7633 9081

www.doggettscoatandbadge.co.uk

View on Google Street View

Robert Gale (Twitter: @awv)

Beer Taster, Pub Attendee, Photo Taker

Robert Gale likes beer, pubs and beer festivals. He also likes to take photos of beer, pubs and beer festivals. Most weekends of the year you can find him travelling around the UK (and sometimes beyond) photographing and reviewing good quality pubs and beer festivals. He also has a day job in the form of a web developer for Ozum.