First recorded on the census
Originally named "The Smiths," the pub was first recorded on the census in 1793 and kept that name until 1825. It stood at 129 Rotherhithe Street until 1869.
The Hall family
The Hall family took over management of the pub in 1881. Their children carried it on after them, appearing in the census records right through to 1923.
Nelson next door
Admiral Horatio Nelson is said to have frequented the pub, with his companion Lady Hamilton living nearby. It's a connection we still honour today — our upstairs function room is named Nelson's Lounge in tribute. Nelson's House itself, built in the 1740s, still stands next door and is Grade II* listed. Nelson Dock operated as a dry dock for shipbuilding from the 17th century until 1968, with Mill's and Knight ship repairers based there from 1886.
A royal pint
The Queen Mother visited Rotherhithe for the first time since the Second World War — and stopped by The Blacksmiths, where she famously poured a pint of ale and spoke with the landlord and locals.
"We've kept the original fittings and styles of an old century pub — right down to the fact you still won't get any phone signal inside."
