The Anchor started life as the 'brewery tap room' for the Anchor Brewery, first established in 1616. Michelin's travel guide incorrectly states that Anchor Bankside was rebuilt in 1676 after the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed it. This was impossible as the fire never reached the southern side of the Thames outside of the limits of the City of London. The book "The Rough Guide to London" states that the establishment was first built in 1770. The establishment was also rebuilt again in the 19th century.