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Black Friar

Pub near Blackfriars station built on site of 13th-c Dominican priory; an architectural gem with some stunning Edwardian bronze and marble art nouveau work, inner back room (the Grotto) with low vaulted mosaic ceiling, big bas-relief friezes of jolly monks set into richly coloured Florentine marble walls, gleaming mirrors, seats built into golden marble recesses and opulent pillared inglenook, ironic verbal embellishments such as Silence is Golden and Finery is Foolish, and opium-smoking hints modelled into the front room's fireplace; six ales including Fullers, Sharps and Nicholsons (St Austell), plenty of wines by the glass, traditional food (speciality pies); children welcome if quiet, plenty of room on wide forecourt, open (and food) all day.