Bull's Head Strand On The Green

Picture this: a giant bull’s head, staring out at the River Thames. Not a real bull, of course. This is the Bull’s Head Strand on the Green—a pub that’s been serving pints since the 1700s.

The Ghost of a Beast

Why a bull? The name isn’t from a farm escapee. It’s a nod to the pub’s old coaching inn days, where cattle were driven right past the door. The actual bull’s head on the sign? That’s pure theatre—a grin for the ages.

Locals swear it’s haunted. Not by a ghost, but by a phantom bull. Some say you can hear hoofbeats on the cobbles at midnight. I’ll stick to the beer, thanks.

Strand, Not Sand

The “Strand” part is a trick. It doesn’t mean beach. In old English, it means “riverbank.” So you’re literally watching the Thames from the bank—while holding a cold one. Pure London nonsense, and I love it.

The pub’s terrace is infamous for flooding. High tide + a few ales = your shoes might float away. Regulars bring wellies. That’s dedication.

The Secret Ceiling

Go inside. Look up. The ceiling is covered in old paper money—banknotes from all over the world. Why? Nobody really knows. Some say it’s for luck. Others claim it’s a wager tradition. It’s a beautiful mess.

One note is from 1997. Another is a Zimbabwean trillion-dollar bill (worth about a penny now). History on the ceiling—don’t forget to crane your neck.

The Dual Thames through London: Left or right? - Walk The Thames

The “Wrong” River View

The Bull’s Head faces the Thames, but it’s the wrong way. Most riverside pubs face the water head-on. This one gives you a side-eye view. Quirky and stubborn, like a grumpy uncle who refuses to move his chair.

You’ll see joggers, swans, and the occasional drunken boat race (if you’re lucky). Bring binoculars—or just your phone camera.

The Ghost of Oliver Cromwell?

Rumor has it that Oliver Cromwell’s son used to drink here. Yes, that Oliver Cromwell—the one who banned Christmas. Imagine the energy. A Puritan’s son, knocking back ales in a riverside pub. Cromwell would roll in his grave.

Today, the pub hosts live jazz on Sundays. From Puritan scolds to saxophones—evolution is wild.

The Bull’s Head, Strand On The Green | theLONDON i

The Ultimate Pub Quiz Fact

Here’s a gem: The Bull’s Head appears in Charles Dickens’ novels. He was a regular. Dickens—the guy who wrote about orphans and ghosts—sat right here, probably grumbling about the weather.

He called the pub “a haunt of old sea-dogs.” I call it a haunt of good times.

Why You Should Go Now

You don’t need a history degree. You need a thirst for weird, wonderful places. The Bull’s Head Strand on the Green is a pub that doesn’t care about being cool—it just is.

Order a pint of real ale. Watch the tide roll in. Stare at the bull. You’ll leave with a story—and maybe wet socks.

Go. Before the bull gets you.