The Dickens Inn

The Dickens Inn is a restyled and reconstructed wooden warehouse building thought to have housed tea or to have been owned by a local brewery. It certainly existed at the turn of the 18th century and may well have been born in the 1700’s

The original building stood on a Thames side site just east of its current location. In the 1820’s its timber frame was encased in a more modern brick shell to make the warehouse conform to the architectural style of St Katharine Docks masterminded by the celebrated Scottish civil engineer “Thomas Telford”.This building came unscathed through the air raids of 1939/45 war, only to be condemned to demolition when the site was needed for redevelopment in the early 1970’s.

The building was thankfully reprieved when the developers discovered the interesting timber frame concealed inside the drab exterior skin of brick.

It could not, however, stay on its original site as this had been earmarked for housing under the St Katharine’s dockland development scheme. The 120 ton timber shell was therefore moved some 70 meters and erected on its present site. The original timbers, tailboards and ironwork were used in the restoration and the building reconstructed in the style of a three storey balconied inn of the 18th century. Photographs from this period make a fascinating display in the entrance to the current Dickens Inn.

This is surely true as the writer – who can fairly be known as the worlds favourite story teller – knew Thameside and East London intimately. His works are stocked with characters and scenes memorably linked with the area. He himself would very likely have passed the original brewery many times during his riverside sojourns in search of material for character and scene.

When Cedric Charles Dickens, grandson of the famous author Charles Dickens, formally opened the inn in May 1976 he said “My Great Grandfather would have loved this inn”.

Function Room

In a purpose built extension to the original Dickens Inn The Dickens Suite is a hidden gem, sheltered from the City’s hustle and bustle. Delightfully stylish, the room is beautifully finished in a style complimentary to this historic setting, but is also light and spacious. The perfect spot for a wedding party or private function.

The Dickens Suite can host events of up to 200 people, with catering provided. Let us know what you’re planning and we can provide ideas, advice and special touches to ensure a unique and memorable occasion.

Additionally we are able to cater to corporate clients and the venue is suitable for meetings, conferences and team building. We are able to provide audio visual equipment and offer a competitive delegate day rate.

The room is licensed until 12pm for music and dancing and includes an inbuilt bar and kitchen as well as a breakout room and mezzanine area.

We can offer a wide range of catering options from 3 course banqueting menus to buffet and daily delegate options as well as specially designed wedding menus. Please contact us to find out how we can cater for your event.