Aardvark the South African Pub, in the heart of London -
Your home away from home

Situated just off Salter Road in Rotherhithe the Aardvark Pub is a lively watering hole, renowned for its live music and sporting events and great atmosphere and is known by locals simply as "Die Vark" We serve local as well as South African drinks and snacks like Klipdrift
brandy, Crème Soda, Hunters and Savanna cider, Castle,
Black Label and Windhoek Lager, Melktertjie and
Springbokkie shooters, Biltong, Boerie rolls, Simba
Chips and many other South African favourites!

First recorded in 1865, the pub was known as the SURREY COMMERCIAL DOCK TAVERN, but in 1909 the name was changed to the FITCHETTS (after a previous licensee) This pub was also a take-on pub in the early and mid 20th century; the pub opened at 06:00 in the morning where dock workers were given tokens by foremen which entitled them to work on the docks. At the end of each day the tired workers returned to the pub to receive wages to invest in a few pints and be entertained by the many ladies of the night who used to hang around the pub in those days. The flats surrounding the pub were built in the 1930’s and were damaged during the Blitz in 1940. The flats right behind the Aardvark were partly demolished by a bomb that hit them in September 1940, which also damaged a third of the Fitchetts. In March 2005 Stanley Roos had the vision to buy the lease of the Fitchetts, changed the name to AARDVARK. His dream for Aardvark was a place where South Africans could get together and feel at home. A place where they could drink cold beer, play some pool and listen to some cool tunes with their friends. Today is Aarvark is exactly that and more! In the past 6 years Aardvark has also played host to the cream of South African musicians. It is known as one of the best places to have a "lekker kuier" and meet fellow Saffas, and many travellers who came here on their own at first has made friends for life!

The Aardvark also has its resident ghost; it is believed to be an old Docker who so loved the pub he never left. Although skeptics may scoff at the idea of an haunted pub, a few people have felt an energy at the fire place and men's toilet areas; some have speculated that it may be Mrs. Fitchetts who supposedly hung herself in the pub. There have been countless reports of bells chiming at night, a non-existent door being opened and closed, clocks falling from the wall, appliances mysteriously being switched on and off and the unmistakable sound of boots walking over a wooden floor when there is not a soul in sight. Mrs. Fitchetts is now so well known that she even has a shooter named after her! However you make up your mind after a few pints!

Exciting parties coming up!
 
Check our event section for details!