99 Fleet Street
Temple
London
EC4Y 1DE
020 7353 6658
Not so very long ago when most of the national newspapers were produced in Fleet Street, the Punch was full of journalists and printers. The pub’s connection with the press goes back to the mid 19th century when it was renamed in tribute to the satirical magazine Punch whose journalists were among the first to enjoy the traditional ‘long lunch’.
The pub was rebuilt in grand style in the mid 1890s by architects Saville and Martin who were also responsible for the Flying Horse on Oxford Street. The entrance has splendid tiled columns with a carved art nouveau name sign above (photo 1). Walk down the entrance hall and it becomes even more sumptuous with tiled walls, mirrors and a mosaic tiled floor (photo 3). At the end of the hall are wonderful framed paintings of Mr and Mrs Punch (photo 2). Punch magazine took its name from the slapstick puppet show Punch and Judy which dates from the 1600s but is still performed in British seaside towns to this day.
Go into the pub itself to find two elaborate skylights with carvings along the side and at each end, including another image of Mr Punch flanked by carved cherubs (photo 4).
The journalists and printers may have gone but the Punch is still hugely popular with both local workers and with tourists. It offers meals all day and a good range of beers.
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