Museum House

The Duck Hash was the standout for us. Our server recommended it as his favorite, and it was one of the best meals we’d had in days. The food was so good that I’d skip the traditional pub choices and try something else. A cheeseburger costs £2 less, but I’d go for the better experience and make a burger at home. Right opposite the British Museum, Museum Tavern has the historic pub feel, plenty of chatter and charm, and lovely outdoor seating with hanging plants. The staff were friendly and doing a top-notch job despite being understaffed. Prices were about half what we’d pay in a city in the northeastern US, and the food tasted twice as good. A couple of things to know: the restrooms are down a flight of stairs, so they aren’t accessible, though the main entrance has just one step. Some floorboards also feel soft and need replacing before they give way. Still, it’s a fine spot for lunch.

That roast beef was the reason to give up the rest of the afternoon. Tender and pink in the middle, with rich gravy, crunchy roast potatoes, grilled cabbage, sweet carrots, cheesy cauliflower and a golden, puffy Yorkshire pudding. Everything was comforting and well done, with no fuss or misses. We’d started with a lager and a Guinness, then had a fresh, punchy feta salad and a nicely seasoned salmon Scotch egg. Those starters felt more like restaurant cooking than the usual pub appetisers. The meal left us full, happy, and ready for another pint. A Sunday roast done right.

The steak pie was a welcome change from the fish and chips and burgers we’d been having. It was hearty and rich, just what we needed after spending more than two hours wandering the British Museum. The Museum Tavern is right across from it, so we didn’t have far to go for food. We also found plenty to drink. The beer list was broad enough that we tried something different with each round, and the pints were poured perfectly. It’s a proper London pub with a sense of history, and the pie has earned a place in our pub tour memories.

Right outside the British Museum, this is a pleasant pub to stop for a drink and something to eat while you're exploring the area.